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Harry Rilling

Norwalk City Meeting On Zoom Disrupted By Antisemitic, Racist Remarks, Officials Say Norwalk City Meeting On Zoom Disrupted By Antisemitic, Racist Remarks, Officials Say
Norwalk City Meeting On Zoom Disrupted By Antisemitic, Racist Remarks, Officials Say Alleged racist and antisemitic remarks made during a city meeting on Zoom are being investigated by police in Fairfield County and have caused an outcry by the mayor and other officials.  The incident took place in Norwalk on Tuesday, Jan. 16 during the public comment period of the meeting of the Ordinance Committee which was discussing a redistricting ordinance, the sale of city property, and blight prevention. "I unequivocally condemn these ignorant, racist individuals for their anti-semitic, racist statements made during last night's Ordinance Committee meeting," sai…
Historic Norwalk Bank Building Reimagined Into Healthcare/Banking Center Historic Norwalk Bank Building Reimagined Into Healthcare/Banking Center
Historic Norwalk Bank Building Reimagined Into Healthcare/Banking Center A historic Fairfield County bank building has been transformed into a modern state-of-the-art medical facility, with easy access for residents, while maintaining a branch of the bank inside. The transformation took place in Norwalk at Wells Fargo Bank at 637 West Ave. in Norwalk for Stamford Health, said Michael Serrao, chief operating officer of Seligson Properties. The $20 million renovation was designed to reposition the existing three-story, 27,000 square-foot building built in 1955 into 24,000 square feet of medical office space for multi-specialty care and physical therapy on the…
New Update: Wilton Man Charged With Manslaughter In Hit-Run Death Of Beloved Norwalk Employee New Update: Wilton Man Charged With Manslaughter In Hit-Run Death Of Beloved Norwalk Employee
New Update: Wilton Man Charged With Manslaughter In Hit-Run Death Of Beloved Norwalk Employee This story has been updated. A Fairfield County man has been charged with manslaughter in the hit-and-run death of a 59-year-old woman who was a passenger on a motorcycle. Related: Fatal Hit-Run Crash: Norwalk Native, Longtime City Library Employee ID'd As Victim The crash took in Norwalk on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. at the intersection of East Rocks Road and Bayne Street. Arriving officers found a motorcycle struck by an evading vehicle, said Lt. Tomasz Podgorski of the Norwalk Police. The operator and passenger of the motorcycle were transported to Norwalk Hospital with significan…
Norwalk Deputy Fire Marshal Dies At Age 47 Norwalk Deputy Fire Marshal Dies At Age 47
Norwalk Deputy Fire Marshal Dies At Age 47 A much beloved Fairfield County fire marshall has died after a short battle with cancer. Norwalk Deputy Fire Marshal Luca Feola was 47. He died on Thursday, Nov. 2, said Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling. Feola served in the Norwalk Fire Department for nearly 20 years. He started as a firefighter in 2004 and was promoted to Deputy Fire Marshal in 2011.  Feola grew up in Norwalk and was well-loved by the Norwalk Fire Department and the larger community, Rilling said. He was also a loving husband and father and served in the US Marine Corps before beginning his career as a fi…
Fatal Hit-Run Crash: Norwalk Native, Longtime City Library Employee ID'd As Victim Fatal Hit-Run Crash: Norwalk Native, Longtime City Library Employee ID'd As Victim
Fatal Hit-Run Crash: Norwalk Native, Longtime City Library Employee ID'd As Victim A popular longtime city employee in Fairfield County is being remembered for her compassion and kindness after she was killed during a vehicle crash. Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling along with the Police Department announced that the city tragically lost Norwalk Library employee Dawn Kravarik, a Norwalk native, in a hit-and-run collision on Saturday, Oct. 28. The crash occurred around 6 p.m., on Bayne Street at East Rocks Road. Arriving Patrol Division Officers located two injured victims who had been riding a motorcycle when they were struck by the vehicle that fled, said Michelle Woods M…
Brand-New Fairfield County Eatery Serves Up Gourmet Loaded Baked Potatoes, Seafood Dishes Brand-New Fairfield County Eatery Serves Up Gourmet Loaded Baked Potatoes, Seafood Dishes
Brand-New Fairfield County Eatery Serves Up Gourmet Loaded Baked Potatoes, Seafood Dishes A brand-new eatery is offering loaded baked potatoes, seafood dishes, and more at a Connecticut shopping mall. The Sleeping Potato opened at The SoNo Collection in Norwalk on Friday, Sept. 23, representatives announced. The SoNo Collection management team, the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, and Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling attended the official ribbon cutting. The shopping mall is located at 100 North Water St. The eatery is owned and founded by Har’rell Chisolm, and the team includes Norwalk franchisee owner Darrell Tyson and Chef Bion “BG” Green. The restaurant's menu offers a wide varie…
Police Officer Attacked, Beaten At Fairfield County Festival Police Officer Attacked, Beaten At Fairfield County Festival
Police Officer Attacked, Beaten At Fairfield County Festival A Fairfield County police officer suffered a broken arm and head injury after being attacked by two men at an annual community festival. The incident occurred in Norwalk around 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Oyster Festival. According to Lt. Terrence Blake, of the Norwalk Police, officers working the event were notified of a fight between juveniles near the Kids Cove.  Officers responded to the area and broke up two separate fights. While escorting one of the juveniles that had been fighting out to Seaview Avenue, an officer was attacked by two men, Blake said. Dur…
11 Years Later, Police Still Searching For Leads In Fairfield County Double Homicide 11 Years Later, Police Still Searching For Leads In Fairfield County Double Homicide
11 Years Later, Police Still Searching For Leads In Fairfield County Double Homicide Police in Connecticut are pleading with the public to come forward with information regarding the cold case double murder of two people that reaches its 11th anniversary next month. On Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011, 22-year-old Rickita Smalls and 27-year-old Iroquois Alston, both of Norwalk, were shot and killed while sitting in a parked car on Avenue B, said the Norwalk Police. Since that time investigators have worked hard to bring those responsible to justice including offering a $50,000 reward. But year after year the case has laid stagnant, even with persons of interest, new advances in…
Officials ID 7-Year-Old Girl Killed In Massive Fairfield County Fire Officials ID 7-Year-Old Girl Killed In Massive Fairfield County Fire
Officials ID 7-Year-Old Girl Killed In Massive Fairfield County Fire A 7-year-old Fairfield County girl who died in a fast-moving house fire has been identified by officials. Summer Fawcett, of Norwalk, was killed around 5 a.m., Saturday, May 14 at 7 Nelson Ave., said the Norwalk Fire Department. See Earlier Story: 7-Year-Old Girl Killed, Father Injured In Massive Norwalk House FireShe was born on May 8, 2015, and is the daughter of Blair and Lindsay Fawcett. A first-grade student, she attended Cranbury Elementary School and had also attended Tracey Magnet School. On Saturday, Norwalk Schools Superintendent Dr. Alexandra Estrella announced school…
Juvenile Charged With Making Three Phony Threats To Fairfield County High School Juvenile Charged With Making Three Phony Threats To Fairfield County High School
Juvenile Charged With Making Three Phony Threats To Fairfield County High School A minor was arrested by police after phoning in several phony incidents to a Fairfield County school that led to lockdowns and police investigations, authorities announced. Police in Norwalk said the juvenile was taken into custody on Wednesday, Dec. 8 after an exhaustive search, for the incidents at Norwalk High School and P-TECH over the last several days. The incidents included: A bomb threat on Wednesday, Dec. 1; Reports of an armed person within the school on Friday, Dec. 3, and Dec. 8. “I appreciate the outstanding work of the officers that responded to the three incidents at Norw…
Fairfield County Community Mourns Death Of Popular, Longtime School Board Member Fairfield County Community Mourns Death Of Popular, Longtime School Board Member
Fairfield County Community Mourns Death Of Popular, Longtime School Board Member The sudden death of a popular leader and member of the Board of Education has stunned one Fairfield County community. Norwalk Public Schools announced on Wednesday, Sept. 22, that longtime school board member Mike Barbis died unexpectedly. "The Norwalk Board of Education and Norwalk Public Schools are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Mike Barbis," the district said. A member of the Board of Education since 2011, the district said Barbis, was "a passionate and knowledgeable advocate for Norwalk students and schools." During his tenure on the Board, he served as chair of the Fin…
Acrobat Seriously Injured After Falling 25-30 Feet At Fairfield County Festival Acrobat Seriously Injured After Falling 25-30 Feet At Fairfield County Festival
Acrobat Seriously Injured After Falling 25-30 Feet At Fairfield County Festival An acrobat who fell about 30 feet from a performance apparatus at a Fairfield County festival is expected to recover. The incident took place around 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 12, at the Norwalk Oyster Festival Saturday when one of the performers, Walter Murcia, with the Pirates Of the Colombian Caribbean acrobatic show fell about 25 to 30 feet from an apparatus. According to Norwalk Police Sgt. Sofia Gulino, Murcia sustained serious injuries after hitting the ground.  Norwalk Police Officers began tending to the injured person, The acrobat, from East Bradenton, Florida, was tran…
COVID-19: Third Fairfield County City Issues Mask Mandate COVID-19: Third Fairfield County City Issues Mask Mandate
Covid-19: Third Fairfield County City Issues Mask Mandate A third Fairfield County city has issued a new mask mandate as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase due to the Delta variant. Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling announced Tuesday, Aug. 10, that effective at 12 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 13, the city will require indoor face coverings for all people, regardless of their vaccination status, joining Stamford and Bridgeport in issuing mask mandates. The Mayor’s executive order affects all establishments in Norwalk, such as bars, gyms, restaurants, movie theaters, hardware stores, and supermarkets where physical distancing cannot be m…
Employee Accused Of Forging Bids In Fairfield County, Police Say Employee Accused Of Forging Bids In Fairfield County, Police Say
Employee Accused Of Forging Bids In Fairfield County, Police Say An employee has been arrested for allegedly changing bids at a parks and recreation department in Fairfield County. William Howard turned himself in to police on Thursday, Feb. 25, and charged with 32 counts of forgery following a three-month investigation into irregularities regarding vendor bids in Norwalk, authorities said. Howard was a seasonal employee with the City of Norwalk with no access to city accounts or funds, said Norwalk PD Lt. Joe Dinho. The bids in question date back to at least 2007. They were discovered in late 2020 following changes in personnel and reporting …
COVID-19: LA Fitness Location In Fairfield County Ordered To Close Due To Violations COVID-19: LA Fitness Location In Fairfield County Ordered To Close Due To Violations
Covid-19: LA Fitness Location In Fairfield County Ordered To Close Due To Violations An LA Fitness location in Fairfield County was ordered to close after the city's health department said the business had numerous violations under the state's COVID-19 rules. The business, located in Norwalk, was closed on Tuesday, Dec. 1, after officials found that patrons were not wearing face coverings, maintaining social distancing, and having too many people inside at one time, said Norwalk Health Director Deanna D’Amore. "LA Fitness must submit a written COVID-19 safety plan that outlines how they will adhere to the Executive Orders signed by Governor Lamont and the sector r…
COVID-19: Officials Issue Advisories On Halloween Trick-Or-Treating In Fairfield County COVID-19: Officials Issue Advisories On Halloween Trick-Or-Treating In Fairfield County
Covid-19: Officials Issue Advisories On Halloween Trick-Or-Treating In Fairfield County Officials from several Fairfield County cities and towns and cities have issued advisories for trick-or-treating on Halloween. In Stamford, Mayor David Martin announced the city is discouraging traditional Halloween trick-or-treating this year and advises residents to not participate in trick-or-treating of any kind with individuals outside your household. All variants of trick-or-treating often require contact with individuals from outside your household and therefore present a risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus.  Like other communities across Connecticut, Stamford is seeing a tren…
COVID-19: Norwalk Mayor Quarantines After Member Of Family Tests Positive COVID-19: Norwalk Mayor Quarantines After Member Of Family Tests Positive
Covid-19: Norwalk Mayor Quarantines After Member Of Family Tests Positive An elected official in Fairfield County is the latest to enter quarantine after potentially being exposed to COVID-19. Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling has entered quarantine due to close contact to someone who tested positive for the virus, city officials announced on Sunday, Oct. 25, though he has tested negative for COVID-19 twice. There has been a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in Norwalk, with more than 200 cases reported in the past two weeks, prompting state officials to dub it a “red alert” municipality. Earlier story - COVID-19: Number Of CT Red Alert Cities, Towns Climbs To 19 Whi…
Isaias: Residents, Officials Demanding Answers On Eversource Storm Response Isaias: Residents, Officials Demanding Answers On Eversource Storm Response
Isaias: Residents, Officials Demanding Answers On Eversource Storm Response More voices are calling for an internal investigation into Eversource’s response to Tropical Storm Isaias in Connecticut. With hundreds of thousands of Eversource customers still reporting outages days after the storm rocked the East Coast, officials and residents alike are demanding answers from the utility company. “Eversource has failed to demonstrate adequate preparation ahead of Tropical Storm Isaias, its response effort so far has been abysmal, and they inexplicably continue to fail to communicate anything of any substance to my administration or the public,” Stamford Mayor David Mar…
Christopher Columbus Statue Removed In Norwalk Christopher Columbus Statue Removed In Norwalk
Christopher Columbus Statue Removed In Norwalk Just hours after Norwalk's mayor announced the statue of Christopher Columbus would be taken down, work crews removed the monument that has stood in the city since 1940. Mayor Harry Rilling's made the announcement on Thursday, June 25, regarding the removal of the statue from Heritage Park. “While discussions were ongoing about the future and location of the statue, the Columbus Memorial Fund, who maintains the statue, reached out to me and expressed concerns about the possibility of vandalism or outright destruction," Rilling said. "They asked the city to assist with moving the statue and…
COVID-19: Norwalk Sees No New Cases For First Time Since Start Of Pandemic COVID-19: Norwalk Sees No New Cases For First Time Since Start Of Pandemic
Covid-19: Norwalk Sees No New Cases For First Time Since Start Of Pandemic For the first time since the beginning of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, no new cases of the virus were reported in Norwalk. Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling said on Monday, May 18, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases remained at 1,917, reflecting on new cases. There were three new deaths reported, bringing the total number of related deaths in Norwalk to 115. “It makes me sad to share that three more residents have died from COVID-19," said Rilling. "My heart goes out to their families, friends, and loved ones who are grieving." The mayor also said that while the fact t…
COVID-19: Food Bank Drive Draws Hundreds In Norwalk COVID-19: Food Bank Drive Draws Hundreds In Norwalk
Covid-19: Food Bank Drive Draws Hundreds In Norwalk Hundreds of cars lined up to receive food during a special drive-thru event sponsored by the Connecticut Food Bank as a result of rising need during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). With thousands out of work, and children not receiving meals in school, food insecurity is on the rise, including in Fairfield County, where the Connecticut Food Bank has held two events within the past two weeks. On Thursday, May 14, the bank set-up a mobile food pantry at Veteran's Memorial Park in Norwalk that attracted hundreds an hour before the event was set to begin. Set to begin at 10 a.m., volunteers…
COVID-19: Norwalk Has 23 Deaths, 644 Cases; Police Will Ticket Those Who Discard Gloves, Masks COVID-19: Norwalk Has 23 Deaths, 644 Cases; Police Will Ticket Those Who Discard Gloves, Masks
Covid-19: Norwalk Has 23 Deaths, 644 Cases; Police Will Ticket Those Who Discard Gloves, Masks Norwalk continues to see an increase in the number of new novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases with 19 new cases reported in the latest totals released by the state of Connecticut. Mayor Harry Rilling announced that the new cases bring the number of total positive COVID-19 cases in the town to 644 on Wednesday night, April 8. Rilling also said there were two new COVID-19 deaths in the city, bringing the total number of fatalities in Norwalk to 23. In Fairfield County, the number of new positive cases went from 4,136 to 4,417. In other COVID-19 news, Rilling reported members of the publ…
COVID-19: Littered Protective Gear Sparks Response In Norwalk COVID-19: Littered Protective Gear Sparks Response In Norwalk
Covid-19: Littered Protective Gear Sparks Response In Norwalk With the call for residents to wear masks and even gloves to avoid being exposed to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), one Fairfield County resident has started an effort to put an end to people throwing used masks and gloves in parking lots and on the ground. Lindsay Lewis, a Norwalk resident, started a Change.org petition after becoming fed up with the ongoing littering of worn gloves, masks, wipes, and other used materials in places other than designated litter receptacles.  'I am requesting for an official order be brought forth throughout the city of Norwalk to prevent individuals …
COVID-19: Norwalk Now Has 15 Fatalities; Sixth Death Reported In New Canaan COVID-19: Norwalk Now Has 15 Fatalities; Sixth Death Reported In New Canaan
Covid-19: Norwalk Now Has 15 Fatalities; Sixth Death Reported In New Canaan Six more Fairfield County residents have died as a result of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In Norwalk, there were five new deaths, Mayor Harry Rilling reported, bringing the total to 15 since the outbreak.  In New Canaan, Director of Emergency Management Mike Handler said that there was one new confirmed COVID-19 death, bringing the town's total to six. Rilling said that there could be more bad news on the forefront, as cases are expected to spike in the month of April. “My heart aches as we continue to lose our neighbors and friends as a result of this horrible virus,"  he …
Second COVID-19 Case Confirmed In Norwalk Second COVID-19 Case Confirmed In Norwalk
Second Covid-19 Case Confirmed In Norwalk A second case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Norwalk. Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling sent a phone message to residents on Wednesday, March 18, informing them of the new case. "Norwalk now has two confirmed positive cases of Norwalk residents with COVID-19," the message said. Related story: COVID-19: Number Of COVID-19 CT Cases Climbs To 68 One other case had been reported earlier. The status of the two residents was not released or whether they were hospitalized or in self-quarantine. As of Wednesday, there are 48 confirmed cases in Fairfield County. At …
Who Did You Vote For On Election Day In Fairfield County? Who Did You Vote For On Election Day In Fairfield County?
Who Did You Vote For On Election Day In Fairfield County? If you voted in Fairfield County on Tuesday, Nov. 5, you were asked to elect school board members and various town posts, including selectmen. City mayoral jobs also were on the ballot in Bridgeport, Danbury and Norwalk. Greenwich residents voted on top town government positions, including first selectman. Similar high-profile elections took place in Fairfield and New Canaan. For expanded coverage of politics, schools and lifestyle, visit Daily Voice Plus In Norwalk, Democratic Mayor Harry Rilling is seeking re-election for his fourth term. He is challenged by Republican Lisa Brinton.…
Norwalk Fire Department Swears In New Officers, Promotes Another Norwalk Fire Department Swears In New Officers, Promotes Another
Norwalk Fire Department Swears In New Officers, Promotes Another The Norwalk Fire Department recently held a promotional and swearing-in ceremony, at Norwalk Fire Headquarters, welcoming new members, and promoting others. During the event, probationary firefighters John Pomponio, Madeline Jankowski, and Gregory Petriccione were officially sworn into the department and Firefighter Jesse Granton, an 8-year veteran, was promoted to Fire Inspector, said Norwalk Fire Department Deputy Cheif Edward Prescott. Fire Inspector Jesse GrantonNorwalk Fire Department Fire Chief Geno Gatto, and Assistant Chief Chris King presided over the ceremony, while Mayor Harr…
LaKota Oaks Honors Norwalk's Former Mayor Frank Zullo LaKota Oaks Honors Norwalk's Former Mayor Frank Zullo
LaKota Oaks Honors Norwalk's Former Mayor Frank Zullo LaKota Oaks (see Lakota Oaks Is More Than A New Name) hosted its inaugural ribbon-cutting and tree-planting ceremony in honor of former Norwalk Mayor Frank Zullo.  More than 50 people attended from Norwalk and the surrounding communities to celebrate the new ownership and management of LaKota Oaks, Southern Connecticut’s Event and Conference Center, as well as the long and successful life of Mayor Zullo, who passed away earlier this year. The attendees gathered along the sweeping front lawn of the property to hear warm dedications made by LaKota Hotels & Resorts Director, Andy Dolce, No…
Remembering Moms, Babies They Grieve In Norwalk Remembering Moms, Babies They Grieve In Norwalk
Remembering Moms, Babies They Grieve In Norwalk Do you have to stop identifying yourself as a mom if your child dies? No. “In 1997 I lost my son to SIDS,” said Alison Jacobson, CEO of New Canaan-based First Candle. “One year I had a baby and was celebrating Mother’s Day and the next year my son was gone. “Even though I was still a mom, people were hesitant to wish me Happy Mother’s Day because they didn’t want to upset me. Every mom, whether her child is here on earth or in heaven, should be acknowledged on Mother’s Day.” Begun as the SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Alliance in 1987, the organization changed its name to First C…
Courage To Speak About Being Drug-Free Celebrates 14th Annual Family Night Courage To Speak About Being Drug-Free Celebrates 14th Annual Family Night
Courage To Speak About Being Drug-Free Celebrates 14th Annual Family Night The 14th Annual Courage To Speak Empowering Youth to Be Drug Free Family Night will take place on Tuesday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m., at Roton Middle School, 201 Highland Ave. in Norwalk. All are invited to the event, which will bring students, parents, educators, school and government officials, business and other community leaders together to affirm their commitment to keep children safe from drugs and other risky behaviors. A complimentary dinner will be served. The Courage to Speak Foundation was founded by Ginger and Larry Katz in 1996 after their 20-year-old son, Ian, died of an accident…