Construction is set to begin on Monday to replace the Merryall Bridge in New Milford. The contractor will begin the project on Monday by dismantling the current bridge. During the project, Merryall Road on the northern side of the bridge will be closed to traffic. Additionally, on May 7 and 8, West Meetinghouse Road will be closed while a crane is used to remove the bridge’s superstructure. Police will be stationed at key intersections from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to assist with traffic. Drivers are urged to use caution, and to plan alternate routes to avoid backups and delays.

A reminder today to all Connecticut residents following recent carbon monoxide incidents that were caused by vehicles left running in closed garages. Firefighters warn of the dangers of CO exposure and urge precautions, especially with modern vehicle technologies like remote starters and keyless fobs. To mitigate risks, drivers are advised to ensure vehicles are backed out of garages promptly after starting. Additionally, installing a CO detector inside the home near the garage entry door is recommended.

Starting July 1, Eversource Energy customers here in Connecticut can expect significant increases in their monthly electric bills. Standard service customers may see a $13 increase, while those using third-party suppliers could face a $48 hike, based on usage of 700 kilowatt hours per month. The increases reflect rising costs in response to increased government regulation.

Two people were hospitalized after a two-alarm fire engulfed multiple units at the Ledgewood Condominium complex in Brookfield. Firefighters responded early this morning to the blaze on Boxwood Drive. The extent of the damage and the cause of the fire are currently under investigation.

The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a nationwide public health alert regarding ground beef products potentially contaminated with E. coli. Consumers and food service institutions are advised not to consume or serve these products, bearing establishment number “EST. 960A.” The alert follows the discovery of E. coli in the production line, with affected products carrying a “Use/Freeze By” date of Monday, April 22. Some of those products were sold here in Connecticut. Check your freezer! While there have been no reported illnesses, individuals experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

Just across the state line, in Putnam County, New York, human remains have been discovered at a construction site, prompting an investigation by state police to identify the individual. The skeletal remains were found during excavation on Ice Pond Road in Patterson, near where the remains of Josette Wright were found decades ago. Authorities are exploring whether the remains could be linked to the case of Robin Murphy, who went missing in Carmel in 1995.

On Wednesday, the Connecticut House of Representatives voted to expand the state’s paid sick days statutes. The legislation, known as House Bill 5005, aims to broaden protections to encompass more workers who were previously left without coverage. The bill, which received approval in the House, is designed to strike a balance by safeguarding small businesses against potential misuse of these rights. Governor Lamont applauded the House’s decision and urged the Senate to follow suit, expressing his readiness to sign the bill into law. The legislation will now move to the Senate for further consideration.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has taken action against a Bethel-based business, resulting in a settlement where that business has now agreed to pay over $13,000 for violations of the federal Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule. This rule aims to safeguard the public from lead-based paint hazards during renovation and painting activities. The EPA’s actions followed a routine inspection revealing that WestFair Painting Corporation failed to comply with rule requirements, including providing essential information to clients and maintaining proper records. The rules aim to protect children from lead exposure.

Richard Hawley, a newly elected member of the Danbury Board of Education, has announced his immediate resignation, citing personal reasons related to work and family obligations. The board has 30 days to fill the vacancy, with Albert Russo emerging as a potential candidate endorsed by the Republican Town Committee.

The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a nationwide public health alert regarding ground beef products potentially contaminated with E. coli. Consumers and food service institutions are advised not to consume or serve these products, bearing establishment number “EST. 960A.” The alert follows the discovery of E. coli in the production line, with affected products carrying a “Use/Freeze By” date of Monday, April 22. Some of those products were sold here in Connecticut. Check your freezer! While there have been no reported illnesses, individuals experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.