A video of the destructive house fire on Kathleen Drive in Stratford, where two people are believed to have perished Friday night.
Archive for September, 2009
Contractor arrested
The owner of East Coast Stone has been arrested for allegedly defrauding a Stratford woman
No protests this time around
What a difference a year makes.
Last year, about 75 Bridgeport cops protested at Bill Finch’s “Mayor’s Cup” charity tournament at Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course to call attention to their contract dispute with the city. The mayor was in the process of seeking cuts to the police department’s budget — including sizable slices in overtime pay — as he grappled with a multimillion-dollar budget deficit.
“Grinch: Leave Our Contract Alone,” read one sign. “Finch is a zero,” stated another.
The police union and Finch ultimately worked out their differences. And the only cries of protest at this year’s Mayor’s Cup Friday appeared to be connected to errant shots sprayed around the golf course.
The event, co-sponsored by the Connecticut Post, raises money for the Newspaper in Education program. As it did last year, the police union donated to the event.
Spectator screening measures at Rentschler Field to increase
Spectator screening measures at all Rentschler Field events will increase beginning with the Connecticut vs. Rhode Island football game on Saturday, Sept. 26. These changes are being made due to the recent heightening of security concerns on the national level.
“We want our patrons to be able to enter Rentschler Field as safely, expeditiously and comfortably as possible,” said Chuck Steedman, Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Northland AEG, which manages Rentschler Field. “We take security bulletins from national law enforcement agencies very seriously, but at the same time we also want to make sure our patrons enjoy the total experience at Rentschler Field. We thank all of the fans in advance for their cooperation as we work together to ensure the safest possible environment in our stadium.” Patrons may experience some minor delays entering the stadium, while security personnel ensure that no items are brought into the stadium that may negatively affect safety. Ticket holders can help expedite the security process by not attempting to carry large bags into the facility.
The belongings, and person, of all patrons entering the stadium will be subject to search and guests will be subject to a pat-down procedure upon entry to the stadium. The pat-down procedure entails an inspection for all fans entering the stadium. This procedure will be conducted by trained individuals.
To ensure all fans a safe and enjoyable experience at Rentschler Field, the list of items prohibited inside the stadium remains the same as in previous seasons:
Any alcoholic beverages.
Weapons of any kind (including knives).
Food and beverages.
Illegal drugs and any other illegal substances.
Coolers and containers, including cans, bottles and flasks.
Fireworks and pyrotechnics.
Umbrellas.
Backpacks and oversized handbags.
Banners.
Signs and flags.
Horns and other noise makers.
Laser pointers.
Animals (except for assistance animals).
To avoid last-minute gate pressure, fans are strongly urged to allow ample time for their entry into the stadium. The gates for Saturday’s game will open at 10:30 a.m. – 90 minutes prior to the noon kickoff.€©
Wanted
The U.S. Marshals Service is seeking the public’s help in arresting a Bridgeport man wanted on burglary and credit car theft charges.
Sherman Adams, 50, of Trumbull Avenue, is known to frequent Bridgeport and Stratford.
Anyone with information about Adams’ whereabouts is asked to call 203.410.9026.
The arts as an economic savior?
About 50 local business executives, leaders from arts organizations and government officials heard an interesting pitch this morning at the University of Bridgeport. Larry Goldman, CEO and president of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, was there to talk about how the arts can be a driver of economic development.
Goldman presides over an arts center that was built a few years ago in Newark, N.J., not exactly the garden spot of America. By all accounts, New Jersey PAC has been a huge success — artistically, culturally, economically and in creating a success story in a city that hasn’t seen a lot of wins.
So, how did he/theydo it? Post arts writer Phyllis Boros will have a piece in Saturday’s paper outlining how it happened. In a nutshell, Goldman capitalized on the appeal of a big idea, had the advantage of some powerful and committed people who tirelessly advocated for it, managed to bridge the urban-suburan suspicion gap and got a whole heckuva lot of money.
Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, who makes no secret of his distaste for setting foot on the U.B. campus, was not in attendance, but Adam Wood, his chief of staff was there.
