Milford Matters

Milford schools will be closed until Monday because of the damage sustained as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Parents what do you think? How will you entertain the kids? How would you like the school system to make up the days? Let us know by leaving your comments here.

Alright folks, we are back on a full internet connection (albeit at the Starbucks in the mall) instead of shoe stringing things from our phones. Here is the latest info related to Hurricane Sandy's path of destruction through Milford. If you have anything to add (flood info, pictures, video) or an account of the storm and damage to your home email us at  Rscinto@nhregister.com We'll keep updating this throughout the day. Missing persons or deaths in Milford: Body of Milford man who jumped off pier found Search for missing kayaker Power outages: Broken wires and  trees have caused a reported 362 outages affecting 13,964 customers, according to United Illuminating as of 4:00 p.m. Tuesday. Schools: Milford Public Schools will be closed Weds and as needed after that. Halloween: Postponed in Milford until Nov. 7. Many other communities following suit. Hardware stores: -Orange Home Depot is all out of generators and many storm-related supplies. -Milford Lowe&#

Street evac list: http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Mandatory-Evacuations-in-Milford-128530158.html Milford CT Slosh Map Full list of supplies for shelter: http://www.ci.milford.ct.us/Public_Documents/MilfordCT_Health/S0171990A-019B549D.10/Shelter_Guidelines.pdf UPDATE: From the city: The National Weather Service has predicted that Milford, and all parts of Connecticut, will be affected by a combined winter and tropical super storm, including torrential rainfall, strong winds, and coastal and inland flooding over a prolonged period between Sunday night through early Wednesday.   Further, the Weather Service has advised that the storm surge mid-day Monday could be equal to or approximately a foot higher than what was experienced in Tropical Storm Irene.  Even more significant, the Monday evening high tide is predicted to bring flooding equal to or greater than the Hurricane of 1938 - the most severe hurricane to hit the Northeast.   Rainfall is predicted to be anyw

MILFORD—City officials are hoping for the best and preparing for the worst for Hurricane Sandy as it barrels its way towards the coastline town. “Our biggest concern is coastal flooding because even if the storm stays to the south with the moon and tides, we are expecting low lying areas to receive flooding even if the storm doesn’t hit us directly,” said Robert Healey, interim fire chief. At least seven members of the Fire Department, including Fire Chief Louis LaVecchia and Assistant Chief Alan Zingaro, will technically be retired by the time the storm hits Milford. “Anytime you lose people it leaves a small gap,” Healey said. “But we have good people who will step up.” Members who technically retired volunteered to help the department if the storm hits Milford hard, Healey said. LaVecchia is also still the management emergency director for the City. Jonathan Law High School has received the initial preparation to serve as a 100-bed shelter if it is needed, said Mayor Ben

MILFORD--On Tuesday, November 6, 2012 (Election Day), between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., applications for Presidential Ballots only will be available in the Board of Education meeting room on the first floor of the Parsons Government Center, 70 West River Street, Milford, CT.       Voters may access the Board of Education meeting room through door #7, from the circular driveway off Constitution Drive.   There will be signage directing one to the proper location.   In order to vote, one must not be a registered voter; however, you must be a current or former resident of Milford.    Please have either a current/valid photo ID or copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter.   Any questions, please call the City Clerk’s office at (203) 783-3210.

Milford Police Department arrests include a 20-year being charged with allegedly sending sexually explicit text messages to a 13-year-old girl.

Milford Police Department arrests include a larceny, a robbery, and assault charges all in separate cases.

Milford Police Department is proud to announce that the sixth session of the Citizens Police Academy will begin on January 9, 2013 and conclude with a graduation ceremony on April 2, 2013.  The Milford Police Citizens Academy is a 12 week program where the participants will attend a session of two and a half hours each week, learning about the Milford Police Department and the equipment used by the officers. Participants will be introduced to a variety of topic areas including CPR, firearm safety, computer crimes, police K9 teams and will have an opportunity to ride along with an on duty police officer. Sessions will be held at the Milford Police Department.  The Citizens Academy is open to residents, property or business owners within the city of Milford and 21 years of age. The last day for applications to be accepted will be Friday, November 30, 2012. If you are interested in attending the Citizens Academy please contact the Crime Prevention Unit at (203) 874-2366 or ob

Milford Police Department arrests for Monday include an assault and dui charge .

From Lauralton Hall: Courtesy of Lauralton Hall If you missed seeing CATS on Broadway you will have the chance to catch it in another ‘life’ at the Parsons Complex in Milford, October 26-28. Lauralton Hall students and faculty are reviving this beloved musical in an amateur production based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats”, by T.S. Eliot, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.   All performances are open to the public and tickets—$15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors—will be available at the door.  Performance times are: Friday, October 26 th at 7:30pm; Saturday, October 27 th at 7:00pm and Sunday, October 28 th at 2:00pm. Although it is an amateur production, CATS Director Margy Sargent’s approach to bringing the play to the Milford stage was highly professional.  “Makeup is an integral part of a show like CATS,” says Margy Sargent, Chair of the Lauralton Hall Fine Arts Department. “To bring the production alive I went to New York Cit

Courtesy Milford PD On October 19, 2012 the Milford Police Department conducted formal graduation exercises honoring the graduates of the 2012 session of the Milford Police Academy. The program honored 27 Officers representing 9 municipalities including Milford, Ansonia, Greenwich, Naugatuck, New Haven, Orange, Seymour, Stratford and Wallingford Police Departments. T he 2012 Milford Police Academy session began in March 2012 which included 29 weeks of training in a variety of topic areas. Several awards were presented to the graduates including three distinct awards based on academics, commitment and achievements.  Daniel Scott Wasson Award - Joseph Dempsey (Milford Police Department)  Arnold Markle Memorial Award – Elizabeth Sterling White (New Haven Police Department)  Samuel Luciano Award – Alan Pesce (Greenwich Police Department) Five graduates listed below representing the Milford Police Department will begin their Field Training Program this week. Officer Bran

The drums will be pounding, the brass will be sparkling, and the flags will be snapping on Saturday evening (10/27)  as the Jonathan Law High School Marching Band and Color Guard will host their Annual MAC Home Show at the school. The competition will begin at 6:00 p.m.  Eight high school marching bands and color guard teams are expected, with nearly 600 students performing throughout the event.  Led by Drum Major Christina Alexopoulos, the Law Band and Color Guard will perform their 2012 show entitled After World .  Tickets are $10 for adults; $7 for children. As a member of the Musical Arts Conference, Jonathan Law’s band and guard compete throughout the fall against other high school marching teams in the tri-state area.  Competitions are adjudicated events -- meaning that professional competition judges are on the field during the performance – evaluating everything from body positioning on the field, music ability, and coordination throughout the piece. Points are assigned t

A New Haven man is facing a long list of charges after an early-morning incident on Sunday at a Milford motel. Pedro Poupart, 30, is accused of striking and physically restraining his spouse when she attempted to leave the room, according to police. He also allegedly entered a room of two motel customers, brandished a knife and took their personal property from the room, police said. Police recovered a knife and a small amount of marijuana from Poupart during his arrest. He is cahrged with 1st-degree robbery, two counts of 2nd-degree threatening  two counts of 2nd-degree unlawful restraint, 3rd-degree assault, disorderly conduct, 6th-degree larceny, and possession of less than a half an ounce of marijuana. He was held in lieu of a $50,000 bond. Read the rest of the police log here.

Last month, the Register, Connecticut Post and several other news outlets reported on a controversial situation in Milford where some students who attend The Trumbull Regional Agriscience and Biotechnology Center had to walk several miles across roads known for frequent accidents. The two girls profiled in both the Register and the Post, as well as one other student, are now being transported much closer to their home during the afternoon, said David DiPasquale, the father of Gabrielle. "Hopefully next year there will be two buses," he said. "For now, the situation is resolved." Editorials and reader submitted articles about the situation Letter by Barbara Santa Barbara Letter by Clifford Silvers Editorial by Register opinion staff The change will have a very minor impact on the transportation budget, according to the school system's Chief Operations Officer James Richetelli Jr., as quoted in the Post.

Police arrested Michael Spangler, 34, in connection with a number of June burglaries. Spangler allegedly broke into Howes Drug Store and two homes on Viscount and Riverside Drive, according to police. He was charged with 3rd, 4th and 6th-degree larceny, 2nd and 3rd-degree criminal mischief and two counts of burglary. He was released on a $26,500 bond.

On Tuesday, October 16 th , Detective Richard Frawley from the Milford Computer Crime Unit gave a powerful presentation to students at Lauralton Hall about staying safe in the digital age. His presentation, Social Networking and Digital Pitfalls, covered issues of critical importance to teens including: cyberbullying, sextortion, remote webcams and staying safe on Facebook. Providing real life examples of how the internet impacts teens, Detective Fowley began his presentation by showing a video created by Amanda Todd, a bullied teen who was cyberstalked and later committed suicide. He also discussed the events that led to the suicide of Tyler Clementi, the student from Rutgers who was filmed by his roommate, and he told the story of a young woman whose dream of being an NFL cheerleader was shattered because of photos taken at a party. “I feel it is important to understand that footprints don’t go away.” Detective Frawley said. “Actions you take today remain forever.” Laur

The Milford Recreation Department announces its winter Zumba Fitness sessions for adults with instructor Lynn Baglini beginning on Wednesday, November 28, 2012. The classes are available to both residents and non-residents. Zumba is a Latin inspired, dance-fitness class that incorporates Latin and International music and dance movements, which create a dynamic, exciting and effective fitness system. Zumba means to “move fast and have fun.” The class format combines fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body in an aerobic/fitness fashion to achieve a unique blended balance of cardio and muscle-toning benefits. Zumba is designed for everyone. Participants of any level or background can start right away. The class is available to anyone 15 years or older. Zumba’s basic steps formula makes it easy for everyone. The first class is on Wednesday from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm beginning on November 28. The second class is on Thursday from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm and will start on Nov