Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

Severe drought gripped region in late summer

Severe drought gripped region in late summer
The Blackberry River in North Canaan was running low in September. 
Photo by Riley Klein

A summer of high temperatures and unusually low rainfall left the Northwest Corner in severe drought during the months of August, September and early October.

Area experts reported failing crops on farms, reduced landscaping activity, and exacerbated forests as trees struggled to recover from defoliation by Spongy moths in the spring.

Joan Nichols, executive director of Connecticut’s Farm Bureau, detailed the challenges farmers experienced as a result of the drought.

“Some dairy and poultry farmers have had to ship water in, with others pulling water from the municipal water systems because their wells have gone dry,” said Nichols.

The effects of a severe drought can linger into the following season, hindering farmers as they prepare for next year.

“Hay production [was] way down,” said Nichols. “Many farmers [were] unable to get a second cutting in.”

Compounding stress factors have placed increased strain on wildlife and agriculture year after year. Whether it was caused by floods in 2021, spongy moths in spring 2022 or a late summer drought, the resilience of nature has been repeatedly put to the test.

Latest News

Anita L. Gochey

Anita L. Gochey

CANAAN — Anita L. (King) Gochey, 85, of 77 South Canaan Rd. died June 5, 2026, at Geer Village. She was the wife of the late Lester Gochey. Anita was born July 16, 1940,in Winsted, daughter of the late Ivan and Irene (Dulude) King.

Anita was well known throughout the Northwest Corner. She worked for many local businesses and organizations. Anita worked at the Rexall Drug Store, C.A. Lindell and Sons, Bob’s Clothing, Brooks Pharmacy, and the Housatonic Valley Regional High School in the cafeteria.She used her skills in calligraphy to complete the record books for the North Canaan Congregational Church.Anita’s daughter remembers her as being very creative with cardboard, and a loving mom.

Keep ReadingShow less

Susanne Cecilia Berberoglu

Susanne Cecilia Berberoglu

SHARON — Susanne Cecilia Berberoglu, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 14 surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on Fe 13, 1951, in New Milford, Susanne lived a life filled with warmth, adventure, compassion, and dedication to those she loved.

Keep ReadingShow less

Celebration of Life — Jim Dresser

Celebration of Life — Jim Dresser

A Celebration of Jim Dresser’s Life

Saturday, July 18, 12 – 3 p.m. At Hill Acre Camp on Mt. Riga, Salisbury, CT.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Memorial Service — Rafael Porro

Memorial Service — Rafael Porro

SALISBURY — Rafael Porro passed away on January 6, 2026.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service in his honor on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Salisbury.

Keep ReadingShow less

Memorial Service — Walter E. DeMelle

Memorial Service — Walter E. DeMelle

LAKEVILLE — Friends are invited to participate in a memorial service for Walter E. DeMelle on Saturday, June 27 at 2:00 p.m. at The Hotchkiss School Chapel, Lakeville, Connecticut.

Full obituary at: https://lakevillejournal.com/walter-earle-demelle-jr

Nicholas Gandolfo Jr.

Nicholas Gandolfo Jr.

CANAAN- — Nicholas Gandolfo Jr., 94 of East Canaan passed on June 4,2026, after a courageous battle with kidney cancer and CLL Leukemia.

Nicholas was born and raised in East Canaan to Nicholas Gandolfo Sr. and Marie Zucco Gandolfo both Italian immigrants, a heritage Nicholas embraced with pride.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.