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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…
New Norwalk Eatery Serves Up Gourmet Loaded Baked Potatoes, Seafood Dishes New Norwalk Eatery Serves Up Gourmet Loaded Baked Potatoes, Seafood Dishes
New Norwalk 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…
Norwalk Police Officer Attacked, Beaten At Annual Festival Norwalk Police Officer Attacked, Beaten At Annual Festival
Norwalk Police Officer Attacked, Beaten At Annual 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, Norwalk Police Still Pleading For Leads In Double Homicide 11 Years Later, Norwalk Police Still Pleading For Leads In Double Homicide
11 Years Later, Norwalk Police Still Pleading For Leads In 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 Norwalk Girl Killed In Massive House Fire Officials ID Norwalk Girl Killed In Massive House Fire
Officials ID Norwalk Girl Killed In Massive House 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 …
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Staying In Friday The 13th? Have Fun With Scary Movies, See What Mayors Picked Staying In Friday The 13th? Have Fun With Scary Movies, See What Mayors Picked
Staying In Friday The 13th? Have Fun With Scary Movies, See What Mayors Picked Superstitious? Won't risk it? If going out on Friday the 13th is a nightmare then stay at home on March 13 and have fun with it. There's plenty of scary movies streaming right now. We asked some guest "film critics" to weigh in on their favorites for our Top 5 picks. 'The Exorcist,' which is probably one of the most re-watched scary movies of all time, is a memorable classic. It's Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling's pick.  "Its performances and special effects are bone-chilling," said Rilling. 'The Exorcist' is very graphic and realistic." The 1973 movie (available to rent on Amazon Prime)…
DV Plus - Fairfield, CT
Officials Urge Fairfield County Residents To Complete Census For Vital Funding Officials Urge Fairfield County Residents To Complete Census For Vital Funding
Officials Urge Fairfield County Residents To Complete Census For Vital Funding A poor response can cost municipalities millions in key federal dollars, which is why states and local officials have been ramping up public efforts around Fairfield County to urge residents to complete the 2020 Census. The campaigns also remind residents that there is still time to apply — note the April 1 (Census Day) deadline — for the 3,000 census jobs, some paying as much as $25 per hour in Connecticut. By April 1,  an invitation will have arrived in the mail for residents to complete the 2020 Census online, by phone or by mail. Census data is used to distribute more than $675…
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Around The Schools: New High School Campus For Norwalk, Canaan Board Of Education Adds New Trio Around The Schools: New High School Campus For Norwalk, Canaan Board Of Education Adds New Trio
Around The Schools: New High School Campus For Norwalk, Canaan Board Of Education Adds New Trio Norwalk will get a new, expanded high school campus -- totally replacing the existing high school. State Sen. Bob Duff, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, Schools Superintendent Steven Adamowski, and other state and local officials announced plans for the new Norwalk High School on Monday, Dec. 9   The 337,000-square-foot facility will be expanded to include three unique school programs for 2,000 students.  State and school officials estimated that 80 percent of the construction costs will be paid with the help of state taxpayer money. The remaining cost would be paid using local …
DV Plus - Fairfield, CT
Most Incumbent Selectmen, Republicans Prevail In Fairfield County Elections Most Incumbent Selectmen, Republicans Prevail In Fairfield County Elections
Most Incumbent Selectmen, Republicans Prevail In Fairfield County Elections No "Donald Trump" factor in the mostly blue Connecticut during this local election cycle. Republicans won key races in Fairfield and Greenwich on Tuesday, Nov. 5, and retained the mayoral seat in Danbury. State Republican Chairman J.R. Romano cheered: "These results are nothing less than a stunning shot across the bow for out-of-touch liberal Democrats. . . ." Regardless of political party, incumbency also proved to be a clear winner on Election Day statewide. In Danbury, Republican Mayor Mark Boughton, who ran an unsuccessful run for his party’s nomination for governor last year, dec…
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.…
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What's At Stake On Election Day In Fairfield County? What's At Stake On Election Day In Fairfield County?
What's At Stake On Election Day In Fairfield County? If you're voting in Fairfield County on Tuesday, Nov. 5, you can select school board members and various town elective posts, including selectmen. City mayoral jobs are on the ballot in Bridgeport, Danbury and Norwalk. Greenwich will vote on top town government positions, including first selectman. Similar high-profile elections are taking place in Fairfield and New Canaan. In Bridgeport, Democratic Mayor Joe Ganim appears to have won re-election thanks to a court ruling in his primary election battle. He won a major court victory on Thursday, Oct. 31 that blocked a request for an…