The Westport Police Detective Bureau, with the assistance of Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime, completed their on-scene investigation last night at approximately 12:45 a.m. The deceased has been positively identified as Jennifer Lindstrom, age 56, of 3 Oak Ridge Park. Westport Police responded to the residence at approximately 11:00 a.m. after a housekeeper arrived and found Ms. Lindstrom unresponsive at the bottom of a staircase leading to the basement. Ms. Lindstrom has been transported from the scene to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. This investigation is still active, and more information will be released as it becomes available.
(Westport, CT 08/17/2023) On August 17th, 2023 at approximately 11:00 a.m., Westport
Police responded to an address in Town on a report of an unresponsive female. The Westport Police Detective Bureau, with the assistance of Connecticut State Police Major Crime, is currently investigating the untimely death of a 56-year-old female. This is an isolated incident and more information will be released as the investigation continues.
2023-08-05@6:40pm–#Westport, CT–A motorcyclist lost his life after a collision with a car on I-95 northbound between exit 17 and 18. The accident occurred on a Saturday morning when the 35-year-old motorcyclist, Frank Brown of Waterbury, hit the back of the car in front of him. He was taken to the hospital with critical injuries and, unfortunately, was pronounced dead later on. The occupants of the other car did not sustain any injuries in the incident. No charges have been filed at this time.
Bobcat sightings have been on the rise in Westport over the past few years, and the presence of these cats has received renewed attention due to high-profile social media posts in recent weeks. It is not surprising that these cats are cropping up in Westport since the cats have been actively recolonizing this part of Fairfield Country over the past 10-15 years. Bobcats are generally unobtrusive neighbors. They are very focused on finding prey, which primarily consists of rodents like mice, rats, chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits. The cats will also prey upon young or infirm deer. Bobcats avoid conflict with humans and pets, but could pose a threat to small, unattended dogs, particularly if the dog were to chase the cat. Our overall recommendation for pet owners is to provide close supervision of small pets. This directive is primarily to address the potential threat from coyotes. As we know, dogs smaller than 35-40 pounds can be at risk from coyotes, particularly if the dog is older. Bobcats generally retreat from encounters with dogs, but there is potential for a dangerous encounter if the cat is cornered. Westport Animal Control has been receiving a higher volume of calls regarding coyote and bobcat sightings in the last few weeks. This is a typical seasonal pattern. As we enter late summer, parent coyotes and bobcats are leaving their denning areas. Several citizens have seen bobcat kittens and coyote pups playing in their yards. These juvenile animals pose no threat to humans, and they will gradually become more wary of people as they get older. Any time you see a coyote or bobcat in your yard, it is advisable to keep your pets indoors for a few hours, and then walk the dog on a lead when going out. Bobcats and Coyotes are typically covering a fair amount of ground each day, and they will move on quickly. The same hazing strategies used for coyotes (high-decibel Storm whistle or air-horn) are effective for bobcats. If you are concerned about frequent sightings, or would like more information, feel free to contact Westport Animal Control (203-341-5076.
(WESTPORT)— The Westport Office of Emergency Management is advising residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable, to take precautions ahead of the extreme temperatures that are forecast to impact the state beginning Wednesday, July 26th at 8:00am. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for most of the state through Sunday, July 30th at 8:00am.
Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat is encouraged to visit their nearest cooling center. The following cooling centers are open in Westport:
“As the temperature increases over the next few days, it’s important for everyone to take necessary precautions, especially for the elderly, the very young, and people with respiratory ailments who are more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures,” said Emergency Management Director Nick Marsan.
Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:
Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.
Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:
Stay cool: Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness
Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening.
Find an air-conditioned shelter. Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
Avoid direct sunlight.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Take cool showers or baths.
Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
Stay Hydrated: Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat
Drink more water than usual.
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
Westport Fire is alerting the public of the challenging weather conditions expected for the upcoming days. Summertime heat and humidity, combined with smoke from the Canadian wildfires, will create discomfort for our community. Highs are forecasted to exceed 90°F each day, with potential impacts on air quality for vulnerable populations.
Today and Thursday will be the hottest days, with temperatures in the low 90s and a heat index in the mid-90s. Friday will see slight improvement, with temperatures in the upper 80s and a heat index in the low 90s. Acting Fire Chief Nick Marsan emphasizes the importance of taking necessary precautions during this extreme weather period. “With high heat, humidity, and smoky air, it is crucial that everyone protects themselves and loved ones. Stay hydrated, seek shade, and limit outdoor activities,” explained Marsan.
Individuals should recognize signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms include muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, fainting, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Children, adults 65 and older, those without access to air conditioning, outdoor workers and those with chronic health conditions are most vulnerable.
Tips to stay healthy and comfortable during high heat and humidity:
1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even if not thirsty. Avoid excessive caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
2. Seek shade and limit outdoor activities: Take breaks, pace yourself, and stay in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
3. Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
4. Check on vulnerable individuals: Monitor the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing conditions. Ensure access to a cool environment.
The Governor has activated an extreme hot weather protocol for our area. “We want to remind everyone – particularly those in the most vulnerable communities – that cooling centers are available and can be located by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211.org” Governor Lamont said.
The Westport Sunrise Rotary will be holding their annual Great Duck Race event on Saturday, June 24, 2023, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The event’s footprint will encompass Jesup Green as well as the Taylor Municipal Parking Lot. In order to accommodate for the set-up of the various activities associated with the event, please be advised that the municipal lot will be completely closed to the public beginning on the evening of Friday, June 23, and will re-open on the afternoon of Saturday, June 24. The weekend will also feature a sidewalk sale in the downtown area, scheduled to run from Friday, June 23, through Sunday, June 25. Many local merchants are expected to participate in this event. With the additional limitations on parking due to the Duck Race event, motorists should expect increased pedestrian traffic as well as traffic delays in the downtown area throughout the day. Attendees are additionally reminded to use the marked crosswalks in the area when visiting these events.
