Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG's Posts (3394)
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DUI CHECKPOINT ANNOUNCEMENT
The New Haven Police Department Traffic Division will conduct a DUI Checkpoint beginning Friday, April 12that 7:00 p.m. and concluding on Saturday, April 13th at 3:00 a.m. The checkpoint location will be on College Street at George Street
Murder Warrant Signed
On Tuesday, April 2, 2019, an arrest warrant was signed for 58 year old John Henry Smith Jr. for the murder of Sherri Ruffin. On May 4, 2017, the 52 year old victim was found deceased in her Jennings Way residence in the West Rock neighborhood. John Henry Smith Jr.’s warrant charges are felony murder and strangulation in the first degree. Bond has been set at $3,000,000. Smith is currently incarcerated on an unrelated case at Osborn Correctional Institute.
Now retired, New Haven Police Detective Chris Perrone and the NHPD Homicide Unit worked this case continuously over the past two years. Detective Manuella Vensel completed the arrest warrant and submitted it to the court.
Forensic Detective Omaida Nieves and fellow members of the NHPD Bureau of Identification worked extremely hard collecting and processing vital evidence in this investigation.
Homicide Unit Sergeant Matt Merced will be working with Lieutenant Robert Maturo to facilitate the habeas of John Henry Smith Jr
Click link to see 2018 Ecfffs
ALL PHOTOS BY BKS PHOTOGRAPHS
MATT BESSETTE
Hartford, Conn.
22-9, 7 KOs
VINICIUS DE JESUS
Stamford, Conn.
7-2, 3 KOs
WILLIAM KNIGHT
East Windsor, Conn.
4-0, 4 KOs
WHAT:
Official press conference to announceCES MMA 55 at the Connecticut Convention Center, the first sanctioned professional mixed martial arts event in the state of Connecticut.
WHERE:
Connecticut Convention Center
Meeting Room 17 (6thfloor)
100 Columbus Blvd.
Hartford, CT 06103
860-249-6000
WHEN:
Wednesday, March 13th, 1 p.m.
WHY:
CES MMA, the East Coast's No. 1 mixed martial arts promotion, makes history Friday, March 29th, 2019 as it teams with the Connecticut Convention Center to host the state's first sanctioned professional MMA event. Wednesday's press conference is open to all media.
CES MMA 55 features the highly-anticipated return of Hartford native and UFC flyweight contender Matt Bessette (22-9), heavyweight Parker Porter (8-5, 4 KOs) of nearby New Britain, and Philadelphia's own Jeremiah Wells (6-1-1, 2 KOs) in the first defense of his CES MMA World Welterweight Title.
The main card streams live on UFC Fight Pass with Michael Parente handling play-by-play alongside color commentator and longtime UFC vet "Filthy" Tom Lawlor. Showtime is 7 p.m. ET for the preliminary card. Tickets for the event are priced at $35.00, $50.00, $125.00 and $150.00 (VIP) and are available for purchase online at www.cesmma.com or www.ctconventions.com or by phone at 401-724-2253. All fights and fighters subject to change. UFC Fight Pass subscriptions are available at fightpass.ufc.tv.
Wells faces BrazilianVinicius De Jesus (7-2, 3 KOs) of Stamford, Conn., in the five-round main event. Wells aims to bring his welterweight world title back to Philadelphia, the site of his championship victory at CES MMA 52 in August. That night, Wells won his third consecutive fight with CES MMA, defeating the durable Jason Norwood by five-round unanimous decision to capture the vacant title. Wells also boasts wins over regional standouts Gary Balletto Jr. and Jon Manley and carries a three-fight win streak into his first title defense. The dangerous De Jesus, a four-time Bellator vet, has won his last two fights, including a unanimous decision victory over Tim Caron in October and a dominant first-round knockout against Rodolfo Barcellos at Bellator 216.
The 34-year-old Bessette, a seven-time CES MMA vet, returns to the promotion for the first time since May of 2017 and fights in his home state for the first time since 2016 when he starred on the main card of Bellator 153at Mohegan Sun Arena. Bessette is 6-1 lifetime with CES MMA and has won seven of his last nine fights, including a career-best seven-fight win streak from October of 2015 to May of 2017. During that stretch, Bessette captured the then vacant CES MMA World Featherweight Title with a win over Joe Pingitore at CES MMA 37 and later headlined CES MMA 41with an impressive, third-round knockout win over Kevin Croom.
Porter makes his third appearance with CES MMA. The 33-year-old veteran has the noteworthy distinction of appearing on the promotion's inaugural event in 2010, where he submitted regional rival Lee Beane in the opening round of their scheduled three-round heavyweight bout, and now appears on its first event in Connecticut later this month. Eight years removed from his victory at CES MMA 1, Porter returned to the promotion to face Keith Bell at CES MMA 53. In between, Porter bounced from Bellator to Reality Fighting and enters his homecoming bout on the 29thhaving won two of his last three overall.
CES MMA 55also features the return of Providence, R.I., middleweight Eric Spicely (11-4, 2 KOs) and unbeaten Connecticut light heavyweight William Knight (4-0, 4 KOs) in separate bouts. A six-time UFC and nine-time CES MMA vet, Spicely aims for his second consecutive win following a successful return to the promotion in January in which he earned just his second career win by knockout, stopping Leo Pla at 3:53 of the opening round. Knight also fought in January at CES MMA 54, recording his fourth career win by knockout against veteran Kevin Haley.
Visit www.cesmma.com, www.twitter.com/cesmma or www.facebook.com/cesmma for more information, or follow CES MMA on Instagram at @CESMMA.
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CONNECTICUT MAYORS JOIN FORCES TO RECOVER DAMAGES FROM OPIOID CRISIS
New Task Force Formed to Advocate for Legislation
New London, CT – March 6, 2019 – New London Mayor Michael Passero, former state senator and current Mayor of New Haven, Toni Harp, Wallingford Mayor William Dickinson Jr. and New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart have announced that they will collectively co-chair a new bipartisan coalition, the Connecticut Opioid Strategy Task Force (COST). The mission of the coalition is to advocate for the Opioid Accountability Act, legislation that will clarify Connecticut municipalities’ abilities to seek damages from the corporations that have caused and are fueling the current opioid epidemic. Other municipal stakeholders including The Connecticut Council of Municipalities (CCM), Connecticut Uniformed Professional Firefighters Association, Connecticut Association of Directors of Health (CADH), prevention and treatment providers and child welfare advocates are joining the coalition to amplify the message to their legislators.
All pending municipal suits were dismissed or stayed in January, making Connecticut the only state in the nation where municipalities have been denied the ability to seek damages from the corporations that they believe are responsible for the crisis in their communities. In response to this ruling, legislation has been proposed that would clarify that the injuries borne by municipalities fighting the opioid crisis are cognizable and, if proven, recoverable in court. This legislation would not upend Connecticut law or overturn precedent, nor would it have any impact on the State of Connecticut’s case. That suit could take years to resolve and, in the meantime, this legislation would simply provide Connecticut municipalities the ability to seek injunctive relief and damages.
“Every state and federal court in the nation currently adjudicating opioid cases is allowing municipalities’ claims to go forward – except in Connecticut,” said New Haven Mayor Toni Harp. “It is fundamentally unfair that this is the only state where taxpayers are forced to bear the costs of the opioid epidemic with no ability to seek recourse. Even if Connecticut eventually reaches a settlement in its suit, there is no guarantee the monies will find their way back to where the block-to-block battle to contain this epidemic is being waged. The only way to guarantee restitution on a local level is for municipalities to sue on their own behalf.”
“Connecticut communities are being crushed by the direct cost of the crisis through the increased investment in services and resources required to deal with the epidemic,” continued Mayor Passero. “This means critical financial and personnel resources are being diverted from programs designed to meet the needs of the rest of our citizens and the entire community suffers.”
“With 50,000 people dying every year and 1,000 overdoses a day, there is no denying that this is national public health emergency,” said Mayor Stewart. “Connecticut municipalities are simply asking, as are the hundreds of other municipalities across the country that have filed suit, that the drug companies and pharmaceutical executives who made billions in profits, while leaving devastated communities in their wake, be held accountable. “
“It is important to note that this is a bipartisan issue that cuts across political, geographic and social lines to impact every community in our state,” added Mayor Dickinson. “We encourage municipalities, fire and rescue organizations and concerned individuals to contact their representatives and encourage them to support the Opioid Accountability Act.”
To join COST or learn how to reach your state representatives, please visithttp://www.opioidscostct.com/
About the Connecticut Opioid Strategy Task Force
The Connecticut Opioid Strategy Task Force (COST) is a bipartisan coalition of municipal stakeholders advocating for legislation that will allow Connecticut municipalities to seek damages from corporations involved in the manufacture and distribution of the pharmaceuticals that are fueling the current opioid crisis in their communities. To learn more or to join the coalition please visit http://www.opioidscostct.com/
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Mayor Harp to Join Students, United Way, Yale New Haven Health to Kickoff Region’s Largest Read Across America Event
NEW HAVEN—Join us this Friday morning (March 1, 2019) for a brief photo opportunity and celebration with local elementary students, Mayor Toni Harp, and officials from United Way and Yale New Haven Health. In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, over the next week, United Way is matching volunteer readers with classrooms at eight schools across the towns of Branford, Hamden, New Haven, Orange, and West Haven. Our goals are to foster a love for reading in these children at a young age, and to make reading fun!
WHAT: Kickoff press conference in New Haven
WHEN: Friday, March 1, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Strong School, 130 Orchard St., New Haven, CT
WHO: United Way of Greater New Haven, Strong School Students, Mayor Toni Harp, and Yale New Haven Health
OUR 2019 READ ACROSS AMERICA SPONSORS AND PARTNERS: Yale New Haven Health, Comcast, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, Ion Bank Foundation, Marcum, Quinnipiac University, Start Community Bank, The Children's Museum, Tyco Print and Promo, City of New Haven, Town of Hamden, Town of Branford, City of West Haven, and Town of Orange.
About United Way of Greater New Haven:
At United Way, we bring people and organizations together to create solutions to Greater New Haven’s most pressing challenges in the areas of Education, Health, and Financial Stability. We tackle issues that cannot be solved by any one group working alone. Learn more at uwgnh.org.
School Bus – Pedestrian Struck Accident
On Tuesday, February 26, 2019, at 7:14 a.m., New Haven police officers were dispatched to Sherman Parkway at Munson Street for a report of a motor vehicle accident involving a student struck by a school bus. The 14 year old student suffered bruising and swelling to a foot after the school bus had earlier driven over his foot.
The accident occurred on Ellsworth Avenue when the student walked into the roadway as the school bus approached. The injured student boarded the school bus and traveled for several blocks before alerting the bus driver to his injury.
The student was transported via ambulance to the hospital where he is expected to be released soon
MAYOR HARP, YOUTH DIRECTOR TO ANNOUNCE EXPANDED STREET OUTREACH INITIATIVE AT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON PRESS CONFERENCE
New Haven – Mayor Toni N. Harp and Department of Youth Services Director Jason Bartlett will be joined by Leonard Jahad of the Connecticut Violence Intervention Program, Inc. Wednesday afternoon to announce an expanded street outreach initiative in the city – enhancing a program already credited with ‘marked reductions in community violence.’
Wednesday’s press conference is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. on Floor 2 of City Hall – 165 Church Street – in New Haven. Members of the press are encouraged to cover this description of an innovative, effective approach to violence mitigation among young people.
The program premise treats violence as a preventable health epidemic – one that can be addressed using evidence-based practices. More specific goals include one-on-one case management and mentoring services to help high-risk students improve attendance, advance to the next grade, and reduce in-school discipline and out-of-school suspensions.
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Telephone Scam Alert
On Monday, February 25, 2019, several people contacted the New Haven Police Department and reported a person calling misrepresenting himself as a New Haven police officer stating he was trying to serve warrants for jury duty. In another instance, the telephone caller claimed to be a New Haven police lieutenant trying to serve a subpoena for a grand jury indictment. Several people complained of receiving additional telephone messages with instructions to meet this past weekend at a police substation. In most instances, the calls and messages stated money would be needed.
The New Haven Police Department is investigating each reported telephone call as a fraud complaint. The department does not solicit money for warrants, subpoenas, or related matters and anyone who has received such a request should contact the police department.
The investigations are ongoing and anyone with information or a complaint is asked to call the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6316
MAYOR HARP, CITY OFFICIALS: RALPH WALKER ICE SKATING RINK SET TO REOPEN LATER THIS MONTH
New Haven – Mayor Toni N. Harp, Department of Parks, Recreation, and Trees Director Rebecca Bombero, and City Engineer Giovanni Zinn announced today the planned reopening of the Ralph Walker Rink, set for Saturday, February 16.
Phase I of a thorough renovation of the facility will be complete by that time. Today, as city officials prepare to begin laying ice once again, they announced the rink will re-open in time for February break.
Grand Re-Opening Celebration
Saturday, February 16, 2019
1:30 p.m. – Reopening Ceremony with Mayor
2:00 p.m. – Police vs Fire Hockey Scrimmage
Open Skate times to follow:
~ 4:00 p.m. (starting after scrimmage ends)
6:00 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
Phase I renovations include:
Expanded Roof & Ice Length – now regulations size
New Views of East Rock Park
New Dasher Boards
New & More Efficient Compressor System
Updated plumbing to service existing bathrooms
The newly renovated rink will stay open through mid-March, when Phase II renovations will begin. Phase II renovations are scheduled to include locker rooms (one to serve as the home of the new Division III Albertus Hockey team) and a new concessions building with a separate party room.
Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/ralphwalkericerink/
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City of New Haven plans activation of Severe Cold Wx ProtocolFROM THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN OFFICE OF EMERGENCY OPERATIONS:
Due to extremely low temperatures – including dangerous, below-zero wind chill factors – forecast for later this week, Mayor Harp has directed New Haven’s emergency operations team to activate the city’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol. This activation will be effective tomorrow, Wednesday January 30that 8:00 AM, through Friday morning 10:00 AM.
All city libraries will serve as warming centers during business hours, as will each of the city’s three senior centers, for seniors only. The public’s assistance is appreciated throughout the cold snap as these forecast, dangerously low temperatures and wind push down from Canada.
Outreach workers and members of the NHPD will help ensure homeless individuals are advised of the health risks and the availability of extended shelter hours for warming. Shelter requests can be forwarded to the State 211 info line or 911. Please see the attached New Haven flow chart for any shelter or warming needs. Thank you.
MAYOR HARP, CITY OFFICIALS, PARTNERS TO START CENSUS PLANNING ATTUESDAY PUBLIC MEETING
New Haven – Mayor Toni N. Harp will be joined by other city officials and representatives from partnering agencies tomorrow afternoon to kickoff the planning process for next year’s census in New Haven. The city is working with DataHaven, the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, and other community groups to ensure a comprehensive outreach effort ahead of the 2020 Census.
Tomorrow’s public meeting is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. in Room G-2 in the city’s Hall of Records – 200 Orange Street – in New Haven. Members of the public are encouraged to attend; members of the press corps are invited to cover and report on this important initiative.
This decennial census will have lasting impacts for the city. Census data determines the allocation of federal funding worth more than $675 billion, for programs that impact schools, health care, roads, public works, and much more.
The 2020 Census will be the first in which residents will be able to respond electronically – in any one of thirteen languages, with language guides available for 47 additional languages. Another goal will be to ensure New Haven residents take advantage of available employment opportunities at the Census Bureau. These jobs will include management positions as well as full-time and part-time field positions.
The groups said to be at greatest risk of being undercounted are low-income households, immigrants, racial and ethnic minorities, young children, and those who do not live in traditional housing situations. An undercount can deprive these communities of fair representation and vital resources.
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CITY OFFICIALS TO HOST PUBLIC MEETING TUESDAY RE: PLANNED OVERHAUL OF GRAND AVE. BRIDGE
New Haven – City officials will host a public meeting Tuesday evening to provide information and describe the scope of a planned rehabilitation of the Grand Avenue Bridge. They will also be available to answer questions and participate in a discussion about details of the upcoming overhaul and potential logistical impacts.
The design of the bridge project is now at the 90% level and expected to be complete and ready for bidding advertisement by late winter. Construction is not anticipated to start until late fall 2019; once underway however, construction could last up to 24 months.
The cost for the project is currently estimated to be $25.5 million dollars, to be underwritten through a combination of federal, state, and local sources. The rehabilitation project will include new bridge abutments, approach spans, electrical and mechanical systems, and rehabilitation of the swing span itself.
Tuesday’s discussion will cover the scope of work on the bridge, bridge closure and other traffic impacts, project finances, project schedule, public amenities, business impacts, and questions from area residents and members of the public.
The city’s informational meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. – on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 – in the cafeteria of the Jepson School – 15 Lexington Avenue – in New Haven. Area residents and members of the public are encouraged to attend; members of the press are asked to publicize this meeting ahead of time and provide coverage on Tuesday.
Those interested in obtaining further information, may do so by contacting New Haven’s Engineering Department at 203-946-6417.
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MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR THE WEEK OF
MONDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 2019 – MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH, 2019
All meetings with an (*) indicate a public meeting
Monday, January 28th, 2019
Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 1, 10:00 a.m., (860) 541-3439
Labor Relations, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 3, 10:00 a.m.,
(203) 946-7151
*GNH Property Owners, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 2,
6:30 p.m., (203) 387-4124
Tuesday, January 29th, 2019
*Committee on Student Elections, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 3, 5:00 p.m., (203) 946-8371
*Board of Alders, Tax Abatement Committee, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Aldermanic Chamber, 5:45 p.m., (203) 946-6045
*Fair Rent Commission, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 1, 6:00 p.m.
(203) 946-8157
Wednesday, January 30th, 2019
*CAO, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 1, 11:00 a.m.,
(203) 946-7902
*Transportation, Traffic & Parking Working Group, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 1, 5:00 p.m., (203) 946-8371
Thursday, January 31st, 2019
*People’s Budget Initiative, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Rooms 1&2, 6:00 p.m.,
(203) 946-7670
Friday, February 1st, 2019
No Meetings Scheduled
Monday, February 4th, 2019
*Board of Alders-Democratic Caucus, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 3. 5:45 p.m.; Public Information Caucus, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 1, 6:30 p.m.; Full Board Meeting, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Aldermanic Chamber, 7:00 p.m., (203) 946-6483
*Bereavement Care Network, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 2, 5:30 p.m.
