A tragic rollover crash Saturday night in Willington claimed the life of a 19-year-old Bethel woman. State police say Maria Damata was a passenger in a car that veered out of control and overturned just after 10pm Saturday. The driver and three other passengers, all between the ages of 19 and 21, sustained injuries and were rushed to Hartford Hospital. Damata was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators are now piecing together the events leading to the accident, urging anyone with information to come forward.

New Milford is gearing up to revamp its roadways, with plans to rehabilitate 14 miles of town roads this year. The multimillion-dollar project targets poor-condition roads like Candlewood Lake Road South, aiming to enhance safety and infrastructure. The $4.8 million initiative is a blend of operational capital and bond funding. The work is already underway.

Formerly home to the Binn Animal Rescue Center and Sanctuary, the property at 599 Branchville Road in Ridgefield is about to get a transformation. The owners are proposing approximately 30 apartments there. At a recent Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, the vision was unveiled, featuring two multifamily buildings with one – and two-bedroom apartments, totaling 50 bedrooms. The plan includes amenities like lobbies, garages, and terraces. The project aims to integrate existing infrastructure, including trails that will be repurposed as walking paths for residents.

A deteriorating factory in Sandy Hook, once a hub of family-owned metals manufacturing, is set for demolition and cleanup due to toxic contamination. While the imminent removal of cyanide, arsenic, and other toxins raises hope, the future of the cleared site remains uncertain. Discussions between Newtown leaders and developers hint at potential plans, but details so far are scant.

Late Friday night, a pedestrian was seriously injured in Danbury after being hit by a car on Main Street. Police responded to the scene just before midnight, where the victim was found near the intersection of North Street and Thorpe Street. The injured woman was taken to the hospital, while the driver remained at the scene. The road was temporarily closed. The incident is under investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Danbury Police Department.

The Greater Danbury Chamber Of Commerce is gearing up for the WestConn Society Breakfast… a breakfast for student success… which is set to be held on Wednesday from 7:30 to 9am at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury. All proceeds will benefit the mission of Western Connecticut State University through the WCSU Foundation. For tickets and information, call (203) 837-9820 or visit https://danburychamber.com

A Danbury man now faces serious charges after allegedly violating a protective order and installing a hidden camera in a woman’s home. The arrest of Francisco Vazquez-Lopez followed a complaint filed earlier this month, leading to charges of voyeurism with malice, electronic stalking, violation of a protective order, and disorderly conduct. The victim reported that Vazquez-Lopez breached a full no-contact protective order by appearing at her workplace and later having someone install a hidden camera in her bedroom. Vazquez-Lopez awaits further legal proceedings now, after pleading not guilty to all charges.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has announced the recipients of the fourth round of grant funding through the Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program, with a total of $545,000 going to 13 projects to reduce impacts of aquatic invasive species on inland waters in Connecticut. Aquatic invasive species, such as Zebra mussels and Hydrilla, are a serious threat to our ecosystems. Among the recipients is the Candlewood Lake Authority, which is receiving $25,724.

New Milford Public Schools is exploring an alternative program to support struggling high school students who may face challenges within the traditional high school environment. The proposed program aims to address specific needs of students. Similar initiatives in neighboring districts, such as Region 15 and Newtown Public Schools, have demonstrated success. The program is described as a “school within a school,” offering tailored support, small class sizes, and individual attention to participating students. The program’s curriculum aligns with traditional high school requirements.

A man who was charged in the 2019 for the fatal shooting of his brother, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison. The sentence, handed down at state Superior Court in Danbury, includes an additional five years of probation. Mathew O’Dell pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and first-degree threatening as part of a pre-trial agreement. The incident occurred at the Apollo Road home that he and his brother, Richard O’Dell, shared in Bethel. O’Dell’s initial plea of not guilty was amended after further investigation revealed details surrounding the fatal altercation. Despite the sentencing, questions remain regarding the motive and circumstances leading up to the fatal shooting.