Page 2 - Bart Busterna News Today

A New Fairfield man convicted last year in the stabbing death of a Newtown man is appealing his guilty verdict. Patrick Griffin filed a direct appeal with the state Appellate Court, challenging his conviction on two counts of first-degree manslaughter related to the 2022 incident. The case unfolded after police responded to Griffin’s residence and found James Edward Knapp Jr. with a fatal wound. Griffin claimed self-defense, but he was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Griffin...

Connecticut ranks third nationally for the highest property taxes on single-family homes, with Hartford leading the state in property tax mill rates. A study by real estate data firm Attom reveals an average annual property tax bill of $8,022 in Connecticut. Fairfield County residents pay an average of $11,805 annually.

Governor Ned Lamont has declared all this week as Connecticut Food Waste Prevention Week. Shockingly, Connecticut discards 520,000 tons of edible food annually while 1 in 10 individuals face hunger. DEEP urges municipalities to adopt food waste diversion programs, with successful pilots already diverting over one million pounds of food scraps. As part of the initiative, events promoting food waste reduction strategies will be held across the state. For more information, CLICK LINK 1 AND LINK 2.

A Newtown builder’s plan to construct 117 single-family homes near Taunton Pond has gained approval from the wetlands commission, marking a significant step in one of the town’s largest recent developments. The proposal, aimed at preserving land for conservation, now heads to the Borough of Newtown Zoning Commission for a public hearing.

Mayor Roberto Alves is bringing a new service to Danbury residents. It’s called “ASK THE MAYOR” … part of his initiative to increase transparency, communication, and engagement throughout the city. Questions from residents exclusively related to Danbury matters can be submitted on the Ask the Mayor page on the city website, or in the comments on live Ask the Mayor videos. Mayor Alves says he will answer questions via Facebook LIVE or pre-recorded videos that will be post...

Bimbo Bakeries is closing three Connecticut outlet stores. Earlier this week… on Wednesday… a sign at the entrance to the Bimbo Bakeries USA outlet in Naugatuck said that the store has permanently closed. Now we have learned that two other Bimbo Bakeries Outlets here in Connecticut in Cromwell and in Orange… are also closing down. Bimbo Bakeries is a leading baker of fresh bread and sweet baked goods brands in the United States. The company produces Entenmann’s, Freiho...

A 21-year-old man from Tolland County faces serious charges after an early morning stabbing incident on Chestnut Street in Danbury. Austin Turkis of Columbia was arrested following an altercation at the Chestnut Street Townhomes. Danbury police responded to the scene at 5:30 a.m. last Saturday, finding a victim with a stab wound to the shoulder. Turkis was taken into custody, and while investigations are ongoing, he’s been charged with second-degree assault, second-degree reckless endanger...

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, has received a permit application from Amtrak for significant work along the Northeast Corridor here in Connecticut. The proposed project involves constructing a new railroad bridge over the Connecticut River and includes various environmental initiatives like wetland restoration and invasive species control. Public comments are invited to evaluate the project’s impacts, with a deadline of April 22nd. You can find more information on ...

More than $35.68 million in the second and final fiscal year 2024 appropriations package has passed in the U.S. Senate. The funding package is seen as being full of big wins for Connecticut, including being able to make sure local organizations have the necessary resources to serve their community. The projects will help workers learn new skills to secure good-paying jobs, expand access to mental health services, support small businesses, give kids better educational opportunities, and upgrade a...

In New Milford, the Water Witch Hose Company #2 has proposed a $4.1 million expansion of its Lanesville Fire Substation. The plan aims to accommodate the town’s growth and the fire company’s evolving needs. The project includes renovating the existing substation and expanding it by over 8,000 square feet. The expanded facility will house additional equipment and improve the company’s capabilities. The Town Council has unanimously approved the project. An open house will be held...