Local News for Barkhamsted, Connecticut

Riverton Grange launching veteran of the month program

BARKHAMSTED – Riverton Grange #169 will launch a new monthly initiative to honor local veterans, at 6 p.m. July 4. The idea for this initiative was suggested by American Legion National Committeeman Joe Jackson, a 2021 Riverton Grange nominee for the Community Citizen Award, according to a statement. “Because the Grange values the selfless sacrifice READ MORE.

Barkhamsted road improvements under way on Route 219; second project starting on Route 20

BARKHAMSTED – First Selectman Don Stein reminded residents that a milling project began June 2 on the upper portion of Route 291 near the Saville Dam. “CONNDOT began milling the road surface on the upper portion of Route 219 yesterday,” Stein said in a statement. “Unfortunately, they found that the pavement was only a few READ MORE.

State police: Motorcyclist crashes avoiding bear in Barkhamsted

The rider was hospitalized with minor injuries, according to a dispatcher with State Police Troop B. Read the rest of the article on registercitizen.com READ MORE.

Barkhamsted budget hearing set; town hall reopens May 24

BARKHAMSTED – Barkhamsted’s annual budget meeting is scheduled for May 25, in person at the town garage, 33 New Hartford Road. Full budget information is available at www.barkhamsted.us/articles/annual-budget-meeting-warning The town hall will reopen to the public May 24, and doors will be unlocked for normal business hours. No appointments are necessary. Business hours are Monday READ MORE.

NBC Connecticut: Barkhamsted Recreation Area to …

Barkhamsted Recreation Area to Remain Closed Amid Staffing Concerns Read the rest of the article on twitter.com READ MORE.

Barkhamsted budget proposals call for spending increases

Adopting of the spending plans could be put off until it’s more clear what type of federal and state funding could come through. Read the rest of the article on registercitizen.com READ MORE.

Barkhamsted Lions Club receives Excellence Award

BARKHAMSTED – The Lions Club of Barkhamsted, founded in 1966 by Winsted Lions Club, was recently awarded the Lions Clubs International District Club Excellence Award for 2019-20. Zone chairman Alan Hill from the Hartland Lions Club presented the award to club president Dave Roberts, immediate past club president Rejean Labrie and club treasurer Don Stein. READ MORE.

Nurses speak of hope, frustration on the COVID front lines

TORRINGTON – During the half-hour drive from her Barkhamsted home to begin her 12-hour shift as a registered nurse in Charlotte Hungerford Hospital’s emergency department, Lisa Bradshaw listens to Christmas music and dwells on plans involving her four children. Jen Bellefleur drives in from Bethlehem, ready to pick up where a team of coworkers leave READ MORE.

Barkhamsted mulls independent internet service

Nearly 50 percent of residents surveyed were unhappy with their current internet service, and officials say better service would increase the town’s appeal. Read the rest of the article on registercitizen.com READ MORE.

Northwest CT leaders looking at ways to improve internet service for residents

BARKHAMSTED – Don Stein and other town leaders in Northwest Connecticut are looking for ways to improve internet service for their constituents. So in Barkhamsted they asked residents to share their thoughts, in an online survey. Norfolk is next. “People said faster internet connections will improve the audio/video quality and buffering times of these types READ MORE.

Town clerk reminder: Last day to register to vote is Tuesday

BARKHAMSTED – The Barkhamsted Town Clerk’s office reminds all residents that Election Day is Nov. 3. Those who aren’t registered to vote have until 8 p.m. Oct. 27 to register in person, or until midnight to register online at www.sots.ct.gov . If you’re registering by mail it must be received or post-marked by Oct. 27. READ MORE.

Waiting for Elon; or first world problems with third world services

I live 17 miles from Hartford in Barkhamsted. My home is on a public through street close to the border of West Hartland. It is a rural location in a rural town, but I want you all to know that the United States Postal Service just can’t make it to our house and about ten READ MORE.

Litchfield’s Friends of Topsmead to hold talk on bobcats

LITCHFIELD – The Friends of Topsmead State Forest will offer a virtual presentation on bobcats at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26. The Friends of Topsmead State Forest is a non-profit organization that provides programs to engage the public and local school students in learning about and preserving the ecology of the park and enhances visitors’ experience READ MORE.

Barkhamsted Lions fundraiser held at Pleasant Valley Drive-in

More than 100 people attended the family-friendly event at the drive-in, to raise money for the club’s Community Benefit Club. Read the rest of the article on registercitizen.com READ MORE.

Riverton firefighters celebrate Doug Roberts’ birthday, years as fireman

BARKHAMSTED – Doug Roberts, his 96th birthday and 75 years as a fireman Oct. 2 at his home on East River Road in Riverton. My uncle is a past Fire Chief. Roberts is the Barkhamsted Town Historian and a past fire chief. Firefighters arrived at Roberts’ house at 5:30 p.m. and presented him with a READ MORE.

Raptors take center stage Sunday

BARKHAMSTED – COVID-19 skunked the Earth Day Festival held each spring at Peoples State Forest, but one if its organizers, Ginny Apple, is not easily discouraged. The community is sponsoring “Raptors on the River” Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the state forest at Whittemore Grove, East River Road. Present will be live “ambassador” READ MORE.

Raptors on the River

Mark your calendars for this very special event!! Many of you know Christine’s Critters from our Barkhamsted Earth Day Nature Festival which, we unfortunately had to cancel this year because of the pandemic. We are delighted to invite you to her Birds of Prey Show this coming Sunday, October 11th at 1 p.m. and 3… READ MORE.

New Lions Club branch formed to support ECAD

WINCHESTER – Lions Clubs International recently chartered the newest Lions Specialty Club Branch in Winchester. The branch, sponsored by the Barkhamsted Lions Club, is called Connecticut Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities Lions Club Branch. ECAD is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides service dogs for those with physical or invisible disabilities, such as MS, Parkinson’s, READ MORE.

Warner Theatre’s live performance of ‘Assassins’ coming to drive-in

TORRINGTON – The Warner Stage Company is making a comback – not the theater’s stage, but a special venue – Sept. 23 with the cast of its 2015 production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Assassins.” The musical will be presented live at the Pleasant Valley Drive-in in Barkhamsted. The event is a fundraiser for the Warner Theatre, READ MORE.

Learn about beavers with Topsmead Friends Sept. 28

LITCHFIELD – The Friends of Topsmead State Forest will offer a virtual presentation on beavers at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28. The Friends of Topsmead State Forest is a non-profit organization that provides programs to engage the public and local school students in learning about and preserving the ecology of the park and enhances visitors’ experience READ MORE.