Morning Weather Report
Today
Sunny, with a high near 73. North wind around 11 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 51. North wind around 7 mph.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 77. West wind around 6 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Calm wind.
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 3; State Positivity Rate Up, Hospitalizations Down
The State Department of Public Health reported 3 more COVID-19 cases in Westport over the past day. The State positivity rate was up to 9.55% while 333 people remain hospitalized around the State.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 5,814 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 40 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 9.55% [up from 9.31%]
Westport Fire Department, Southern Connecticut Gas, Westport Public Works End Gas Leak
Press Release
At 10:02 AM, the Westport Fire Department received a call from contractors working at 136 Main Street for an odor of gas in the building. Arriving firefighters found an active gas leak inside the building filling with natural gas.
Along with 136 Main Street, the neighboring buildings on Main Street and Elm Street were evacuated as a precaution. All on-duty firefighters were called to the scene, and hoselines were deployed as a precaution. Southern Connecticut Gas Company responded to the leak and was not initially able to locate the shut-off. Westport Public Works assisted with finding and accessing to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.
Once the buildings were metered and deemed safe, all occupants were allowed back into the buildings. Fairfield and Norwalk Fire Departments provided mutual aid station coverage and responded our or behalf to three emergencies in Town.
Thousands Pay Tribute To Those We Lost On 9/11 With the 21st CT United Motorcycle Ride Throughout Fairfield County On Sunday, 9/11/22
For the 21st year as many as 3,000 riders from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and as far as Long Island converged early Sunday morning at Westport's Sherwood Island State Park to begin a thirty mile ride throughout Fairfield County.
After leaving Sherwood Island at around 11:30 AM riders traveled approximately 60 miles through Wilton (Georgetown), Redding, Bethel, Newtown, Monroe, Trumbull, and Fairfield, before arriving at Seaside Park in Bridgeport at about 2:00 PM where they gathered for a lunch provided by ride sponsors including Vazzy's restaurants.
The riders thrilled what the CT United website says may number more than 15,000 cheering spectators along the route. Riders left under Westport and Norwalk Fire Department spectacular giant flags suspended from ladder apparatus and riders were greeted all along the route with similar welcoming flags provided by local fire departments.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
The program began with opinion ceremonies at about 10:30 AM where spectators heard remarks give by Founder and Executive Director Fred Garrity Jr,who has said that the event is "“for those that lost their lives, for those that gave their lives, and for those that continue to put their lives on the line each day — that’s why we ride.” The crowd pledged allegiance to the flag, heard a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem and somberly listened as a fire bell rang out 11 times.
Westport's First Selectwoman Jen Tooker addressed the crowd along with Governor Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Congressman Jim Himes who represents the 4th district which includes Westport and much of Fairfield County. Also speaking were sponsor attorney John Haymond and Gold Star Parents Pat Parry and Wilfredo and Vicki Perez.
The ride first began shortly after the tragic attacks on 9/11/2001 and has grown during the proceeding years according to Garrity who is quoted as saying “It’s lasted because of the people that support it — both those (who stand along) the route and the riders themselves”. “People continuously say never forget. This is one of the ways you never forget.”
Just prior to beginning the ride, the crowd heard and felt the appearance of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, possibly from the CT National Guard as it did a fly-by, circling the park as one of the service members on board surveyed the riders and spectators.
As always, there were as many configurations of motorcycles as there were riders. And also as always, there were large numbers of former military, current and former police officers, firefighters and many female riders. There were multiple bike clubs and associations, including Polska Sfora, a Polish riders group, a Latin American Association and even a Christian riders group, Servants Of Christ.
Riders were escorted by police departments who were reported to number more than thirty departments including a dozen or more motorcycle units and also patrol cars from the Connecticut State Police.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
Riders Arrive At Their Destination, Seaside Park In Bridgeport
Bridgport Police Motorcycle Escort Leads The Riders Into Seaside Park
Westport Jewel Wakeman Town Farm Hosts 10th Annual Harvest Fest Fundraiser
The weather gods smiled on the event planners for Saturday night’s 10th annual Harvest Fest celebration with unseasonably warm temps and a Harvest Moon. This annual fundraiser allows the Wakeman Farm team to raise money for annual programs and scholarships, as well as a long-awaited barn renovation. The tickets sold out within hours, and more than 270 guests enjoyed a fun stations-style cocktail party, featuring food by local vendors including Barcelona Wine Bar, The Spread, Nit Noi Providions, Milestone Restaurant, Herbaceous Catering, Marcia Selden Catering and Tony Pizza Napolitano.
The signature cocktails were created by celebrated mixologist Ed Hernandez, and all the wine, been and bubbly was generously donated by Greens Farm Spirits. Held under a festive tent draped in twinkling lights, the event wrapped with a stellar live auction and paddle raise that raised $80,000 and counting, as the auction committee decided to leave the silent auction until 6 pm this Tuesday, due to multiple requests from revealers who said they were ‘having too much fun eating and drinking to place a bid.’ View the auction here: https:Harvestfest2022.givesmart.com
The event was made possible by a team of incredible volunteers, from teens to notable local politicians and community members who lent a hand making floral arrangements, working check-in desks, serving hors d’ oeuvres wrangling sponsors, and ensuring a beautiful Farm experience for all.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
I-95 Southbound Shut Down for Shooting Investigation; Heavy Traffic Hits Local Streets
The State Department of Transportation has announced that I-95 southbound is shut down through Westport’s exits 18 and 17 this afternoon as the Connecticut State Police continue an ongoing investigation. Unofficial reports cite the investigation stems from possible evidence tracking along the I-95 corridor, while the Fairfield Police Department announced that I-95 will be shut down from Exit 18 until Exit 10 for the police activity. Fairfield County towns along Route 1 are reporting heavy traffic as both private cars and interstate trucks avoid the shutdown and hit the local streets on their journeys to all points south. Most of the Connecticut State traffic cameras have been turned off from Darien through Westport, though the ones remaining on show a completely deserted freeway. WestportLocal.com for more information as it becomes available.
UPDATE
Darien Police Department Press ReleaseAt approximately 3:42 AM on Wednesday 09-14-2022, a Darien Police Sergeant observed a vehicle operating slowly S/B on Noroton Ave. in the area of Maple Street. The vehicle and operator then approached the Sergeant and reported that two subjects within the vehicle had been shot.
Darien officers provided immediate medical care to the victims; Darien EMS responded to the scene and transported two male subjects to Stamford Hospital for treatment. Darien PD officers remained on scene to secure the scene/vehicle and to assist the Connecticut State Police.
This investigation into this shooting incident is being conducted by the Connecticut State Police and the CSP Western District Major Crime Squad. There is no ongoing threat to the public at this time. Maple Street will be closed at Noroton Ave. for some period of time this morning as the investigation continues.
There are no indications that any crime occurred within the Town of Darien. All further inquiries concerning this investigation should be directed to the Connecticut State Police.
****** End of Release *****
Donald B. Anderson
Chief of Police
Closures Galore: Main Street, Elm Street, Jesup Road, Exit 18
Main Street was shut down due to a gas leak earlier today and is still blocked from Post Road to Avery Place and from Elm Street to Church Lane. The Exit 18 ramp to I-95 was also closed earlier today for police activity, according to the State Department of Transportation, and is still closed while unknown investigations continue. Jesup Road just joined the list as wires were down in the area of the Police Department, closing the road to all traffic. All incidents appear to be disconnected and simply a recipe for traffic in the community.
Fire Department: Gas Leak near Brooks Corner on Main Street; Avoid Area
The Westport Fire Department was dispatched shortly after 10 this morning for the report of a gas leak on Main Street in the area of Brooks Corner, Elm Street. The area has been closed off and the public is warned to avoid the area while they manage the situation.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Sunny, with a high near 81. West wind 7 to 13 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 58. West wind 5 to 7 mph.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 74. Northwest wind 11 to 13 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Clear, with a low around 51. North wind around 6 mph.
High Tides
2:30 AM / 2:39 PM
Low Tides
8:42 AM / 9:16 PM
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 20; State Positivity Rate 9.31%
The State Department of Public Health reported 20 more COVID-19 cases in Westport over the past day. The State positivity rate was up to 9.31% while 341 people remain hospitalized around the State.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 5,811 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 40 deaths [+1 death]
State Daily Test Positivity: 9.31% [up from 8.74%]