Connecticut
Escaped Scottish Highland bull becomes minor celebrity in rural hill country
A Scottish Highland bull has been braving the frigid Connecticut winter for over a month, evading capture after escaping its enclosure in the western hills of the state.
The elusive bovine has become a local legend, with sporadic sightings reported by residents in the Kent area and recently just over the town line in New Milford.
“People keep spotting it and they don’t know that people are looking for it,” explained Kent Animal Control Officer Lee Sohl.
This lack of coordinated communication has hampered capture efforts.
“If somebody calls me about a sighting, then I tell the owner and they’ve been doing their best. They run right out and try to get to it. But it’s hard. It’s hard in this weather, and it’s very scared.”
The bull’s owner, Jo Ann Joray, confirmed search efforts are ongoing, but the animal remains at large.
The harsh winter conditions and the bull’s skittish nature are proving to be significant obstacles.
The wandering bull has also become a social media sensation, with photos of the animal generating a wide range of reactions. Some express concern for its well-being in the cold, others find its appearance adorable, while at least one commenter focused on the animal’s potential as a source of steaks.
Stray farm animals are nothing new in the area. Cows, horses and goats get loose on occasion, Sohl said.
“That’s just where we live,” she said.
The bull’s story evoked memories of Buddy the beefalo, a bison hybrid who roamed the woods in central Connecticut for months in 2020 and 2021 after escaping on the way to the slaughterhouse.
Buddy was eventually caught and moved to a Florida animal sanctuary.
Scottish Highland cattle are known as a hardy breed that can live outside all year, according to the Highland Cattle Society in Scotland. That’s good for the Connecticut bull because temperatures have been below freezing for several days.
Connecticut
Multiple cars involved in crash on I-84 in Hartford
A multi-vehicle crash temporarily close Interstate 84 on Tuesday night.
The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. and involved four cars, according to the Hartford Fire Department.
Fire crews arrived at the scene and helped one of the drivers who was trapped. The driver was then taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Four other people reported minor injuries but declined ambulance treatment at the scene, officials said.
I-84 East was temporarily shut down as crews responded but has since reopened.
The Connecticut State Police is investigating the crash.
Connecticut
Sleet, freezing rain leading to treacherous travel in parts of Connecticut
As the snow turns to sleet and freezing rain in parts of the state this afternoon, it is causing some treacherous travel on Connecticut roads.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is reporting several crashes.
There are crashes on both sides of Interstate 691 in Meriden.
A tractor-trailer jackknifed on the eastbound side of I-691 between Exit 5 and 3, closing the left lane. On the westbound side, a single-vehicle crash closed the left lane.
There is a two-vehicle crash on I-91 North in Middletown between Exits 20 and 21. The left and center lanes are closed.
A multi-vehicle crash has closed lanes of I-84 East in Waterbury between Exits 25 and 25A. There is a second crash on I-84 East in Southington near Exit 30.
In Cromwell, a two-vehicle crash closed the right lane of Route 9 North in Cromwell.
On Route 9 South, a crash closed a lane on the southbound side.
Connecticut
The Great Westport Sandwich Contest kicks off with event at Old Mill Grocery
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce held a kick-off event at Old Mill Grocery on Monday for The Great Westport Sandwich Contest.
The contest runs throughout March with 21 restaurants, delis and markets competing in 10 categories to be crowned the best sandwich maker.
Residents can vote in the following categories: Best chicken, best steak, best vegetarian, best combo, best club, best NY deli, best pressed sandwich, best breakfast sandwich, best wrap, and best fish/seafood sandwich.
After people sample sandwiches, they can vote for their favorites in each category on the chamber’s website. They will also be placed into a drawing to win a free sandwich from one of the 10 winners.
“Of course, the goal is to have people come to Westport and check out restaurants, our markets and our delis. This is a great promotion. I mean it is a competition, but mostly it’s to bring people to the restaurants. It also gives a great community activity because they are the ones who get to vote who makes the best one,” says Matthew Mandell, the chamber’s executive director.
Winners will be announced in April and receive a plaque.
The chamber has held similar contests to determine what establishment has the best pizza, burger, soup and salad.
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