Daily Voice Reader’s Choice

Accepting Nominations Now Through Sunday, November 3rd

Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Oct. 23 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $478M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Oct. 23 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $478M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Oct. 23 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $478M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Wednesday, Oct. 23 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $478 million with a $230.5 million cash option. If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26. The winning numbers for Wednesday's drawing were 02-15-27-29-39 with a Powerball of 20 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus the Powerball, according to officials. Prizes then range from $1 million to $…
Yale Grad, CNN War Reporter Held Hostage In Sudan By Warlord For Days Yale Grad, CNN War Reporter Held Hostage In Sudan By Warlord For Days
Yale Grad, CNN War Reporter Held Hostage In Sudan By Warlord For Days Clarissa Ward, CNN's chief international correspondent and 2002 Yale University graduate, released a story on Wednesday, Oct. 23 detailing her capture by a Sudanese warlord who held her and her crew hostage for days.  In a post on CNN, Ward details how she was on her way to Tawila, a town in Darfur, earlier this month to report on the ongoing humanitarian crisis. But as they arrived, she and her crew weren't welcomed by their host but confronted by heavily armed militia members, who believed they were spies.  Two weeks ago, our team was held captive by a militia in Darfur. As a…
Secretary Stole $40K From CT High School For Amazon Shopping Sprees: Cops Secretary Stole $40K From CT High School For Amazon Shopping Sprees: Cops
Secretary Stole $40K From CT High School For Amazon Shopping Sprees: Cops Police are accusing a secretary at a Connecticut high school of using the administration's Amazon account to spend more than $40,000 over five years on gifts for herself and other employees at the Tolland County school, authorities said.  Christine Vardanian, age 56, of Marlborough in Hartford County, is charged with first-degree larceny, Connecticut State Police said on Wednesday, Oct. 23. She was later released after posting a $5,000 bail, authorities said.  Vardanian worked as a secretary at RAHM High School and had access to the district's Amazon account. School officials beca…
Burglar Breaks Into Darien Home's Garage But Left Holding The Bag Burglar Breaks Into Darien Home's Garage But Left Holding The Bag
Burglar Breaks Into Darien Home's Garage But Left Holding The Bag Gen Z calls getting paid "securing the bag," but one Fairfield County burglar took the slang phrase literally.  Police were called to a Darien home on Red Mill Lane earlier this month after a thief broke into a garage. The man wore black pants and a grey hoodie as he skulked.  But it was slim pickings for our dastardly ne'er do well because all he only walked away with was a box of trash bags, Darien Police said.  The thief rifled through the car parked inside the garage but came up empty-handed.  Police said residents should be on the lookout for anyone with a suspici…
Nominate Your Favorite Fairfield County Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice Nominate Your Favorite Fairfield County Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice
Nominate Your Favorite Fairfield County Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice Daily Voice is excited to announce its first-ever Readers’ Choice contest in Fairfield County! Readers’ Choice is set to showcase the top businesses that make the area special. Whether it’s a cozy coffee shop, a family-run pizzeria, a boutique spa, or a dedicated local handyman, this is your chance to give them the spotlight they deserve. Who makes the best pie in Fairfield County? Engin Akyurt: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-pizza-2619970/ Nominations Are Open! Do you have a favorite place you love to dine at? Is there a hairstylist who always gets your look just r…
Man Wanted In Danbury Nabbed With Loaded Rifle, Drugs After Sending Threats: Police Man Wanted In Danbury Nabbed With Loaded Rifle, Drugs After Sending Threats: Police
Man Wanted In Danbury Nabbed With Loaded Rifle, Drugs After Sending Threats: Police A 56-year-old Hudson Valley man was caught with controlled narcotics and an illegally possessed weapon following an investigation into threatening messages, police said. Putnam County resident Kevin Willis of Southeast was arrested on Friday, Oct. 18 around 3:45 p.m. after he was found with narcotics and a firearm he was prohibited from having, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Wednesday, Oct. 23.  According to the Sheriff's Office, Willis's arrest followed a short investigation into threatening messages he had allegedly sent someone. While deputies questioned him, they l…
Cold Case: Danbury Police Bust Man In 35-Year-Old Rape, Kidnapping Spree Case Cold Case: Danbury Police Bust Man In 35-Year-Old Rape, Kidnapping Spree Case
Cold Case: Danbury Police Bust Man In 35-Year-Old Rape, Kidnapping Spree Case A 53-year-old man arrested this week that could be the key to solving a series of kidnappings and rapes that happened in a small Fairfield County town in 1989, authorities announced.  David V. Coffey was arrested and charged in connection to the abduction and rape of a woman in Danbury, authorities said. Police added other arrests are pending in the cases.  The woman was one of several who said they were attacked in the Lake Avenue and Merrimac Street area of Danbury, but "despite the diligent efforts of the investigators," detectives were unable to solve the case, …
'Just Disgusting': CT Cemetery's Handling Of Gravesite Offerings Outrages Families 'Just Disgusting': CT Cemetery's Handling Of Gravesite Offerings Outrages Families
'Just Disgusting': CT Cemetery's Handling Of Gravesite Offerings Outrages Families Managers of a Connecticut cemetery are under fire over their handling of gravesite offerings. In New Haven County, families visiting Milford’s King’s Highway Cemetery on Cherry Street were shocked to find their flowers, statues, and other offerings piled together on Monday, Oct. 21. “The cemetery took everyone’s items off the graveside and dumped it in one big pile!” Dorothy Pawlicki said on the “You know you live in Milford, CT if…” Facebook page. “This is just disgusting on the cemetery’s part.” Several of the items were broken, Pawlicki added. Signs posted around the cemetery state tha…
Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash ID'd: 'Words Cannot Express The Magnitude Of This Loss' Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash ID'd: 'Words Cannot Express The Magnitude Of This Loss'
Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash ID'd: 'Words Cannot Express The Magnitude Of This Loss' A Connecticut firefighter who was killed when the ATV he was on rolled over while battling a blaze has been identified as a grandfather and former member of the Hartford Fire Department.  Robert "Sharky" Sharkevich Sr., age 66, was working as a member of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department on Tuesday, Oct. 22, fighting a brush fire that had spread to more than 90 acres on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin, Meriden Police said.  Sharkevich and three other firefighters were in Meriden on the southern edge of the blaze, riding a firefighting ATV that flipped around 5:30 p.m.…
Want To Improve Your Golf Game? Try This New App Want To Improve Your Golf Game? Try This New App
Want To Improve Your Golf Game? Try This New App Local golf enthusiasts have a new tool in their arsenal with the launch of the Pinpoint Golf app, a cutting-edge application designed to help golfers of all skill levels improve. The app promises to bring precision and convenience to golfers, from beginners to seasoned pros. Pinpoint Golf (www.pinpoint.golf) offers a comprehensive suite of features aimed at improving your game. The app centers on strokes gained tracking, an advanced method to measure and improve performance. In addition, the app provides detailed GPS mapping of courses, real-time shot tracking, and other performance analytic…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Oct. 22 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $205M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Oct. 22 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $205M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Oct. 22 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $205M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Oct. 22 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $205 million with a $96.1 million cash option. The winning numbers are 08-43-48-58-60 with a Mega Ball of 04 and a Megaplier of 3X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25.  Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to officials. Prizes then range from $1 million…
(UPDATE) Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash While Fighting Brush Fire (UPDATE) Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash While Fighting Brush Fire
(Update) Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash While Fighting Brush Fire Update: Authorities have identified the man killed battling the blaze as a 66-year-old retired Hartford firefighter. Click here for more information on him and the crash.  Original: A Connecticut firefighter was killed in an ATV crash while fighting a brush fire in Hartford County on Tuesday, Oct. 22, authorities said.  The Wethersfield firefighter was riding on a firefighting ATV that crashed around 5:30 p.m. in Berlin, where crews are battling a brush fire that has spread to 90 acres on Lamentation Mountain.  The firefighter, whose name has not been released, was on the s…
56,000 Voters Cast A Ballot On First Day Of Early Voting In CT; Turnout Remains High 56,000 Voters Cast A Ballot On First Day Of Early Voting In CT; Turnout Remains High
56,000 Voters Cast A Ballot On First Day Of Early Voting In CT; Turnout Remains High Early voting began Monday, Oct. 21 in Connecticut, and many Nutmeggers were ready to cast their ballot.  More than 56,000 people voted on Monday, or about 2.5 percent of eligible voters in the state, and turnout remained strong again on Tuesday, according to multiple reports across Connecticut.  “After all the hard work put in by our election workers to prepare for yesterday and the next 13 days, I am glad to see voters taking advantage of this convenient form of in-person voting,” said Secretary Stephanie Thomas. “It provides voters more opportunities to cast their ballot, which …
E. Coli Outbreak Tied To McDonald's Hamburgers Yet To Be Confirmed In Northeast E. Coli Outbreak Tied To McDonald's Hamburgers Yet To Be Confirmed In Northeast
E. Coli Outbreak Tied To McDonald's Hamburgers Yet To Be Confirmed In Northeast Dozens of people across ten states have been sickened in connection with an E. coli outbreak tied to McDonald’s hamburgers. At least 49 people reported falling ill, including ten who were hospitalized and one who died, after eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in an alert issued Tuesday, Oct. 22. Authorities have not yet identified which specific ingredient is contaminated, prompting McDonald’s to halt sales of Quarter Pounders as well as fresh slivered onions in several states. The 49 people sickened by the E. coli outbre…
New Update: CT Restaurant Reveals Exact Closing Date New Update: CT Restaurant Reveals Exact Closing Date
New Update: CT Restaurant Reveals Exact Closing Date Weeks after announcing its upcoming closure, a Connecticut restaurant has revealed when its last night in business will be.  After a decade in business, New Haven County's 66 Church in Naugatuck has revealed that it will be closing for good on Tuesday, Oct. 29.  The restaurant, located at  66 Church St., originally opened in 2015 and originally announced its closure on Tuesday, Oct. 8.  Earlier Report - Naugatuck's 66 Church Announces Closure Now that it has specified its last night, the owners have also revealed how they will mark the occasion. Before the ea…
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Forced Aspiring Models To Take Part In ‘Sex Events,' Feds Say Ex-Abercrombie CEO Forced Aspiring Models To Take Part In ‘Sex Events,' Feds Say
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Forced Aspiring Models To Take Part In ‘Sex Events,' Feds Say Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries preyed on aspiring models and coerced them into prostitution in order to satisfy his and others’ sexual desires, prosecutors alleged. The 80-year-old Jeffries – along with his life partner Matthew Smith and a third defendant, James Jacobson – are named in a 16-count sex trafficking indictment unsealed in Central Islip federal court on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Prosecutors said the trio relied on Jeffries’ wealth and status, along with a network of employees, contractors, and security professionals, to victimize dozens of men over a seven year peri…
Man Fights Officers While Violating Protection Order: Cops Man Fights Officers While Violating Protection Order: Cops
Man Fights Officers While Violating Protection Order: Cops A 41-year-old New Jersey man got into a fight with multiple Connecticut police officers trying to stop him as he violated a protective order in New Haven County, authorities said.  Jose Valentin Duran-Castillo, of Phillipsburg, NJ, faces several felony charges following his arrest on Friday, Oct. 18, East Haven Police said. A judge ordered him held on a $250,000 bond.  Police were called to a Highland Avenue home in East Haven around 5:45 p.m. to reports of an unwanted man on the property. Officers arrived to find Duran-Castillo, who immediately became hostile with authoritie…
Dog Found Starving, Emaciated, Locked In Cage In Home's Basement For 24 Hours: Police Dog Found Starving, Emaciated, Locked In Cage In Home's Basement For 24 Hours: Police
Dog Found Starving, Emaciated, Locked In Cage In Home's Basement For 24 Hours: Police A 2-year-old dog rescued over the weekend was found starving and emaciated at a New Haven County home. The poodle's owner now faces an animal cruelty charge, authorities said.  Police were called to Jolissa Nozier's Naugatuck home on Sunday evening, Oct. 20, after neighbors complained that her dog had been barking for hours, police said. They told officers that Nozier had been gone for a day. A rescue agency said the animal had been left in a crate in the Carroll Street home's basement since the owner left.  Naugatuck Police took custody of the dog named Rocky and surrendered it t…
7-Year-Old Girl Killed In Fire ID'd; Community Rallies Around Family 7-Year-Old Girl Killed In Fire ID'd; Community Rallies Around Family
7-Year-Old Girl Killed In Fire ID'd; Community Rallies Around Family A Connecticut fire department said it has been overwhelmed with donations for the family of a 7-year-old New London County girl who was killed in a house fire last week, but their needs remain.  Rylee Boldizar was killed when a fire broke out at her family's home at 83 Summit Street in Norwich before 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Firefighters found the girl in her bedroom on the second floor.  Original Report: 7-Year-Old Norwich Girl Killed In House Fire While her three siblings and parents survived the blaze, they lost everything.  The Norwich Fire Department began…
Former New Canaan Home Of Paul Simon, Richard Gere Sells For Second Time In 2 Years Former New Canaan Home Of Paul Simon, Richard Gere Sells For Second Time In 2 Years
Former New Canaan Home Of Paul Simon, Richard Gere Sells For Second Time In 2 Years A Connecticut estate once home to both singer-songwriter Paul Simon and actor Richard Gere has sold for tens of millions of dollars for the second time in two years.  The 32-acre Fairfield County property, located at 82 Brookwood Ln. in New Canaan, sold on Thursday, Oct. 10 for $10.75 million, according to the town's property records.  The home was last purchased for $10.8 million through the Kensho Trust in July 2022 by the 75-year-old Gere, known for "Pretty Woman" and "An Officer and a Gentleman." He had intended to turn part of the property into a farm and harvest mushrooms, h…
Winning Numbers For Monday, Oct. 21 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $456 Jackpot Winning Numbers For Monday, Oct. 21 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $456 Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Monday, Oct. 21 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $456 Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Monday, Oct. 21 Powerball drawing. The winning numbers were 01-25-57-62-64 with a Powerball of 15 and the Power Play was 2X. The estimated jackpot is $456 million with a $219.9 million cash option. If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, which will have an estimated $478 million jackpot. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus the Powerball, according to officials. Prizes then r…
Man Wanted On Child Porn Charges Hid In CT Woods For Months: Marshals Man Wanted On Child Porn Charges Hid In CT Woods For Months: Marshals
Man Wanted On Child Porn Charges Hid In CT Woods For Months: Marshals A 40-year-old wanted man was found hiding in a camp deep in the woods in Windham County on Monday, Oct. 21, after months on the run, authorities said.  Steven Labrecque, 40, is wanted by authorities in Massachusetts on charges of child pornography, photographing intimate parts of a child, intimidation of a witness, reckless endangerment of a child, threatening, obscene matter to a minor, assault, and battery, the US Marshal Service said.  Marshals were asked to help find Labrecque after police in Franklin and New Bedford, Massachusetts, were unable to track him down. Aut…
2 Killed In Fiery Crash ID'd As 39-Year-Old Woman, 59-Year-Old Man 2 Killed In Fiery Crash ID'd As 39-Year-Old Woman, 59-Year-Old Man
2 Killed In Fiery Crash ID'd As 39-Year-Old Woman, 59-Year-Old Man Connecticut police have identified the man and woman who were killed after their car crashed into a tree and burst into flames earlier this month in Hartford County.  Tiffany Cormier, age 39, and Russell "Russ" Bunn, 59, both of Bristol, were identified as the victims in a single-vehicle crash at 61 Johnnycake Mountain Road in Burlington just after 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, Connecticut State Police said. Original Report: 2 Killed After Car Careens Off Road Into Tree Police said Cormier was behind the wheel of a Ford Taurus that veered onto the shoulder of the road for an unk…
'New Chapter': Beloved Former Stratford Pizzeria That Closed Last Year To Reopen In Shelton 'New Chapter': Beloved Former Stratford Pizzeria That Closed Last Year To Reopen In Shelton
'New Chapter': Beloved Former Stratford Pizzeria That Closed Last Year To Reopen In Shelton A beloved pizzeria that closed last year after 76 years in business announced it's reopening in a new town. Salerno's Apizza called Stratford home for decades, but in a Facebook post, owner Carlo Salerno said he is finalizing negotiations to open a new storefront in Shelton. He can't say exactly where it will be.  While we can’t reveal the exact location just yet as we are still negotiating on the exact location, we promise it’s coming soon! Once everything is confirmed, you’ll be the first to know! And… from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your incredible p…
$400K Scheme: Woman Steals From CT Addiction Nonprofit, Spends Funds On Vacations $400K Scheme: Woman Steals From CT Addiction Nonprofit, Spends Funds On Vacations
$400K Scheme: Woman Steals From CT Addiction Nonprofit, Spends Funds On Vacations A 50-year-old woman has admitted to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Connecticut nonprofit at which she served as executive director, federal officials said. New London County resident Michele Devine of Waterford, age 50, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with her alleged theft of almost $400,000 from a Norwich-based addiction and mental health nonprofit, the US Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut announced on Monday, Oct. 21. According to federal officials, Devine served as the executive director of the Southeastern Regional Action Council on S…
Buybuy Baby Closing CT Store Buybuy Baby Closing CT Store
Buybuy Baby Closing CT Store Buybuy Baby is closing all of its physical stores as the company transitions to a digital-first approach, according to a statement on its website. Last summer, the company announced it would be closing all stores amid parent company Bed Bath & Beyond's bankruptcy liquidation. Months later, some stores reopened under a new parent company. But, those stores will be closing, again. They are located at: CONNECTICUT 1433 New Britain Ave., West Hartford DELAWARE 501 W Main St., Christiana MASSACHUSETTS 160 Granite St., Braintree MARYLAND 1683 Rockville Pike, Rockville NEW JERSEY …
'He Had A Bright Future': Bridgeport Family Remembers 29-Year-Old Killed In Motorcycle Crash 'He Had A Bright Future': Bridgeport Family Remembers 29-Year-Old Killed In Motorcycle Crash
'He Had A Bright Future': Bridgeport Family Remembers 29-Year-Old Killed In Motorcycle Crash The family of a 29-year-old Connecticut man killed in a Fairfield County crash last week said he could "brighten any room with his smile." Rohith Gurumurthy died around 1 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, when he crashed his motorcycle at 1080 Atlantic St. in Bridgeport. Zaveriya Shaikh, who was a passenger on the bike, was also killed in the crash, authorities said.  Both Bridgeport residents died at the scene.  Gurumurthy graduated this year from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield with a degree in health informatics and had big dreams for his life, a GoFundMe for his family said.&…
Oscar Heading North After Making Landfall In Cuba As Hurricane Oscar Heading North After Making Landfall In Cuba As Hurricane
Oscar Heading North After Making Landfall In Cuba As Hurricane Oscar is now moving north after making landfall in eastern Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane. It's now a tropical storm on landfall on Sunday evening, Oct. 20 in eastern Cuba, where heavy rain will continue causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides on Monday, Oct. 21, according to the National Hurricane Center. Oscar formed rapidly over the weekend, After being upgraded to a tropical storm Saturday morning, Oct. 19, it strengthened to hurricane status just hours later. As it tracks north, Oscar will bring gusty winds and heavy rain to the southeastern Bahamas M…
Billy Joel's 'MiddleSea' Waterfront Long Island Sound Estate Listed For $49.9M Billy Joel's 'MiddleSea' Waterfront Long Island Sound Estate Listed For $49.9M
Billy Joel's 'MiddleSea' Waterfront Long Island Sound Estate Listed For $49.9M The Piano Man is downsizing. The iconic 75-year-old singer, songwriter, and pianist Billy Joel has just listed his sprawling waterfront estate on the north shore of Long Island for $49.9 million. Joel bought the estate, which he calls "MiddleSea," in Centre Island, a residential village in Oyster Bay, in 2002. The name is a clever play on words. Yes, it's located by the sea, but "Middle C" is also the first note learned by pianists. It's spread over 76 acres and has 18 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, and four separate homes: the main house (a 20,000-square-foot red-brick m…
Sex Offender Nabbed Approaching Women, Fondling Himself; He Was Busted Again A Day Later: Cops Sex Offender Nabbed Approaching Women, Fondling Himself; He Was Busted Again A Day Later: Cops
Sex Offender Nabbed Approaching Women, Fondling Himself; He Was Busted Again A Day Later: Cops A 31-year-old Connecticut registered offender was arrested twice in two days for inappropriately touching himself in public, authorities said. He was already out on bond for prior incidents.  Wojciech Warzynski, 31, of Farmington in Hartford County, was first arrested on Wednesday, Oct. 9, after he reportedly approached two females at the MDC Reservoir while fondling himself inappropriately, authorities said.  Officers had responded to the Farmington reservoir after multiple people called about a man acting suspiciously, officials said.  Warzynski was arrested the next day a…
Wrong-Way Driver Killed In Route 8 Head-On Collision Wrong-Way Driver Killed In Route 8 Head-On Collision
Wrong-Way Driver Killed In Route 8 Head-On Collision A 30-year-old Connecticut man was killed early Sunday morning, Oct. 20, after driving the wrong way on a highway and crashing into an oncoming car in New Haven County, authorities said.  Aron Tyrell Vann, of Waterbury in New Haven County, drove south in the northbound lanes along Route 8 in Waterbury when his Nissan Altima collided with a Jeep Cherokee just after 3 a.m., Connecticut State Police said.  Paramedics rushed Vann to Waterbury Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.  The Jeep driver, a 36-year-old from Allentown, Pennsylvania, suffered minor injurie…