Staples Senior Receives Nomination and Appointment for US Merchant Marine Academy’s Class of 2026
Staples Senior Timothy Poly (R) and Congressman Jim Himes (L) at a ceremony on Saturday’s at the Darien VFW. Poly received a nomination from Himes and an appointment from the US Merchant Marine Academy Superintendent to attend the Long Island based academy’s class of 2026. Poly is the only Connecticut student from districts four to receive an appointment to the Merchant Marine Academy, according to his family. Contributed photo
Governor: “Juneteenth marks an important day in our nation”; Juneteenth made State Holiday
Governor Ned Lamont: Friends,
Today I had the honor of holding a bill signing ceremony in New London for legislation that establishes a new legal state holiday in Connecticut on June 19 known as Juneteenth Independence Day.
Juneteenth marks an important day in our nation that for far too long has gone underrecognized and has not been truly appreciated to the extent that it should be as a major part of United States history. While some elected officials in other states are working to block efforts to teach the true history of our nation, it fills me with pride that here in Connecticut we are embracing that history and working to educate everyone about how our nation was built and the significance of what this day means.
I firmly believe that ignoring the reality of slavery and the impact that it has had on the United States for many, many decades after it was outlawed is an injustice and does not benefit anyone, of any race or ethnicity. Honoring and celebrating Juneteenth is a reaffirmation that a democratic society is not great because it is the perfect way to govern people, but because people have the ability to fix the imperfections of government and create a stronger, fairer, and more just future.
I appreciate the advocacy of everyone who helped get this bill to my desk so that I could sign it into law.
Warmest regards,
Ned
Westport COVID-19 Cases Begin to Slow, State Hospitalizations and Positivity Rate Down ahead of Weekend
The State Department of Public Health reported 27 more cases in Westport over from Wednesday to Friday. The State’s daily test positivity rate was down to 8.79% while hospitalizations were down 17 patients, with 259 COVID patients hospitalized around the State.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 5,127 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 37 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 8.79% [down from 9.26%]
State Hospitalizations: 259 patients [-17]
Police: Expect Downtown Delays next Saturday
Westport Police Department Press Release: The Westport Downtown Merchants Association will be holding an outdoor downtown shopping event next Saturday, June18th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This event will necessitate the closure of Main Street between Post Road East and Elm Street from 7:00 AM until 6:00 PM on June 18th. These road closures will result in traffic congestion downtown and increased pedestrian traffic as the Yankee Doodle Fair is also being held that afternoon on Imperial Avenue.
Motorists should expect delays in the center of town due to these closures. The Police Department asks that pedestrians utilize the marked crosswalks and motorists use extra caution while driving through the area.