CT State Police are recruiting new troopers through May 29 2012

The Connecticut State Police Department is preparing to accept applications for employment for the position of State Trooper. Enrollment for the Trooper Exam began Monday, May 14 and will continue through May 29, 2012.

The Connecticut State Police offers an exciting career opportunity, a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Applications can be downloaded from the State Police web site at http://www.ct.gov/despp/cwp/view.asp?a=4215&q=494752 or by contacting a State Police recruiter at 203-630-8070.

Also on the State Police web site, potential recruits will find the specific requirements that are necessary to apply to be a Trooper.

Anyone who wishes to compete for the position of Trooper must have completed and submitted the application online by May 29, 2012.

The Connecticut State Police was founded in 1903 and is the oldest State Police agency in the United States.

More than 1,000 Troopers are assigned to barracks scattered across the state and to dozens of specialized units.

State Police Troopers are primary law enforcement providers in 82 of the 169 municipalities in Connecticut. The Connecticut State Police is the third largest police force in New England.

Posted May 17, 2012

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Save your appetite for the return of the Third Thursday Street Fest

Besides live music and other entertainment, the Willimantic Third Thursday Street Fest includes tables set up by local businesses, some offering samples of their goods and services. In prior years, for example, massage therapist Diane Marion has offered chair massages - a nice break for visitors after making a tour of everything going on on Main Street. Photo copyright 2011 by Brenda Sullivan.

Have you missed the Third Thursday Street Fest? Well, the new 2012 season begins this week on Thursday, May 17. Admission is free and all are welcome. Forecasts are for sunny skies and comfortable temps.

Downtown Main Street will be closed to traffic from 5 to 9 p.m., and the streets will be taken over by bands and other entertainers, food vendors of all kinds – from burgers to falafel – and tables with representatives of civic groups and other local organizations, as well as a variety of craftspeople and artists.

Good food tastes even better listening to the music by performers on the many stages at the festival, beginning at 6 p.m. until about 8 p.m.

Every year the Street Fest grows – drawing thousands of visitors from the area.

For details about each month’s music, food and other events, visit the web site at http://willimanticstreetfest.com (there you can also find an application to showcase your goods, services or band at a future Street Fest).

Third Thursday is also an opportunity to visit some of the restaurants, businesses, coffee shops and art galleries that make Downtown Willimantic special.

“Way uptown” is the home of Main Street Café and Brew Pub. That’s the one with all the awards, like the 2011 Best Brew in Connecticut, and 2010 6th Best Brew Pub in the World.

Then there is Cafémantic, in the beautifully renovated, colorful “Victorian” building with a large selection of fresh-made gourmet sandwiches and treats, as well as delicious coffees and teas.

Also on Main Street is the newly opened Fred’s Blues and BBQ and the City Side Deli.

The rock-climbing tower at the Willimantic Third Thursday Street Fest. Photo copyright 2011 by Brenda Sullivan.

Turn onto Church Street and find The Harp on Church, an Irish spot with tasty sandwiches and drink.

Go “way downtown” and you’ll find Tony’s Pizza, or buy their pizza by the slice at the Third Thursday Street Fest.

Also at the festival:

Domino’s Pizza with pizza and breadsticks; First Congregational Church with fried dough with various toppings; Hosmer Mountain Soda with its famous ice cream floats; Windham Bigg Play will have pulled pork and coleslaw; Wings Express selling Indian food like chicken tika masala, matter paneer and samosas; Ternullo Ministries offering French fries and onion rings; Chappy’s II has custom sausage and smoked products; Keiffer’s Kettle Korn also has Italian ice; Iglesia Corozon will have beef empanadas, rice with pigeon peas and roasted pulled pork; Raw Youniverse will make you an organic smoothie; and for your sweet tooth, cotton candy from St. Mary’s Church.

There truly is something for everyone at the Willimantic Third Thursday Street Fest – bring your friends and family.

Editor’s note:Please, if bringing your (friendly) family dog, keep him/her on a leash, plan to clean up after any accidents and bring some water because you, your children and your four-footed friend are likely to get thirsty. And if you have a good time at the festival, why not stop by the main information booth and buy a button to help support future fests. Each festival costs about $16,000 to produce. About $10,000 is covered through in-kind services and volunteer labor, leaving about $6,000 – which includes about $4,500 to pay performers, $1,000 for advertising and about $500 for insurance, Port-a-Potties, postage and other fest expenses.

Posted May 15, 2012, based on a press release from the Willimantic Third Thursday Street Fest organizers

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Info meeting set for creating two-lane Pucker Street bridge in Coventry

The project will change the single-lane bridge into a two-lane structure with two 10-ft wide lanes and a two-foot shoulder, with the intent of improving the sight line across the bridge.

A public information meeting on the rehabilitation of the Pucker Street Bridge will take place Wednesday, May 16.

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the town hall annex behind the town hall at 1712 Main St.

Though the project has waned for some time, town officials have now resolved concerns raised by the Department of Transportation and its consultant liaison, including hydraulic modeling and floodplain impacts.

The purpose of Wednesday’s meeting is to encourage interested persons to learn about and discuss the project.

The project will change the single-lane bridge into a two-lane structure with two 10-ft wide lanes and a two-foot shoulder, with the intent of improving the sight line across the bridge.

The estimated construction cost is $2.1 million with 80 percent reimbursed with federal funds under the Federal Local Bridge Program and 20 percent shared by the towns of Coventry and Columbia, which border the bridge.

The split between the towns previously agreed upon requires Coventry to pay two-thirds of the share.

Posted May 15, 2012

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Gov. Malloy orders flags to fly half staff for Peace Officers Memorial Day

Trooper Memorial. Image source: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy directed the U.S. and Connecticut flags lowered to half staff today in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day, observed annually on May 15.

“Our brave men and women in law enforcement do tremendous work to make our communities and our state safer. National Peace Officers Memorial Day gives us the opportunity to honor them and the sacrifices they make to protect and defend Connecticut,” Gov. Malloy said in a written statement today.

“This day also gives us the chance to honor those who have given their lives in the line of duty. Their service to Connecticut will never be forgotten,” Gov. Malloy said.

Started in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, National Peace Officers Memorial Day corresponds with Police Week.

Flags will fly at half staff until sunset on May 15.

Posted May 15, 2012; Photo source Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles http://hsmv.state.fl.us/fhp/PhotoGallery/2008/PG051508.htm

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Coventry wants to promote more kids walking to school

New sidewalks could make it safer for more children to walk to Coventry High School and Middle School - and promote more exercise while possibly reducing some bus costs. File photo by Roxanne Pandolfi

The public is invited to a community forum to weigh in on a proposed sidewalk project to link existing sidewalks on Main Street to the high school and middle school complex.

When built, it would rectify what town officials say is a safety issue.

Though still in the concept stage, the town is anticipating the Federal Highway Administration will fully fund construction costs, which are assessed at $500,000.

The informational meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 17 in the town hall annex off Route 31.

The project could be recommended for construction under the Safe Routes to School Program and would be administered by the state Department of Transportation.

Safe Routes to Schools, established in 2006, is a program designed to create safe transportation routes for schoolchildren to and from school, as well as educate students about transportation options.

Its mission is to combat the problem of childhood obesity by increasing opportunities for physical activity in communities — something sidewalks would do by allowing children to safely walk to school.

Director of Planning and Development Eric Trott said all of the sidewalks would be in the town’s “right-of-way,” so no easements would be needed from property owners along the proposed sidewalk route.

Town Manager John Elsesser said the town hopes to see construction begin next summer.

Coventry Police Chief Mark Palmer supports the sidewalk project. He observed that Main Street (Route 31) “has a lot of pedestrian traffic.”

“Cars tend to go faster than the speed limit there,” Palmer said.

The department does a lot of speed enforcement on Main Street and there haven’t been a lot of  accidents on that stretch of road, “but we don’t want to wait until there is a serious accident,” Palmer said.

Town Council Chair Elizabeth Woolf said she is “very optimistic” about the town getting the sidewalk funds. She added, “It’s very dangerous the way it is now.”

Coventry Board of Education Chair Jennifer Beausoleil agreed. “This would improve safety for kids and everyone,” she said. She added that this amenity also could boost traffic to businesses in the Coventry Village area.

If more children could walk to school, there might also be some transportation savings, she said.

“We could see some potential savings in transportation because we wouldn’t be required to have some bus stops along Main Street,” Beausoleil said.

For more information about the project or about the public forum, please call Director of Planning and Development Eric Trott directly at 860-742-4062 during town office hours.

Posted May 14, 2012 as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

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Sen. Prague set to retire, has served since 1994

Sen. Edith Prague, D-Columbia has decided to heed the advice of her doctor after recovering from a stroke and has announced she will retire after serving 18 years in the Connecticut legislature.

Longtime State Senator Edith Prague, D-Columbia, has decided not to run for re­election and thus bring to an end an 18-year career in the state Senate.

Prague has represented the 19th Senate District since 1994. Her district serves Columbia, Franklin, Hebron, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Marlborough, Montville, Norwich and Sprague. (Bozrah will be dropped from this district as a result of redistricting.)

After suffering a minor stroke Christmas morning, 86-year-old Prague returned to work in January 2012, but she is heeding the advice of her doctor, who is concerned about the level of stress campaigning entails.

“She gave me a fair warning,” said Sen. Prague.

Former state Rep. Joan Lewis, D-Coventry, spoke to the passion and dedication Prague has demonstrated in her job.

Lewis ended her fourth term as state representative after losing to current state Rep. Tim Ackert, R-Coventry in November 2010.

As state representative, Lewis served constituents in Coventry, Columbia and Vernon. She also worked with Sen. Prague during Lewis’ 17 years on the Coventry Town Council.

At that time, Sen. Prague was serving Coventry as state representative.

Lewis remembers Sen. Prague’s “energy and enthusiasm” about issues in the state legislature. Sen. Prague has been “an outspoken advocate for the people,” said Lewis.

During her time as a legislator, Prague has been an advocate for senior citizens and aimed to improve access to affordable health care for all citizens.

Prior to her time in the state Senate, Prague was a state representative for eight years and served as commissioner of the former state Department on Aging – during that time, she established a statewide health insurance program, originally called “HICAP” and now operating under the name “CHOICES.” The program provides counsel­ing services to seniors with ques­tions about insurance coverage.

Sen. Prague is currently serving as assistant president pro tempore of the state Senate and is chair of the aging and labor and public employees committees. She is also vice chair of the appropriations committee and a member of the public health committee.

Rep. Ackert has been working closely with Prague since beginning his first term in November 2010. Although they are from two different parties, he has a great deal of respect for Sen. Prague and the work she has done in the legislature.

“We may have disagreed on our philosophies, but never on our philosophies for our constituents,” said Ackert. For example, the pair has been a “voice” for Columbia regarding the minimum budget requirement law, which Town Administrator Jonathan Luiz testified against in February.

The law requires school districts to allocate at least the same amount of funding that was in the budget the previous year.

Columbia failed to meet the MBR requirement; the budget is $158,723 less than the prior year. And so, the town is required to come up with the remaining funds by June 31, the end of the fiscal year.

Thus far, no action has been taken on the measure, so the town faces a possible financial penalty, which would be double the amount of Education Cost Sharing Grant funding the town would typically receive.

Rep. Ackert said Sen. Prague’s retirement will give her an opportunity to take time for herself and spend more time with her family. “I care about her health — I truly do,” he said.

Sen. Prague said the highlight of her legislative career came Wednesday, when Bill 5312 passed in the Senate – it makes changes in the state employee health benefits statutes to correspond with employee concessions in the state employee collective bargaining agreement.

It has also passed in the state House of Representatives.

“That’s what serving in state government is all about, improving the lives of people in this state,” Sen. Prague said.

She said she is proud of her record in the state legislature and is “sad to leave” her position. She said if she didn’t have a stroke in December, she would have run for re-election.

“I’m grateful to the people of my district that they gave me this opportunity,” she said.

Those who have known and worked with Sen. Prague predict she will continue to be a presence in the legislature.

“I’m sure that Edith Prague will find a way to be engaged in the causes she believes in,” said state Rep. Gregory Haddad, D-Mansfield.

Haddad has known Prague for many years; he worked as her campaign manager before he was elected to the state legislature in November 2010.

“She is going to be missed by many people,” said Haddad.

State Senate President Pro Tempore Donald Williams Jr., D-Brooklyn also praised Sen. Prague’s dedication and he also foresees her continuing as an advocate. “Helping others is what keeps Edith going,” he said.

“I’m going to miss Edith tremendously because she’s such a fighter for working men and women and their families, for senior citizens and for those who need a tireless champion,” said Sen. Williams. “There’s no one else like Edith. She has loved every minute of her time in public service.”

U. S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, also expressed admiration for Sen. Prague’s public service. “Edith has been a giant on the landscape of Connecticut for many years,” he said in a prepared statement. “We are a better state because of her commitment to investing in our people, which she realized is the true strength of the state she loves so much. Job well done.”

Sen. Prague earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Connecticut State University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut.

She is widowed and has four children and nine grandchildren.

Posted May 13, 2012

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CT Sunday liquor sales expected to begin by May 20

The legislation allows liquor permittees to sell alcohol 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays, as well as on the Memorial, Independence and Labor Day holidays, and on Mondays following any Christmas and New Year's Day that falls on a Sunday.

Connecticut residents may be buying alcohol on a Sunday for the first time, in this state, as soon as May 20. That’s what Gov. Dannel P. Malloy told reporters on Thursday morning (May 10) at a post-legislative session press conference.

The legislation allows liquor permittees to sell alcohol 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays, as well as on the Memorial, Independence and Labor Day holidays, and on Mondays following any Christmas and New Year’s Day that falls on a Sunday.

Also:

• No one will be allowed to own more than three package stores (which is an increase from two under the old law).

• Minimum prices will remain intact, with one exception; retailers can sell one item per month for 10 percent below the cost of acquisition.

• Discounted items cannot be sold for less than 90 percent of the permittee’s wholesale cost.

The governor said Thursday the bill hadn’t arrived on his desk yet, but added that by early next week, he expects to receive the bill, give it a final review and sign it.

To read the full story, click here: http://www.ctmirror.org/story/16313/sunday-liquor-sales-should-begin-may-20

Posted May 12, 2012

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State invites you to design 2013 cover of boating guide

“Learning to Sail” on the Mystic River (shown cropped on the 2012 cover of the Connecticut Boater’s Guide), a pastel by Tina Campbell Lyman of Stonington, CT

If you are artistically inclined and have a love of boating, here is your chance to share your work with a large audience.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is sponsoring a competition for artwork for the cover of the 2013 Connecticut Boater’s Guide. The guide is a pocket-sized booklet containing updated laws and regulations, safety tips, and environmental information of interest to the boating public.

Approximately 92,000 guides are distributed statewide through marinas, town halls, libraries, boating classes and boat shows, in addition to being posted on the internet. (To view the 2012 Connecticut Boater’s Guide, click here )

This year, the competition is being conducted in tandem with the Gallery at Firehouse Square’s OpSail Plein Air Event. Juried submissions for the Connecticut Boater’s Guide Cover will be entered into the Plein Air Competition.

Submitted images should showcase Connecticut waterways and/or boating and the scene depicted should have been created within the last three years.

For the submission form and more details, click here.

The deadline to submit digital copies of the images is Monday, May 14, 2012.

Questions? Contact Katie Fogg at Fogg@aol.com or 860-443-0344 during state office hours.

Posted May 10, 2012

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Connecticut gets $6 Million from settlement with drug company

Abbott Laboratories allegedly offered and paid illegal remuneration to health care professionals and long-term care pharmacy providers to encourage them to promote and/or prescribe Depakote

Connecticut Atty. General George Jepsen said Monday (May 7) the state will receive approximately $6 million from settlements with Abbott Laboratories in relation to charges the pharmaceutical company marketed the prescription drug Depakote for uses not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Depakote is approved by the FDA for treatment of seizure disorders, “mania” associated with bipolar disorder and to prevent migraine headaches.

According to complaints, Abbott also marketed the drug for behavioral disturbances in dementia patients, anxiety, conduct disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and drug withdrawal, attention deficit disorder, autism and other psychiatric conditions – uses the FDA has not deemed to be effective.

According to the allegations in the complaint, Abbott Laboratories promoted Depakote for unapproved uses by:

• making false and misleading statements about the safety, efficacy, dosing and cost-effectiveness of Depakote for some of these uses;

• improperly marketing the product for use in nursing homes;

• and by offering and paying illegal remuneration to health care professionals and long-term care pharmacy providers to encourage them to promote and/or prescribe Depakote.

Abbott Laboratories’ marketing for non-FDA approved uses allegedly resulted in false claims to Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs.

Jepsen said these settlements “will serve as a deterrent to other companies who seek to benefit unfairly from government healthcare programs.”

“Most importantly, they will help to protect consumers who were prescribed an expensive drug with little evidence the drug could help their condition,” Jepsen said.

In the settlements, Abbott has agreed to pay the involved states and the federal government $800 million in civil damages and penalties.

Connecticut’s share of Medicaid claims is more than $3.9 million.

Connecticut will also receive $499,000 for state-funded benefit programs administered by the state Department of Social services.

Social Services Commissioner Roderick L. Bremby said, “Our claims data indicated a significant and inappropriate impact on Medicaid expenditures, a factor that will now be mitigated by this major settlement.”

The company has also agreed to a $700 million criminal fine and forfeiture for violating the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Another $100 million settlement with 45 states and the District of Columbia, resolves civil consumer protection claims that the company engaged in unfair and deceptive practices by illegal off-label marketing of Depakote.

Connecticut’s share of the consumer protection settlement is more than $1.5 million, including $150,000 for the state Department of Consumer Protection’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said, “The funding that the settlement provides for Connecticut’s Prescription Monitoring Program will directly benefit patient health by assisting pharmacists and physicians to better monitor potentially dangerous drug interactions and prescription errors.”

Abbott also agreed to enter into a corporate integrity agreement with the federal government.

For a period of five years, Abbott must also limit:

• the creation and use of responses to requests by physicians for non-promotional information about off-label uses of Depakote;

• dissemination of reprints of clinical studies relating to off-label uses of Depakote;

• and use of grants and continuing medical education.

It must also disclose payments to physicians and register and disclose clinical trials.

The healthcare fraud settlement was based on four qui tam cases, filed under federal and state false claim statutes that were consolidated and are pending in U.S. District Court in Virginia.

Assistant Atty. General Thomas Saadi handled the consumer protection settlement for the Attorney General with Assistant Atty. General Phillip Rosario, head of the Consumer Protection department.

Consumers can make inquiries of the Attorney General’s office by calling 860-808-5318 during office hours or sending email to attorney.general@ct.gov You can also follow the office on Facebook at Attorney General George Jepsen and on Twitter @AGJepsen

Posted May 9, 2012, based on a press release

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Chris Murphy endorsed for U.S. Senate by Malloy, Wyman and Tong

Congressman Chris Murphy at a send off of National Guard troops. Murphy has been endorsed by Gov. Malloy, Lt. Gov. Wyman and former Democratic candidate William Tong to fill the open U.S. Senate seat for Connecticut. Photo source: Rep. Chris Murphy

Gov. Dannel Malloy, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman and State Rep. William Tong today (May 1) joined together to endorse Congressman Chris Murphy’s candidacy for the open United States Senate seat in Connecticut.

Willliam Tong announced that he is ending his bid for the U.S. Senate.

“I want to congratulate William on a well run campaign,” said Gov. Malloy. “His positive message and personal story struck a chord with many people and I have no doubt that he’ll find success in whatever he sets his mind to next.”

“But now, it’s time for us as a party to get behind the best candidate in this race, and I have no doubt that that person is Chris Murphy,” Gov. Malloy said. “He’s smart, he gets things done and he’s not afraid to stand up to the status quo in Washington. That’s what we need in our next Senator, and I’m happy to put my support behind his candidacy. Now is the time for the Democratic Party to rally around Chris as we head into the nominating convention.”

Lt. Gov. Wyman said, “It is always good and sad when two very qualified people run for the same office… William Tong is a newer face to politics and a leader in his own right. Over the past few years I have become a friend and am proud of his abilities. William is a true leader and we will be seeing him in the future.”

Wyman added, “I am proud to add my name to the endorsement of Chris Murphy, who has a proven record in the State House, State Senate and as our 5th Congressional Representative to be our next U.S. Senator. Chris is a caring and hard working leader. Thank you William and Chris for putting the people of Connecticut first.”

State Rep. Tong said, “I am proud to endorse Chris Murphy for the United States Senate and join his team… I’ve learned a lot about Chris in this campaign. We are both sons of Connecticut who love our home state. And I have learned that he has the same fight, the same grit, the same commitment to working people like my parents. And I know he has the heart, the backbone and the integrity we need in the United States Senate. I am proud to call him my friend. I will be prouder still to call him my Senator.”

Rep. Murphy called these announcements, “an important unifying moment for our party and praised Tong’s campaign. “And I’m honored to earn his support today,” he said.

“Together, with the help of William, Gov. Malloy, Lt. Gov. Wyman and the thousands of grassroots activists who have enlisted to help our campaign, we’re building a coalition that can’t be beat,” Murphy said.

Posted May 1, 2012

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