Stratford, CT — The Stratford Board of Education, in collaboration with Mayor Laura R. Hoydick and the Town of Stratford, proudly announced the dedication of the Rubye Kinlow McNeil English and Literature Wing at Stratford High School.
This momentous event honors the life and legacy of Rubye Kinlow McNeil, an esteemed educator who taught in the Stratford school system for 32 years, leaving a lasting impact on countless students. One of the first Black female teachers in Stratford, Ms. McNeil began her career during the pre-Civil Rights era and served as a trailblazer for diversity and inclusion in education.
Ms. McNeil’s dedication to teaching was matched only by her commitment to inspiring young minds. Known for her creativity, leadership, and humanitarian spirit, she fostered a love for learning that resonated far beyond the classroom. Born in Dumas, Arkansas, she graduated from Agricultural, Mechanical, and Normal College with a degree in English before earning her master’s in education from Southern Connecticut State College.
The newly dedicated wing stands as a testament to her immeasurable contributions to Stratford High School and the community. The Rubye Kinlow McNeil English and Literature Wing features a commemorative plaque inscribed with the following tribute:
“Dedicated to the memory of Rubye Kinlow McNeil, a devoted teacher and mentor to the students of Stratford for 32 years. Her impact was immeasurable and enduring. The contributions she made to our school and town have left an indelible mark on all of us.”
The dedication is part of a broader effort to honor outstanding educators who have shaped the Stratford community. This $126 million Stratford High School project, the largest public school building initiative in Connecticut, underscores the town’s commitment to education and community enrichment.
The Fairfield Arts Commission invites all aspiring young artists to participate in its inaugural Artistic Visions Challenge and attend a kick-off event on Thursday, December 5th, at which details of the Challenge will be revealed. The kick-off event will be held on Thursday, December 5th, from 6-7PM, in the event space above the downtown Fairfield University Store located at 1499 Post Road. The theme of this year’s challenge will be revealed at the kick-off event, which will also feature refreshments, guest speakers, giveaways, and more. Attendees will receive more details about this fun challenge, which will be followed by a brief Q & A session. For those interested in attending, please RSVP here. The Artistic Visions Challenge is a town-wide juried art competition aimed at encouraging young artists to create art in new and unique ways. The competition is open to all young people, ages 11-18, that either reside or attend school in Fairfield.
The Artistic Visions Challenge is designed to create a one-of-a-kind work of art that not only reflects the given theme but also incorporate the letters “F-A-I-R-F-I-E-L-D” and at least one “Easter Egg”—a hidden message or reference to engage viewers. “By engaging our young enthusiasts in a project that requires critical thinking, originality, a little STEM, and a touch of mystery, we hope to build a deeper connection between our youth and our art community, as well as build confidence and self-esteem,” said Commissioner Sam Goldstein of the Fairfield Arts Commission, who conceived the Challenge. Eligibility and Entry Details: • Open to ages 11-18 who reside in Fairfield or attend a school within the town. • Entries are divided into two age categories: 11-14 and 15-18. • All participants must have a parental or guardian co-sign as project supervisor to oversee and support the process. Participants are encouraged to push their creative limits, whether through a unique technique or by a mash-up of traditional art forms to create something unique. To enrich the creative process, participants will have access to local artists (experts in a variety of categories) to gain insights, network, and share inspirations. The Fairfield Arts Commission will be hosting a “Creative Input Mixer” on January 16th, to facilitate young artists interaction with peer mentors around the Challenge. Additional details will be announced soon. Fairfield artists interested in participating as mentor for the Creative Art Mixer should fill out the form here or contact the Fairfield Arts Commission at arts@fairfieldct.org. For more information on entry requirements, guidelines, and upcoming events, please visit www.fairfieldct.org/artchallenge or email us at arts@fairfieldct.org. Individuals or businesses that have a passion for the arts and may be interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact the Fairfield Arts Commission at (203) 256-3120 or arts@fairfieldct.org for more information.
M. Jodi Rell served as the 87th governor of Connecticut, holding office from 2004 to 2011. Jodi Rell was one of the most popular governors in the nation during her time in office, consistently receiving approval ratings over 70%. Her moderate, steady leadership style resonated with Connecticut voters across the political spectrum. Rell was Connecticut’s second female governor but the first to be elected to the position (Ella Grasso was the first but did not succeed another governor). Rell was one of the most popular governors in the country during her tenure, with approval ratings often exceeding 70%. She chose not to seek re-election in 2010. Jodi Rell was born on June 6, 1946, in Brookfield, Connecticut. Before entering politics, she worked as an executive assistant and had an interest in public service and helping her community.
Connecticut Insurance Department Approves Eleventh Consecutive Year of Rate Decreases
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the ongoing trend of decreasing rates in workers’ compensation insurance will result in Connecticut businesses receiving a 6% rate decrease beginning January 1, 2025.
The Connecticut Insurance Department has approved an annual workers’ compensation rate filing for 2025 with a decrease of 6.1% to the voluntary market loss costs and a decrease of 6.2% in assigned risk plan rates. This becomes the eleventh consecutive year that the Connecticut Insurance Department has approved rate decreases for workers’ compensation insurance, resulting in significant cost savings for employers. The trend reflects a continued decline in workplace injuries and filed claims.
“These positive trends are good news for Connecticut employers and their workers,” Governor Lamont said. “Workplace safety continues to improve, and business owners are better able to manage costs and invest the savings back into their operations.”
“Workers’ compensation insurance is critical so workers can know they are protected as they work to support their families, and for business owners to help care for the health, well-being, and safety of their employees,” Insurance Commissioner Andrew N. Mais said. “With a decade of decreasing rates coupled with a continued drop in workplace injuries and claims, employers in Connecticut have saved more than $400 million in reduced premiums.”
The National Council on Compensation Insurance proposed the revised rates in a filing in September, basing the rates on past and prospective loss experience. The Connecticut Insurance Department’s official approval and the filing can be reviewed on the department’s website at portal.ct.gov/cid/department-resources/commissioner-orders.
On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Christopher Lazo, a 26-year-old resident of Bridgeport, turned himself in at Troop G in Bridgeport following an active arrest warrant. The warrant was issued in connection with a fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred on Route 8 in Trumbull in December 2023. Lazo was arrested without incident and charged with negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, failure to maintain proper lane on a limited access highway, and improper passing or cutting in at an unsafe distance.
Lazo was processed and later released on a $10,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on December 23, 2024. For further details, see the attached arrest warrant and criminal information summary.
Bridgeport, CT— Governor Ned Lamont and Mayor Ganim were joined by state and local leaders today to announce that a formal agreement has been reached to transfer ownership of the decommissioned PSEG coal plant in Bridgeport to a private developer, Bridgeport Station Development. As a result, abatement and demolition activities will begin on the site in the coming weeks. This work is expected to be completed within three years. The state, through the Community Investment Fund (CIF), is providing $22.5 million for the demolition and remediation of the plant. This is the fund’s largest award to date.
“This transformational project along the coastline in Bridgeport, the largest city in the state, demonstrates how our community investments continue to successfully leverage private sector investment and unlock new growth opportunities. These efforts help to enhance community vibrancy, clean up the environment, increase our housing supply, and create jobs,” said Governor Lamont.
“For years Bridgeporters have dreamed about what might be possible at the former PSEG site. Now, thanks to Governor Lamont, the Bridgeport delegation and the Community Investment Fund, Bridgeport’s waterfront will see a major transformation and environmental remediation which will pave the way for economic development, job creation, and housing to meet the demands of our city and region.” Said Mayor Ganim.
The plant, previously known as the Bridgeport Harbor Station, features a 500-foot smokestack and is located on a 33-acre parcel of land. It opened in the late 1950s, providing energy to southwestern Connecticut factories and businesses. After subsequent changes in ownership, PSEG Power Connecticut purchased the property in 2002 but the plant ceased operations in 2021. It has sat vacant since and has been a source of blight at a scale and intensity that has stifled investment and depressed property values in the neighborhood.
Bridgeport is an Environmental Justice Community, which is defined as a distressed municipality or a defined census block where 30% of the population is living below 200% of the federal poverty level. These populations are disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards, pollutions and other environmental injustices. Due to the presence of the Bridgeport Habor Station plant, Bridgeport residents have been at a higher risk of experiencing adverse health outcomes. The project addresses this historic environmental injustice and its demolition will reconnect nearby neighborhoods to the harbor, which has been cut off for over 70 years.
“Connecticut’s long-term economic resurgence is largely dependent on our ability to grow equitably. As this project demonstrates, we continue to focus on ways to open up new pathways for growth and improve the quality of life for our underserved and vulnerable populations,” said DECD Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe.
Bridgeport Station Development has extensive experience in demolition, brownfield cleanup and redevelopment of coal-fired power plants, most recently with the demolition of the former B.L. England coal-fired power plant in Beesley’s Point New Jersey. While the specific end use of the property is not known at this time, its redevelopment will be guided by state requirements that it be repurposed for residential, commercial, water-focused access, or recreational purposes. The project is also subject to local and state approval and permitting processes.
“We are grateful to PSEG, the City of Bridgeport, and the State for entrusting us with the opportunity to transform this expansive waterfront property into a thriving community asset. Recognizing that ideas and visions for its reuse have been discussed within the community for years, we are excited to collaborate with local stakeholders to create a redevelopment plan that prioritizes public access, resiliency, and sustainability—all guided by community input,” said Chad Parks of Bridgeport Station Development.
The ongoing wildfires in Massachusetts are impacting air quality across the region, with smoke traveling south and affecting areas in Connecticut. Residents may notice a smoky smell in the air, which could pose health concerns for those sensitive to air quality, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD. Officials recommend minimizing outdoor activities, especially strenuous ones, and staying indoors with windows closed to reduce exposure. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as conditions evolve. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news and health advisories.
On the evening of November 17, 2024, Officers Montero and Harry pulled over a black Acura TL near Ocean Terrace and Wordin Avenue after the driver failed to use a turn signal. The driver, Gregory Jimenez, appeared extremely nervous, was uncooperative, and repeatedly tried to rush the officers during the stop.
During the investigation, officers conducted a pat-down for weapons and took Jimenez into custody for narcotics violations. While performing an inventory of the vehicle before towing, officers found a bundle of white powder (54.9 grams), which tested positive for cocaine, using a field test. They also recovered a fully loaded Glock 30 handgun with a round in the chamber, an additional loaded magazine, a digital scale, and clear baggies typically used for packaging narcotics. Officers seized these items along with $1,542 in cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
Gregory Jimenez was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, improper storage of a pistol, and possession with intent to sell narcotics. His bond was set at $150,000.
On November 12, 2024, Edward Rumley, age 32, of Waterbury was taken into custody on an arrest warrant for his involvement in the August 31, 2024 shots fired investigation in Ansonia. Rumley was charged with Criminal Attempt at Assault First Degree, Reckless Endangerment First Degree, Unlawful Discharge, Criminal Possession of Firearm, and Carrying a Pistol without a Permit. Rumley was held on a $250,000.00 bond, he was arraigned in court on November 13, 2024 and turned over to the custody of the Department of Corrections. Rumley’s next court appearance is November 21, 2024. At least one more arrest will be made in this case, the suspect is currently in custody with the Department of Corrections on unrelated charges and will be arrested on a later date. All arrestees are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, an arrest is not proof of or an admission of guilt.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the police department at 203-735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411 at the link below.
Report of a motor vehicle accident on the Merritt Parkway by Exit 40. The Northbound side is currently shut down. Initial report is that one of the cars is on fire. One party does seem to be ejected from the vehicle according to unconfirmed radio reports. You could get this report as a notification on your phone if you had the Doing It Local app to make sure you’re aware of traffic issues as soon as they happen!
