Farmington Firefighters Play with Fire, Governor’s Green Thumb, and Traffic Gridlock: A Week in Review

A black and white stipple illustration of Governor Ned Lamont wearing a face mask and holding a sapling tree.

Farmington Firefighters Turn Old High School into Ultimate Firefighting Playground

Farmington Firefighters Utilize Vacant High School for Intensive Training

FARMINGTON, CT—Farmington firefighters have found the ultimate playground in the soon-to-be-demolished old Farmington High School. With the building scheduled for demolition, the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department (FVFD) took the opportunity to use it for some hardcore hands-on training. On June 20, 2024, they practiced hose line advancement, forcible entry, and roof operations. “It’s like a theme park for firefighters,” said one thrilled FVFD member. “Only instead of rides, we get to cut holes in concrete.”

Independence Day 2024: Farmington Ready to Explode (with Fireworks)

Celebrating Independence Day 2024: Farmington’s Lineup and Beyond

FARMINGTON, CT—Fireworks, festivals, and fun are set to light up the skies as Farmington gears up for Independence Day. Here’s where you can catch the explosive action:

  • Middletown Fireworks: Saturday, June 29, at Harbor Drive. Festival starts at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
  • New Britain “The Great American Boom”: Thursday, July 4, at Willow Brook Park. Festival begins at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
  • Hartford Bonanza Fireworks: Saturday, July 6, from 4 to 10 p.m. at Bushnell Park. Fireworks to end the night.
  • Newington’s Life, Be In It Extravaganza: Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Mill Pond Park. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Get ready to oooh and aaah as Farmington celebrates America’s birthday with a bang.

Tax Time in Farmington: Pay Up or Pay More

Real Estate and Property Tax Reminder for Farmington Residents

FARMINGTON, CT—Attention, Farmington residents: the first installment of your real estate and business/personal property taxes is due by August 1st. Late payments will incur an interest rate of 1.5% per month, backdated to July 1st. If you think you didn’t receive your bill, contact the Tax Collector’s Office at 860-675-2340. Don’t delay—unless you enjoy paying extra.

Statewide News

Governor Lamont Tests Positive for COVID-19, Ordered to Replant Forest

Governor Lamont’s COVID Diagnosis and Environmental Restoration

HARTFORD, CT—It’s been a rough week for Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. On June 27, 2024, he tested positive for COVID-19 and will be working remotely. Meanwhile, the governor is also dealing with a different kind of fallout—being ordered to replant over 180 trees and thousands of bushes after unauthorized clear-cutting near his Greenwich home. “It was a mix-up with the landscaper,” Lamont’s lawyer explained. The governor now faces a reforestation project as extensive as his quarantine playlist.

West Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Catalytic Converter Heist Bonanza

West Hartford Man Pleads Guilty in Catalytic Converter Theft Ring

WEST HARTFORD, CT—Yankee Rodriguez, aka “Yankster Rodriguez,” 28, of West Hartford, pleaded guilty to his role in a catalytic converter theft ring on June 26, 2024. Rodriguez admitted to charges that could result in up to 15 years in prison. Apparently, stealing catalytic converters was more lucrative than his rap career, netting him $411,845 between January 2021 and June 2022. Another proud moment for Connecticut crime.

New Steakhouse Opens with a Cut Above the Rest

New CT Steakhouse with Patented Dry Aging Process

BRANFORD, CT—Stephen and Joseph Goglia have opened Saltbrick Prime Steakhouse and Lockworks Tavern in Branford, featuring a patented dry aging process for steaks. The restaurant, which opened on June 28, 2024, offers cuts like sirloin, filet mignon, and porterhouse aged with Himalayan salt bricks. The historic 1806 building adds a touch of vintage charm. “We turned old bricks into juicy steaks,” said Stephen Goglia, summing up the whole concept in a way only a restaurateur could.

Hartford Braces for Traffic Apocalypse: Janet Jackson, Yard Goats, and Music Festival Collide

Traffic Advisory for Hartford Weekend Events

HARTFORD, CT—Hold on to your steering wheels, Hartford. This weekend, the city will host a series of events that promise to turn downtown into a parking lot. The Capitol Groove music festival kicks off at Bushnell Park at noon on both Saturday and Sunday. The Hartford Yard Goats play against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Dunkin’ Park on Saturday at 6:10 p.m. and Sunday at 1:10 p.m. Meanwhile, Janet Jackson and Nelly will perform at the Xfinity Theatre on Saturday at 8 p.m. Plan accordingly, or better yet, don’t drive at all.

Conclusion

Farmington’s latest news shows a community bustling with activity—from firefighter training to Independence Day celebrations and more. As Farmington and Connecticut move forward, the focus remains on community, safety, and a bit of fun. Stay tuned for more updates and remember to support local businesses like Farmington Storage, which help keep our community vibrant and thriving.

-JB-