AQUARION SCHEDULES OUTAGES AFFECTING MAIN STREET, WOODEND ROAD AREA ON OCTOBER 3RD, 11PM – 7AM 

Aquarion will conduct a valve replacement in the area of Main Street and Woodend Road on October 3, 2023, from approximately 11 PM to 7 AM. Residents and businesses within the 900 through 1300 blocks of Main Street and where Main Street and Woodend Road intersect are expected to be affected directly. Per Aquarion’s alert, the Town of Stratford advises that, during and after the outage event, some residents may experience discolored water.  

Aquarion recommends to delay laundry washing and use stored water for drinking and cooking during this time. Prior to resuming use for these purposes, run your cold-water faucet until the water runs clear. Visit www.aquarionwater.com/alerts for outage updates. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Sarah Matthews in the Mayor’s office at smatthews@townofstratford.com

GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES BOND COMMISSION SET TO APPROVE $25 MILLION FOR NEW VOTING MACHINES

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut State Bond Commission will vote at its upcoming meeting to approve an allocation of $25 million that will be used to purchase new ballot-counting tabulators for use in elections and primaries statewide. The equipment will replace Connecticut’s existing voting machines, which are used at every polling place in the state to tabulate the choices that voters make on their paper ballots.

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The governor, who serves as chair of the commission and sets its meeting agendas, said that he is recommending the members to approve the funding because the existing machines, which were first put into use in 2006, are beginning to show signs of aging and should be replaced for the continued functioning of accurate and timely election results. The allocation is being placed on the agenda for approval at the commission’s October 6, 2023, meeting.

“The machines we use to record votes are the backbone of our election system, and it is essential that we provide election officials with the equipment they need to tabulate results with accuracy and timeliness,” Governor Lamont said. “Although our existing machines continue to function, they are more than 17 years old and election officials tell us that they are starting to show their age. Implementing a statewide replacement of all these machines now will ensure that election workers continue to have the tools they need to conduct an Election Day that runs smooth and free of any glitches that could potentially be caused by outdated technology.”

Following the commission’s approval of the funding, it is anticipated that the Office of the Secretary of the State will solicit proposals from manufacturers to supply the state with the equipment. Once purchased, the state will provide the equipment to every municipality and the existing equipment will be retired. The state is funding the entirety of the cost to purchase the equipment. It is estimated that the allocation will enable the state to purchase several thousand traditional tabulators and dozens of high-speed tabulators used to tally absentee ballots.

This will be the first time the state is implementing a statewide replacement of all its voting machines since it eliminated the use of lever machines 17 years ago and made a switch to machines that read paper ballots as part of a nationwide requirement enacted by Congress in 2002 for states to have voting systems that keep a paper record of every vote cast in case an election is audited or recounted. Because lever voting machines cannot produce a paper ballot, they were retired from use.

BRIDGEPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT – ELDER FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION – ARREST OF LESLIE VINSON FOR LARCENY IN THE 1ST DEGREE

On September 22, 2023, 60-year-old Leslie Vinson of Bridgeport CT turned herself into the Bridgeport Police Department where she was served with an arrest warrant charging her with Larceny in the 1st Degree.  

Leslie Vinson was given the status of Power of Attorney for an elderly relative. That relative suffers from Frontotemporal dementia and is severely cognitively impaired. A forensic audit of the victim’s finances was conducted, and the case was transferred to the Chief State’s Attorney for criminal prosecution. 

This case was assigned to Assistant State’s Attorney Jonathan Lewin and Bridgeport Police Detective Jeremy Kelly.   The criminal investigation showed that Vinson neglected the victim’s basic needs such as personal hygiene.  She did not ensure the relatives living conditions were sanitary.  Vinson neglected to pay the victim’s bills.  Instead, she knowingly and intentionally exploited the victim financially. Vinson depleted the victim’s life savings by writing and endorsing checks to herself, her family members, and a personal business in an amount greater than $200,000.00.  This left the victim with approximately five hundred dollars in his account. 

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Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Fairfield Harvest Market & Pet Pantry Halloween Costume Dog Parade October 14th

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The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce is very happy to announce, that its annual fall
“Fairfield Harvest Market & Halloween Costume Dog Parade”, will be held on the Old
Town Hall Green, (corner of Old Post Road and Beach Road) on Saturday, October 14 th ,
from 10am-4pm.

The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce heralds the start of the fall season by welcoming
clothiers, jewelers, artisans, and others, to the historic Old Town Hall green, to display
their products and items to the public. Featuring more than 70+ well-known and unique

retail vendors, shoppers will happily look around and have an opportunity to buy an
endless array of fun and beautiful items. From food items like local honey and BBQ
sauce to rustic furniture and Adirondack chairs, shoppers will also find a wide variety of
retailers selling jewelry, beauty products, clothing, household items, and pet supplies, all
ready to purchase on the spot and get a jump on gift buying for the holidays. In addition,
the Chamber is excited to include a few of the very popular Fairfield Farmer’s Market
vendors … who are happy to participate, this being their last weekend in Fairfield to sell
some of their items and their delicious produce and products before the season ends.
To see the list of all current registered vendors, please visit the Chamber’s website:
FairfieldCtChamber.com. Please note that the Chamber is no longer accepting
vendor applications – we are sold out!

The Chamber’s Fairfield Harvest Market is proudly supported by The Pet Pantry of
Fairfield and the following pet food brands:
Raised Right, Earth Animal, Open Farm (Diamond), Canidae, Orijen, Acana, Fromm,
Nature’s Variety, Primal, Ziwipeak (Silver), Bixbi, Farmina, Honest Kitchen, Nulo,
Petcurean, Stella & Chewy’s, Wellpet, Weruva, Bravo, K9 Naturals, Triumph (Bronze).

The much anticipated Pet Pantry Halloween Costume Dog Parade will step-off at Noon:
Pet Pantry Halloween Costume Dog Parade: In addition, there will be a Dog
Halloween Costume Parade on the same day, which will start promptly at noon. Line-
up will begin at 11:45am (along the side of Old Town Hall, facing Beach Road). The first
25 dogs to check-in and line up (at 11:45) will receive a free Chamber dog bandana &
Chamber doggie treats. Free Pet food samples/treats will be supplied by other vendors.

The Halloween Dog Costume Parade Event Sponsor, The Pet Pantry Warehouse, will
supply seven prizes:
 Best Family Costume
 Owner Pet Look Alike
 Spookiest
 Diva Dog
 Most Creative
 Fairfield Town Pride and cutest

Prizes will be announced around 12:45pm in the front of Old Town Hall, upon the return
of the dog parade. Pooches are invited to dress up and be on their best behavior, as they
prance along Old Post Road with their owner and families, showing off their most
outlandish and traditional Halloween costumes.

Pooch Rules:

  1. Animals must be current on vaccinations and flea/tick prevention.
  2. No aggressive animals or females that are in season.
  3. Animals must be on a leash and in control by their owner at ALL TIMES.
  4. Pet Owners MUST poop scoop after their animals.

One Giant Pumpkin – Guess the Weight!
We are excited to announce that we will have one huge Giant Pumpkin this year for
people to guess the weight! A prize will be awarded to the person (one adult & one
child) who guesses closest to the actual weight. Join in on all the fun, for families and
kids alike.

Fairfield Rotary Club Beer Garden: Again, this year, the Fairfield Rotary Club will
host a Beer Garden featuring craft beers, held outside the Old Sun Tavern, behind the
Fairfield Museum from 12pm-4pm. Live Music. Tickets $5/21 years and over.

Food Trucks: Hungry? All day long, there will be the most popular food trucks,
offering the best variety of local foods for everyone to enjoy. Please visit the Chamber’s
website for a full list: FairfieldCTChamber.com.

The Chamber thanks its generous sponsors: The Pet Pantry Warehouse, for their
participation. With everything that is included, this event guarantees a full day of
exciting family fun for everyone!

Event: 2023 Fairfield Harvest Market & Pet Pantry Halloween Costume Dog
Parade.
Date: Saturday, October 14 th (Rain or Shine)
Time: 10-4pm
“Free” and open to the public
Location: Historic Old Town Hall Green in Fairfield
Address: 611 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT (corner of Old Post Road and Beach Road).
Parking: Follow directional signs.

For more information, please visit website:
FairfieldCTChamber.com (or call the Chamber office: 203-255-1011)

one-car motor vehicle crash on Cross Highway

On September 30, 2022 at approximately 11:30 PM, Westport Police responded to a one-car motor vehicle crash on Cross Highway in the area of #188. Responding Officers located the crash and found the operator, Sholah Weinbaum of Westport, CT, aged 61 at the time, seated in the driver seat. Upon interaction, the investigating officer began speaking with Ms. Weinbaum and it was apparent she was allegedly operating the motor vehicle while potentially under the influence. Notable observations included her slurred speech, the distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage, and her inability to recount how the crash happened. She was subsequently transported to the hospital. Following a thorough investigation, an arrest warrant was issued. On September 22, 2023, Ms. Weinbaum surrendered herself in connection to the active warrant. She was subsequently charged with Driving Under the Influence and Failure to Drive in Proper Lane. After the arrest, she was released on a court-set bond of $5,000.00. Her court hearing is scheduled for October 16, 2023 at Stamford Superior Court.

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CITY OF BRIDGEPORT AWARDED $22 MILLION FROM

THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND FOR DEMOLITION AND ABATEMENT OF THE DECOMMISSIONED PSEG COAL PLANT THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT AWARDS BRIDGEPORT THE LARGEST COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GRANT TO DATE

Bridgeport, CT— Today, the State of Connecticut Community Investment Fund (“CIF”) 2030 Board approved the City of Bridgeport’s full request of $22 million for the demolition and abatement of the decommissioned PSEG Harbor Station coal plant. This is by far the largest CIF grant that has been awarded to date.

In January, Mayor Ganim convened a working group of federal, state and local officials to work with PSEG on a plan for the future of the decommissioned plant. After several months of conversation with these stakeholders, the Ganim Administration put together a CIF proposal to secure state financial support for the abatement and demolition of the former coal plant structure, with the goal of preparing the site for further remediation and development.

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As part of the city’s master plan of development, the site is no longer zoned for industrial uses. Instead, both city and state officials anticipate that the site is prime for future mixed-use development, including housing and commercial retail that will complement the other developments around Bridgeport Harbor including Steelpointe, the Amphitheater, and the Arena. MetroCOG is currently undergoing a study including multiple stakeholders to evaluate different potential uses of the site.

Governor Lamont and his administration have been especially supportive of efforts to abate and demolish the old PSEG coal plant, believing that future development of the site will spur economic development in Bridgeport and the region. Collectively, the Lamont Administration, the Ganim Administration, and Bridgeport’s legislative delegation have promoted this project as one which closely aligns with the CIF’s goals of funding economic development projects that will foster transformational change in underserved communities in our state.

“I want to thank Governor Lamont and the Bridgeport legislative delegation for their strong support of this effort,” said Mayor Ganim. “Economic development in and around Bridgeport Harbor remains one of my administration’s top priorities. This CIF funding will not only address a major environmental justice issue in our city, but help prepare Bridgeport’s waterfront for transformational economic development.”

“I am proud to have used my vote on CIF to support the district and make this huge investment in the economic future of Bridgeport,” said State Representative Antonio Felipe. The purpose of the Community Investment Fund is to make critical investments and bring positive change to our most underserved communities. Today is a big win for my constituents in the South End who have been negatively impacted by the coal plant for many decades.”

“I want to thank the CIF Board and the Governor for their investment in addressing the environmental challenges that our cities face,” stated Council President Aidee Nieves. “Under the leadership of Mayor Ganim, we are already addressing the environmental issues at Remington Arms. I am excited to see that we are moving forward with demolishing the coal plant, which will change the landscape and skyline around Bridgeport Harbor and bring new businesses to Bridgeport.”

Norwalk Stabbing Arrest

On September 17, 2023 at approximately 2:02 PM, Norwalk Combined Dispatch received a 911 call
stating that a male was stabbed in front of 23 Ely Avenue.
Multiple officers responded to the area to provide emergency medical aid and to look for the suspect.
Upon their arrival to the scene, officers were quickly able to provide medical assistance to the
victim, who was stabbed on the right side of his abdomen. As an officer tended to the victim, other
officers were able to locate the suspect, Jose Luis Pineda-Rodrigues, in close proximity. Officers
were able to locate a crime scene and Norwalk Detectives assumed the investigation.
The victim was transported to Norwalk Hospital for treatment to his injuries.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to contact Detective Imparato at
203-854-3190.

Arrested: Jose Luis Pineda-Rodriguez
Charges: Assault in the First Degree
Bond: $100,000
Court Date: 10/03/2023

Norwalk Police Tip Line: 203-854-3111

Anonymous Internet tips can be sent to Norwalk Police website at: www.norwalkpd.com
Anonymous text tips can be submitted by typing “NORWALKPD” into the text field,

followed by the message, and sending it to TIP411 (847411)

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Shooting Incident

On September 16, 2023, at 10:12 p.m. Norwalk Combined Dispatch received a 911 call
regarding a person who had been shot at 261 Ely Avenue. Patrol Division Officers arrived within
two-minutes and located two victims. Officers provided medical aid to a male victim who had
been shot in the back, and a female victim who had been shot in the arm. Both victims were
transported by ambulance to Norwalk Hospital. A third victim, who sustained a gunshot injury to
the foot arrived at Norwalk Hospital by private vehicle a short time later. Detectives assumed the
investigation and the Crime Scene Unit processed the scene for evidence. Anyone who witnessed
the incident or has any information is asked to contact Detective Taylor at (203) 854-3183 or
LTaylor@norwalkct.gov. Anonymous tips can be left at any of the below contacts.

Norwalk Police Tip Line: 203-854-3111

Anonymous Internet tips can be sent to Norwalk Police website at: www.norwalkpd.com
Anonymous text tips can be submitted by typing “NORWALKPD” into the text field, followed

by the message, and sending it to TIP411 (847411)

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