WINSTED — A fire that destroyed a home at 133 Spencer St. on Sunday, Feb. 19, has left a local family homeless.“We’ve lost everything,” said Dawn Lagassie, who has lived at the residence with her fiancé, Charles Jones, and her three children since buying it in 2010. “Everything that was in the house, including our clothes and furniture, was all destroyed in the fire.”Lagassie was on a snowmobiling trip in Maine with her 13-year-old daughter, Caylin, when the fire broke out. Jones was out for an early-morning walk with the family dogs and Lagassie’s son, 14-year-old Chance.“I got a phone call from Adam [Lagassie’s 20-year-old son], who was staying at a friend’s house,” Jones said. “He told me that the neighbors had called the fire department because the house was on fire. It was totally on fire when I got back.”Smoke from the fire had engulfed the house and was billowing from the windows.Residents looked on from a distance in shock.At the fire scene, members of the family were too shaken to be interviewed as firefighters surrounded the blaze, frantically trying to contain it.Winsted Fire Chief Robert Shopey said six fire engines and more than 60 firefighters from the Winsted Fire Department responded to the fire, and the fire was contained in about an hour. One firefighter fractured his finger fighting the blaze.Firefighters said the fire started either in the basement or on the first floor. There was speculation that the fire may have been caused by faulty wiring. Jones said he has been told by fire officials that the cause of the fire was most likely electrical, but he said he had not been aware of electrical problems in the house.The family owns four cats, three dogs, a rabbit and and a snake. Just one pet, the cat Maya, died in the fire.“She was such an awesome cat,” Jones said. “She was only 1 year old. We took her to last year’s Pet Parade and even to a frog jumping contest in Colebrook. She was such a loving and caring cat.”The three surviving cats escaped out the front door when firefighters entered the house.As of Monday, the house was vacant and had been boarded up. Charred furniture was scattered in the front yard.Lagassie said it is likely the house will be torn down.She said the disaster has turned her life upside-down and she does not know where her family, now homeless, will live.“Our neighbors have been very helpful, and we’ve gotten clothing donations from them,” she said. “The Red Cross has put us up in a motel for a few days, but I don’t know where we will all go from here.”Lagassie said she thinks her insurance company will cover the loss of the house.“They are working with me,” she said. “I don’t know where we will live. We’re all just taking this a day at a time.”
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Cardona urges more pathways from high school to rewarding careers
Ruth Epstein
Sep 22, 2026
Former U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona speaks at Salisbury Forum Friday, Sept. 18, at Housatonic Valley Regional High School.
Ruth Epstein
FALLS VILLAGE — Former U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona called for better coordination among schools, colleges, employers and government agencies to give Connecticut students more options after high school.
Cardona, who also served as Connecticut’s education commissioner, spoke at the Salisbury Forum’s first program of the season Friday, Sept. 18, at Housatonic Valley Regional High School.
He began by describing how his paternal grandparents’ move from Puerto Rico to Connecticut decades ago helped put him on a path that eventually led to a seat in President Joe Biden’s Cabinet.
“When Domino Sugar Company took over the sugar fields in Puerto Rico, he lost his job,” Cardona said of his paternal grandfather. “He moved his family to Connecticut because of the tobacco fields. They lived in the projects.”
He noted that his mother’s family moved to Meriden, where his parents married young and raised their family.
Cardona, as a teenager, enrolled in a technical high school to study automotive mechanics. His path changed when a teacher noticed his interest in social justice and encouraged him to become an educator.
“I wouldn’t have bet on me to become an adviser to a president, but the teacher saw the assets, not the deficits in me,” he said. “She was someone who believed in me and saw something in me I didn’t see.”
Cardona went on to become a teacher, principal and district administrator before being appointed Connecticut’s education commissioner and later serving as U.S. education secretary under President Biden.
“What a blessing that was, to advise the president on dealing with millions of public school students in the country,” he said.
Cardona said his priorities as state commissioner included narrowing achievement gaps among students of different backgrounds.
As federal education secretary, he helped oversee the reopening of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic and pursued changes intended to strengthen accountability in higher education and improve affordability.
Cardona currently chairs the Connecticut Career Pathways Commission, which is assessing the state’s education and workforce development systems and preparing recommendations for a five-year strategic plan.
Gov. Ned Lamont created the commission to help students navigate the choice between college and entering the workforce.
Cardona said Connecticut has many effective programs and agencies, but they do not always work together. Labor representatives, educators, elected officials and industry leaders need to communicate more closely, he said.
Cardona also described the issue as an economic imperative, citing the number of Americans struggling to repay student loans and Connecticut employers’ need for qualified workers.
“There are tens of thousands of careers in Connecticut that students don’t know about,” he said. “Some are making big salaries in the tech field without college debt. We owe it to our students to be able to meet the demands of today. If we don’t meet the demands of employers, they’ll go elsewhere.”
During a question-and-answer session, Cardona was asked about reductions at the U.S. Department of Education.
“It’s a bad idea,” he replied. “Investing in education is like investing in defense.”
He also criticized low teacher salaries, noting that educators can leave college with debt comparable to that of graduates entering substantially higher-paying professions. He pointed out that most teachers are women.
Asked about school shootings, Cardona grew somber as he recalled visiting communities where shootings had occurred.
“We’ve normalized them,” he said. “Gun violence is the number one cause of death of children. We have to do better. It’s not a red or blue issue, but an American issue.”
He warned that without action, more school shootings are inevitable.
“It’s going to happen — not if, but when,” Cardona said. “When are we going to wake up?”
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Republican candidates rally supporters at Salisbury event ahead of election
Ruth Epstein
Sep 22, 2026
Among the candidates attending Sunday’s Republican Meet the Candidates event in Salisbury were, from left, Judge of Probate Jordan Richards, Chris Shea, John Bolton, Jen Tooker, Fred Wilms and Matt Corey.
Ruth Epstein
SALISBURY — Republican candidates seeking state and federal offices rallied supporters around affordability, taxes, public safety and government accountability during a campaign event at the Town Grove on Sunday, Sept. 20.
Sponsored by the Salisbury and Sharon Republican town committees, the gathering featured candidates ranging from governor to judge of probate. Speakers outlined their priorities while directing much of their criticism at Democratic incumbents.
Tom Morrison, chairman of the Salisbury Republican Town Committee and the event’s host, called the Republican slate the party’s strongest to date.
“We have the strongest ticket from top to bottom that we’ve ever had,” he said.
He urged supporters to begin displaying campaign signs, noting that Democratic signs had already appeared around the area. “We wanted to wait so as not to despoil the landscape as the Democrats have,” he joked.
State Sen. Ryan Fazio, the Republican candidate challenging Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, focused on affordability, lowering utility costs, public safety and education.
Fazio said Lamont’s economic policies have made Connecticut less affordable.
He also accused Lamont of running a negative campaign instead of presenting a record of accomplishments or a plan for another term.
He also argued that the governor has centralized authority in Hartford and weakened local control, including over zoning decisions.
“You’d think after eight years, he’d tell you what he’s accomplished,” he said, adding Lamont has “no plan” for what he wants to do next.
Lamont has presented affordability and economic growth as central themes of his reelection campaign.
Matt Corey, Fazio’s running mate and the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, also criticized the Lamont administration’s economic policies.
Corey, who is challenging Democratic Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, said he and Fazio would seek to reduce property and corporate taxes and make Connecticut more affordable for retirees and businesses.
Peter Lumaj, the Republican candidate for secretary of the state, emphasized election administration. Lumaj said his childhood under Communist rule in Albania shaped his belief in the importance of meaningful and secure elections.
He argued that the secretary of the state’s office should be administered without partisan influence and cited alleged voting irregularities in several Connecticut municipalities. Lumaj criticized Democratic incumbent Stephanie Thomas’ handling of election security.
Thomas has defended the integrity of Connecticut’s elections while acknowledging the need to investigate documented irregularities, including those in Bridgeport.
Republican attorney general candidate John Bolton criticized Democratic incumbent William Tong for participating in lawsuits challenging actions by President Donald Trump’s administration. Bolton said the attorney general should concentrate more heavily on matters directly affecting Connecticut residents.
Tong has said those legal challenges are intended to protect Connecticut residents, state programs and federal funding.
Chris Shea, the Republican candidate in the 5th Congressional District, criticized Democratic U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes’ record and said he had received encouragement from voters in Waterbury, Hayes’ hometown.
Republican treasurer candidate Fred Wilms highlighted his financial background and argued that Connecticut should change the way its pension investments are overseen. He criticized Democratic Treasurer Erick Russell’s experience and investment record and called for transferring some authority from the treasurer to a board of trustees.
Jen Tooker, the Republican candidate for state comptroller, focused on Connecticut’s long-term liabilities and business climate. The former Westport first selectman argued that Democratic Comptroller Sean Scanlon lacks sufficient financial experience and said the state must address its debt obligations to attract more businesses.
State Sen. Stephen Harding, the Republican minority leader who represents the 30th District, accused Democratic lawmakers of circumventing state spending controls and called for reducing government spending.
“We need to rein in our spending and reduce the size of government,” Harding said. “I believe in common sense.”
Harding is being challenged by Democrat Aaron Zimmer of Brookfield. The 30th District includes Salisbury, Sharon, Cornwall, Kent, North Canaan and several other northwestern Connecticut communities.
Judge of Probate Jordan Richards also spoke briefly. He is running unopposed.
Connecticut’s general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3.
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Kent home prices hit new high in August
Christine Bates
Sep 22, 2026
Built in 1914, the three-bedroom home at 46 Spooner Hill Road overlooks neighboring fields from its 5.5-acre property. With more than 2,500 square feet of living space and central air conditioning, it sold for $1,060,000 after 187 days on the market, below its original asking price of $1,295,000, according to Smart MLS.
Christine Bates
KENT — The median sale price for a single-family home in Kent reached a record $760,750 for the 12 months ending Aug. 31, 2026.
The median was 57% above the $484,000 recorded a year earlier and 1% higher than the previous record of $753,000 set in the 12 months ending in August 2024. The figures exclude condominiums.
Sales volume remained stable, with 28 single-family homes sold during the latest 12-month period, averaging roughly two to three a month. The total compares with 27 sales in the 12 months ending in August 2025 and 30 in the corresponding period in 2024.
Sales peaked at 81 during the 12 months ending in May 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inventory has increased in recent weeks, with 19 single-family homes and three condominiums listed for sale. Twelve of the houses have asking prices above $1 million, while four are listed below the current median sale price. Homes in Kent typically sell for 98% to 100% of their asking price.
The five August transactions detailed below reflect the busy summer closing season, when homes listed in May and June go under contract and complete their sales.
August Kent Transfers
66 Muller Road – 2 bedroom/2 bath home on 5 acres transferred by Peter and Lisa Crockett to Clinton Kelly and Damon Bayles for $565,000
100 Main Street North – 4 bedroom/4 full bath/2 half bath home built in 1800 on 11.01 acres transferred by Jeffrey Kane Weiser Trustee of Jeffrey Kane Weiser Revocable Trust and Soo Zin Hugh Trustee of Soo Sin Hugh Revocable Trust to Greenway Holdings LLC for $2,400,000
262 Kent Cornwall Road – 3 bedroom/2 bath home on 29.8 acres transferred by Carl Posse III and Constance Flanigan to Syed Khalid Wasti and Joanne Lee Wasti for $950,000
46 Spooner Hill Road – 3 bedroom/2.5 bath home on 5.45 acres transferred by Maria and David Kopstein to Andrew and Mary Ann Carman for $1,060,000
433 Kent Cornwall Road, Unit #22 – 3 bedroom/2 bath condo transferred by Holly Ceane and William Strebel to Nadine Kellar for $370,000.
* Town of Kent real estate transfers recorded between August 1, 2026, and August 31, 2026, provided by Kent Town Clerk. Transfers without consideration are not included. Current market listings from Smart MLS and market data from Info Sparks. Note that recorded transfers frequently lag sales by a number of days. Compiled by Christine Bates, Real Estate Salesperson with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, Licensed in CT and NY.
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Police Blotter: Troop B
Lakeville Journal
Sep 22, 2026
Police Blotter: Troop B
Police Blotter: Troop B
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.
Avoiding a deer
On Saturday, Sept. 19 at approximately 3 a.m Giovanni Rojas of Kent was traveling southbound on Rt. 7 in Cornwall when he lost control of his 2026 Dodge Durango while avoiding a deer on the roadway. The vehicle traveled off the right side of the road, striking a residential mailbox at 146 Kent Road. Rojas was found at fault for the crash and was issued a written warning for failure to maintain lane.
Breach of peace, firearm charge
Troop B troopers responded to an active disturbance possibly involving a firearm at approximately 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11 at White Plains Campground in Barkhamsted. An investigation led to the arrest of Frank Schulze, 61, of Bristol on misdemeanor charges of breach of peace in the second degree and carrying a firearm while under the influence of alcohol and he was released on a $2,500 non-surety bond for a scheduled appearance in Torrington Superior Court.
Motorcycle accident
Michalle Dileo, 37, of Barkhamsted, was merging onto 318 westbound from Goose Green Road in Barkhamsted at approximately 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, when her 2013 Jeep Patriot was struck by a motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed without headlights on.
Dileo had a 10-year old female passenger in the Jeep. Neysha Detrez, 32, of Torrington, a passenger on the motorcycle, was reportedly ejected from the motorcycle, while the unknown driver of the motorcycle fled the scene. Detrez sustained minor injuries and was transported to Waterbury Hospital. Troop B requests that any witnesses contact Trooper Moriarity at 860-626-1820.
The Lakeville Journal will publish the outcome of police charges. Send mail to P.O. Box 1688, Lakeville, CT 06039, Attn: Police Blotter, or send to editor@lakevillejournal.com.
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Car show supports NCES eighth graders
John Coston
Sep 22, 2026
Eighth graders at North Canaan Elementary School pitched in on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Classic Car Show fundraiser to support their class trip in May.
John Coston
NORTH CANAAN — A vintage car show with an assortment of vendors enjoyed perfect fall weather Saturday, Sept. 19, while raising money for North Canaan Elementary School’s eighth-grade class trip to Washington, D.C.
The entire eighth-grade class was on hand for the fundraiser that will help defray the $1,600 cost per student for the class trip next May. The annual trip for the graduating class spans four days and three nights and focuses on civics and history, and they often take in a ball game.
Eve Davis, a seventh-grade teacher of language arts who is a main organizer of the fundraiser, said, “It’s a coming of age experience for the students. For many of them, it’s the first time that they’re away from their parents.”
The car show drew car buffs who strolled through lineups of sixties muscle cars and more modern high-horsepower cars, as well as strollers who enjoyed the fried dough truck.
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$13 million boost for Sharon Hospital
Ruth Epstein
Sep 22, 2026
Sharon Hospital will receive $13.1 million in federal funding to expand services.
Provided
SHARON — Sharon Hospital will receive $13.1 million in federal funding to expand care for older residents, improve access to specialists and establish an outpatient rehabilitation facility outside its campus.
Gov. Ned Lamont announced Sept. 16 that the award is part of $50 million in first-year agreements finalized by the Connecticut Department of Social Services under the Rural Health Transformation Program.
The statewide funding package includes $46 million for four rural hospital systems and nearly $4 million for technical assistance.
Sharon Hospital, part of Northwell Health, plans to combine its $13.1 million award with investments from the health system to support three initiatives: a healthy aging program, a staffed virtual health office and an off campus rehabilitation facility.
The healthy aging program will bring blood pressure checks, glucose monitoring and cholesterol screening to community settings where older residents already gather. Hospital officials said the gatherings will also provide opportunities for social interaction.
The virtual health office will provide a dedicated space at Sharon Hospital where patients can consult remotely with specialists, with clinical staff available to assist. The service is intended to help older residents, working families and patients whose medical conditions make travel difficult.
The planned rehabilitation facility will provide an additional location for physical therapy and rehabilitation, which hospital officials described as among the area’s most sought-after services. Existing rehabilitation services on the hospital campus will continue.
“These resources will help us strengthen access to care, invest in services that meet the unique needs of our rural community and continue building a healthier future for the patients and families we are privileged to serve,” Sharon Hospital President Christina McCulloch said in a statement.
Other first-year awards include $20.2 million for Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam and a combined $12.7 million for Hartford HealthCare’s Windham Hospital and Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington.
The grants are intended to help rural hospitals address challenges that include staffing shortages, aging facilities, low patient volumes and a heavy reliance on public insurance programs. Projects statewide will include equipment upgrades, building renovations, expanded telehealth capacity and efforts to stabilize the health care workforce.
“Connecticut’s rural hospitals are essential to their communities, and they have unique challenges in ensuring that people who live in these areas can access the healthcare they need,” Lamont said.
The announcement follows other investments since Sharon Hospital became part of Northwell Health in May 2025, when Northwell merged with Nuvance Health, the hospital’s former parent organization.
Earlier this year, McCulloch described upgrades to the hospital’s radiology department, including a replacement CT scanner, and an expanded training program that brings family medicine residents to Sharon for experience in rural health care.
The hospital also is seeking to expand and renovate the Medical Arts Building at 29 Hospital Hill Road to accommodate a larger primary care practice and improve accessibility.
Connecticut is expected to receive approximately $154.2 million during the first year of the five-year federal program. The $50 million announced Sept. 16 represents the first group of finalized agreements with hospitals and a technical-assistance provider.
Sharon Hospital has not specified when its three initiatives will begin, where the offsite rehabilitation facility will be located or how the $13.1 million will be divided among them.
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