Easton Courier Twitter

Warm winter could spell more trouble with ticks

Written by Joan Lownds
Wednesday, 08 February 2012 23:06

After a spectacular opening act with the "Halloween snowstorm," this season's winter has mostly been a no-show. The warm snap has been a boon to the town's Public Works department, and for energy savings — but the trade-off could be a bumper crop of ticks later this year.

"The mild winter is causing ticks to stay active, and they are not usually active in the winter," said Dr. Kirby Stafford, state entomologist. "We may see an increase in tick activity in the spring, but next summer we will see the highest peak of risk — with possibly the most ticks we have seen for the past two years." 

Easton fire company seeks old cars

Wednesday, 08 February 2012 23:11

The Easton Volunteer Fire Co. is looking for old cars they can utilize for training. Cars must be provided with a title.

If you have a vehicle that you would like to donate please contact the fire company via its Facebook page or email Casey Meskers at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The fire company will make the arrangements needed for quick pickup.

Easton Parks and Recreation raising funds for new animal shelter

Wednesday, 08 February 2012 23:10

Easton Parks and Recreation's extended day program is fund raising for the opening of the new Easton Animal Shelter. The shelter committee is asking for cash, checks, or gift card donations to PETCO. No amount is too small.

Donations may be given to Danielle Alves at the extended day program or at the Parks and Recreation office.

Checks may be made out to "Easton Animal Shelter."

State puts down three horses seized from Pee Wee

Written by Liz Skalka
Thursday, 09 February 2012 17:57

Bucky, who the state took from Pee Wee Horse Farm, was euthanized last month. (CT Department of Agriculture photo)Three of the five horses state Department of Agriculture seized from Pee Wee Horse Farm were euthanized in January, the animal control division supervisor said Thursday.

Dusty and Blackie are still at a state rehabilitation facility, but Gold Rush was put down Jan. 23 and Cassie and Bucky were put down Jan. 30, according to Ray Connors, supervisor of the animal control division of the Bureau of Inspection and Regulation.

"It's a hard decision," he said. "Sometimes it has to be made." 

The horses were taken from the farm Dec. 15. Mr. Vittorio was charged with six counts of cruelty to animals Jan. 26. 

Mr. Connors said the horses' ages, the condition in which they were received, and their chance for recovery were factors in the decision to euthanize them. 

Animal shelter construction: Is there an end in sight?

Written by Liz Skalka
Wednesday, 08 February 2012 22:54

Easton’s new animal shelter on Morehouse Road has been under construction for nearly two years. (Liz Skalka photo)

Easton's new animal shelter has been under construction for nearly two years, putting the project nearly a year and a half past its anticipated completion as it reaches the home stretch.

Some involved with the project blame the contractor, who they say underbid the job and sporadically provides subcontractors.

The Morehouse Road shelter is built, but the Animal Shelter Committee is waiting for Carlson Construction to deliver on several final elements, including linoleum flooring, a working radiant heat system for the dog kennel, and many smaller "punch list" items. 

Senior Park falls victim to nature’s wrath

Written by Laura Modlin
Wednesday, 08 February 2012 23:02

A fallen tree at Samuel P. Senior Park damaged a raised walkway in the 10.6-acre park on Center and Morehouse roads, which is managed by volunteers. (Liz Skalka photo)

If you have driven or walked by Samuel P. Senior Memorial Park lately, you may have noticed some yellow tape across the entrances.

The tape is there because, once again, the 10.6 acre park — located across from town hall on Center Road — has been damaged. This time, though, the perpetrators are not all human.

Last fall, Carolyn Battaglia, president of the Samuel P. Senior Memorial Park board, was walking through the park and saw that a No Trespassing sign had been ripped down. 

Response to clerk queries eludes Board of Selectmen

Written by Liz Skalka
Wednesday, 08 February 2012 22:59

The Board of Selectmen and the town clerk have not been able to reach a consensus on several issues relating to the town clerk's office that have appeared on the selectmen's agenda for several meetings.

The selectmen have questions about email in the town clerk's office, the clerk's office hours, and the status of a project to upload town ordinances to the town website.

"In general," First Selectman Tom Herrmann said, "we have some unanswered questions." 

Easton’s grand list takes a nosedive: Revaluation caused decline

Written by Liz Skalka
Wednesday, 08 February 2012 22:53

Easton's 2011 grand list is down approximately $353,000,000, or 21%, from 2010 as a result of last year's property revaluation.

The 2011 grand list, a compilation of all Easton's taxable property as of Oct. 1, 2011, is $1,318,952,257.

Last year's property revaluation saw an average decline in real estate values of 23%. The assessments take effect in fiscal year 2012-13, impacting tax bills beginning July 1, 2012. 

Easton refunds bonds, saves $809K

Tuesday, 07 February 2012 10:02

The Town of Easton re-funded $6.8 million in bonds last week to trim $809,423 from a lifetime of repayment costs.

Working with its financial adviser, Phoenix Advisors LLC of Milford, Easton trimmed the average interest rate on the bonds from 4.15% to 1.76%, with much of the savings coming in the next four years, according to a press release from Phoenix Advisors.

The 20-year general obligation bonds issued in 2005 were re-funded Wednesday, Jan. 25, without extending the repayment period, and strong market conditions allowed Easton to achieve more than $782,000 in savings through 2015, according to the release.