Newtown officials are happy to report that the first full day of "Phase 1" reopening has generally gone smoothly for local participating businesses as well as their patrons, while state officials announced additional business opening news and details about absentee voting for the upcoming primaries.
Just over two years since the devastating macroburst in town, the Board of Selectmen finally completed allocating $2,001,532 in FEMA disaster reimbursements that were distributed to the town about a month ago.
As Newtown businesses and facilities falling under Governor Ned Lamont’s Phase 1 reopening program begin to welcome customers and visitors, Heath District Director Donna Culbert is continuing to stress all the basic safe practice messages that have helped get the community to this threshold.
In a 5-1 vote at its latest meeting with member Matthew Mihalcik opposing, the Board of Finance agreed to permit the School District to tap its nonlapsing fund to cover the cost of the engineering phase of the Hawley School HVAC project.
Individual With Newtown Ties Implicated In Two HomicidesAn individual who Newtown Police say has strong local ties has been implicated in two Connecticut homicides — one in Willington and another in Derby — according to reports. The second homicide victim has been identified as a 23-year-old former Newtown resident.UPDATE (Sunday, May 24, 2020; 6:36 pm): This story has been updated to include the name of the second person killed during the three-day crime spree. New photos from Connecticut State Police have also been added. * * * * *An individual who Newtown Police say has strong local ties has been implicated in two Connecticut homicides — the first in Willington on Friday and the second in Derby — and two assaults, according to reports. The victim of the second homicide has been identified as 23-year-old Nicholas Eisele, formerly of Newtown. According to a release from Newtown Police Department Saturday night, Connecticut State Police were searching for Peter Manfredonia, who they said is considered "armed and dangerous," and is a primary suspect in the Willington murder.The suspect has very strong ties to Newtown and with the recent sightings of Manfredonia in the Route 34 area of Derby, "we want our residents and those around to be aware of this very dangerous individual," the local police message states."Newtown Police have stepped up patrols and have increased manpower, out of an abundance of caution. Residents should be aware and on the lookout, that while no immediate danger exist the potential is here and we have addressed it by bringing in extra manpower to patrol and protect our residents."The local department said the suspect was believed to be in possession of several firearms, and was driving a black Volkswagen Jetta with Connecticut plates AU78524. Just after 3:30 pm Sunday, May 24, however, State Police reported that the vehicle had been located in New Jersey, near the Pennsylvania border. Law enforcement agencies there were actively searching the area for the suspect.The 23-year-old Manfredonia is described as a 6'3" white male, with disheveled, black hair, brown eyes, and weighs approximately 240 pounds.He was last seen wearing a gray T-shirt, gray sweatpants, and carrying some type of bag.'Brutal' Attack In WillingtonConnecticut State Police said Manfredonia, with a date of birth of February 2, 1997, was seen on Friday leaving the scene of a homicide and serious assault on Mirtl Road, in the southern section of Willington. He was reported to be operating a red motorcycle.Anyone seeing him was warned, "do not approach and call 911." At the time, state police said Manfredonia was believed to be in possession of a pistol and long guns. Police said he was seen “carrying an unknown type bag with food rations and is believed to be armed with numerous weapons." The Hartford Courant reported Manfredonia was responsible for a home invasion type break Sunday morning at another residence in Willington.A vehicle that was stolen in that incident was found some time later near Osborndale State Park in Derby, in the vicinity of a home on Roosevelt Drive (Route 34) where another crime scene was located. Officials later said that was the scene of a second murder tied to Manfredonia. Police have released the name of Nicholas Eisele, 23, as the deceased person found at the Roosevelt Drive residence Sunday morning. Eisele is also a former Newtown resident. Manfredonia is a 2015 graduate of Newtown High School. He then attended the University of Connecticut.Check back or follow The Newtown Bee's Facebook and Twitter sites for immediate updates and breaking news.
Hi, nice article about minor league baseball. My great uncle Buck (John) Morrison played for New London 1900, Meriden 1901-1902 and Hartford 1902-1903. Just recently found articles of his actual playing days. I was raised in same house in Somerville MA but never saw or found anything from his playing days. Just hope somebody can point me in right direction to find material on my great uncle. Thanks
My husband was very proud to be a part of this incredibly strong community. We lived in Sandy Hook, and called Shady Rest home. He was well known and loved by many during our 30 years living here. Many of you may not have known him personally but knew of him as he drove everywhere, everyday in his 1931 Model A chopped top street rod complete with Oogah horn! Please remember him as he was before these past 4 years that had him in and out of hospitals, nursing homes and hospice care. He was a loving, devoted and proud husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was always willing to help anyone/everyone. I love him, I miss him - my soulmate, my Forever Love and Best Friend.
To Arlene and the Kimball family we grieve for your loss. In every way, Bill defined what it was to be "good man". Thank you, Bill, for all the good times; we will miss you.
Maureen & Tom Armstrong
Thanks very much for these daily updates. I think the Bee, town officials, organizations and businesses are all doing a great job.
I have not seen anything about whether anyone in Newtown who has had the virus has yet fully recovered? It seems like by now that there might be some who have.
Thanks again.
FUN rocks! Thank you to the Jones family, volunteers and mentors for the awesome things you do. Looking forward to seeing you again soon... Be well. Stay safe. Spread only Hope.
