community

‘Heroes’ honored at Housatonic

‘Heroes’ honored at Housatonic

Jim Vanicky, left, commended Niya Borst, center, and Emil Urbanowicz, right, for their efforts in saving a driver from a burning car.

Riley Klein

FALLS VILLAGE — For their bravery in rescuing a driver from a burning car, Niya Borst and Emil Urbanowicz were recognized in front of the student body at Housatonic Valley Regional High School Friday, April 4.

Principal Ian Strever said the two seniors “stepped up in ways that were truly brave, courageous and absolutely heroic.”

The single-car accident occurred in Cornwall Saturday, March 29. The car was upside-down, engulfed in flames and tangled in electrical wires when Borst arrived, she explained.

Borst said she and her aunt used a sledgehammer to break the rear window in an attempt to free the driver.

“She was stuck and the fire was just going and going,” said Borst.

She and others nearby worked together to pull the driver out of the car.

Urbanowicz called 9-1-1 and assisted first responders.

Jim Vanicky of the Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department arrived shortly after with a fire extinguisher.

“They’re heroes,” said Vanicky. “They showed incredible bravery when they risked their own safety to save a life from a burning vehicle. Their quick thinking and selfless action reminds us what real courage is.”

The students were presented with honorary CVFD member t-shirts.

community

Latest News

Ski jump camp for kids returns Dec. 27, 28

Ski jump camp for kids returns Dec. 27, 28
Ski jump camp for kids returns Dec. 27, 28
Photo provided

The Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) will host its annual Junior Jump Camp, a two-day introduction to ski jumping, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 27 and 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Satre Hill in Salisbury.

The camp is open to children ages 7 and up and focuses on teaching the basics of ski jumping, with an emphasis on safety, balance and control, using SWSA’s smallest hill. No prior experience is required.

Keep ReadingShow less

Six newly elected leaders join Northwest Hills Council of Governments

Six newly elected leaders join Northwest Hills Council of Governments

Jesse Bunce, first selectman of North Canaan.

Photo provided

LITCHFIELD — The Northwest Hills Council of Governments welcomed six newly elected municipal leaders Thursday, Dec. 11, at its first meeting following the 2025 municipal elections.

The council — a regional planning body representing 21 towns in northwest Connecticut — coordinates transportation, emergency planning, housing, economic development and other shared municipal services.

Keep ReadingShow less

Mountaineers fly high in preseason basketball

Mountaineers fly high in preseason basketball

Ryan Segalla takes a fadeaway shot over a defender.

By Riley Klein

FALLS VILLAGE — Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s boys basketball team defeated Pine Plains High School 60-22 in a scrimmage Tuesday, Dec. 9. The non-league preseason game gave both sides an opportunity to run the court ahead of the 2025-26 varsity season.

HVRHS’s senior-heavy roster played with power and poise. The boys pulled ahead early and kept their foot on the gas through to the end.

Keep ReadingShow less

Kent toy drive brightens holiday season

Kent toy drive brightens holiday season

Katie Moore delivers toys to the Stuff a Truck campaign held by the Kent Volunteer Fire Department last weekend. Donated toys are collected so that parents, who need some assistance, may provide their children with gifts this Christmas. Accepting the donation are elves Fran Goodsell and Karen Iannucci

Photo by Ruth Epstein

KENT — Santa’s elves were toasty warm as they collected toys for the children of Kent.

Keeping with annual tradition, Fran Goodsell and Karen Iannucci manned the Stuff a Truck campaign sponsored by the Kent Volunteer Fire Department on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7. Sitting in front of a fire pit in the firehouse parking lot between donations from residents, they spoke of the incredible generosity displayed every season. That spirit of giving was clear from the piles of toys heaped on a table.

Keep ReadingShow less