Connecticut

Vernon garbage man honored for saving toddler’s life

Published

5 months ago

February 3, 2026

Vernon garbage man honored for saving toddler’s life

A Vernon public works employee was honored for saving a toddler’s life at a town council meeting Tuesday night.

In the middle of his trash route last Thursday morning, Doug Haiko saw a car on the side of the road and a mom in distress.

He said her 18-month-old boy was choking. Using the EMT training he learned years ago, he did the Heimlich maneuver, and after a while, the boy started breathing again.

“Really, wasn’t a lot of thinking involved,” said Haiko. “It was just get in and try to help.”

Haiko’s wife, Brianna, was on the phone with him when he went to help the boy.

“I was just on the phone with him, talking with him, and all of a sudden, I heard, ‘Do you need help?’ Didn’t really hear what was going on in the background,” she said. “And all I heard was him trying to call for an ambulance, calling for help.”

Haiko later explained what had happened to his wife. She said she wasn’t shocked her husband would be so quick to act.

“I’m very proud of him, it’s the kind of person he is,” she said. “I know he’s very low-key about it, but as a mom, I had a little more emotion. But I was very proud of him for stepping up and doing the right thing.”

The mayor and town council thanked Haiko for his willingness to jump in and help.

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Connecticut

Cyclosporiasis outbreak prompts food safety concerns in Connecticut

Published

10 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

20 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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