The Connecticut House of Representatives has passed a bill imposing fines of up to $500 on individuals attempting to redeem out-of-state bottles and cans in the state. The legislation targets those seeking to cash in on Connecticut’s newly implemented 10-cent deposits on beverages. First-time offenders face fines of $50 to $100, while repeat offenders could be hit with penalties reaching $500. The bill, already approved in the Senate, awaits Governor Ned Lamont’s signature.

Several coyote attacks on dogs have been reported in Westport. While none of the attacks were fatal, police are advising pet owners to take precautions. Suggestions include supervising pets while they are outdoors, carrying a powerful flashlight at night, and using noise or thrown objects to deter coyotes. Fenced enclosures and motion-sensitive lights are also recommended to prevent encounters with coyotes.

After surging by double digits a week ago, gasoline prices continue to rise here in the Northeast… and pretty much across the entire nation. Here in Connecticut, a gallon of self-service regular now averages $3.73 statewide, up 3 cents from last week and 30 cents from one month ago. The national average is $3.65, up 12 cents from last month. Mississippi has the lowest prices in the nation, at $3.08 per gallon, and California has the highest at $5.39. Connecticut come in at 12th place on the list of highest gas prices in the nation. In Fairfield County, gas averages $3.78 a gallon according to AAA.

Illegal off-road vehicle use on the Larkin State Park Trail in New Haven County has prompted law enforcement agencies to crack down on unauthorized riders. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Environmental Conservation Police, along with several local police departments, are joining forces to deter this activity. Reports of illegal ATVs and off-road vehicles operating on the trail and adjacent private properties have raised concerns. Violations can result in fines, vehicle seizure, and other penalties. Everyone is now being urged to be vigilant and report illegal activity to local authorities.

Two people were hospitalized and several displaced after a fire erupted Monday at the Park Ridge Condo complex in Danbury. Firefighters encountered heavy flames and called in additional support. The blaze was extinguished within 45 minutes, impacting four units and displacing five adults. The Red Cross and Salvation Army provided assistance. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

New Fairfield residents have spoken loud and clear, rejecting the proposed budgets for the 2024-25 fiscal year in a resounding referendum vote. The Board of Finance’s recommended $55 million school budget and $14.1 million town budget were both overwhelmingly defeated. This marks the second consecutive year the town’s budget referendum has failed to pass on the first attempt. With the budgets now rejected, the Board of Finance will reconvene to revise the spending plans before scheduling another referendum.

A troubling incident has rocked East Ridge Middle School in Ridgefield, where school officials discovered a “racial slur” written on an outdoor climbing wall. The discovery has prompted investigations by both school officials and Ridgefield Police. Despite uncertainty surrounding the origin and timing of the vandalism, school officials have emphasized that such actions are unacceptable and do not reflect the school’s values. The district has alerted authorities and urged anyone with information to come forward. Measures meanwhile, are underway to address and prevent similar incidents in the future.

A fire that broke out in a house in the Merryall section of New Milford over this past weekend and displaced five residents, remains under investigation. The flames were discovered in the house on West Meetinghouse Road on Saturday afternoon. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and firefighters were able to swiftly contain the blaze within 15 minutes. The fire originated in the attic, but the investigation remains ongoing to determine the exact cause. The Red Cross has stepped in to assist the affected residents.

After months of repairs, New Milford High School in Connecticut still grapples with persistent leaking issues on its roof. Greenwood Industries, the contractor behind the repairs, is working to identify the cause of the leaks, described as a “nuisance spot.” The project, initially intended to address damage from a 2018 storm, has faced setbacks, including fires during construction and issues with previous contractors.

Sarah Cefaloni, a first-grade teacher at Pembroke Elementary School in Danbury, has been named Danbury’s Teacher of the Year. With a focus on building a strong sense of community in her classroom, Cefaloni finds creative ways to support her students both academically and emotionally. Her dedication to her students and their families has earned her praise from colleagues and school officials alike.