Calls covered by Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps for the period of September 13-20, 2018, as reported by the dispatchers at Newtown Emergency Communications Center.
Police are seeking information from the public regarding what was reported to them as “suspicious activity” occurring at the Dickinson Park playground at about 7 pm on Sunday, September 16, according to police spokesman Lieutenant Aaron Bahamonde.
One of two vehicles involved in an accident on eastbound Interstate 84, just west of Rochambeau Bridge, rolled over after the collision, which occurred about 4:40 pm on Sunday, September 16.
In ceremonies at the police station on September 14, First Selectman Dan Rosenthal honored Captain Christopher Vanghele and Sergeant Scott Ruszczyk having passed the 25-year milestone of police service.
On September 17, authorities arrested a local psychologist on charges that she bilked the Medicaid program out of almost $80,000 during 2016 and 2017 for services that she allegedly never performed, according to a statement from the Connecticut Chief State's Attorney's Office (CSAO).
Planning & Zoning Commission members on September 6 unanimously approved a modified special zoning permit for the many advertising signs that Starbucks Coffee will install at its planned drive-through service window in a retail center under construction at 75 Church Hill Road.
Coming this fall are signs noticing a Tobacco/Smoke, and Vape-Free Parks Policy at town parks, adopted in the summer, and a policy now in place through the Newtown Parks & Recreation Department.
Plans for progress at the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary have prompted concerns with Conservation Commission members and a handful of environmental-minded residents who spoke out last week.
The ensuing clean-up efforts following the May 15 storm with tornado-like winds that tore through the region prompted a plaque of thanks to town departments from Cedarhurst residents.
Having learned that four out of ten families in Connecticut continue to struggle to pay for basic needs, United Ways across the state are working to implement strategies to help nudge these families toward more stable financial security.
Enjoyed the forum which only confirmed my support for Brandon Moore as the Democratic candidate to run for the state representative position. Brandon Moore did not waiver about his duty to all the people, if elected, when an issue presents itself that requires that he voice a difference of opinion for the wellbeing of Newtown residents. If Michelle Ku’s 16 years have led to her loyalty being to other elected officials, as she implied, then Newtown is going to continue to witness actions that do not protect its residents. She could not unseat republican, Mitch Bolinsky, during a Blue Wave, and once again, will not do it now. Winning that seat is critical for all. That explains why her previous campaign committee now campaigns for Brandon Moore. It explains all the endorsements he has received from local elected democratic officials. It’s why we need Brandon Moore to be the democratic candidate to run for state representative.
Appreciated the opportunity to hear from both candidates as we were present for the College Dems forum but only heard from Brandon Moore. It was an opportunity to see who can unseat the Republican incumbent and there is no doubt that Brandon Moore should be the Democratic candidate. One concerned parent posed a question about discrimination unaddressed by the school district and interestingly enough, Michelle Ku, who proudly speaks of her Board membership years, said little, while Brandon Moore passionately addressed the issue along with his experience as an Apache Helicopter Commander. This family is supporting Brandon Moore. We need change and someone who is not afraid to disagree, especially about the rising costs of living in Newtown.
I am glad to see First Selectman Bruce Walczak engaging the electorate. Mark your calendars, folks — apparently, communication from Town Hall is possible after all.
But where was Bruce two days ago, when Connecticut State Police requested assistance from Newtown Police after two individuals fled on foot from an I-84 crash? As a manhunt went through town, police were stationed at our schools, and many residents checked their car doors, deadbolted their houses, and armed themselves (Thank you James from Port Conway).
That sounds like exactly the kind of situation where residents would expect timely communication from town leadership. Parents, neighbors, and residents in the affected area should not have to piece together information after the fact while police are actively searching the community.
The issue is not whether our police did their job. They did. The issue is whether Town Hall is doing its job when it comes to keeping residents informed during real-time public safety situations.
If the First Selectman can write to residents about the importance of showing up for the budget, he should also show up when residents are looking for clear, timely information during an active police incident. This kind of communication was promised during the campaign.
Unfortunately, Bruce Walczzzzak is starting to look like just another politician: campaign on change, criticize the last guy, ask taxpayers for more staff, and then tell residents the job still cannot be done.
528 more feet of broadsheet paper ... we have passed the dump ... as for the details, it is worth pointing out that Merrimack's coal plant shifted to two (2) 4 oil generators. I wonder if this is why crude oil production hit record highs in July...
Where was our CodeRED?
For over 4 years Newtown has a CodeRED system. The town tells residents it exists for emergencies and points to things like missing persons, wildfires, and criminal activity as the kinds of incidents it is meant to address. Yet we had no CodeRED for Kateri Doty, no CodeRED for the brush fires, and no CodeRED for yesterday’s manhunt with police and tracking dogs moving through our backyards.
That is not one oversight. That is a pattern.
Under sleepy Bruce Walczak, the town has an emergency notification system that never seems to get used when actual emergencies happen.
Whether or not Bruce physically sends the alert himself is beside the point. If the system is not being used, if residents are left hearing about dangerous situations from Facebook and the neighbors’ kids instead of from their own government, then that failure belongs to him.
Newtown residents should not have to guess when there is a public safety issue unfolding around them. If Bruce Walcz"zzz"ak cannot make sure an emergency alert system is used for emergencies, then what exactly is he doing?