Local News for West Hartford, Connecticut

Confusion Over Vaccine Priorities Grows

West Hartford Superintendent of School Tom Moore told the Board of Education Tuesday night that the district properly loaded only school nurses into the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) to receive COVID-19 vaccines. By Christine Stuart, CTNewsJunkie.com The state of Connecticut has administered nearly 221,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, but demand still outpaces supply READ MORE.

Statement from West Hartford Board of Education

West Hartford Board of Education Chair Deb Polun and Vice Chair Lorna Thomas-Farquharson read the following statement, endorsed by all elected members, at the Jan. 19, 2021 meeting. To the youth, parents, caregivers, educators, and residents of West Hartford, we are speaking to you recognizing all that has occurred and you have been exposed to READ MORE.

Bricco Celebrates 25th Anniversary in West Hartford

On Jan. 18, 1996, Restaurant Bricco opened in West Hartford Center, and chef/owner Billy Grant celebrated the milestone 25th anniversary Monday night with several of his former chefs and employees. By Ronni Newton When Billy Grant opened Restaurant Bricco in 1996, it was “edgy.” But consistency and commitment are what Grant said have been the READ MORE.

Colleges Start Spring Semester with Souped Up Testing

At the University of Saint Joseph and University of Hartford in West Hartford, students are required to complete a seven-day quarantine before returning to in-person classes. By Emily DiSalvo, CTNewsJunkie.com Although COVID-19 is more prevalent in Connecticut than in the fall, colleges and universities are forging ahead with reopening plans for the spring semester – READ MORE.

Source: Dulos home focus of new police search on verge of being sold

State police said they were “following up on old leads” in a search Tuesday of Fotis Dulos’ former Mountain Spring Road property in Farmington. Read the rest of the article on westhartfordnews.com READ MORE.

‘Where Do We Go From Here?’ Speakers in West Hartford’s MLK Day Program Provide Inspiration

West Hartford’s 25th annual Martin Luther King Day celebration was held virtually, via a video that premiered at 10 a.m. on Jan. 18, 2021. By Ronni Newton The participants may not have been together in the West Hartford Town Hall auditorium for the town’s traditional celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., READ MORE.

Playhouse Theatre Group Receives Grant for Energy Efficient Lighting

West Hartford-based Playhouse Theatre Group, Inc has received a grant from United Illuminating/Southern Connecticut Gas/Connecticut Natural Gas for energy efficient lighting, with support made available under Connecticut’s Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program. Submitted Playhouse Theatre Group, Inc received a $4,931.31 grant from United Illuminating/Southern Connecticut Gas/Connecticut Natural Gas under Connecticut’s Neighborhood Assistance Act tax READ MORE.

Duncaster Residents Receive COVID-19 Vaccine

Duncaster, which is now home to many former West Hartford residents, was one of the first independent living communities in the state to host a vaccination clinic for its residents. Submitted The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine at Duncaster last week created a good deal of excitement as the facility was one of the first READ MORE.

West Hartford Police Chief, Resident, Named to Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council

Gov. Ned Lamont announced the appointment of 11 members to the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POST), effective Jan. 1, 2021. By Ronni Newton Membership of the state’s Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) was refreshed as of Jan. 1, 2021, and Gov. Ned Lamont has announced that two individuals with ties READ MORE.

CT records 76 more COVID-related deaths

There were nearly 7,000 new coronavirus cases recorded statewide over the weekend as 16 more people were hospitalized with the illness. Read the rest of the article on westhartfordnews.com READ MORE.

Connecticut’s First Mass Vaccination Site Opens

About 500 people were expected to be vaccinated Monday during a ‘trial run’ for the mass vaccination site, and by next week capacity is expected to greatly increase, with seven-day-a-week operation. By Hugh McQuaid, CTNewsJunkie.com Almost a dozen lanes of orange cones stretched the length of a 7,000-foot abandoned airfield at the site of Connecticut’s READ MORE.

West Hartford Business Buzz: January 18, 2021

A round-up of openings, closings, and other news about West Hartford businesses. By Ronni Newton Today is Martin Luther King Day and although it’s a federal holiday and many people have the day off there is no trash/recycling delay this week. Today is also the 25th town-wide celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther READ MORE.

Letter: It’s Ironic

We-Ha.com welcomes Letters to the Editor from the public, including endorsements, but letters submitted by political candidates 60 days prior to an election will not be published. Please provide your name and town, as well as your phone number at the end of the letter. Phone numbers will not be published but are required in READ MORE.

Strangers Band Together to Help West Hartford Woman Receive Surgery

A West Hartford resident was unable to receive life-changing cataract surgery, until several area residents stepped in to help. By Kristina Vakhman At a time when it feels like there is little positivity in the world because of the coronavirus pandemic, locals came together to do good for one West Hartford woman, who until then READ MORE.

Capitol Protest Fizzles After Security Crackdown

Roadways were blocked off – including streets in West Hartford near the governor’s residence – and in Hartford near the Capitol, but although there were plenty of law enforcement officials and reporters on hand Sunday, a large protest did not materialize. By Hugh McQuaid & Christine Stuart, CTNewsJunkie.com Law enforcement and reporters descended on the READ MORE.

West Hartford Greater Together Community Fund Invites Applications for $25K in Grant Funds

The West Hartford Greater Together Community Fund has issued an ‘Open Call for Letters of Intent’ in its first round of funding for projects directly benefiting the West Hartford community. Submitted The West Hartford Greater Together Community Fund Advisory Committee has released its first Open Call for Letters of Intent to funding programs or projects READ MORE.

West Hartford Participating in National Remembrance to COVID-19 Victims

A memorial ceremony for lives lost due to COVID-19 will be held Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 5:30 p.m. Submitted The Presidential Inauguration Committee will host a memorial to remember and honor the lives lost to COVID-19 in cities and towns across the country on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. A Washington, D.C. ceremony READ MORE.

Lamont Still Pressing for 5G Wireless Technology

Broadband access has grown more important as the pandemic has forced many residents to work from home. By Hugh McQuaid, CTNewsJunkie.com Gov. Ned Lamont hopes to pressure Connecticut telecommunication companies to build out the state’s broadband capacity, telling small town leaders this week that the improvements would make the state more attractive to young families. READ MORE.

Increase In Sales, Income Taxes Improves Connecticut’s Budget Forecast

Gov. Ned Lamont will unveil his two-year budget proposal in February, but with the understanding that revenue estimates will likely change again. By Christine Stuart, CTNewsJunkie.com The good fiscal news might make it easier for Gov. Ned Lamont to balance the budget without large tax hikes. New state revenue estimates released Friday show sales tax READ MORE.

University of Saint Joseph to Celebrate the Life of Martin Luther King Jr

The University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford will host a discussion by Connecticut State Treasurer Shawn T. Wooden and DASNY President and CEO Reuben R. McDaniel III celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on Feb. 1, 2021. Submitted The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther READ MORE.