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How The Grinch Lit Up A Trumbull Neighborhood To Create 'Santa's Runway' How The Grinch Lit Up A Trumbull Neighborhood To Create 'Santa's Runway'
How The Grinch Lit Up A Trumbull Neighborhood To Create 'Santa's Runway' What started as a neighborly idea to spread Christmas cheer during a national low point has become a dazzling community tradition that draws fans from across Connecticut. It's called "Santa's Runway" and consists of about two miles of lights and decorations across some 90 homes beginning along Sterling Road in Trumbull. The project started in 2021 as the brainchild of Zoli Szabow (pronounced Zay-bo), a lifelong Fairfield County resident and firefighter. "It was the height of the pandemic. Everyone was trapped in their houses, and we just wanted to give the community something to ride around…
9/11 Responder, Stratford Dad Of 4 Dies: Remembering 'Good Time Guy' Rick Stueber Jr., 50 9/11 Responder, Stratford Dad Of 4 Dies: Remembering 'Good Time Guy' Rick Stueber Jr., 50
9/11 Responder, Stratford Dad Of 4 Dies: Remembering 'Good Time Guy' Rick Stueber Jr., 50 A 50-year-old Connecticut father of four who served as one of New York's Finest during its most trying day has died. Richard "Rick" Stueber Jr. died on Dec. 10. His family did not disclose the cause of death. Stueber had been living in Stratford, CT but was born in Queens, New York, and had deep roots in Long Island law enforcement, according to his obituary shared by Riverhead News and Riverhead Local. Stueber joined the New York Police Department in 1996 and served through 2002 and was one of the thousands who selflessly rushed toward danger on Sept. 11, 2001, while the nation struggled t…
Young CT Father Of 3 Dies Unexpectedly: He Had 'Beautiful Heart And Soul,' Family Says Young CT Father Of 3 Dies Unexpectedly: He Had 'Beautiful Heart And Soul,' Family Says
Young CT Father Of 3 Dies Unexpectedly: He Had 'Beautiful Heart And Soul,' Family Says A Connecticut family that had been preparing to celebrate the holidays is now struggling to cope with the unexpected death of a beloved father, son, uncle, and friend. David Shaw, a 32-year-old Middletown father of three, died on Dec. 10 after suffering from acute kidney and liver failure, his family said in his obituary. Along with his three children, he leaves behind his parents, stepfather, and sisters. David was best known for his beautiful blue eyes, unforgettable smile, and manners. He was deeply devoted to his family and friends, especially his children. David was always happy, goofy…
After Car Crashes Through CT Bakery's Front Door, Injuring 4, Community Rallies To Help After Car Crashes Through CT Bakery's Front Door, Injuring 4, Community Rallies To Help
After Car Crashes Through CT Bakery's Front Door, Injuring 4, Community Rallies To Help A Connecticut community is rallying around a bakery that was destroyed after a car crashed through the storefront last week, sending four people to the hospital, including one with life-threatening injuries. Torrington police were called to Rosa Vega Bakery de Puerto Rico at 266 Main Street around 11:45 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, after a 58-year-old man crashed his car through the front of the building, authorities said. Gladys Medina, the 65-year-old mother of the bakery's owner, was taken to the hospital with burns after hot oil splashed onto her when the car hit the building, CT Insider re…
Father Of 2 Found Dead In CT Popeyes Parking Lot Had 'Adventurous Spirit,' Loved Ones Say Father Of 2 Found Dead In CT Popeyes Parking Lot Had 'Adventurous Spirit,' Loved Ones Say
Father Of 2 Found Dead In CT Popeyes Parking Lot Had 'Adventurous Spirit,' Loved Ones Say A father of two who was found dead in a fast-food parking lot earlier this month is being remembered for his love of family and adventure. Stephen Morin died unexpectedly on Monday, Dec. 9. He would have turned 39 four days later. A Meriden native, Morin spent most of his life in Wallingford, his family said in his obituary. He worked at All-Pro HVAC of Beacon Falls, but he pursued many hobbies, they wrote. Stephen was a passionate and active man who found joy in the things he loved. He was deeply involved in jujitsu, earning belts and proudly teaching his son, John. As a child, he was an …
CT High School Junior Dies Suddenly, 16: Remembering Tommy Lowell CT High School Junior Dies Suddenly, 16: Remembering Tommy Lowell
CT High School Junior Dies Suddenly, 16: Remembering Tommy Lowell A Connecticut community is reeling after the unexpected death of a 16-year-old boy remembered as a cherished son, friend, and classmate. Now, many in the community are stepping up to help his grieving family navigate the unthinkable. Thomas "Tommy" Edward Lowell IV, who lived in East Windsor and Bristol before moving to Avon, where he was a high school junior, died unexpectedly on Monday, Dec. 9. His family wrote in his obituary on the Vincent Funeral Home website that he was known for his quick wit, love of silly jokes, and devotion to his cats, Milo and Ollie. “Whether shar…
Loving Danbury Mom Known For Her Humor, Devotion To Teen Daughter Dies at 33 Loving Danbury Mom Known For Her Humor, Devotion To Teen Daughter Dies at 33
Loving Danbury Mom Known For Her Humor, Devotion To Teen Daughter Dies at 33 A 33-year-old Connecticut mother known for her sense of humor and endless love for her young daughter died on Saturday, Dec. 7. Lauren Dibble, a vibrant and cherished figure in the Danbury community, left an indelible mark on her family and friends with her warmth, humor, and unwavering devotion to those she loved, her obituary on the Green Funeral Home website reads. Her family did not disclose her cause of death. "At 33 years old, Lauren held many roles," reads a GoFundMe campaign launched by Allison Smith. "Daughter, sister, friend, instigator of all the funniest cousin shenanigans, and …
Daniel Penny Acquitted In Chokehold Death Of Jordan Neely Aboard NYC Subway Car Daniel Penny Acquitted In Chokehold Death Of Jordan Neely Aboard NYC Subway Car
Daniel Penny Acquitted In Chokehold Death Of Jordan Neely Aboard NYC Subway Car A New York ex-Marine was acquitted in the chokehold death of a New Jersey street artist aboard a Manhattan subway. Daniel Penny was found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely by a Manhattan jury on Monday, Dec. 9, following 20 hours of deliberations, CBS News reports. It came days after Judge Maxwell Wiley dismissed a manslaughter charge against Penny after jurors were unable to reach a verdict on the top count. The 26-year-old Penny, a Long Island resident from West Islip, had been accused of killing 30-year-old New Jersey native Jordan Neely aboard a …
CT Football Player Dies At Practice, Mom Pens Heartwrenching Post On Facebook: 'My Baby' CT Football Player Dies At Practice, Mom Pens Heartwrenching Post On Facebook: 'My Baby'
CT Football Player Dies At Practice, Mom Pens Heartwrenching Post On Facebook: 'My Baby' Two Connecticut communities have rallied around the family of a 14-year-old boy who collapsed and died while at a football practice last month. Jahkye Gayle, a freshman at Manchester High School who had transferred from Bloomfield High earlier in the school year, was known for his vibrant personality, love of football, and dedication to academics died on Wednesday, Nov. 27, after collapsing during a non-contact drill.  Jahkye's mother Stacey Haylett mourned him in a heartbreaking post on Facebook: 😞My baby my baby my babyyyy😢😢😢why you do this to mommy!🥺🥺🥺my heart is forever shattered!…
Baseball Bat Attack At CT Bar Leaves Man With Traumatic Brain Injury: Family Baseball Bat Attack At CT Bar Leaves Man With Traumatic Brain Injury: Family
Baseball Bat Attack At CT Bar Leaves Man With Traumatic Brain Injury: Family As Connecticut State Police attempt to unravel why two masked men burst into a Litchfield County restaurant and bar last month and attacked someone with a baseball bat, the victim's family is struggling to cope with a new reality.  Ian Kallgren, of Goshen, was enjoying a beer at Bohemian Pizza and Tacos on Bantam Road in Litchfield on Saturday, Nov. 23, when the masked man ran into the bar around 2:30 a.m. and savagely attacked him with baseball bats, ACCORDING TO? Connecticut State Police did not speculate on any motive but said troopers continue to investigate the beating. …
Jury Deliberating Fate Of Ex-Marine Accused In Street Artist's Death On Subway Jury Deliberating Fate Of Ex-Marine Accused In Street Artist's Death On Subway
Jury Deliberating Fate Of Ex-Marine Accused In Street Artist's Death On Subway Jury deliberations are underway in the case of a New York Marine Corps veteran accused of choking a street artist to death aboard a Manhattan subway. The anonymous jury began weighing manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide charges against Daniel Penny just after 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, in the death of Jordan Neely. Jurors concluded their deliberations Tuesday evening, and will be back in court to resume on Wednesday morning, Dec. 4. Bystander video allegedly showed the 26-year-old Penny, a Long Island resident from West Islip, placing the 30-year-old Neely in a chokehold aboard a t…
Mom, Infant Son Gunned Down In CT Drive-By, Shooter Arrested In Puerto Rico: Police Mom, Infant Son Gunned Down In CT Drive-By, Shooter Arrested In Puerto Rico: Police
Mom, Infant Son Gunned Down In CT Drive-By, Shooter Arrested In Puerto Rico: Police A 23-year-old man accused of fatally shooting a young mother and her infant son in Connecticut was arrested in Puerto Rico, authorities announced. Lance Morales, the suspect in the drive-by shooting that killed 20-year-old Jessiah Mercado and her 4-month-old son, Messiah Diaz, was taken into custody Saturday, Nov. 23, by the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force, the Marshal Service said.  He was found at a home in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and is being held on a $3 million bond. The incident unfolded earlier this week when officers responded to Hartford Hospital after a vehicle arriv…
Gold Star Father ID'd As Victim In Fatal Western Mass Crash Gold Star Father ID'd As Victim In Fatal Western Mass Crash
Gold Star Father ID'd As Victim In Fatal Western Mass Crash The Massachusetts father of a soldier killed in Afghanistan died earlier this week after being hit by a car while on his way to deliver an award in his son's honor, his family said. Michael Demarsico, 63, of North Adams in Berkshire County, was crossing Route 8 to go to the Bounti-Fare restaurant in Adams on Sunday, Nov. 17, just after 5 p.m. when a car struck him, authorities said. Demarsico was pronounced dead in the back of an ambulance en route to Berkshire Medical Center, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said. The driver of the car that hit Demarsico remained at the sce…
CT Officer, Dad Of 2 Dies Unexpectedly: 'He Was Friend To Everyone He Met' CT Officer, Dad Of 2 Dies Unexpectedly: 'He Was Friend To Everyone He Met'
CT Officer, Dad Of 2 Dies Unexpectedly: 'He Was Friend To Everyone He Met' Police in Connecticut are mourning the death of an officer who died unexpectedly on Friday, Nov. 8, while off duty.  Windsor Police Officer Louis “The Kidd” Clayton leaves behind two young daughters — 2-year-old Zendaya and 3-year-old Zola — his parents, and long-time girlfriend, Olivia.  Related: Former Windsor Police Chief Dies After Long Illness Windsor Police did not disclose how Clayton died, but the department said he was a dedicated and compassionate public servant.  "Officer Clayton served with dedication and honor, and this loss has profoundly affected our depart…
Family Pleads for Justice After Man Left in Coma from Hit, Run Crash Family Pleads for Justice After Man Left in Coma from Hit, Run Crash
Family Pleads for Justice After Man Left in Coma from Hit, Run Crash The family of a 66-year-old Connecticut man who was left in a coma after a car crashed into him and sped off is asking for the public's help to find out who was behind the wheel.  Rene Beaudette, of Norwich in New London County, was hit around 5:25 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 655 East Main St. in Norwich, authorities said.  Original Report: Police Searching For Driver Who Left Hit, Run Victim In Coma Paramedics rushed Beaudette to William W. Backus Hospital and later to Hartford Hospital, where he was in critical condition.  A GoFundMe to help pay for his medica…
'She Had So Much Love To Give': Family Of Mom Found Dead At CT Home Want Answers 'She Had So Much Love To Give': Family Of Mom Found Dead At CT Home Want Answers
'She Had So Much Love To Give': Family Of Mom Found Dead At CT Home Want Answers Connecticut State Police are investigating the death of a mother of two found dead in a Middlesex County home last month.  Andrea Neyra, a 37-year-old Meriden woman, was found dead at a home in Middlefield on Saturday, Oct. 19, following a welfare check, authorities said.  Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine what caused her death, but her family is asking for the public's help to get answers.  Money raised through a GoFundMe will go to help her son and daughter and fund a legal inquiry into what led to her death.  We want to come together to celebrate t…
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…
'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.&…
Teen Nearly Killed In Fatal Groton Crash Shows Signs Of 'Awareness': Fundraiser Teen Nearly Killed In Fatal Groton Crash Shows Signs Of 'Awareness': Fundraiser
Teen Nearly Killed In Fatal Groton Crash Shows Signs Of 'Awareness': Fundraiser A fundraiser for one of the four teenagers who crashed into a tree in New London County earlier this week said the 17-year-old showed moments of improvement on Wednesday, Oct. 16, but he has a "long, challenging road to recovery." Kais Shiman, of Mystic, was one of the four teens in a 2012 Toyota 4Runner that veered off the wrong side of Fishtown Road in Groton around 1:20 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, and collided with a tree near the intersection of Little Gull Lane, authorities said. Earlier Report: Fundraiser For Family Of Carson, Skyler Wilson Tops $85,000 Carson Wilson, age 14, of G…
14-Year-Old ID'd As Victim Killed After SUV Hit Tree; 3 More Still In Critical Condition 14-Year-Old ID'd As Victim Killed After SUV Hit Tree; 3 More Still In Critical Condition
14-Year-Old ID'd As Victim Killed After SUV Hit Tree; 3 More Still In Critical Condition A 14-year-old Connecticut boy who was in an SUV that crashed into a tree in New London County early Monday morning, Oct. 14, has died, police said. His 17-year-old older brother and two other teens remain in the hospital with life-threatening injuries.  Carson Wilson, of Groton, was in a Toyota 4Runner that veered off the wrong side of Fishtown Road around 1:20 a.m. and collided with a tree near the intersection of Little Gull Lane, authorities said.  His older brother Skyler Wilson along with Kais Shiman, of Mystic, and Alex Quilter, of Groton, were also in the SUV. It's unclear …
Greenwich Detective Out Of Coma After Brain Surgery As Community Rallies Around His Family Greenwich Detective Out Of Coma After Brain Surgery As Community Rallies Around His Family
Greenwich Detective Out Of Coma After Brain Surgery As Community Rallies Around His Family A fundraiser for a Connecticut police veteran who had fallen into a coma following surgery to remove a brain tumor has raised more than $100,000 to support his family.  Greenwich Police Detective Mike Rooney underwent the delicate procedure at Yale New Haven Hospital earlier this month, but, during the operation, he suffered a "tremendous amount of swelling" and fell into a coma, said Peter Schmitt, president of the Greenwich Police Silver Shield Association.  Schmitt called it the "battle of (Rooney's) life. It's a fight that the Marine veteran is beginning to win. …
Trumbull Mom Jhoseline Nelson Dies At 42: 'Always Had An Open Door For Others' Trumbull Mom Jhoseline Nelson Dies At 42: 'Always Had An Open Door For Others'
Trumbull Mom Jhoseline Nelson Dies At 42: 'Always Had An Open Door For Others' A Connecticut community is rallying around a family suffering after their matriarch, a mother of three boys, died late last month.  Jhoseline Nelson, of Trumbull, died surrounded by her family on Sept. 29, her obituary said.  The Westchester County native from Port Chester leaves behind three sons — ages 13, 11, and 6 — and a husband of 17 years, Raney Nelson Jr. She was known for her fierce love of her family, her openness to anyone in need, and her compassion, according to her obituary. "From her earliest days, she was known for her strong will, unwavering determination, a…
High School Athlete Trapped On Roof Of Car, Carried For 4 Miles After Hit-Run Crash In CT: Cops High School Athlete Trapped On Roof Of Car, Carried For 4 Miles After Hit-Run Crash In CT: Cops
High School Athlete Trapped On Roof Of Car, Carried For 4 Miles After Hit-Run Crash In CT: Cops Police in Connecticut have arrested a man who they say struck a high school sophomore on his bicycle, carrying him on top of his car for four miles, before shoving him off into the roadway.  The boy, identified in a GoFundMe campaign as Avon High School soccer player Liam Shields, was left "fighting for his life," friends of his family said. The campaign, which had raised more than $48,000 as of press time said Liam was "fighting for his life." Avon police were called to Arch Road and Security Drive in Avon around 9:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, after someone reported finding a damag…
Support Pours In For Greenwich Detective In Coma Support Pours In For Greenwich Detective In Coma
Support Pours In For Greenwich Detective In Coma A police department in Connecticut is leading an effort to lend help to one of its members who is fighting the health battle of his life following a brain tumor removal.  Detective 1st Grade Mike Rooney, a member of the Greenwich Police Department, is currently in a coma following his surgery at Yale New Haven Hospital to have a tumor removed from his brain, according to Greenwich Police Silver Shield Association President Peter Schmitt.  After the procedure was finished, Rooney's brain began unexpectedly swelling, causing him to enter into a coma, Schmitt said…
'We Are Devastated': Baby ID'd As Victim In Fatal Turnpike Rollover Crash 'We Are Devastated': Baby ID'd As Victim In Fatal Turnpike Rollover Crash
'We Are Devastated': Baby ID'd As Victim In Fatal Turnpike Rollover Crash A 1-year-old baby in Connecticut was killed last week in a multi-car pile-up in Hartford County that sent several others to the hospital, authorities said.  Ella Salgado, of Meriden in New Haven County, was killed in the three-car crash on the Berlin Parkway just before 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, police said.  Several people in one of the vehicles were ejected when their vehicle rolled over. Multiple people in the car Ella was riding in were taken to the hospital for treatment. Police did not release an update on their conditions.  Ella was taken to the hospital, but doct…
Organs Of 17-Year-Old Killed In Triple-Fatal Crash Will Help 3 Others Live Organs Of 17-Year-Old Killed In Triple-Fatal Crash Will Help 3 Others Live
Organs Of 17-Year-Old Killed In Triple-Fatal Crash Will Help 3 Others Live Bella Trezza’s final act of generosity will help others live. Just days after the 17-year-old high school senior and aspiring nurse from Babylon was taken off life support following a car crash that killed two others, doctors removed her organs to help three strangers in need. An honor walk was held at Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, before Trezza’s kidneys and liver were recovered, LiveOnNY confirmed to Daily Voice. Earlier Report: 'Ray Of Sunshine' Mourned As County Opens Traffic Study At Troubled Long Island Intersection “Two women in their 30’s received her ki…
Mom Of 2 Killed On Son's 8th Birthday Along With Father Of 5 In I-95 Crash Mom Of 2 Killed On Son's 8th Birthday Along With Father Of 5 In I-95 Crash
Mom Of 2 Killed On Son's 8th Birthday Along With Father Of 5 In I-95 Crash Police have identified the man and woman who were killed last week in a single-vehicle crash on I-95 in Connecticut.  Timothy Montague, age 36, and Lori-Lynn Botero, 34, both of New London, died on Friday night, Sept. 13, when Montague's truck clipped a guardrail at the Exit 87 off-ramp in Groton, struck a tree, and burst into flames, Connecticut State Police said.  They died at the scene. Police did not define Montague and Botero's relationship.  Original Report: Man, Woman Killed In Fiery Groton Crash Montague was a father of five, and Botero leaves behind …
'Beautiful Soul': Family Of Slain CT DOT Worker Grieves As Driver Faces More Charges 'Beautiful Soul': Family Of Slain CT DOT Worker Grieves As Driver Faces More Charges
'Beautiful Soul': Family Of Slain CT DOT Worker Grieves As Driver Faces More Charges A 55-year-old Connecticut woman accused of crashing into a state Department of Transportation worker while intoxicated now faces more charges linked to the fatal crash this summer, authorities announced on Monday, Sept. 16.  New Haven County resident Denise Lucibello, of East Haven, is now charged with second-degree manslaughter, the New Haven Judicial District State's Attorney Office said. She was already accused of driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license, and several traffic infractions.  Andrew DiDomenico, 26, of Meriden, was working on the Wharton Broo…
Victim Killed In CT Shooting Mourned As 'Admirable Man With Aspirations' Victim Killed In CT Shooting Mourned As 'Admirable Man With Aspirations'
Victim Killed In CT Shooting Mourned As 'Admirable Man With Aspirations' Family and friends of a Connecticut man who was killed last week in a shooting have rallied to help pay for his funeral.  Dante Sprouse, 25, of East Hartford, was shot and killed following reports of a burglary on Kelsey Street and a crash on Thursday morning, Sept. 12, NBC Connecticut reports.  Calls to numbers linked to Sprouse's family were not immediately returned.  More than 130 people have given to a GoFundMe to pay for Sprouse's funeral created by Sprouse's father, Douglas Sprouse.  On September 12, 2024, Dante Sprouse also known as Dee to family and friends was killed by a sensele…
CT 9th-Grader Killed In Head-On Crash CT 9th-Grader Killed In Head-On Crash
CT 9th-Grader Killed In Head-On Crash A Connecticut ninth-grade student was killed after crashing his dirt bike into another vehicle. The incident occurred in Hartford County around 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 8, in Suffield in the area of Cooper Hill Road at Woods Hollow Road. According to Capt. Robert Palmer of the Suffield Police, an initial investigation found that Carter Jones, age unknown, of Suffield, was traveling south on Copper Hill Road on a dirt bike approaching Woods Hollow Road.  A sedan was traveling northbound on Copper Hill approaching Woods Hollow, and the two vehicles collided head-on in the…
Friends Remember Men Killed In CT Boat Crash After Police ID Victims Friends Remember Men Killed In CT Boat Crash After Police ID Victims
Friends Remember Men Killed In CT Boat Crash After Police ID Victims Friends and family are remembering two victims of a Long Island Sound boat crash that killed three and sent six others to the hospital in Connecticut. New London County residents Ian Duchemin, age 25, of Oakdale, and Ryan D. Britagna, age 24, of Waterford, were killed on Monday, Sept. 2, when their boat hit the break wall at the mouth of the Connecticut River, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said. Searchers found their bodies on Friday, Sept. 6. Middlesex County resident Christopher Hallahan, age 34, of Westbrook, also died in the crash ne…