Bethel residents will have their say on a significant $92.5 million budget proposal, along with two key appropriations, during today’s referendum. The proposed budget includes a $54.75 million education plan and a $37.7 million town budget for the next fiscal year. Additionally, voters will decide on funding for a new ladder truck and the acquisition of the property at 159 Greenwood Ave., where a Wells Fargo branch is set to close. Residents can cast their ballots between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. at designated polling places across Bethel.

Wilton police have arrested a driver after he led officers on a chase and crashed into two vehicles on Danbury Road and Olmstead Hill Road. During the incident, police say 48 year old Jorge Oliva of Trumbull, threw a baseball cap out of his window and assaulted officers by kicking one and punching another in the nose. One of the crash victims was injured and taken to Norwalk Hospital. Oliva is now behind bars… He’s being held on a $50,000 bond.

Four Express stores here in Connecticut are set to close their doors as part of the retailer’s bankruptcy filing. The affected locations include stores in Westport, Greenwich, Manchester, and Danbury. Express, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, plans to close 95 stores nationwide. However, the company reassures customers that hours for remaining stores will remain unchanged, and they will continue to accept orders and returns as usual. A group of investors has released plans to acquire Express to save the brand. Closing sales at the affected stores are expected to begin soon.

The identity has been released of the man who was struck and killed by a Metro-North train in Pawling. The incident occurred at the Appalachian Trail station on the Harlem Line in Dutchess County, New York around 5:30 p.m. Friday. The victim has been identified as 62-year-old James Hare from Newtown. Service on the line was suspended for several hours following the incident.

A Waterbury man has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the 2022 overdose death of Guy Bonne of New Milford. Michael Garcia faces charges including second-degree manslaughter and selling narcotics following an investigation into Bonne’s death from fentanyl-laced cocaine. The case centers on text messages exchanged between the two men, indicating narcotics transactions. Despite Garcia’s plea, court records reveal evidence linking him to the drugs found at Bonne’s residence. Garcia’s pre-trial hearing is scheduled for June 7 at state Superior Court in Torrington.

A New Fairfield woman faces charges of assault on a public safety officer after allegedly throwing a jacket at a judicial marshal in Danbury’s State Superior Court. 50 year old Caryn Kutzy was reportedly asked to remove her jacket. But authorities say she became unruly, striking the marshal in the face. Kutzy was at the courthouse for arraignment on a breach of peace charge from an earlier incident when it happened. She was released on a $5,000 bond and is due back in court for arraignment on the assault charge today.

The Danbury Library is hosting a Community Baby Shower on Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This free event offers resources and support for new parents and families. The first 50 registrants will receive an early literacy tote bag filled with books and toys. Those who take part will be provided with information on health, housing, and childcare services. Attendees can join activities like Dad’s Read Storytime and a Prenatal Yoga Class. To register and learn more, CLICK HERE

The owner of English Apothecary in Bethel has proposed a redevelopment plan… adding two stories of one-bedroom apartments above his drugstore and adjacent bank on Greenwood Avenue. This project, including 16 residential units, aligns with Bethel’s vision for mixed-use development in its downtown area. The proposal will undergo a public hearing next month to discuss the site plan and special permit application.

The Board of Education in Brookfield is facing a reduction of over $700,000 in their budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. Despite this cut, officials say it won’t directly impact teachers or students. The reduction was largely offset by identified savings, particularly in employee health insurance costs, which are now projected to rise by 2 percent instead of the previously anticipated 7 percent. Additionally, the district will save by providing special education services in-house rather than using out-of-district placements. The proposed budget, to be decided by town voters next month, would increase local spending by $5.09 million, representing a 6.19 percent rise over the current budget.

Everyone is invited to join the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce for their spring networking event in conjunction with the Young Professionals Council. It’s your chance to spring into success, and to grow, network, and flourish! The event is set for Tuesday, May 14th at Del Primo on Federal Road in Brookfield, from 5 to 7pm. Tickets are $30, and that includes appetizers and one drink. All who attend are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut. Tickets are available by contacting the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce.