As we approach what is considered by many to be the first weekend of the summer season, now comes word that Blueberry Island on Candlewood Lake will remain closed indefinitely due to unsanitary conditions…. the same reason that led to its closure last year. By order of the New Fairfield Health Department, the popular island was closed last September after many complaints about human waste and litter that had been left behind there. Now, the owner of the lake and 11 of its islands… energy company Firstlight… says it plans to work with the lake towns, Candlewood Lake Authority, and state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to come up with a workable plan to address the problem, which some say is mainly due to a lack of restrooms and trash receptacles.

Governor Ned Lamont says he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut to be flown at half-staff on Monday from sunrise until noon in observance of Memorial Day to honor and mourn the members of the military who have died while serving the United States Armed Forces. In addition, Governor Lamont announced that the state will illuminate the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge in New Haven – informally known by many as the Q Bridge – in red, white, and blue lights each night this holiday weekend beginning this evening and continuing through the evening of Monday, May 29.

In Bethel, an affordable housing proposal involving Whitney Road has been killed over concerns about dust. The 30-unit apartment complex was proposed for 17 Whitney Road in Bethel, but plans by the owners… Frank and Judy Saunders were rejected by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Those plans called for 42 one-bedroom units on the 1.7 acre property, but the were nixed over what was called “fugitive dust from an abutting property.” That property is Gault Stone and Landscape Supplies.

Connecticut’s minimum wage goes from $14 per hour to $15 per hour on Thursday, June 1st. The increase is the result of a bill that State Senator Julie Kushner of Danbury voted for on May 16, 2019, which called for the increase in the state’s minimum wage from $10.10 an hour to $15 an hour in one-dollar increments over the past five years. Beginning on January 1, 2024, Connecticut’s minimum wage will be indexed to the employment cost index, which is calculated by the U.S. Department of Labor. Prior to the 2019 law, Connecticut has had 37 minimum wage increases over 65 years, beginning at 75 cents an hour in 1951 and reaching $10 an hour in 2017.

The Putnam Office for Senior Resources recently hosted its annual Volunteer Recognition Event, honoring the dedicated volunteers of the Putnam SeniorCorps program. The event took place at the Putnam County Golf Course and celebrated the contributions of those aged 60 and older who have generously given their time and skills to serve the community. Formerly known as the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Putnam SeniorCorps boasts over 370 volunteers serving at more than 40 stations, collectively contributing an impressive average of 34,000 volunteer hours per year. These services, valued at $35 per hour according to the state of New York, amount to $1,190,000 worth of support.

In Danbury, plans to convert the former Crowne Plaza Hotel on Old Ridgebury Road into 198 micro-apartments have hit another roadblock. After city planners questioned whether the units would be affordable or even desirable for either college students or senior citizens, the developer now seeks a zoning change for the Mill Plain Road commercial corridor, which would allow an apartment house. One of the things that those questioning the viability of the project cited, was its location that is seen as too distant from mass transit, shopping, and places of employment, and would result in long walks for aging baby boomers.

A fire on Montgomery Street in Danbury yesterday morning, displaced 11 residents. It is believed to have gotten its start in the attic. When crews arrived, flames were coming from the rear of the house. The blaze was brought under control in less than a half hour. Nobody was hurt, and some pets were rescued. The Red Cross is now providing assistance to those who were displaced. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the fire marshal’s office.

As you get ready to hit the road for the holiday weekend, or if you are planning to travel anywhere on Connecticut’s busy interstate highways, take note of this… The exit signs on nearly a dozen major highways here in Connecticut are being renumbered. It comes as the state Department of Transportation replaces old signs to meet new Federal Highway Administration standards. The change will be gradual, but by the end of this decade, exit numbers will correspond with mile markers, and be based on how far they are from the beginning of the route within the state’s border… pretty much bringing Connecticut in line with the way exits are numbered now on most highways nationwide.

Last Saturday, 10 Veterans from Putnam County embarked on the Hudson Valley Honor Flight’s 30th Mission. More than 60 Veterans were part of this Honor Flight out of Westchester County Airport. The day began with an emotional send-off at 6:30am. It ended that evening with the flight back home. For more information visit www.HVHonorflight.com.

A Danbury man is facing charges after a shooting that caused the evacuation of an apartment building for nearly four hours on Wednesday and resulted in a SWAT team response. Danbury Police arrested 25 year old Erikson Bueno, who is accused of shooting a gun from an apartment window. Bueno now faces charges including unlawful discharge of a firearm and breach of peace. Nobody was hurt. Police believe he may have been intoxicated at the time. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be pending.