Rise in online news prompts debate over publishing legal notices

The Hartford Courant’s publisher Richard Graziano testified in opposition to two bills that would remove a requirement that towns post their legal notices in a daily newspaper. Photo by Hugh McQuaid – on CTNewsJunkie

By Hugh McQuaid | CT News Junkie

The Hartford Courant’s publisher testified before a skeptical (state legislature’s) Planning and Development Committee on Friday (Feb. 1) in opposition to two bills that would remove a requirement that towns post their legal notices in a daily newspaper.

Both bills would give towns the ability to publish advertisements of their legal notices on their website.

One also would give them the option of posting in a weekly newspaper.

The Courant’s publisher, Richard Graziano… argued against the change, saying that it was a matter of open access to government through an objective third party. He said that posting the notice only on a government site leaves it open to tampering, alteration, political bias, or publication after the legal deadline.

Several town leaders testified in support of the bills, including… Rep. Melissa Ziobron [Dist. 34 – East Haddam, East Hampton, part of Colchester].

… Continue Reading

Gladys M Freeman Nov 22 1923 – Jan 19 2013

Gladys M. Freeman, 89, of Columbia, CT passed away Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at Windham Hospital.

Gladys was born Nov. 22, 1923 in Willimantic, CT – daughter to the late George D. Freeman and Rose M. Freeman.

She is survived by a sister, Elizabeth A. Freeman and predeceased by her sister Frances R. Freeman.

She also leaves many former co-workers, friends; her Godchild Cindy Chernuk; special friends Deborah and Gary Reynolds and their daughters Amy, Danielle and Kimberly; her cousins … Continue Reading

NFPA offers this tip – give your space heater some space

In 2010 alone, home heating equipment was involved in an estimated 57,100 reported home structure fires and 490 civilian deaths. Poster source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

With temperatures making a dramatic drop this week, here are some good safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Especially as energy costs rise, families are turning to space heaters as a less expensive alternative (or as supplemental heat) for keeping their houses warm this season… so it is important to be aware of how to use them safely.

In 2010 alone, home heating equipment was involved in an estimated 57,100 reported home structure fires and 490 civilian deaths.

Stationary and portable space heaters accounted for 32 percent of these reported home-heating fires and 80 percent of the home-heating fire deaths.

So, if you decide to use a space heater this season, keep these safety tips in mind:

All heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment – this includes the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater … Continue Reading

State invites applications for Recreational Trail Grants

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now accepting proposals for Connecticut’s National Recreational Trails Program Grants. The Naugatuck River Greenway in Waterbury, CT is a past recipient of one of these grants. Image source: Waterbury City Website

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now accepting proposals for Connecticut’s National Recreational Trails Program Grants.

Applications will be accepted through March 29, 2013.

Grants may be made to any private nonprofit organizations, municipalities, state departments and tribal governments. Grant amounts vary.

The National Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is an assistance program of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. RTP is administered through the DEEP. Recreational Trails Program funds may be used for: … Continue Reading

UConn scholarship for Sandy Hook victims tops $800,000

The Orange Bowl Committee’s gift brings the Sandy Hook scholarship fund to about $800,000.

The University of Connecticut’s Sandy Hook School Memorial Scholarship Fund, which honors those who died in the tragic shooting in Newtown, has received a gift of $80,120 from the host of the 2013 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship Game.

The donation from the Orange Bowl Committee represents $1 for every fan in attendance at the Jan. 7, 2013 BCS National Championship Game, where UConn Athletic Director Warde Manuel received the check on UConn’s behalf at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.

The surprise donation was presented by Orange Bowl President O. Ford Gibson and Big East Commissioner Mike Aresco. … Continue Reading

DMV cancels morning driving tests Jan 16

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles has canceled all road skill tests scheduled before 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16, due to the impending winter storm.

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles has canceled all road skill tests scheduled before 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16, due to the impending winter storm.

Testing should resume at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Anyone with a scheduled road test can call DMV to choose a new date.

The numbers to call are 860-263-5700 if someone is within the Hartford area and toll-free 800-842-8222 for those outside the Hartford area. … Continue Reading

State offers new Youth Fishing Passport

CT Fish and Wildlife has developed fishing activities and is building a list of fishing vendors who will support passport holders with a special benefit. CT Fish and Wildlife photo.

Connecticut Fish and Wildlife has announced a new free Youth Fishing Passport.

The Youth Fishing Passport is a program designed to encourage those under 16 to become avid anglers.

CT Fish and Wildlife has developed fishing activities and is building a list of fishing vendors who will support passport holders with a special benefit. … Continue Reading

Local group offers college scholarships for women

The GFWC Northeastern CT Woman’s Club is accepting applications for both the Dorothy E. Schoelzel Scholarship and the Phipps Memorial Scholarship.

The GFWC Northeastern CT Woman’s Club is accepting applications for both the Dorothy E. Schoelzel Scholarship and the Phipps Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarships are available to enable Connecticut women to pursue advanced courses in accredited institutions.

Phipps Scholarship candidates must have completed two or more years of undergraduate work towards a Bachelor’s degree or a post graduate degree and must have a 3.0 or higher grade point average.

Candidates for the Schoelzel Scholarship must have completed three or more years of undergraduate work in the field of education and have a grade point average of 3.0 or better. … Continue Reading

Secretary of the State announces changes to voter registration in 2013

Connecticut Secretary of the State Denise Merrill

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill today (Dec. 19) released the official calendars for the May and November 2013 municipal elections in Connecticut.

And one significant change is that eligible voters will be able to register up to and including Election Day starting in November of 2013.

Legislation enacting Election Day Registration was approved by the Connecticut General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy this year.

“Next year (2013) will be an historic election year in Connecticut as we implement Election Day Registration for the first time in our state,” said Secretary Merrill, Connecticut’s Chief Elections Official. … Continue Reading

UConn establishes scholarship to honor victims of Newtown shootings

In response to the grief and shock accompanying the tragic killings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT on Dec. 14, the University of Connecticut has created a memorial scholarship fund to honor those who died.

UConn women’s basketball Coach Geno Auriemma and his wife, Kathy, have made an $80,000 lead gift to the fund.

“Over this past difficult weekend, Kathy and I gave much consideration to what we as a family could do that would have some significance for the future,” Auriemma said. “Because UConn is so important to us, we decided to establish a scholarship and encourage other UConn alumni, friends and fans around the world to invest in the future of the Sandy Hook survivors.” … Continue Reading