Brass Tacks is a weekly feature of insider news and notes from around the region. BARKHAMSTED – The death of astronaut Bruce McCandless, who completed the first untethered space walk in 1984, has rekindled memories of the glory days of…

Brass Tacks is a weekly feature of insider news and notes from around the region. HARTFORD – When a radio reporter asked Gov. Dannel P. Malloy last week if any New Year’s resolutions, he quipped: “Not to have any resolutions…

Brass Tacks is a weekly feature of insider news and notes from around the region. NAUGATUCK – Naugatuck Mayor N. Warren “Pete” Hess has a common New Year’s resolution – to improve his physical fitness dramatically – but unusual goals….

WOLCOTT – The town plans to levy a supplemental tax on residents rather than cut spending to cover the loss of $1.9 million in state funds. During a workshop with the Board of Education, the Town Council tentatively agreed to…

WATERBURY – When Mayor Neil M. O’Leary convinced the Board of Aldermen in 2014 to pay $2.7 million to buy the Rose Hill estate, he anticipated a quick resale. Three years later, O’Leary said he will soon list the property…

LITCHFIELD – A woman in her 30s suffered injuries that were not life-threatening Friday in a rollover crash on East Litchfield Road. East Litchfield Fire Chief Mark Cattey said initial reports had the driver trapped inside but an off-duty Torrington…

MIDDLEBURY – Lanxess-acquired Chemtura and Olymbec, a Montreal firm that owns the property on Benson Road, want to add more tenants, First Selectman Edward B. St. John said. Additionally, Raymond and Penny Albini’s 10,000-square-foot funeral home and crematory, set back…

MORRIS – After 27 months of business in East Morris, Cardinal Grill and Como Bakery II apparently has closed for good. The restaurant owned by Nicole Diorio of Morris closed in late November due to a medical emergency and was…

TORRINGTON – An argument ended with an overturned Christmas tree and charges for a city couple. Two city police officers responded to 911 calls made by Brooke Richardson, 32, of 37 Winthrop St. In a report of the incident, one…

SOUTHBURY – The Rev. Scott Nessel, pastor of St. James Lutheran Church, left the gathering area by the building’s main entrance Friday morning, before walking through a brand new hallway with offices off both sides. The hallway leads to a…

WATERTOWN – Town and education officials are making cuts to their budgets in response to unexpected reductions in state aid after what was an already tumultuous budget season. The Town Council at a recent meeting voted to take $639,228 from…

WATERBURY – Seven adults and 12 children were displaced when a fire ripped through the top floor of a multifamily apartment building in the South End Friday night. The fire was reported about 10:30 p.m., Fire Chief David Martin said….

CHESHIRE – When Tracey and David Maher’s car was stolen on Christmas Day, filled with gifts for their three children, they feared their kids might lose their faith in the holiday’s spirit. The Mahers were loading their car after spending…

SOUTHBURY – A proposal to explore the feasibility of a gun control ordinance in Southbury sparked heated debate last fall. Though the Board of Selectmen took no action, the Heritage Village Democratic Club refuses to let the issue die. Three…

THOMASTON – Some residents have expressed disappointment in the town’s ongoing $3.2 million web road reconstruction project. The project, which began in August, involved the reclamation of 13 roads that make up the web area in town – the older…

WATERBURY – Two people who were hit head-on by a fleeing suspect during a police chase of a drug-filled SUV are suing the city and police, claiming an officer was negligent in his pursuit of the vehicle. The crash left…

TORRINGTON – With two of the three main players in Luke Vitalis’ murder now convicted and serving lengthy prison terms, the state – which had expected to wrap up its case in 2017 – will launch its prosecution in the…

WINSTED – Kelly Almstedt and Donna Schultz say they are such close friends they feel like sisters. Now the two town residents are even closer, with a part of Schultz literally implanted into Almstedt. Schultz donated one of her two…

FALLS VILLAGE – For those wishing to expand their knowledge, feel better physically or just have fun, the Foothills Adult and Continuing Education classes at Housatonic Valley Regional High School may be the answer. Part of the program offered at…

NAUGATUCK – The old Italian-American society building on South Main Street will soon see new life with the opening of a new bar and music venue. Owner Ken Boland said he plans to reopen the nearly 5,000-square-foot building with a…