Wakeman Town Farm Harvest Fest a “Big Success”
Wakeman Town Farm’s Harvest Fest was a “big success” event organizers said. The event raises money for the local non-profit farm, which helps educate the community about the environment and farm management through camps, drop-in events, classes, and dinners. The farm also helps get local, farm fresh produce to the tables of community members through their own gardens and the gardens of nearby farms. Contributed photos
Calm Evening Downtown
A calm night as people across the Saugatuck River enjoyed an early Sunday night supper. Photo by Preston Siroka for WestportLocal.com.
Man Arrested after Threatening Woman with Knife Downtown Today; Held on $250,000 Bond
Westport Police DepartmentAt approximately 11:14am on the morning of September 12, 2021, the Westport Police Department’s emergency dispatch center was contacted by a couple who were the victims of an alleged robbery attempt that occurred on the Ruth Cohen Steinkraus Post Road Bridge. At nearly the same time the caller’s husband flagged down a patrol officer who was driving by.
It was reported that a male party had approached the couple quickly from behind. The suspect then began walking in step with the male victim at which time he told the couple to bring him to their car. He repeated the demand as he allegedly brandished a knife and threatening the female. The female then darted across the Post Road evading cars in order to escape. Her husband followed at which time the suspect then fled the area walking eastbound towards Jesup Road. Fortunately, neither of the victims were injured.
The victims were able to provide a detailed description of the suspect which was relayed to all of the responding officers. Patrol units began to saturate the area from all directions in an effort to locate the suspect. While officers were searching the area a member of the Westport Fire Department advised that he had seen a suspect fitting the descriptors in the area of 302 Post Road East. Officers were on scene within moments and located an individual who fit the description provided by the victims. The suspect was then identified as James S Cummings, age 41, of Bridgeport, CT. Cummings matched all of the physical descriptors provided and was then detained by officers where a knife was then located on his person. The victims purportedly identified Cummings as the individual who accosted them on the bridge.
Cummings was placed under arrest and charged with Attempt to Commit Robbery in the 1st Degree, Attempt at Larceny in the 3rd Degree, Carrying a Dangerous Weapon, and Threatening in the 2nd Degree. He is currently being held on a $250,000 bond.
In response to the events that unfolded today Police Chief Foti Koskinas stated “I am extremely proud of all the officers who assisted with this incident. The high level of skill and teamwork they exhibited led to the quick apprehension of the suspect. Additionally, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Westport Fire Department for their assistance.”
Cummings had been out on bond at the time of this incident stemming from an arrest that occurred on September 5, 2021, in which he was charged with Sexual Assault in the 4th Degree (2 Counts), Threatening in the 2nd Degree, Attempt to Commit Assault in the 3rd Degree, and Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree.
Catch A Lift Veterans Support Organization Gathers At Compo Beach
On the eve of the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks the community of Westport CT gathered with a group of combat injured veterans of the Catch A Lift Fund to remember that fateful day. The sunset on Compo beach set the stage to hear the stories of three combat wounded veterans who selflessly served their country in Iraq and Afghanistan and how they have been impacted by the non profit organization Catch A Lift Fund. The Catch A Lift Fund aids in the holistic healing of our Nation's combat injured veterans through four core pillars of Nutrition, Fitness, Community, and Emotional Wellness.
Speakers at the event included Clayton Jensen (US Army Master Sergeant) who supported numerous Counterterrorism and Counternarcotics operations as well as hostage rescue, personnel recovery, and national level intelligence collection and analysis. He served four deployments in Afghanistan and two in Iraq. Jason Livingston (US Army Sgt) also spoke. His duty stations included 8-10 CAV 4th Brigade Combat Team 4th Infantry Division Fort Hood Tx , 3/81 Armor 194th Training Brigade Fort Knox KY -Instructor, 1-91 CAV 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Conn Barracks Schweinfurt Germany- Fire Team Leader He deployed to Baghdad Iraq in December 2005 and again in 2010 to Logar Province Afghanistan. And was medically Retired in January 2014. Livingston is a Purple Heart award recipient who received national recognition in 2021 for continued service.
Catch A Lift was founded by Lynn Coffland after her younger brother Chris was killed in Afghanistan on November 11, 2009.
The Town Westport is proud to be an early and ardent supporter of this amazing organization thanks to the leadership of Adam Vengrow and Andy Berman. Many of our local businesses and residents have contributed to the CAL success as well. First Selectman Jim Marpe, Second Selectwoman Jen Tooker and board of Finance member Andrea Moore. Singer/songwriter P.J. Pacifico performed.