Connecticut

Merrimack Gains Connecticut Class L State Finalist Julia Tejeda For 2025

Published

1 year ago

January 30, 2025

Merrimack Gains Connecticut Class L State Finalist Julia Tejeda For 2025

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Versatile swimmer Julia Tejeda has decided to continue her swimming career at Division 1 Merrimack College in Massachusetts, starting in the fall of 2025. Currently a senior at Cheshire High School in Connecticut, Tejeda trains with the Cheshire YMCA Sea Dog Swim Club.

“I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career next fall at Merrimack College! Thank you to all my friends, family, and coaches for all the support you have given me over the last 4 years! Go Warriors!”

Tejeda achieved several lifetime bests at the 2024 Connecticut Senior Champs (SCY) in March. She placed 6th in the 1650 free (17:51.98), and her 1000 split (10:46.50) remains her fastest 1000 free time. She placed 10th in the 200 back (2:08.04), 13th in both the 200 IM (2:11.99) and 400 IM (4:40.42), and set a best time in the 100 back (1:00.34) during the 400 medley relay. Tejeda also achieved a personal best in the 200 fly (2:13.50 in prelims), and finished 19th in finals (2:15.55).

Tejeda was a finalist at the 2024 CIAC Class L Championship (SCY) in November, placing 9th in the 200 free (1:58.14) and 6th in the 500 free (5:16.98). Her 200 free time was a personal best. In Connecticut, schools are categorized based on enrollment, with Class L representing the second-largest group, behind Class LL.

Fast forward a week, and Tejeda competed at the CIAC State Open Championship (SCY), where she achieved a personal best in the 200 free (1:58.13), placing 20th, and a season best in the 500 free (5:15.52), placing 12th. The previous year at the meet, Tejeda set her lifetime best in the 500 free with a time of 5:13.64, finishing 11th.

Top SCY Times

500 Free – 5:13.64
1000 Free – 10:46.50
1650 – 17:51.98
200 back – 2:08.04
200 IM – 2:11.99
400 IM – 4:40.42

Merrimack placed 8th out of nine teams at the 2024 Northeast Conference Championships for women, matching their performance from the previous season. Tejeda could make a significant impact upon her arrival, as her fastest times in the 200 back, 200 IM, and 400 IM would have been the best for Merrimack last season. Her 200 back time would have qualified her for the ‘C’ final at last year’s NEC Championship,s as would her 200 IM, while her 400 IM time would have earned a spot in the ‘B’ final.

Additionally, Tejeda would have been the second-fastest on the team last season in the 500 free, 1000 free, 1650 free, and 200 fly. The top distance swimmer last season was junior Neva Sa, who held times of 5:05.25 in the 500, 10:41.41 in the 1000, and 17:42.32 in the mile.

Tejeda’s older sister, Alexa, also swam for Merrimack from 2018 to 2022. Now, Tejeda will follow in her footsteps and join Abby Condon and Liz Vursta as part of the 2025 recruiting class. Vursta holds strong times in the 500 free (5:14.21) and 200 back (2:09.50) as well.

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Connecticut

Multiple cars involved in crash on I-84 in Hartford

Published

1 hour ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

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.

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Connecticut

Sleet, freezing rain leading to treacherous travel in parts of Connecticut

Published

13 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

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.

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Connecticut

The Great Westport Sandwich Contest kicks off with event at Old Mill Grocery

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

The Great Westport Sandwich Contest kicks off with event at Old Mill Grocery

People in Westport have the chance to pick the best thing between sliced bread.

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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