STATE TROOPER DIES IN CRASH
TOLLAND, Conn. (AP) – A veteran Connecticut state trooper has been killed in a highway crash involving a tractor-trailer. Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said Trooper First Class Kevin Miller died in the accident on Interstate 84 in Tolland early Thursday afternoon. The governor ordered state and U.S. flags in Connecticut to be lowered to half-staff until burial or memorial services are held. Miller was a 19-year state police veteran who was assigned to Troop C in Tolland. He was the 22nd state trooper or auxiliary trooper killed in the line of duty since 1922. Another trooper, Danielle Miller, was killed in an off-duty accident in Wolcott in February. A state police spokeswoman says the two troopers were not related. Authorities have not released details on the crash.
“TEEN TEXT” LAWMAKER FINALLY RESIGNS
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – A Connecticut lawmaker accused of sending affectionate text messages to an 16-year-old girl has resigned his state House seat. Democratic Rep. Angel Arce submitted a resignation letter to the secretary of the state Thursday. He said he didn’t want his “presence to be distraction to the very important work that occurs at the Capitol” and did not want his “family, friends and supporters to be burdened in any way.” The governor and House Speaker had called on the three-term legislator to resign at the beginning of the month, after the Hartford Courant first published a series of text messages the 57-year-old grandfather allegedly sent to the teen in 2015. They included calling the girl “so beautiful and gorgeous.”
POT DISPENSARY MAY BE IN NL
New London may be getting its first marijuana dispensary. The city’s office of Development and Planning has approved an application from New Britain pharmacy owner Todd Degroff to operate the facility at 446 Colman Street, which is currently vacant. The application now goes to the state Department of Consumer Protection for its approval. D-C-P is looking to grant as many as 10 new dispensary licenses this year.
SAVED FROM WRECKING BALL
Two historic, but run-down, Bank Street buildings in New London will be spared the wrecking ball. New London Superior Court Judge Joseph Koletsky Thursday ruled developer Bill Cornish can’t demolish 116 and 130 Bank Street, noting there exists viable alternatives to preserve the buildings. Cornish is hoping to build one new structure on the site, with up to 20 apartments. Local preservationists had fought the buildings’ demolition, and say they’re willing to work with Cornish to develop the property.
LAKE RESCUE
Emergency responders are trying to determine why a man had to be rescued early Thursday morning from Gardner Lake in Salem. Fire crews were alerted at 9 AM that a man was in the water yelling for help. Several fire departments were on the scene, to rescue the man, who appeared to be suffering from hypothermia. He was taken to Backus Hospital in Norwich for treatment. No identity has been released.
NO WORKING DETECTORS
Westerly fire officials note Tuesday night’s blaze in a Nichols Lane home could’ve been less severe if the building had working smoke detectors. Chief John McKay says the adult male in the home at the time would’ve heard the detectors go off, meaning a toddler rescued from the burning home wouldn’t have been so seriously injured. The 15-month old boy suffered burns on at least 15-percent of his body, plus smoke inhalation, but is now doing well. A firefighter was treated and released for over-exertion.
SCHOOL EMPLOYEE CHARGED WITH THREATENING
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) – A Connecticut high school employee is accused of threatening to “execute” white men and stomping on an American fla g in a classroom. A police report says Harding High School in-school suspension counselor Carl Lemon was arrested Wednesday and charged with threatening and breach of peace. The document says a teacher reported that Lemon said he “couldn’t wait for the Panthers to give the OK and a revolution begins” because he would “execute every white man he gets his hands on.” Sixty-three year-old Lemon is black. The police report says Lemon also stepped on a flag and told students: “This is what I think about it.”
