Local News for West Hartford, Connecticut

West Hartford Eagle Scout Leads Building of Pollinator Garden at Fernridge Park

Owen Macdonald, a rising sophomore at West Hartford’s Conard High School, recently coordinated a project to build a pollinator garden at Fernridge Park. By Ronni Newton A West Hartford Boy Scout has created a protected habitat for pollinators for his Eagle Scout project, an effort that will benefit the community in multiple ways as it READ MORE.

Merrill Won’t Seek Fourth Term

Denise Merrill, who previously served as state representative, was first elected Secretary of the State in 2010. By Hugh McQuaid, CTNewsJunkie.com After a decade as Connecticut’s top election official, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill said Wednesday she will not seek a fourth term in office. Merrill, a Democrat, made the announcement during a morning READ MORE.

West Hartford Fire Department Extinguishes Blaze in Bedroom of Single-Family Home

Crews quickly knocked down a fire that had also extended into the void space near the roof ridge line. By Ronni Newton West Hartford firefighters arrived on the scene of a house fire at 91 Levesque Ave. within two minutes of receiving the call Wednesday evening and were able to quickly knock down the blaze. READ MORE.

Connecticut Republicans Pick Proto

The new chairman will serve a two-year term. By Christine Stuart, CTNewsJunkie.com The Connecticut Republican Party has selected Stratford attorney and political operative Ben Proto as its next chairman. Proto, who sought the position back in February when JR Romano resigned before the end of his term, said his goal is not to have a READ MORE.

West Hartford Police Promote New Captain

The West Hartford Police Department held a ceremony Tuesday marking the promotion of Eric Rocheleau to the rank of captain. By Ronni Newton Friends and family, town officials, and current as well as numerous retired members of the West Hartford Police Department, gathered in the headquarters training room Tuesday to celebrate the promotion of Capt. READ MORE.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill says she won’t run for re-election

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill announced Wednesday she will not seek re-election to a fourth term, the first concrete move toward shaping a 2022 election cycle expected to be dominated by the re-election bids of Gov. Ned Lamont and… Read the rest of the article on westhartfordnews.com READ MORE.

Connecticut Republicans Pick Proto

The new chairman will serve a two-year term. By Christine Stuart, CTNewsJunkie.com The Connecticut Republican Party has selected Stratford attorney and political operative Ben Proto as its next chairman. Proto, who sought the position back in February when JR Romano resigned before the end of his term, said his goal is not to have a READ MORE.

Data: Traffic deaths rise in CT, nationwide during pandemic

While drivers nationwide drove fewer miles during the pandemic last year, traffic deaths were up 7.2 percent, according to preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Read the rest of the article on westhartfordnews.com READ MORE.

West Hartford Police Promote New Captain

The West Hartford Police Department held a ceremony Tuesday marking the promotion of Eric Rocheleau to the rank of captain. By Ronni Newton Friends and family, town officials, and current as well as numerous retired members of the West Hartford Police Department, gathered in the headquarters training room Tuesday to celebrate the promotion of Capt. READ MORE.

West Hartford Library: Choose from more than …

Choose from more than 500 classes across all subject areas. Anything from writing to accounting to Microsoft Powerpoint. All through Universal Class! Read the article on twitter.com READ MORE.

Town of West Hrtfd: Let’s Talk About Vaping: …

Let’s Talk About Vaping: A Virtual Panel Discussion will be held on Thursday, June 24th, 6:00-7:30PM via Zoom. Register in advance to join the webinar: Read the article on twitter.com READ MORE.

Town of West Hrtfd: West Hartford Pride Festival, …

West Hartford Pride Festival, Saturday, June 26, 1:00-5:00PM. A day of music, vendors and crafts for the whole family at Blue Back Square. Read the article on twitter.com READ MORE.

West Hartford to Host Panel Discussion About Vaping

‘Let us talk about Vaping: A West Hartford Panel Discussion’ will be held virtually on June 24. Submitted A panel discussion focused on vaping will take place virtually on Thursday. “Let us talk about Vaping: A West Hartford Panel Discussion,” is scheduled for ​Thursday, June 24, ​6-7:30 p.m. To register in advance for the virtual READ MORE.

Lamont Signs Cannabis Legalization Bill Into Law

Retail sales won’t begin right away, but possession of certain quantities of marijuana by people ages 21 and up is permitted as of July 1, and communities with more than 50,000 residents – which includes West Hartford – will be required to designate a location where cannabis consumption is allowed. By Hugh McQuaid, CTNewsJunkie.com Connecticut READ MORE.

Another Special Session on the Horizon for Connecticut Legislature

During the special session, the legislature will decide how to spend more than $300 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. By Hugh McQuaid, CTNewsJunkie.com The General Assembly plans to convene for another special session sometime after Labor Day to decide how to spend more than $300 million in funding left over from READ MORE.

West Hartford Town Council Asks Town Manager to Recommend Local Regulations Regarding Cannabis

At the Town Council meeting Tuesday night, West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor suspended the agenda to introduce a resolution asking the town manager to study and make recommendations regarding the sale and use of cannabis in the town. By Ronni Newton The West Hartford Town Council had a regularly scheduled meeting just hours after Gov. READ MORE.

West Hartford Firefighter Named Connecticut Firefighter of the Year

Firefighter/paramedic Rocco Laudato was honored Tuesday as the American Legion’s Connecticut Firefighter of the Year for 2020. By Ronni Newton Firefighter/parademic Rocco Laudato, who joined the West Hartford Fire Department in 2015, has quickly distinguished himself for going above and beyond in performing his duties, and after earning American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 and Exchange READ MORE.

Expert: Connecticut vaccinations may rise if COVID gets worse

Vaccinations have slowed in recent weeks, but an expert believes that if infections start to rise again, more people will get vaccinated. Read the rest of the article on westhartfordnews.com READ MORE.

Whole Foods Building in West Hartford Sells for More than $40 Million

The building and adjacent parking area at 50 Raymond Rd. in West Hartford sold this week for just over $40.5 million. By Ronni Newton On the heels of the Blue Back Square shopping center selling for $40 million last month, the property across Raymond Road has also changed ownership, with the new owners paying roughly READ MORE.

Whole Foods Building in West Hartford Sells for More than $40 Million

The building and adjacent parking area at 50 Raymond Rd. in West Hartford sold this week for just over $40.5 million. By Ronni Newton On the heels of the Blue Back Square shopping center selling for $40 million last month, the property across Raymond Road has also changed ownership, with the new owners paying roughly READ MORE.