Connecticut

4 Norwich volunteer fire companies file lawsuit against city consolidation efforts

Published

5 months ago

February 24, 2026

4 Norwich volunteer fire companies file lawsuit against city consolidation efforts

Four of Norwich’s volunteer fire companies are suing the city over consolidation efforts. Such efforts led to the Yantic Volunteer Fire Department’s suspension earlier this month.

Norwich Fire Chief Samuel Wilson claimed that the Yantic Volunteer Company went around the city’s incident commander. This is why the city told the company Feb. 9 they had to sign a contract and join their fire department by 10 a.m. the following day under a “unified command structure.”

The lawsuit cites an action from August 2025, claiming the city manager issued a memo that “unexpectedly” asserted that the volunteer fire departments are “under the direct leadership and authority of the City of Norwich Fire Chief.” According to the lawsuit, this was “illegal” and outside of the city manager’s authority.

In the lawsuit, Yantic, Occum, Taftville, and Laurel Hill volunteer fire companies cite the city’s own charter, stating that they differ from the city’s paid, career fire department, thereby solidifying their independence from the city’s operations.

East Great Plain is the first, and so far the only, volunteer fire department to sign an agreement to be part of the city’s unified command structure.

You can read more of the lawsuit here.

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Connecticut

Cyclosporiasis outbreak prompts food safety concerns in Connecticut

Published

8 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Press Room

Cyclosporiasis outbreak prompts food safety concerns in Connecticut

ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WFSB) – People like Dena Pizzoferrato are changing what they put in their grocery carts after hearing about a cyclosporiasis outbreak.

“I’m kind of a little nervous so I’m looking to see what I buy right now,” Pizzoferrato said. “Today I didn’t buy any lettuce. I said I’m OK for now.”

Doctors say the illness is spread through parasites that make their way onto fresh produce. There have been 23 reported cases in Connecticut since May, but the CDC says the number is likely higher. Across the country, more than 840 cases and 86 hospitalizations have been reported in 31 states.

Symptoms include diarrhea and nausea that can last days to weeks. Doctors have not identified a source for the outbreak.

Dr. Ulysses Wu, chief epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare, said a range of produce could be contaminated.

“Typical things you would think are vegetables or fruits. In the past, it’s been raspberries, basil, cilantro. You may find it in lettuces, bagged salads. So it’s a variety of things that can be contaminated, but they have not found it at this time,” said Wu.

Wu said residents should take precautions with their produce. “Take precautions with your fruit and your produce. We give the same advice when people go overseas that you should always peel something. You should always boil something,” he said.

Doctors also recommend washing produce thoroughly if boiling is not an option, and washing hands regularly.

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Connecticut

Milford business celebrating 50th anniversary

Published

19 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Press Room

Milford business celebrating 50th anniversary

Chip Rubenstein, owner of Chip’s Auto Sales of Milford, says he’s honored to celebrate the dealership’s 50th anniversary alongside America’s 250th birthday.

“I opened Chip’s Auto Sales in 1976, during a chaotic time for our nation in the world,” said Rubenstein, “50 years later, I am so proud of the legacy I’ve created as somebody who always tried his best to do right, and to serve my community proudly.”

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