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A sign on Water Street in Falls Village on Wednesday, Nov. 19 warned motorists—somewhat obliquely— that the bridge was closed to through traffic.
Patrick L. Sullivan
AMESVILLE — Motorists who rely on the bridge over the Housatonic River between the Amesville section of Salisbury and Falls Village can breathe easier: the work is now finished, according to Salisbury officials.
In recent weeks, drivers had encountered periodic, unannounced closures as crews worked on the span. At the Falls Village Board of Selectmen’s meeting Monday, Nov. 10, a resident noted that no signs had been posted on the Falls Village side to alert motorists when the bridge was closed.
The intermittent closures — along with crews and heavy equipment stationed on the bridge — continued through Wednesday, Nov. 19. By then, a sign on the Falls Village side warned that the road was closed to through traffic, though it did not specifically reference the bridge.
On Thursday morning, Nov. 20, Emily Egan, the Salisbury selectmen’s administrative assistant, confirmed that the project had wrapped up.
“They came in yesterday and told us they were done,” she said.
Egan said the work increased the bridge’s weight capacity to meet current standards.
The structure — known to Salisbury residents as the Amesville Bridge and to Falls Village residents as the Water Street or Iron Bridge — was deemed unsafe by the state Department of Transportation in 2012 and closed for four years. Following extensive planning and debate, a new bridge was constructed and opened in May 2016.
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Barbara Crouch, president of the Registrar of Voters Association of Connecticut, addresses the Litchfield chapter at a meeting in Sharon on Nov. 18.
Ruth Epstein
SHARON – Elections are the foundation of a democracy and registrars of voters are the ones tasked with making sure they run smoothly and fairly.
While most voters in Litchfield County are used to seeing them manning the polls, few know the intricacies, attention to detail, and yes, sometimes the frustrations these elected local officials face in carrying out their duties, which are primarily spelled out in the statutes.
During last week’s meeting of the Litchfield County Registrars of Voters of Connecticut, or ROVAC, some of those concerns were aired
Hosted by Sharon registrars, Democrat Marel Rogers and Republican Patricia Chamberlain, the meeting focused on the recent municipal elections.
Barbara Crouch, president of ROVAC, was the guest speaker. She talked about the topic that appeared to be on most minds: early voting.
Registrars had to provide 14 days of early voting for the election. Opinions are split in terms of its success, she said, although there is a push calling on state legislators to shorten the period.
She hopes the legislature will also bring up the issue of tabulators, she told those assembled. Some of the procedures having to be followed are archaic and can be done online, she said, and there are some technical things the association would like to get rid of.
“I heard about the inability to get responses from the Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas’ office,” said Crouch. “It was stressful for her. That office needs more organization. We’re trying to forge a better relationship with her. We should be working together. We want a more collaborative relationship with her. Everyone’s agenda is safe, fair, clear elections.”
Crouch said the association would like to get the number of early voting days reduced to 10 and that they not have to be instituted for primaries.
There were many examples of low turnout during early voting. Crouch said most colleges had no students appear.
The expense to towns was a main objection, with some registrars saying residents have no idea what such a schedule costs.
One meeting attendee said she was thanked for volunteering her time, and that she had to explain that the poll workers were getting paid.
Sherri Gray of Colebrook said her town had the lowest turnout for early voting at 43.Another attendee said it’s not just about cost, but the more days allows for more of a chance for mistakes because the poll workers are tired.
John Morton of Warren shared a letter he sent to his state representative and senator. He did extensive calculations, noting that 194 of the town’s 1,115 registered voters, or 17. 4% of eligible voters, cast their ballots early. The early voting cost the town $7,440, resulting in a per-voter cost of $38.35. Many voters, he said, expressed that 14 days felt excessive.
“Additionally, the state’s upcoming implementation of no-excuse absentee ballots will further expand voting access,” wrote Morton.
“With this new option available in future elections, a shorter early-voting period will continue to provide voters with ample opportunity to cast a ballot while reducing the staffing and financial burden on small towns like ours. We respectfully encourage you to consider revising the early voting requirement to a seven-day period. This provides a full working week of early voting for residents, maintains accessibility, and significantly reduces municipal costs.”
This election was also the first using the new tabulators which are made by ES & S. Examples of problems were given, but most of those present said the kinks were eventually worked out.
“We are elected officials,” said Lisa Amatruda of Woodbury, chairman of the Litchfield County association. “For us this is not a job, it’s a passion.”
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Police Blotter: Troop B
Nov 25, 2025
Police Blotter: Troop B
John Coston
The following information was provided by the Connecticut State Police at Troop B. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Protective order violation arrest
On Nov. 12, Torrington GA 18 probation staff notified Troop B that Patrick John Jr. Piljar, 31, with a Canaan P.O. Box, had arrived at court for a check in and had an outstanding warrant out of Troop B for an incident dated to Oct. 15 of this year on Main Street in North Canaan. He was processed for violation of a standing criminal protective order, and was held on a $10,000 cash bond before being brought to his arraignment.
Vehicle drives through road closure gate, flees
Sometime between 3 p.m. Nov. 12 and 5:45 a.m. Nov. 13, an unknown vehicle drove through a gate on Old Colony Road that was posted due to ongoing construction. The vehicle fled the scene. Anyone with information relating to the incident is asked to contact Troop B at 860-626-1820.
Criminal mischief arrest
Just after 9 p.m. on Nov. 13, troopers were dispatched to a West Main Street address in North Canaan on the report of an active disturbance. After investigating, troopers arrested Evan Clarke, 23, of North Canaan for third degree criminal mischief. He was issued a misdemeanor summons on a $2,500 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear at Torrington Superior Court on Nov. 24.
Disorderly conduct arrest
On Nov. 15, troopers served an active arrest warrant to Conner Benson, 31, of North Canaan for an incident dating to Aug. 29 of this year on College Hill Road. He was processed for disorderly conduct, and was subsequently released on a $2,500 non-surety bond. He was scheduled to appear at Torrington Superior Court on Nov. 17.
Speeding in adverse weather accident
On the evening of Nov. 15, Christopher Porter, 36, of Southbury, Connecticut was traveling on Route 4 near the intersection with West Woods Road in Sharon when he swerved into the opposite lane to avoid a downed tree. He lost control and struck an embankment on the westbound shoulder of the road. Porter’s Jaguar F-Type S was damaged in the incident and was towed from the scene. He reported minor injuries but declined medical intention. He was issued a written warning for traveling too fast for conditions.
The Lakeville Journal will publish the outcome of police charges. Send mail to P.O. Box 1688, Lakeville, CT 06039, Attn: Police Blotter, or email editor@lakevillejournal.com
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An assortment of colorful kratom products line the shelves at The Smoking Ape Smoke Shop in Torrington.
Debra A. Aleksinas
NORTH CANAAN — As Connecticut considers listing kratom as a Schedule I substance, Northwest Corner providers report a quiet but clear rise in dependence and withdrawal.
At Mountainside Treatment Center in North Canaan, clinicians say many people underestimate the drug’s risks or misunderstand how it works.
“Many people assume kratom is a safe, natural alternative to opioids, but detoxing from kratom and 7-OH—its semi-synthetic potent derivative—can be just as complex,” said Jana Wu, director of clinical integration at Mountainside. “We’re seeing individuals struggle with dependence and withdrawal, often unaware of the risks.”
Her concerns reflect a growing unease among clinicians across Litchfield County who say kratom—sold in gas stations, convenience stores, smoke shops, and online—is increasingly used to manage pain, anxiety, or to self-taper from opioids, even as little is known about potency or long-term safety.
Mountainside, the region’s largest addiction-treatment provider, has reported a steady increase in kratom detox admissions. The center recently expanded virtual support groups and continues to warn about concentrated or synthetically enhanced kratom products marketed as opioid-like substitutes.
“Kratom needs to be classified as a Schedule I drug so others can avoid this pain and loss, especially our children. It’s called ‘gas-station heroin’ for a reason,” said Doreen “Dori” Pinkerton, a Mountainside staff member and self-described “kratom survivor.”
What is kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Traditionally used in teas or chewed for mild stimulation, in the U.S. it is sold in capsules, powders, liquid shots and concentrated extracts—some containing amplified alkaloid levels or additives that differ significantly from natural preparations.
People use kratom for chronic pain, anxiety, coping with opioid withdrawal, or as an energy or mood enhancer. Risks include dependence, withdrawal, unpredictable potency, high concentrations of 7-hydroxymitragynine products, drug interactions, and respiratory depression when combined with sedatives. Kratom is not FDA-approved, and potency varies widely.
For many, kratom’s low cost and the perception that “natural” means safe are powerful draws, especially in small towns with limited healthcare options.
Local retailers say they try to offer guidance even as products vary widely in strength.
“I ask customers if [it’s] for pain, sleeping or anxiety,” said Mohammad Rahmen, an employee at Smoker’s Choice smoke shop in North Canaan’s Stop & Shop plaza. “It will only help if you use it with caution.”
A few towns away, Omar Nasser, owner of The Smoking Ape Smoke Shop on South Main Street in Torrington, described the range of products lining his shelves.
“Each strain has a different effect,” Nasser said. “The herbal powder form of kratom is addictive, but not as addictive as the stronger forms.” He said he recommends the lowest dosage based on customers’ needs. “It helps a lot of people in pain, although you do get attached to it — but not as much as some pain medications.”
Nasser said trends are emerging among his customers. “A lot of people use it to get out of withdrawal as well,” he said, noting that most of his buyers are between ages 30 and 50.
“There is always a reason for them to take it. From a human perspective, I try to talk people out of it if they don’t need it.” He added that some buyers are managing serious illnesses. “I have a lot of cancer patients, and it makes them feel better.”
As he spoke, a customer walked into the shop and headed straight to the kratom display area. Within minutes, she purchased a colorful packet of Jubi kratom tablets at $27.99 and a 300 mg packet of Pseudo for $44.99. Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, or Pseudo, is a powerful compound derived from the natural alkaloids found in kratom.
While the customer declined to provide her name, she explained that the kratom helps with back pain from an automobile accident, and being two years sober, she preferred a more natural option in pain management.
Clinicians say those stronger, concentrated forms are exactly what concerns them.
“The problem isn’t just the plant — it’s the way modern products are manufactured and marketed,” according to Mountainside’s Wu.
Treatment centers
sounding the alarm
At High Watch Recovery Center in Kent, Dr. Andrew Rizzo, who specializes in addiction medicine, said kratom misuse has become increasingly common among patients seeking treatment.
“I’ve seen a steady increase in the number of patients who come to High Watch for kratom abuse,” Rizzo said.
He said many people begin using kratom believing it will ease their transition off opioids.
“People trying to get off opioids often turn to kratom,” he said. “But 7-OH is much more addictive, and withdrawal is pretty severe — similar to opioid withdrawal.”
The lack of regulation, he added, presents its own risk.
“How do they know what they are actually taking is really in the product? It could be something higher than the labeled doses,” Rizzo said. “There are people who think they are taking a safe alternative, when it’s taking them down the path of addiction.”
The McCall Behavioral Health Network in Torrington reports similar trends.
Kyle Fitzmaurice, McCall’s harm reduction coordinator, said more people are now seeking help specifically for kratom-related concerns.
“We are seeing an increase in folks coming in asking for support,” he said. “Often people assume natural kratom is safe, but ‘safe’ is always a questionable word,” he said noting that kratom is a plant. “But recently, there has been a shift toward more synthetic versions, like 7-OH and Pseudo. They’re not kratom.”
Some products are mislabeled, he said, which puts users at greater risk.
“What we’re learning is that some places are marketing them as kratom, and that is what causes the risk,” Fitzmaurice said. He encouraged consumers to read product packaging carefully. “People should be looking for accreditation by the American Kratom Association.”
Where Connecticut
stands now
Earlier this year, the state enacted a law directing the Department of Consumer Protection to determine kratom’s place on the controlled-substance schedule.
The DCP has since put forward a proposed rule, classifying Mitragyna speciosa and its extractsas a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD. Possession or sale would be illegal except for research. Retailers — including many small shops, gas stations and convenience stores across the Northwest Corner — would have to pull products immediately should it go into effect.
DCP is expected to make a final decision in the coming months.
State health officials warn that kratom can cause dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, hallucinations, depression, seizures and breathing difficulties, especially when combined with other drugs.
Wu said Mountainside’s mission is not to stigmatize, but rather to educate and support. “People deserve accurate information, safe treatment and a path forward.”
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