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Hikers get outside to enjoy ‘Trails Day' across Connecticut, with more hikes still to go

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Hikers get outside to enjoy ‘Trails Day' across Connecticut, with more hikes still to go


It’s “Trails Day” in Connecticut and beyond, a day to celebrate the outdoors by getting outside.

The American Hiking Society started the annual event and the Connecticut Forest and Parks Association keeps it going here in Connecticut.

They’ll tell you a day outside, is a day well spent.

“I thought, here is a chance to try out a new trail,” said Jeff Dickey–Chasins, of Middletown.

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He had been wanting to check out the southern section of Middletown along the Connecticut River, so he took Trails Day as a chance to explore with a group.

The day is dedicated to recreation on the state’s trails.

“Even though there are a few sprinkles we have people ready to go for the hike,” said Gail Hanson, the leader of Dickey-Chasins hike.

She said this is her third year leading hikes, but has been volunteering with the organization for five years. As a former science teacher, for her, it’s a chance to help people appreciate the world they are in.

“I talk to people about the rocks, the birds, the flowers, I point things out, the more you notice, the more fun it could be,” Hanson said.

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The CFPA puts on about 200 hikes and events in 110 towns around the state. The idea is to get more people exposed to the outdoors and enjoying what Connecticut has to offer.

They maintain about 825 miles of our states trail system so this is also a chance to check in on trails at the start of the busy hiking season.

“Really what we want to do is make the outdoors accessible and families especially to experience something new,” said Chuck Toal, leader of Trails Day for the CFPA.

He notes there are activities geared toward everyone, of all experience levels.

“Things like paddles and bike trips, history hikes, yoga hikes, birding events, there are urban events, there are farm walks,” Toal said.

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He said Connecticut’s trails are stellar and more people should be outside using them. This is a chance to do that and celebrate our great state.

“It’s really become a great celebration of all our outdoors here in the state,” he explained.

Despite a few Saturday showers, those participating in the Middletown hike, say a wet day in the woods is still better than a day spent indoors.

“To be outside, what she was saying earlier, its very relaxing, even if it’s raining its relaxing,” explained Dickey-Chasins.

Some Saturday events did get postponed, and there are still Sunday hikes to attend. The CFPA asks you register for the events if you would like to participate.

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Man arrested after stealing from Connecticut Children’s Hospital donation bin

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Man arrested after stealing from Connecticut Children’s Hospital donation bin


ENFIELD, Conn. (WFSB) – Police arrested a Connecticut man on Sunday morning after he allegedly stole bottles and cans from a Connecticut Children’s Hospital donation bin.

Officers received a call at around 8 a.m. for a report of a larceny from a “Cans For Kids” donation bin at located on Raffia Road, according to the police department.

Police said they used used local surveillance cameras and municipal license plate readers to identify a vehicle and suspect.

Officials identified the individual as Joshua Wilcox of Broad Brook

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With the help of Wethersfield police officers, Wilcox was found and detained. Enfield police arrested Wilcox and charged him with sixth-degree larceny and first-degree criminal trespass.

It was also revealed that this is the second incident involving Wilcox at the same location, police said.

No further details were released.

Eyewitness News will provide more details as soon as they become available.

Copyright 2026 WFSB. All rights reserved.

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Danbury OKs expanded building plans for west side cancer center

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Danbury OKs expanded building plans for west side cancer center


“(T)he applicant is proposing a minor building addition of 1,300 square feet to the basement level because the specialized proton equipment required a slightly larger support space,” said Allie Smith, an associate planner with the city’s professional planning and zoning department.

Smith is referring to what would be the second proton therapy cancer treatment center between New York City and Boston, after the Connecticut Proton center in Wallingford, which is scheduled to open later this year.

Proton therapy is considered advanced radiation treatment because it uses the positively charged particles to “target cancer with exceptional precision,” reducing damage to nearby healthy tissue.

The expanded building plans for Danbury Proton are the latest development in a prolonged effort to serve western Connecticut and nearby New York residents with the novel cancer treatment.

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The project, which was set to break ground on a 3-acre site overlooking Danbury Municipal Airport this spring, is “very busy marketing and selling the bonds,” a spokesman said.

“We’re ready to break ground as soon as we close on the bonds,” said Drew Crandall on Friday. “We are in conversation with investors every day and we are making good progress.”

In March, Danbury’s City Council agreed to use its bonding power to help Danbury Proton get low-cost financing under a “conduit issuer” agreement. Around the same time, the city’s Planning Commission extended approvals for the project, which were scheduled to expire in July.

All that means that Danbury Proton expects to open its 17,000-square-foot facility at 85 Wooster Heights Road in late 2027 or early 2028.

“The day is coming when we will be treating patients with revolutionary proton therapy cancer treatment,” Crandall said in a newsletter to supporters last week. “Countless patients and their families will benefit from proton therapy.”

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Fire extends from attic of well-known Clinton donut shop

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Fire extends from attic of well-known Clinton donut shop


Several businesses and residents are displaced after a well-known donut shop in Clinton caught fire Saturday morning according to fire department officials.

Clinton Volunteer Fire Department officials say officers received reports of a fire at Beach Donut where they found heavy smoke and a fire extending to the attic.

They say people were evacuated while firefighters work to bring the fire under control.

One person was transported by Clinton EMS for evaluation.

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The displaced residents are being treated by the American Red Cross and the fire is still under investigation by the Clinton Fire Marshal’s Office with assistance from the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit.

The fire department received mutual aid from several fire stations and EMS from neighboring towns.

According to the Beach Donut Facebook, the business will be temporarily closed until notice.



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