2024 – Page 136 – DoingItLocal

BAN ON ALL TANDEM TRACTOR TRAILERS AND EMPTY TRACTOR TRAILERS AHEAD OF WINTER STORM

UPDATE:

GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES TANDEM AND EMPTY TRACTOR TRAILER TRAVEL BAN LIFTED

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the order that went into effect earlier today banning travel by all tandem tractor trailers and empty tractor trailers on all limited access highways in Connecticut because of the impacts of the winter storm has been lifted as of 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.

The order was enacted in coordination with Connecticut’s neighboring states – including Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island – which also implemented similar travel bans on their roads. Those states are also planning to lift their travel bans as the winter storm begins to wind down.

The governor continues to urge everyone traveling on the roads to use caution to the greatest extent possible as truck crews are clearing the roads.

Ban on All Limited Access Highways Takes Effect at Midnight on Tuesday and Remains in Effect Until Further Notice

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to the severe winter storm that is anticipated to impact Connecticut, he has signed an order banning all tandem tractor trailers and empty tractor trailers from traveling on all limited access highways statewide effective at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, and remaining in effect until further notice.

This travel ban on tandem tractor trailers and empty tractor trailers is being implemented in coordination with the neighboring states of New York and Massachusetts, who are enacting similar bans on their roads during the storm.

Limited access highways are those designed to carry large volumes of traffic at generally high speeds and have controlled access with on and off ramps. (For a list of limited access highways in Connecticut, click here.)

“During the peak periods of the storm, we are anticipating treacherous conditions that will make travel very difficult,” Governor Lamont said. “We’ve consulted with our neighboring states and have decided as a region that it’s in the best interest of safety to enact this travel ban on tandem tractor trailers and empty tractor trailers during the duration of the storm.”

The Office of the Governor will send out a notification when it has been determined when this ban will be lifted.

Fairfield News: Stay Inside!

These two cars that crashed at the intersection of Bronson Road and Cider Mill Lane sent in by David is the perfect example of the dangers of driving in the snow.
In the past 3 hours we have heard at least 8 different spin outs and crashes, a lot of which were on I-95.

Parolee Busted: Trumbull Police Seize Drugs and Cash in Routine Vehicle Stop

Trumbull Police recovered cocaine, heroin, and cash from a Bridgeport man who was out on parole after his vehicle was stopped for an equipment violation. The operator, Phillip Rorie, age 49, of Marigold Avenue, Bridgeport, was also found to have a small plastic bag containing a white rock-like substance, and over $1000 in cash in his possession.

On Thursday, February 8, 2024, at about 2:30 a.m., a Trumbull officer stopped a vehicle on Route 8 Northbound for an equipment violation and the vehicle’s registration was suspended due to insufficient insurance. When the officer approached the car, he observed multiple $20 bills laying on the front passenger seat and other items consistent with drug packaging scattered throughout the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

The officer also observed a small black zippered pouch partially concealed under the driver’s seat which was found to have several plastic bags containing 30 bags of crack cocaine, and 95 folds of heroin. It was also discovered that Rorie, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, was on parole as the result of numerous previous arrests for narcotic sales, and that he was to now be remanded into custody. Rorie was then taken into police custody and charged with Sale of Narcotics, Possession with Intent to Sell Narcotics (2 counts).

He was remanded to custody by Parole and is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on February 20, 2024. Rorie was also issued an infraction for Misuse of Registration and Insufficient Insurance.

BLUMENTHAL & COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE BILL TO GIVE BUREAU OF PRISONS OFFICERS FAIR PAY

Bill would ensure all Danbury Bureau of Prison employees receive competitive pay

[Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Bob Casey (D-PA) to introduce the Pay Our Correctional Officers Fairly Act to ensure fair pay for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees in rural areas.

The bill will help to address staffing shortages at Federal Correctional Institution Danbury (FCI Danbury) by allowing for competitive pay that better reflects the cost of living, commute times, alternative careers, and the hard work and dedication of BOP employees.

FCI Danbury’s General Schedule (GS) pay scale employees receive New York locality pay—a cost of living adjustment that bumps pay to be more competitive with the high cost of living area—but non-GS employees such as maintenance workers, plumbers and housekeepers do not receive this benefit. Because of on-going staffing shortages, many of these staff members are required to carry out the duties of correctional officers and should be compensated as such. The bill would expand access to locality pay for these non-GS employees.

“For years Bureau of Prisons employees in Connecticut have suffered from low wages, and unsustainable working conditions. All workers deserve fair treatment — not just for their sake, but in the public interest. Our bill would pay people fairly and competitively to improve conditions across FCI Danbury,” Blumenthal said.

“This bipartisan congressional act is a significant step in the right direction for correctional workers at FCI Danbury and throughout the United States. Correctional professionals are a vital part of the Justice System and have been overlooked for far too long. We truly appreciate the work that Senators Blumenthal, Cassidy, and Casey are doing to correct these egregious, bureaucratic oversights,” AFGE Local 1661 FCI Danbury said in a statement.

The shortage of correctional officers has grown each year over the past four years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% decline in correctional officers by 2032. Understaffed prisons and overworked employees have created increasingly dangerous work environments—under current policies, BOP uses cooks, teachers, and nurses to guard inmates when there is a shortage of officers. This temporary fix pulls employees away from their usual duties and negatively impacts incarcerated people by limiting visitations, recreational time, and academic enrichment opportunities.

The bill would address this staffing problem by improving access to locality pay. Locality raises are determined by comparisons of local private sector salary rates, and an individual’s rate is based on where he or she works, not where he or she lives. Places located outside of these locality pay areas are compensated on a lower Rest of US (RUS) pay scale.

Charlestin Chiropractic Group

On Friday, we held a ribbon cutting at Charlestin Chiropractic Group!

Now located on the third floor of the Barnum Professional Building (1825 Barnum Avenue), Charlestin Chiropractic Group Stratford is there to help patients reach and exceed their health goals. They offer an evidence-based approach to chiropractic care by utilizing chiropractic manipulation, soft-tissue techniques, therapeutic rehabilitation, and a variety of chiropractic services to help achieve patients’ health goals.

Let us congratulate Clinical Director/Owner Jonathan Charlestin, DC on the new location and wish Charlestin Chiropractic Group continued success!

Here is their website for additional information: https://charlestinchiropractic.com/

Shelton News: Pedestrian Killed

Shelton Police investigate Fatal Accident

On 02/09/2024 at approximately 1:00 PM, Shelton Police and Shelton EMS were
dispatched to School St. in the area of Monroe St. on a report of a pedestrian struck.
Police, Fire, and EMS responded to the scene and located an unresponsive male, later
identified as 29-year-old Erick Irizarry of Waterbury, CT, who was pronounced deceased
on scene.
An investigation by Shelton Accident Reconstruction Team revealed that Irizarry was
working in the area for Asplundh Tree Service and was struck by a work vehicle. The
Office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was notified and
responded to the scene.
The accident is actively under investigation by the Shelton Police Department
Reconstruction Team.

Bridgeport Drug Bust: Guns, Cash, and Stolen Motorcycle Seized!

On February 7, 2024, officers working under the direction of Bridgeport Police Lieutenant Trevor Niestemski and Sergeant Michael Paoletti concluded a month-long investigation into 28-year-old Anthony Durham of Bridgeport CT for suspected narcotics and weapons violations. Search warrants were obtained for an apartment in the 200 block of Broad Street as well as a vehicle being used by Anthony Durham. Police officers located Durham inside his parked vehicle within the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing community.

As police officers approached the vehicle one of the occupants, later identified as 19-year-old Dominick Francis of Derby CT, fled the vehicle engaging police in foot pursuit. Francis was quickly apprehended, placed under arrest, and found to be in possession of a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic pistol with high-capacity magazine and narcotics. Francis also had an outstanding arrest warrant for Failure to Appear in the 1^st Degree. Bond is $75,000. Francis was charged additionally with Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Illegal Transfer of a Pistol, Carrying a Pistol without a Permit, Illegal Possession of a High-Capacity Magazine, Illegal Possession of a Weapon in a Motor Vehicle, Possession of Narcotics with Intent to Sell, Violation of a Protective Order, and Interfering with a Police Officer. Bond is $100,000.

Durham was located in the vehicle and immediately placed under arrest for an outstanding domestic violence warrant. Durham is charged with Assault in the 3^rd Degree, Reckless Endangerment in the 2^nd Degree, and Disorderly Conduct. Bond is $25,000.

Search warrants were executed on Durham’s vehicle and at his apartment in the 200 block of Broad Street. Officers seized an additional (2) 9mm semiautomatic pistols, narcotics, over 10 thousand dollars in US paper currency, jewelry, and drug factory equipment. A stolen motorcycle was also recovered inside the apartment.

Anthony Durham was charged additionally with Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Illegal Transfer of a Pistol, Carrying a Pistol without a Permit, Illegal Possession of a High-Capacity Magazine, Illegal Possession of a Weapon in a Motor Vehicle, Operation of a Drug Factory, Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, and Possession of Narcotics with Intent to Sell. Bond is $250,000.

Bridgeport News: 2 People Shot

On Saturday early morning, February 10th, 2010, at approximately 1:42am, Bridgeport Police responded to a ShotSpotter activation in the area of 1300 Main Street, downtown area. Upon arrival, officers found a crime scene just south of Congress Street on Main Street. A perimeter was set-up to secure the crime scene. Shortly thereafter, the Bridgeport Emergency Operation Center (EOC) advised of two parties with gunshot wounds dropped off at an area hosptial. Two male parties were being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Both were fired upon while traveling south on Main Street.

The Bridgeport Police Detective Bureau responded and began a criminal Investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact Detective Aaron Rivera at 203 581-5179. Citizens can also contact the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at 203-576-TIPS (X8477).

5th Annual Rach’s Hope PJ Gala: March 23rd at Fairfield Theater Company (FTC):

The not-to-be-missed charity event of 2024!

On Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, Westport-based non-profit Rach’s Hope will host their 5th Annual PJ Gala at FTC The Warehouse in Fairfield, Connecticut. PJ Gala guests are invited to wear “pajama-chic” attire, a signature spin to their annual night of food, fun, and dancing for a cause.

This year’s epic night of Hope and celebration features live music by local favorites Michael Cantor and fan-favorite Fairfield rock band Ellis Island, phenomenal food by AMG Catering, and Tito’s cocktails. Partygoers will also enjoy an unforgettable evening while browsing an exciting live and silent auction and connecting with friends – new and old.

Rach’s Hope supports local families navigating the critical illness of a child by providing nutritious food, lodging, transportation, and encouragement so they can focus on being present for their ailing children. Established by Lisa, Alan, and Ellie Doran to help other families with children battling a critical illness, the Dorans founded Rach’s Hope in remembrance of Rachel, a Staples High School graduate and rising senior at Cornell University. Rachel died at the age of 21 in 2018 after a month-long battle with Steven’s-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome (TENS), rare reactions to common medications. The community support they received became the healing mission for Rach’s Hope – to ensure that no family goes through the illness of a child alone- by offering financial assistance and Hope to families.

To purchase tickets or donate, visit RachsHope.org, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

This Week’s Stratford Library Events

Stratford Library has more teen events lined up. From February 12th to 16th, Grades 6-12 can visit the Teen Dept. between 2:30 and 5:00 pm for Resume Prep. Get ready for summer job opportunities as we help you turn your school, community, and volunteer experiences into a solid first resume. No registration required.

On February 13th at 3:30 pm in the Lovell Room, join the Anti-Valentine’s Day Party. Grades 6-12 are welcome to skip the traditional celebration and enjoy food, games, crafts, and fun with friends. No registration is required.

Experience a unique Blind Date with a Book Grab ‘N’ Go on February 13th starting at 3:00 pm in the Teen Dept. Grades 6-12 can pick up a book without registration, and it’s first come, first served.

Explore Tinkercad 101 on February 15th at 6:30 pm in the Board Room. Open to Grades 6 – Adult, this uCreate event introduces the easy-to-use 3D modeling tool. Registration is required, and you can use the Library’s Chromebooks or bring your own laptop/tablet.