Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 10; State Positivity Rate 9.81%
The State Department of Public Health reported 10 more COVID-19 cases in Westport over the past day. The State positivity rate was up to 9.81% while 357 people are hospitalized around the State.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 5,780 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 39 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 9.81% [up from 9.70%]
Mary “Tookie” Banning Died; Former Westporter
Mary "Tookie" Banning passed away peacefully on August 26th. A sweet southern girl from Morristown Tennessee, Mary thrived on nurturing her family, friends, and relationships. She paid attention, remembering the details of other's successes and tribulations, and was always asking for updates on the latest events in their lives.
The daughter of George "Buck" James and Ruth White James, she was always "Tookie" to everyone. She met the love of her life, Clarence "Sonny" Banning, at the University of Tennessee. The couple settled in Sonny's hometown, Memphis, and had two lovely children: Mary Katherine and James Winthrop. The family moved to Westport Connecticut where Sonny worked for IBM, and where Tookie stayed after her husband's death until moving back to Memphis in the late 1980s.
Tookie is survived by her daughter and husband, Katherine Banning Lintz and Richard Lintz, two grandchildren, Allison Banning Mangin and James Christopher Lintz, their spouses, and four great-grandchildren. The Banning family has also always stayed close to Sonny's sister's family, the late Mary Ann and Tom Frazier, their five sons, wives, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery at 11:00am, Saturday, September 17th, with a lunch and walk in the Botanical Gardens following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to The Foundation for Barnes Jewish Hospital: Neurosciences (www.foundationbarnesjewish.org), Equipping Servants International (www.esionline.org), or a charity of your choice.
Judy A. Edmonds (Copp), 78, Died; Former Westport News Typesetter
Judy A. Edmonds (Copp), age 78, of Fairfield, formerly of Westport, beloved wife of the late Robert J. Edmonds, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at St. Vincent's Medical Center.
Born in Nantucket, MA, and raised in Candia, NH, the daughter of the late Charles and Genefrede Lewis. She had been a Fairfield resident for over 30 years. She was a graduate of Manchester High School and received her nursing degree and worked at Mass General Hospital. Judy later worked as a typesetter for the Westport News, worked for HBO, and later as an assistant account executive at Hub International Northeast.
Judy loved gardening, knitting, cooking and entertaining her wide circle of friends. She belonged to a knitting club as well as a ladies golf league. Above all else, her greatest joy was spending time with her cherished grandchildren. Survivors include her children and their families, Paul Copp and his wife, Anna Cui, and their daughter, Claire, of Chicago, IL; and Lynn Copp and her son, Miles McPherson, of Salt Lake City, UT; and also several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Charles Schlund and Roger Lewis.
Friends may greet Judy's family on Sunday, September 11, 2022 from 2-5 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. A prayer service will conclude the visitation. Interment will be Private in Oak Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a gift to the Fairfield Fire Fighter's Charitable Foundation ( https://fffcf.org ).
As Summer Comes To An End Fairfield County Celebrates Labor Day
In Greenwich, fireworks lit up the skies at Tod's Point and Binney Park on Saturday. Sunday saw a major car and truck show in Danbury, and on Monday, Newtown's annual Labor Day Parade returned for it's 60th year after a two-year absence due to COVID.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
This being political season, Governor Lamont joined local candidates at the Danbury Car Show in viewing exotic, modern and antique cars, monster trucks and exceptional works of art.
A Fairfield County favorite, the Newtown Labor Day Parade saw both Governor Lamont and local Democrat candidates marched as well as Republican candidates including gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski who handed out candy to enthusiastic children along the parade route.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Labor Day Parade in Newtown drew hundreds to enjoy pirates and Polynesian dancers, firefighters and tractors, beauty queens and Shriners driving mini-cars and lots of wide-eyed children taking it all in once again this year after the two year absence due to COVID.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
New Neighbor: Bridgewater Chocolate to Call Main Street “Home”
Contributed photoPress ReleaseBridgewater Chocolate, the beloved Connecticut chocolate brand known for its lineup of familiar American classics made with European techniques, is opening a flagship retail location in Westport on September 15 at 165 Main Street. The opening of the new location follows a successful pop-up experience for Bridgewater Chocolate in the area during the 2021 holiday season.
“Westport had a chance to get a taste of our house-made chocolates with our holiday pop-up last year, and the community welcomed us with open arms. We couldn’t be more excited to be returning this year with a permanent location,” said Jeff Stoeckel, CEO of Bridgewater Chocolate. “We aim to be the iconic chocolate brand in Connecticut and growing our retail presence is a significant part of that.”
The Westport location is the fourth retail location for the chocolate company, which first offered chocolates for sale in Bridgewater, Connecticut in 1995. As the company started to grow, operations were moved to Brookfield, Connecticut in 1999. The 1350-square-foot location in Westport will feature a customer experience designed to be engaging, approachable and delicious.
The flagship Westport location will be the first location of its kind for Bridgewater Chocolate with several unique offerings that will make for a special shopping experience. When customers step into the store, they will be greeted and guided through an in-store sampling experience of Bridgewater Chocolate’s best-sellers. A “By the Piece Bar” will allow chocolate-lovers and chocolate-gifters alike to select a box, choose from a variety of house-made chocolates and customize details for a personalized chocolate selection at every budget.
Known for stunning hinged boxes and hand-tied ribbons, Bridgewater Chocolate is focused on providing an elevated gifting experience. From corporate gifting, weddings and anniversaries, housewarming and host gifts, teacher appreciation and graduation, party favors or just a little thoughtful gesture to brighten someone’s day – or even for yourself - the chocolate shop will offer something for everyone.
Shoppers will have the opportunity to select from items including nostalgic favorites like Chocolate Peanut Butter Patties and the top-selling Bridgewater Assortments, packaged in hinged boxes that range in color from a classic navy blue, holiday red, burgundy or gold complete with a hand-tied bow.
Partners on the project included BA Staging and Interior Design, Brandfuel Co. and Wainscot Solutions.
The store will be open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. In addition to retail and larger volume corporate sales, Bridgewater Chocolate offers online ordering and shipping across the country.
For more information on Bridgewater Chocolate, visit the website.
President, Governor Direct All Flags to Half Staff for Queen Elizabeth II
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that – in accordance with a proclamation from President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. directing flags to be lowered throughout the country as a mark of solemn respect for the memory of Queen Elizabeth II – he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut to be flown at half-staff beginning immediately until sunset on the date of interment.
Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this same duration of time.
The Office of the Governor will send out a notification when flags should be returned to full-staff.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind around 8 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 58. Light northeast wind.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 81. Northeast wind around 7 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Tomorrow Night
Clear, with a low around 60. Light and variable wind.
High Tides
10:05 AM / 10:27 PM
Low Tides
4:00 AM / 4:20 PM
United Ride 2022 Planned for this Sunday
Scenes from the United Ride 2021. WestportLocal.com photoWestport Police:
On Sunday September 11, 2022, the CT United Ride will travel through nine area towns, including Westport, to pay tribute to the victims and first responders of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. The event is Connecticut’s largest annual 9/11 tribute as well as the largest motorcycle ride in the state.
The motorcade will continue to use the route established last year which starts at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport at approximately 11:30 am and continues through Westport into Wilton, Redding, Bethel, Newtown, Monroe, Trumbull, and Fairfield; ending at Seaside Park in Bridgeport.
The procession travels from Sherwood Island State Park onto the Sherwood Island Connector where the riders will then take Interstate 95 southbound from Exit 18 to Exit 17. The procession will then travel north up Saugatuck Avenue (Route 136) from Exit 17, continue north on to Riverside Avenue (Route 33) to Wilton Road, and across the Wilton town line. The route is closed and continuous, meaning that with the assistance of a police escort the participating motorcyclists drive through traffic lights and do not stop at stop signs.
Motorists should anticipate extended traffic delays along the procession’s route which could potentially last 45 minutes or longer. Although delays are to be expected please be mindful of those we lost over 20 years ago, as well as their families who are with us today, as it certainly is a day for remembrance and reflection.
It is recommended that wherever possible alternate routes should be sought to avoid these areas as they will be rendered completely impassable until the entire procession clears.
Westporters Invited to Attend PURA Hearing as Aquarion Attempts to Change Rates
Press Release
The Why and How of Setting Utility Rates. Westport Officials have been notified that Aquarion Water Company recently-filed a rate case before the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). The proceeding, PURA Docket No. 22-07-01, Application of Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut to Amend its Rate Schedule, was initiated on July 1, 2022 when Aquarion Water filed a Notice of Intent, and continues with the receipt of the company’s formal application, which was filed on August 29, 2022.
A regulated utility may recover costs incurred to provide safe, reliable service plus a reasonable rate of return. Such utilities may file an application with PURA with proposed amended distribution rates, which initiates a rate case. PURA has 200 days to complete a water utility rate case, whereby the final step includes a decision that will be voted on by the three PURA commissioners. Parties in the rate case include the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC), along with other interested parties that may include municipalities and organizations representing specific classes of customers.
In the Notice of Public Comment Hearings, PURA has scheduled three public comment hearings in this proceeding:
Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 5:30PM IN-PERSON at Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880 (directions).
Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 5:30PM VIRTUAL at https://ctdeep.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIocuurpjgtHtbCjCnSFInEZLTVlz3tdTgS
Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 7:00PM VIRTUAL at https://ctdeep.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkdO6rrDMvG92NDAf7EywU3W7at1SGMZ_O
PURA strongly encourages public participation and public comment in the record of this proceeding, as all PURA decisions are based only on what is included as part of the formal record. Another way to submit comments is to email PURA.ExecutiveSecretary@ct.gov with “Docket No. 22-07-01 Comments” in the subject line. Please note that oral and written comments both hold the same weight and will become part of the official record, reviewed and considered. Please do not send comments to town officials.
Please take a few minutes to review the Rate Case Information page on PURA’s website. You’ll find a number of helpful explainer and tutorial videos on specifics of a rate case proceeding, covering the following topics:
∙ An Overview of Rate Cases and Why it Matters to You
∙ Which Rates are Set During a Rate Case and How is My Electric Bill Affected?
∙ Ways to Get Involved in a Rate Case
∙ Review of Storm Costs in a Rate Case
∙ Review of Utility Depreciation Rates in a Rate Case
∙ Revenue Requirement: What is it and how do we calculate one?
∙ Overview: Take Back Our Grid Act (HB 7006)
∙ Take Back Our Grid Act: Rate Changes and Performance-Based Regulation
∙ Distribution Integrity Management
NOTE: This is a PURA public hearing. Please send any comments directly to PURA.ExecutiveSecretary@ct.gov with “Docket No. 22-07-01 Comments” in the subject line.
Westport Police Arrest Two in Roadside Drug Bust; Fentanyl-Laced Drugs Seized
Press Release
On this date at approximately 9:40 a.m. an officer conducting traffic enforcement on the Sherwood Island Connector pulled a car over for a motor vehicle violation. Upon approaching the car, the officer saw that there were four men inside. As the driver was retrieving paperwork from the glove compartment, the officer observed a plastic bag that contained several red capsules. He knew that capsules of that type are typically used to package crack cocaine. At this point, the officer called for additional units to assist him with this investigation. Seconds later, the person sitting in the front passenger seat ran from the vehicle and fled into the woods adjacent to the commuter parking lot. The officer chased the individual and saw him discarding items as he ran. The passenger was taken into custody after a brief struggle with officers. The other three occupants remained with the car and did not attempt to flee.
The evidence that the passenger discarded during the foot chase was suspected narcotics and a scale. The suspected narcotics were tested and determined to be cocaine and crack. Both were mixed with fentanyl. The crack cocaine weighed twelve grams and the cocaine weighed sixty grams.
The passenger who ran was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance With Intent to Sell, Illegal Operation of a Drug Factory, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Tampering With Evidence, Assault on a Public Safety Officer, and Interfering With an Officer. He is currently being held on a $75,000.00 bond.
The driver was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance With Intent to Sell, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Interfering With an Officer, Criminal Impersonation, Misuse of a License Plate, Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance, Illegal Tinting, and Operating Without a License. He is currently being held on a $51,000.00 bond.
The rear passengers were not charged. However, one was taken into custody as he had outstanding warrants in other jurisdictions.
The identities of the two parties arrested will be released at a later time, as the investigators are still working on confirming their identities.