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The Westport Local Press

Westport Connecticut Community News The Westport tradition of fast, reliable, and beautiful news.

Westporters have frequently relied on fellow community members to inform them on what’s happening in their town. With some of the greatest artists, authors, and journalists in the world having lived in Westport - picking up the daily newspaper was a tradition practiced in many homes to learn about local events, just as much as it was a way to enjoy the beauty of their town and creativity of their

neighbors. Westporters still want to enjoy that same beauty and creativity - but living among some of the busiest roadways in the Country, largest business corporations in the World, and nearly 30,000 residents - they also want to know what’s happening - as soon as it happens. From sunsets on Compo Beach to accidents on the Merritt Parkway - the Westport Local Press displays accurate, brief, and rapid news for every Westporter - every day. Operated by a local team of photographers and journalists, the Westport Local Press is based in Westport and runs continuously. We’ll never miss a moment, because we’ll be sharing the moment with you. Our work will be focused on our community - remaining objective in practice and empathetic in nature. The Westport Local Press connects Westporters to their community, and helps them continue the Westport tradition of enjoying their local news.

12/19/2023

"I helped lock the doors to Saugatuck Sweets Westport for its final time. It began to rain again as the small group of us stood outside looking at the darkened storefront. As one young girl said as she left the store: “they’re tears.” A chapter ended for the Westport institution; the story continues at the Fairfield location on Reef Road. Same ice cream, candy, Al’s Angels spirit, and good people. However, as I sit here today, I cannot thank the DiGuidos and the Saugatuck Sweets family enough for all that it’s given me. I was able to work for a locally owned business - and experience every up and down that comes with it. As Westport continues to evolve, I wonder how many teens will ever experience the wonders of working for a family-owned place in Westport." (click to read more)

Note from the Editor the Ice Cream Scooper: When I was 18, I saw an email from Al DiGuido about needing people to help scoop ice cream on the weekends. Last night, now 26 years old, I helped lock the doors to Saugatuck Sweets Westport for its final time. It began to rain again as the sm

12/05/2023

"Pam was born September 30, 1947, the daughter of Robert and Leontine Vuillemenot. She attended Oradell public schools in New Jersey where she met John at a 6th grade square dance and is where he first fell in love with her. She graduated from Skidmore College in 1969 with a BA in American Studies. Pam held professional positions at the Guggenheim Museum, Time Life, and The Library of Congress, but her greatest achievement and focus was always on the care and support of her family and others. In Westport, CT, where she and John raised their family, she worked with Au Pair in America and the Westport Housing Authority helping those in need find a home, spent her summer mornings tending and harvesting vegetables for local soup kitchens as a member of the Greens Farms Garden Club, and cared for any animal in distress." (click to read more)

Pamela Vuillemenot Waesche passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 1, 2023. Obituaries generally provide a timeline of the individual’s life and accomplishments, but Pam’s emotional contributions of love and kindness are much more indicative of the life she led. Pam and

11/19/2023

"The Westport Police Detective Bureau worked this case throughout the day on Sunday, following numerous tips that lead to New York City. Through the use of Law Enforcement sharing and social media platforms, The Westport Police Department was able to track Maxwell [redacted] to a New York City Library in the vicinity of Grand Central Station. Our Detectives ultimately reunited Maxwell with his family at approximately 5:00 PM. Westport Police want to thank the Public, our Law Enforcement Partners and the Media in assisting us to reunite this family."

Westport Police Press Release The Westport Police Detective Bureau worked this case throughout the day on Sunday, following numerous tips that lead to New York City. Through the use of Law Enforcement sharing and social media platforms, The Westport Police Department was able to

10/22/2023

Westport Police: On October 22, 2023 at approximately 4:09 PM Westport Police were alerted to a boating incident with the possibility of two missing people. At approximately 4:00 PM, a boater traveling in the area of Cockenoe Island found a male standing on Nun #2 (a navigational buoy). A second male and female were also rescued from the water. All three individuals were transported into a Norwalk Marina and subsequently to the hospital for evaluation. A translator was requested and once responding officers were able to speak with the involved parties, it was learned that there were a total of five individuals on a small boat that sank causing all parties to enter the water. Westport Police Marine Division, with the assistance of the US Coast Guard, Norwalk Police Marine Division, Fairfield Police Marine Division, and Suffolk County Air Unit are actively searching the waters in an attempt to locate the vessel that these individuals were on and the two missing parties. Any boaters who were in the area of Cockenoe Island between the hours of 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM on October 22, 2023 are asked to contact the Westport Police Department at (203)341-6000. (click to read more)

Westport Police Department: On October 22, 2023 at approximately 4:09 PM Westport Police were alerted to a boating incident with the possibility of two missing people. At approximately 4:00 PM, a boater traveling in the area of Cockenoe Island found a male standing on Nun #2 (a

10/22/2023

"Stand your ground if you feel wronged or disagree with a decision - speak your piece - but keep the peace. If a bomb fell tomorrow; if Westport changed overnight: what was the last thing you said to your neighbor? What was the last email you sent? What would your legacy be?" (click to read more)

My phone whined as I walked Main Street this morning. Outlook. Gmail. Facebook. iMessage. New York Times. iMessage. Outlook. New York Times. Facebook. SMS. Messenger. Raindrops hit my cheek. Outlook. Gmail. Facebook. iMessage. SMS. Outlook. SnapChat. Messenger. Another drop exploded on my jacket’s...

05/30/2023

Longtime Westporter Mike Calise, and his famous green Jeep, were on parade today as the community came together in Downtown Westport to celebrate the memory of service members lost. WestportLocal.com photo

Mr. Calise and his Jeep on Parade May 29 Written By James Bairaktaris Longtime Westporter Mike Calise, and his famous green Jeep, were on parade today as the community came together in Downtown Westport to celebrate the memory of service members lost James Bairaktaris

05/30/2023

Members of the Cubs little league team were all smiles this morning on Myrtle Avenue as their trailer slowly pulled them along the parade route while they waived to passersby. WestportLocal.com photo

Little Leaguers Show Patriotism for Memorial Day Parade May 29 Written By James Bairaktaris Members of the Cubs little league team were all smiles this morning on Myrtle Avenue as their trailer slowly pulled them along the parade route while they waived to passersby. WestportLocal.com photo James Ba...

05/30/2023

With heavy chop on the Sound, Saugatuck Harbor continued to be a safe haven for water sports enthusiasts for the next generation of Westporters as one tried their luck at water skiing off of Stony Point. WestportLocal.com photo

Choppy Sound brings Water Skiing to Saugatuck Harbor May 29 Written By James Bairaktaris With heavy chop on the Sound, Saugatuck Harbor continued to be a safe haven for water sports enthusiasts for the next generation of Westporters as one tried their luck at water skiing off of Stony Point. Westpor...

05/30/2023

The last bits of golden warmth bask over Compo Beach this evening as the last of the barbecuers and sun-seekers began to pack up their belongings for the trip home. With warm temperatures, brisk winds and relaxing surf - this Memorial Day was a perfect day to spend with family and friends along the shoreline. WestportLocal.com photo

Sunset Season hits Compo Shoreline May 29 Written By James Bairaktaris The last bits of golden warmth bask over Compo Beach this evening as the last of the barbecuers and sun-seekers began to pack up their belongings for the trip home. With warm temperatures, brisk winds and relaxing surf - this Mem...

04/28/2023

"The impressive showing at the festival is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students and their instructors, including Bedford Middle School Band Director and Staples' Assistant Jazz Band Director, Gregg Winters, who played a critical part in the ensemble's development." (click to read more)

Press Release The Staples High School's Music Department is proud to announce that its Jazz Ensemble, directed by Mr. Phil Giampietro, took second place in the top division at the National Jazz Festival held in Philadelphia on Saturday, April 22nd. The ensemble's drummer, Witt Lindau, was also rec

04/26/2023

Tree blossoms and the pastels of sunset lit the way for Westport Library patrons as they alighted the stairs towards the Saugatuck this evening. WestportLocal.com photo

Evening Pastels, Spring Blossoms from the Library Steps Apr 25 Written By James Bairaktaris View fullsize Tree blossoms and the pastels of sunset lit the way for Westport Library patrons as they alighted the stairs towards the Saugatuck this evening. WestportLocal.com photo James Bairaktaris

04/20/2023

The Norwalk Police Department reported that they rescued two men from a sail boat that ran aground today. The boat struck the rocks of Compo Beach in Westport early in the afternoon, with the boat remaining as the two were brought to shore by the Marine Unit. Officers reported “strong wind and conditions” but no injuries. Photos contributed by Norwalk Police Department.

04/19/2023

Westport Police reported: "While anyone might mistake a copycat candy for the real thing, young children are especially vulnerable. These colorful packages resemble popular candy and snack foods, but their contents often contain high doses of THC, which can cause ma*****na toxicity, especially in unsuspecting children. These items were seized in addition to a number of canisters of suspected ma*****na. The business does not have a dispensary license. Additionally, Westport zoning regulation prohibits all sales of retail (non-medical) cannabis products in Westport, including Delta-9 THC and Delta-8. This incident remains under investigation by the Westport Police Detective Bureau. " (click to read more)

Press Release

04/18/2023

Staples High School principal Stafford Thomas announced April's Students of the Month, including: Jonathan Dionne, Cade McGrath, Jonah Bernstein, Vivian Shamie, Charlotte Gurley, Tyler Darden (click to read more)

Principal Thomas has announced Staples High School's recipient’s for April Student of the Month: &a

04/18/2023

"First Selectwoman Tooker stated, 'Chief Kronick has accepted a job offer with the State of Connecticut that he will assume after his retirement on May 15. I appreciate that Chief Kronick has provided ample time with this announcement so that we may insure a smooth, seamless and professional transition at the Fire Department. At the appropriate time, an acting Chief will be announced. Additional details will follow at that time.'"

Press Release

04/03/2023

"On April 3rd, 2023, the Westport Police Department responded to the area of 55/57 Greens Farms Rd on a report of a body floating in a retention pond on the property. Responding units located the party and confirmed that they were deceased. The investigation is currently in its infancy and the identification is being withheld pending notification to the next of kin." (click to read more)

Westport Police Department On April 3rd, 2023, the Westport Police Department responded to the area of 55/57 Greens Farms Rd on a report of a body floating in a retention pond on the property. Responding units located the party and confirmed that they were deceased. The investi

03/30/2023

"According to Principal Stafford W. Thomas, Jr. , “This class, is extremely talented and the most astonishing aspect of this accomplishment, is that these students were involved in a number of extracurricular activities and various aspects of school life which took a great deal of time, focus and concentration outside of the classroom as well. We were lucky to have had them for four years and we will no doubt be hearing about their next great achievements in the years to come. Congratulations Class of 2023 High Honors students!” The following students are the class of 2023 High Honors honorees: Kyle Thomas Ambrose, Sharmila Abbie Green, Julia Morgan Herlyn, Nikhil Kanthan, Witt Moore Lindau, Reilly Katherine McCaffrey, Jaden Emma Mello, Janna Harrison Moore, Colin Alexander Morgeson, Meredith Leigh Mulhern, Quinn Julia Mulvey, Krishna Reddy, Ryan Sidney Salik, Rebecca Hope Schussheim, Matthew Lee Shackelford, Eva Strom Simonte, Ethan Jet Tober, Katherine Elizabeth Valante, Lucia Julianne Wang, Lilly Brooke Weisz, Tom X Zhang. " (click to read more)

Westport Public Schools Twenty one exceptional students have been honored with the distinction of graduating with High Honors from the Staples High School Class of 2023. A student will be designated with "High Honors" if his/her academic grade point average falls in the top 4 percent of

03/30/2023

"If you have no plans this weekend (or even if you do), please come out and support the Coleytown Company of Coleytown Middle School in their musical production: The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. This play is based on the book by Rick Riordan, a book you can encourage your children and/or students to read after the show!" (click to read more)

Coleytown Company If you have no plans this weekend (or even if you do), please come out and support the Coleytown Company of Coleytown Middle School in their musical production: The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. This play is based on the book by Rick Riordan, a bo

03/27/2023

"On March 27th, 2023 at approximately 7:15am the Westport Police Department responded to a residence on a report of a disturbing social media post. The complainant is a student at a local school and felt concerned about going to school based on the content of the post. Responding officers immediately identified the source of the post and working with the School Resource Officer and the Detective Bureau, we were able to identify the person responsible. Working in concert with the schools and our investigators, Officers were sent to each school until we were able to locate the responsible party. By 8:00am, our officers located the responsible party and determined that there was no threat. "

Press Release On March 27th, 2023 at approximately 7:15am the Westport Police Department responded to a residence on a report of a disturbing social media post. The complainant is a student at a local school and felt concerned about going to school based on the content of the post.&nb

03/22/2023

"Ms. Fava states, 'We are looking forward to the 2023 golf season. Our Head Golf Professional Jon Janik and our Golf Course Superintendent Brad Brown have been working hard to make sure the pro shop, staff, and course are ready for this new season.'"

Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Fava announced today that the anticipated opening date for the Longshore Golf Course is March 28, weather permitting. Ms. Fava states, “We are looking forward to the 2023 golf season. Our Head Golf Professional Jon Jani

03/14/2023

Today: Rain and snow before 11am, then rain between 11am and 2pm, then rain and snow after 2pm. High near 38. Wind chill values between 25 and 30. Breezy, with a northwest wind 13 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Tonight: Snow, mainly before 11pm. Low around 32. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Windy, with a northwest wind around 26 mph, with gusts as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

03/13/2023

"“We began monitoring this storm last week using several weather services and continue to closely watch its path and will adjust our plan as needed,” said Eversource President of Connecticut Electric Operations Steve Sullivan. “The heavy, wet snow and hazardous winds forecasted have the potential to bring down trees and branches onto electric lines and equipment, causing damage and power outages. The hazardous conditions can also make travel challenging for our crews, so we’re staging extra staff and equipment in our work centers across the state to ensure we’re ready to respond as quickly as possible to whatever this storm brings.” (click to read more)

With a powerful nor’easter expected to hit New England Monday night through Wednesday, Eversource is closely monitoring the weather forecast and is ready for the heavy, wet snow and strong winds that are expected to impact Connecticut. The energy company is prepositioning

03/10/2023

Today: A 20 percent chance of rain after 4pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 44. Light and variable wind becoming south around 6 mph in the morning. Tonight: Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 1am. Low around 33. Wind chill values between 25 and 30. Northeast wind 7 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible. Winter Weather Advisory begins at 6:00 PM. Tomorrow: Snow before 1pm, then a slight chance of rain between 1pm and 4pm. High near 43. Wind chill values between 25 and 35. North wind 13 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Winter Weather Advisory ends at 10:00 AM.

03/10/2023

"On Wednesday March 8 2023, Westport Police were notified of propaganda, in the form of stickers, affixed to signs in the Saugatuck area of Town. These stickers were small, and in some cases, old and tattered. These stickers are confirmed recruitment materials from a group called “Patriot Front”. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has documented this group and written extensively on them https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/patriot-front. Westport Police spoke with CT State Police Hate Crimes Unit and confirmed that they have seen material from this group in other parts of the Country, and further stated they have had no violence attached to this propaganda." (click to read more)

Press Release Propaganda stickers discovered on town & state property in recent days prompted a swift response from the Town Administration and the Westport Police Department. On Wednesday March 8 2023, Westport Police were notified of propaganda, in the form of stic

03/08/2023

Westport’s Representative Town Meeting met via Zoom for a session beginning at 7:30 and adjourning at just after 9:40 this evening. Over 3 million dollars were appropriated for three different projects for the Department of Public Works, all of which involved the community’s sewer systems - including a new pump station on Riverside Avenue and adding several streets to the existing sewer & water lines. (click to read more)

March 7th, 2023 Agenda & Results Westport’s Representative Town Meeting met via Zoom for a session beginning at 7:30 and adjourning at just after 9:40 this evening. Over 3 million dollars were appropriated for three different projects for the Department of Public Works, all of which inv

03/05/2023

"Unfortunately, Mr. Balga did not survive his injuries and was pronounced deceased at Norwalk Hospital shortly after arrival. The Westport Police Department along with the Westport Community extends our thoughts and prayers to the Balga family during this difficult time. " (click to read more)

Westport Police Department Update On Saturday, March 4, 2023, at approximately 11:30PM, officers responded to the area of 575 Riverside Avenue on a report of a motor vehicle accident with serious injuries. The initial report was that the nature of the accident was vehicle versus pedestrian.&nb

03/05/2023

"Emergency responders located and rendered aid to a male victim that had been struck by a southbound vehicle. The victim sustained life threatening injuries and was ultimately transported to Norwalk Hospital for further treatment." (click to read more)

Westport Police Department On Saturday, March 4, 2023, at approximately 11:30PM, officers responded to the area of 575 Riverside Avenue on a report of a motor vehicle accident with serious injuries. The initial report was that the nature of the accident was vehicle versus pedestrian. &

03/02/2023

Just prior to 8am this morning the fire department responded to the report of a car into the building and an active gas leak at Staples High School. The building was immediately evacuated by school personnel. The driver of the vehicle, an adult woman, inadvertently drove into the building. The fire department arrived and found gas actively leaking from a classroom kitchen. The woman was not injured and was out of the vehicle when the fire department arrived. The gas was quickly shut off and multiple fans were used to ventilate the gas from the building. There were no injuries as a result of the accident or gas leak. (click to read more)

Westport Fire Department: Just prior to 8am this morning the fire department responded to the report of a car into the building and an active gas leak at Staples High School. The building was immediately evacuated by school personnel. The driver of the vehicle, an adult woman,

03/01/2023

The yellow of Assumption Church punctuated the white and grey skies of Tuesday’s snow storm. WestportLocal.com photo

Saugatuck Snow Day Feb 28 Written By James Bairaktaris The yellow of Assumption Church punctuated the white and grey skies of Tuesday’s snow storm. WestportLocal.com photo James Bairaktaris

02/28/2023

Snow brought the Monday evening commute to a snowy end as the hearty commuters of Westport walked back to their snow-covered cars tonight from Saugatuck Station. WestportLocal.com photo

Intrepid New England Commuters Feb 28 Written By James Bairaktaris View fullsize Snow brought the Monday evening commute to a snowy end as the hearty commuters of Westport walked back to their snow-covered cars tonight from Saugatuck Station. WestportLocal.com photo James Bairaktaris

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Mindful Moment: Breathe with the Flow of the Saugatuck

"Take a Moment" by seeing and hearing the rhythm of the Westport community. Pause the news cycle and world around you. Reset your mindset. Remember the beauty of the town around us. A new feature for The Westport Local Press.