Connecticut
May 24 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter
**News Release Submitted by Bethel First Selectman Dan Carter**
The Board of Selectmen (BOS) appointed a Charter Revision Commission this week. Bethel is one of 109 towns in Connecticut that has a charter that allows us to control our structure of government, and the powers, duties, and terms of office of our officials. The Commission will be charged with looking at our charter and considering changes, including changes recommended by the BOS. The process could take over a year, so stay tuned for information and public hearing opportunities.
With spring yard cleanup, we have received smoke complaints due to open burning of leaves. Connecticut DEEP requires permits for open burning and only twigs, small branches, and logs less than 3” in diameter can be burned in a pile that is 5 ft long, 3 ft wide, and 3 ft high. Burning will be authorized only between 10 am and 5 pm. Find info and request burn permits online at https://bethel-ct.gov/fire-permits.
We have had recent inquiries about the Gadsden Flag that is flown with other military flags in PT Barnum Square. The flag has flown in town for years due to its historical significance as a symbol of unity during the Revolutionary War and a special meaning to our Bethel High NJROTC based on the naval history of the flag. Hopefully, communicating the context of why the flag is flown in our small town will help us understand the intended, noble meaning of the flag in this situation and avoid controversy and intolerance based on modern, politicized interpretations of the flag.
From the Tax Collector: current utility bills are due June 1st. Last day to pay to avoid interest is July 1st. If your bill has an “E” as the read code, this means your bill was estimated. To avoid a possible overestimated bill, the MIU needs to be replaced. There’s no charge and a quick fix. Please call 203-794-8509 to set up an appointment. Also, the 2023 Water Quality Report for Bethel is available in the Tax Collector office or online at https://bethel-ct.gov/news.
Check out upcoming public hearings at https://bethel-ct.gov/2024-public-hearing.
Public Hearing: Planning & Zoning Commission re: 10 Topstone Drive and continuation of hearings for 140 Greenwood Ave and 18 Stony Hill Rd (https://bethel-ct.gov/2024-zoning) on Tuesday, May 28th at 7:00 pm at Town Hall in Conference Room D
“The 101 Critical Days of Summer” have arrived. It’s the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when a lot of accidents happen. Please take time to consider threats to your safety and the safety of your friends and family this summer, including alcohol use, speeding, heat, fatigue, and water activities. Learn more at https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Communications/Staged/Summer-Safety
The Bethel Blooms Craft Fair is back! Stop by the front lawn of the Town Hall tomorrow, May 25 from 10am to 4pm. Free admission!
Don’t miss the Annual Family Summer Kickoff hosted by the Bethel Education Foundation at the BHS football field on Friday, May 31st from 5 pm to 8 pm. Tickets available at the door or online at https://www.betheledfoundation.org/family-summer-kick-off.html
Bethel CT Pride hosts the annual Bethel Pride Celebration and Sidewalk Parade on Saturday, June 1st. The lineup for sidewalk parade begins across from the Bethel Train Station at 12 pm and the parade starts at 12:30 pm. The parade will travel south on Durant Ave, east on Greenwood Ave, north on PT Barnum Sq, and ends in front of Town Hall with a brief drum circle and flag raising. Enjoy bands, food, games, and more until 5pm! For more information visit https://bethelctpride.com/event-info
Another shoutout to award winning gymnast Alisha Ali, spelled correctly this time! It was great to see you in our parade.
A delayed shoutout to State Rep Marty Foncello for joining us at the parade and the wreath laying ceremony!
Thank you, Bethel Women’s Club, for the flags around our gazebo to honor our Veterans!
Congrats to our Athlete of the Week, Adrian Vasquez, for his performance in the recent freshmen invitational!
Congratulations to Bethel recipients of the Western Connecticut Superintendent’s Award! Our winners exhibit a commitment to community service, demonstrate academic prowess, and provide leadership in the school community. From Bethel High School: Madison Tamburri & Joshua Heyel. From Bethel Middle School: Bhuvan Sai Dasari & Ryan Marks. Great Job!
Way to go Bethel Boys Lacrosse on their 17 to 2 win in round 1 of the state tournament!
A shoutout to the crew of Even 91 and all service men and women who have sacrificed everything for our nation. We are grateful.
Town Offices are closed on Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day.
Have a great weekend!
Dan
Connecticut
5 Connecticut towns to receive $2M each for infrastructure upgrades
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Five Connecticut towns will collectively receive $10 million in grants for infrastructure upgrades, according to a Monday announcement by Gov. Ned Lamont.
The Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) is awarding $10.7 million to Coventry, Guilford, Ledyard, Mansfield and Thomaston to modernize and rehabilitate housing for low- and moderate-income residents, the announcement said.
The funds are being released through the DOH’s Community Development Block Grant’s small cities program, with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. To be eligible, a municipality must have fewer than 50,000 residents.
Cost Breakdown
Coventry: $2 million
Town of Coventry plans to use funds to upgrade, with a focus on making Orchard Hill Estates compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Guilford: $2 million
The Town of Guilford plans to use funds to design and build future affordable housing projects, consisting of up to 16 rental units and 8 homes.
Ledyard: $2 million
The Town of Canton requested funding for the first phase of affordable housing for people in Ledyard and the surrounding area. Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut is in the pre-development phase of the Colby Drive and plans to create 38 units.
Mansfield: $2.2 million
Funding will be used for upgrades to Wright’s Village, including roof replacements and sidewalk repairs.
Thomaston: $2.5 million
Funds will be used to make Green Manor ADA-compliant, including the installation of a new emergency call aid system.
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Connecticut
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Connecticut
Florida High School State Bronze Medalist Dajah German Verbals To Connecticut For Fall 2027
Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.
Florida high school state bronze medalist Dajah German has announced her verbal commitment to swim and study at the University of Connecticut beginning in the fall of 2027. She publicized the news on SwimCloud, writing:
I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Connecticut! I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, my family, coaches, teammates, and friends who have pushed me to be my best throughout the years. And a very special thank you to Coach Chris and Coach Nicole for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I’m so excited for what’s ahead. GO HUSKIES!
A rising senior at Fort Lauderdale High School in Florida, German trains year-round with Swim Fort Lauderdale and primarily specializes in the sprint and middle-distance freestyle events.
German has improved each year of her high school career, most recently dropping from 23.78, 51.39, and 1:50.56 in the 50/100/200 free to 23.54, 51.35, and 1:49.69 during the 2025-26 short course season.
German’s top meet of the season was the Florida Senior Championships in March, where she recorded her current PBs in both the 50 and 200 free. She finished second in the 500 free (4:55.94) and 1650 free (17:02.78), third in both the 50 free and 200 free, and fifth in the 100 free (51.43). She set her current 100 free PB at a smaller holiday meet in December. In the 500 free, she clocked a season-best 4:55.21 at the Speedo Cup in January, with her lifetime best of 4:53.19 coming at the 2025 Florida Senior Championships.
German has qualified for the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) State Championships for the past three years, with her top performance coming at the 2025 iteration in November. She placed third in the 50 free (23.96), fifth in the 500 free (5:01.12), and helped Fort Lauderdale to fourth place in both the 200 free relay (24.64 leadoff) and 400 free relay (53.08 anchor).
Top SCY Times:
- 50 Freestyle: 23.54
- 100 Freestyle: 51.35
- 200 Freestyle: 1:49.69
- 500 Freestyle: 4:53.19
A Division I Mid-Major program, Connecticut competes in the Big East, with the women’s team placing second out of seven teams at this past season’s conference championships. German’s current lifetime bests would have placed third in the 200 free, fourth in the 500 free, eighth in the 50 free, and ninth in the 100 free, setting her up as an immediate contributor with two full seasons of training still ahead before her first conference meet.
German joins Anna Mumford, Lyla Devlin, Lena Brown, and Louisa Holda in committing to the Huskies’ class of 2031 so far.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].
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