COVID-19 James Bairaktaris COVID-19 James Bairaktaris

Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 12 over Weekend; State Positivity Rate 8.83%

The State Department of Public Health reported 12 new COVID-19 cases in Westport over the weekend. The State positivity rate was down to 8.83%.

  • Westport total positive or probable cases: 5,927 cases.

  • Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 40 deaths

  • State Daily Test Positivity: 8.83%

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J.C. Martin J.C. Martin

Hundreds Flock To Downtown For Westoberfest Fall Festival

The beautiful colors of fall foliage lining Elm Street provided the perfect backdrop for one of Westport's favorite fall events, the annual Westport Downtown Merchants Association's 3rd annual Westoberfest.

Billed mainly as a beer tasting event with more than a score of craft brews available for the tasting from area micro-breweries, great beer is only the beginning for visitors to enjoy.  Delicious culinary delights of all kinds were available from several food trucks as well as fresh baked goods from vendors properly attired in Lederhosen, sampling of delectable treats from Bridgewater Chocolatiers, and many other food offerings including traditional German bratwurst.

For the younger guests there were many activities including various games located in and around the family activity area as well as do it yourself art projects with the guidance and assistance from the Westport Artists Collective and face painting adding to the fun and festive family atmosphere.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

Morning Weather Report

Today

Showers likely, mainly between 8am and 11am. Cloudy, with a high near 66. Southeast wind 6 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. West wind 3 to 6 mph.

Tomorrow

Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 57. West wind 5 to 9 mph.

Tomorrow Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 38. West wind around 7 mph.

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

Beloved Staples Teacher Suddenly Passes Away; Staples Opening on 3 Hour Delay Monday

Update

Dear Westport Families and Staff,

I am writing as a follow up to the tragic passing of Mike Sansur. I met with the Staples High School crisis team earlier this evening, and we decided that it's best to operate the high school on a three hour delayed opening for students tomorrow, Monday, October 17, 2022. The school day for students will begin at 11:00 a.m., and buses are expected to begin their runs at 10:10 a.m.

Our staff will arrive at their regular time and use that time to prepare for receiving students.  Students will begin their day in the Connections period, and support from our mental health staff will be available at that time and throughout the day.  Any student who needs support should speak with a trusted adult in the building;  any parent who believes their child needs support should let their child’s counselor or grade-level assistant principal know. 

We appreciate everyone’s understanding of this change and the continued support of the entire Westport community during this difficult time.

Respectfully,

Thomas Scarice

Superintendent

First Email

Dear Westport Families and Staff,

I am so sorry to be writing to you today to share some tragic news. Yesterday, we lost Michael Sansur, beloved Technology Education teacher at Staples High School, to a car accident on I-95. His son was also critically injured in the accident. We are devastated by this news and our hearts are with the Sansur family during this difficult time.

Stafford Thomas, principal of Staples High School, will be working with the building’s crisis team, as well as the central office crisis team, to develop plans for supporting students, staff and families, in coping with this tragedy. We will share those plans with the community later today.

Mike was a personal favorite of countless students and staff.  His career has been marked by inspirational stories of Mike positively impacting the lives of students at Staples and creating an unparalleled sense of belonging in his classroom.  

Further details and support plans will be shared later today.

Respectfully,

Thomas Scarice
Superintendent

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