Bethel Public Schools has finalized a contract for its next superintendent, setting a first year salary of 230 thousand dollars. Albert Sackey, a longtime educator and current Hartford Public Schools administrator, will take over the role July 1. Sackey’s three year contract runs through mid 2029 and includes additional benefits like a retirement annuity and paid leave. School officials say the salary is competitive for the region and necessary to attract experienced leadership. Sackey will replace outgoing Superintendent Christine Carver, who is retiring after more than a decade leading the district.

Connecticut voters have just days left to change their party affiliation ahead of this year’s primary election. State officials say the deadline is May 11 for anyone who wants to vote in a different party’s August primary. Under state law, only registered party members can take part in their party’s primary. Voters who are already enrolled don’t need to take action, but those looking to switch must do so at least three months before the election. The primary is set for August 11, with early voting scheduled for August 3 through August 9.

A Putnam County deputy sheriff has had one of the charges against him dropped in a domestic incident case. A judge dismissed the harassment charge against 43 year old Kevin Osik during a court appearance, at the request of the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office. Osik had originally been charged with assault and harassment following a February incident at his home in Carmel. The assault charge is still pending, and he is due back in court June 16. Meanwhile, Osik remains suspended from duty but is being paid while the case continues.

Frustration is growing among Wilton leaders over delays in completing the town’s fiscal year 2025 audit. Several members of the Board of Selectmen say communication has been lacking, especially from a consultant hired to reconcile the town’s finances. Officials say the audit has already missed multiple internal deadlines, though town leadership insists the work will still be finished by the state-required June 30 deadline. The delay has raised concerns about possible penalties and the town’s financial standing.
Town leaders say problems stem in part from a failed rollout of a new accounting system.

The Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport shut down operations for a day after receiving a series of threatening phone calls. Officials say the calls triggered emergency safety protocols, including a temporary lock-in and lock-out of the facility. Zoo leaders say the threats appeared to be a case of swatting, where false reports are made to trigger a large police response. Authorities say the threats do not appear credible but are still being taken seriously as the investigation continues.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is looking for a new vendor to bring food and beverage services back to Lake Waramaug State Park. The state has issued a request for proposals for a three year contract to operate concessions and a campground store at the popular park. Officials say the facility has been without food service since 2023, and the goal is to improve the visitor experience for the roughly 50 thousand day users and 10 thousand campers each year. The plan is part of a broader effort to expand partnerships and boost tourism at state parks. Proposals are due by May 22, with a site visit scheduled ahead of the deadline.

The Danbury City Council has approved a new city budget backed by Mayor Roberto Alves, keeping the tax levy increase below one percent. The plan passed by a 19 to 1 vote after the council agreed to lower the proposed mill rate to 25 point 23 mills, a 0 point 96 percent increase. Mayor Alves says the budget focuses on maintaining services while limiting the burden on taxpayers. It includes added police staffing, funding for a planned west side fire station, full support for public schools, and continued road and infrastructure work.
City officials say the plan was helped by an additional 1 point 4 million dollars in state education aid, part of more than 14 million dollars in total state support for the coming year.

Voters in Wilton will gather for the Annual Town Meeting at 7 tonight at the Clune Auditorium inside Wilton High School on Danbury Road. Residents will review a proposed 151 POINT 7 million dollar budget, along with capital projects and a lease agreement, before voting begins and then continues through Saturday. Officials say the plan reflects about a four percent increase over the current budget.

A Danbury man is facing a felony charge after a traffic stop on Interstate 84 in New York. State police say 21 year old Jayden A. Samaniego was pulled over in Southeast when troopers spotted a loaded handgun in plain view inside the vehicle. He’s charged with criminal possession of a firearm and was released pending a court appearance May 14.

Health officials in Danbury say multiple restaurants and schools were cited for serious violations during inspections in March. Reports show 12 eateries and four schools had priority issues, including improper food temperatures and sanitation concerns. Inspectors say the most serious violations must be corrected within 72 hours. Officials add many of the problems were addressed following the inspections.