Latest news with #Willimantic
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Stop & Shop Revamp: Celebrating new look and fighting hunger
WILLIMANTIC — Stop & Shop in Willimantic had much to celebrate as it held an official grand reopening of its newly remodeled location at 1391 Main Street. The new remodel is part of the brand's multi-year commitment to refreshing stores across its footprint and improving the customer shopping experience. Store Manager Sara Tegge has been the manager since mid-February, and the remodel started in March. It was recently completed. 'We revamped the entire store and integrated all of our natural and organic items into the aisles,' Tegge said. 'We opened up the produce to give a more open and comfortable shopping experience for the customers.' Tegge said the feedback has been positive, and people are happy with the new, clean sleek look. 'It's a really nice, new addition to the community,' Tegge said. 'A customer stopped us and said thank you for giving our town something so nice.' The remodel started March 10 and was completed by the celebration on Friday. The newly-remodeled store in Willimantic includes expanded grab-and-go prepared foods, a remodeled produce department and a remodeled bakery department. Over 800 new products are available across the store, including a multicultural assortment of popular Puerto Rican and Latin American favorites, Asian-centric products, seasonings, spices and flavors worldwide. To add to the celebration, Stop & Shop presented Eastern Connecticut State University with a $10,000 check to fight food insecurity among students. The check will support 'Shawn's Cupboard' as part of its School Food Pantry Program. Established in 2019, the program aims to help limit barriers that impact students' ability to succeed in the classroom and ensure consistent access to food. 'This store looks amazing and I can say, I'm a Stop & Shop shopper myself,' Eastern President Karim Ismaili said. 'I'm grateful on behalf of the University for the support you are providing for our students by making this donation.' Ismaili said food insecurity is an issue for their students and families, so every dollar will go towards the nutritious food and personal care items they need. Dean of Students Dr. Kemesha Wilmot said the $10,000 check will go far, and she finds it difficult to hear about students' food insecurity issues. 'We do have students on campus who come there, and they're trying to get their education, and because they are unable to access food, it interferes with their academics,' Wilmot said. 'I work with students on a day-to-day basis, and they come to my office and they're saying, I don't have a meal, not even on campus, but even at home.' Wilmot said food insecurity is an issue in the community. 'I really appreciate Stop & Shop for really stepping in and being that gap to support our students,' Wilmot said. 'When a student comes into my office, hunger is not one of the things that I want to hear that is stopping them from pursuing their education.' The program currently serves over 260 schools across the Northeast and is known as one of the nation's largest school food pantry programs. This is the fourth year that Stop & Shop has partnered with Eastern, and this donation will provide the school with over $30,000 in total to ensure that students have access to healthy foods. It will also enable the school to provide fresh produce, proteins, and personal care items to meet the rising needs of students. Stop & Shop in Willimantic is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Willimantic woman arrested for theft from Ulta Beauty
WILLIMANTIC — A woman from Willimantic was arrested in March for larceny of over $1,000 worth of merchandise from Ulta Beauty in Killingly. According to the Killingly Police Department, on March 17, officers responded to 2071 Killingly Commons Drive to the Ulta Beauty store for a non-active larceny. When the officers arrived, they reviewed surveillance provided by the store. It was determined that the accused, 40-year-old Rosalind Vega-Kish of Willimantic, had left the store with over $1,000 worth of merchandise. An arrest warrant was then issued for her arrest. On Thursday, Vega-Kish was taken into custody by the Hartford Police Department and then transported to the Troop-D barracks for processing. Vega-Kish was charged with larceny in the fifth degree and was issued a bond of $2,500.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Willimantic man allegedly drives past state police at over 121 mph
WILLIMANTIC, Conn. (WTNH) — A Willimantic man was arrested after state police said he was driving at over 121 mph on Route 2 East in Montville on Sunday night. Derek Sweezey,41, was allegedly driving an Acura TLX when he passed state police troopers on Route 2 East before continuing on to I-395 South where police say he was traveling at least 121 mph. Troopers stopped Sweezey on I-395, where he was arrested without incident. He was charged with reckless driving and released on $5,000 bond. He will appear in Norwich Superior Court on June 17 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Budget Referendum: Voters hit polls today to approve, fail budget
WILLIMANTIC — Voters will have the opportunity to hit the polls today to decide whether they approve the proposed budget for the Board of Education, General Government and operating expenses for the Willimantic Taxing District Board of Directors. The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Board of Education proposed $53,044,332 in operating expenses and $1,337,000 in capital expenditures. The General Government proposed $21,068,961 in operating expenses, while the Willimantic Taxing District Board of Directors is proposing $13,405,869 in operating expenses. Town Manager Robert Zarnetske said the proposed budget was designed to accomplish two goals: reduce the burden on taxpayers and make strategic adjustments to all programs to set the town on a path toward stable taxes in the future. 'I think we substantially achieved both goals,' Zarnetske said. 'If the budget passes as is, the tax increase for most property owners will be minimal — about $40 to $100.' Zarnetske added the increase would be even less for those who only pay taxes on their automobiles. Windham Mayor Tom DeVivo said he feels good about the proposed budget, which he believes provides the community with the services people want in Windham. 'The Town Council has made staff cuts and accepted difficult choices to the workflow in town hall as proposed by Town Manager Robert Zarnetske,' DeVivo said. 'The council is committed to the town selling many of the vacant properties the town owns and controls.' DeVivo believes those properties could contribute revenue to the town and alleviate the burden on homeowners. 'I urge all voters to vote 'yes' on May 20, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at their usual voting spot, and keep Windham moving forward,' DeVivo said. Council member Bill Sayers said this budget is an absolute bottom-line budget. 'I believe every board did their due diligence to craft budgets that were solid, but responsible to the taxpayers,' Sayers said. 'I hope that when people go to the polls to vote, they will vote 'yes' on all three budgets. I sincerely believe that Windham voters will realize that the work was done and vote to approve.' Polling places for voters will be at the VFW, Elks Lodge and the Windham Center Fire Department. If unsure of your polling place, call 860-465-3016 or 860-465-3013.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Terry Court complex to receive state aid
WILLIMANTIC — The Connecticut Department of Housing and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority have signed financing agreements for 12 developments that will contribute to constructing or preserving 1,279 housing units. These developments will include affordable housing units for low- and moderate-income renters, designated as permanent supportive housing. One of those developments is located in Willimantic at Terry Court. The Willimantic Housing Authority owns the 68-unit affordable community at Terry Court in Willimantic. It will undergo significant rehabilitation and add new accessible units. The project's scope includes hazardous materials abatement, new windows, doors and siding and the reconstruction of eight homes to create ADA-compliant apartments. The upgrades will extend the life of the 1949-built community while better serving individuals and families. 'As Tony the Tiger says, 'it's great!' Terry Court was built after World War II for low-cost housing for our veterans at a time when construction of housing included using hazardous materials,' Windham Mayor Tom DeVivo said. 'This is a good opportunity. Willimantic public housing suffered from decades of neglect caused by funding shortfalls.' DeVivo added the town has been supporting CBDG funding for the last six or seven years to help improve the housing options infrastructure, and this funding will boost these endeavors. 'I would like to thank Representative [Susan] Johnson and Senator [Mae] Flexer for their leadership in acquiring this much-needed grant,' DeVivo said. As part of the state's effort to revitalize the state-sponsored housing portfolio, the redevelopment is supported by $4.49 million in grants from DOH, $3 million in financing and $500,000 in HTCCs from CHFA. 'Every investment in affordable housing is an investment in stronger, more resilient communities,' said Seila Mosquera-Bruno, Connecticut Housing commissioner. 'These developments reflect our commitment to preserve and expand housing options – whether it's building new homes or adding quality affordable rentals.'
