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NHCOG and Leonardo Ghio receive Rural Achievement Award
Alec Linden
Jun 17, 2026
LITCHFIELD – The Northwest Hills Council of Governments and Leonardo Ghio, project director of rural health and human services for the organization, have been awarded national recognition for prioritizing healthcare and access to human services as fundamental to successful planning and economic development in the region.
The National Association of Regional Councils, a country-wide regional governance advocacy group, awarded the NHCOG and Ghio with its 2026 Rural Achievement Award, which honors organizations and individuals that innovate strategies to address unique challenges that rural communities face. The accolade champions Ghio’s and the NHCOG’s focus on public health, behavioral health, aging services, food security and social service coordination as foundational components for lasting wellness in rural communities.
“Employers cannot thrive when residents struggle to access healthcare, transportation, housing, nutrition, or support services,” said Ghio in a June 9 release.
“By bringing health and human services into the regional planning conversation, we are helping communities build stronger workforces, improve quality of life and create conditions for long-term economic resilience,” he added.
Erich Zimmermann, executive director of the National Association of Regional Councils, said the example extends beyond the Litchfield Hills.
“Their work serves as a national example of how regional organizations can address health and human service needs while advancing economic development and community sustainability.”
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Field Day Fun at Lee H. Kellogg School
Patrick L. Sullivan
Jun 17, 2026
Lev Sadeh and Noah Sher compete in the Pizza Box Relay during Field Day at Lee H. Kellogg School.
Patrick L. Sullivan
FALLS VILLAGE – It was Field Day at the Lee H. Kellogg School on Monday, June 15, as students took to the field at 9:30 a.m. to compete in a variety of games and activities, including disc golf and capture the flag. During the “Pizza Box Relay,” Lev Sadeh and Noah Sher, partially hidden behind a stack of pizza boxes, tried to split the difference between control and speed during the race.
Salisbury median home price reaches $875K
Christine Bates
Jun 17, 2026
308 Main Street in Lakeville, where Black Squirrel antiques store once operated, sold after 306 days on the market for $970,000, below its original listing price of $1,200,000.
Christine Bates
SALISBURY – The 12-month trailing median price for a single-family home in Salisbury, excluding condominiums, was $875,000 for the period ending May 31, 2026.
The $875,000 median was 24% lower than the $1,145,000 median recorded for the 12 months ending May 31, 2025, but 5% higher than the $830,000 median reported for the comparable period ending May 31, 2024.
The number of homes sold during the 12 months ending May 31, 2026, rose to 53, compared with 47 sales during the prior 12-month period ending May 31, 2025, and matched the 53 sales recorded during the period ending May 31, 2024. The annual sales record was set for the period ending May 31, 2021, when 117 homes were sold.
Inventory of residential properties on the market increased slightly to 20 listings in early June. The high-end market continued to dominate, with 14 homes listed above $1 million and just six priced below the town’s median sale price of $875,000.
Furnished seasonal and academic rentals remained plentiful in early June, with 24 homes available. Asking prices ranged from $3,850 per month for an academic-year rental to $65,000 for the summer season.
Salisbury Transfers in May
62 Reservoir Road – 3 bedroom/2.5 bath home on 2.1 acres transferred by 62 Reservoir LLC to Michele Ganeless for $1,350,000
11-17 Valley Road – 5 bedroom/5 bath/2 half bath with an accessory apartment on 21.2 acres transferred by David and Cynthia Edelson to Brian and Tracey Early for $4,900,000
5 Valley Road – 4 bedroom/4 bath modern farmhouse on 3 acres transferred by Robert Blanchard and Carol Lynne Vargo to Weatherly-White Carley Trustee for Carl Weatherly-White Revocable Trust for $2,850,000
260 Taconic Road – 3 bedroom/2.5 bath home built in 1880 on 2.5 acres transferred by Seig Sacks to Riccard Properties LLC for $2,000,000
460 Wells Hille Road – 3 bedroom/2 bath ranch on 4.9 acres transferred by Lawrence and Cynthia Hoage to Russell and Lisa Hoage for $41,454
308 Main Street – 4 bathroom retail store on .76 acres transferred by Thomas Emerick and Joanne Beveridge to William Popadic and Amber Finlay for $970,000
36 Rocky Lane – 3 bedroom/2 bath home on .3 acres transferred by John James Ball to Rose-Louise Kealey and Daniel Scaggs for $900,000
240 Main Street – 4 bedroom/2 bath on .55 acres sold by McBride Builders LLC to Emily Vail for $688,000
247 Twin Lakes Road – 3 bedroom/3 bath home on 4.5 acres sold by Barry and Helena Schuman to Robert and Sarah Slocum for $3,255,000
16 Westmount Road – 5 bedroom/5 bath home on 10 acres transferred by Sara Wardell and Donald Hendel Trustee for Richard D Wardell Second A & R Revocable Trust to Robert Lloyd Blanchard and Carol Lynne Vargo for $1,600,000
17 Perry Street – 3 bedroom/2 bath newly built home transferred by Salisbury Housing Trust Inc to Dan Bolonani for $250,000
6 Juniper Ledge Lane – 4 bedroom/3.5 bath home on 2 acres transferred by Kenneth Fields and Nicole Noya to Rebecca Kostopoulos for $875,000
60 Selleck Road – 3 bedroom/3.5 bath home on 1.97 acres transferred by Carlos Arrendondo to Eunice Byun and Daniel Lee for $2,500,000
* Town of Salisbury real estate transfers recorded between May 1, 2026, and May 31, 2026, provided by Salisbury Town Clerk. Transfers without consideration are not included. Current market listings from Smart MLS and market statistic from InfoSparks. Note that monthly recorded transfers may lag sales by a number of days and include properties not appearing on the MLS.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
Jun 17, 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.
Truck strikes utility pole
On Saturday, June 6, Selenne Juanito, 29, of Millerton, N.Y., was eastbound on Salisbury Road in North Canaan in a 2012 Ford F350 Super Duty at approximately 11:30 p.m. when the vehicle ran off the side of the roadway at a curve, striking a utility pole. No injuries were reported and Juanito was issued an infraction for failure to maintain lane.
Driving without license
On Saturday, June 6, at approximately 4:30 p.m. Abner Lux Ubico, 19, of Millerton, N.Y., was westbound on Route 44 in North Canaan in a 2012 Subaru Legacy when the vehicle traveled off the side of the roadway, hitting a guardrail. No injuries were reported and the driver was issued an infraction for driving without a license.
Vehicle hits group of trees
Shortly before noon on Sunday, June 7, Brandon Wells,18, of Lakeville, was traveling on Wells Hill Road in Salisbury when he mistook the gas pedal for the brake pedal and kept the steering wheel turned to the right. The vehicle, a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica, left the road and struck a sign and a group of trees. No injuries reported and the driver was issued a written warning for failure to maintain lane.
Rear-ended in Norfolk
On Thursday, June 11, at approximately 10 a.m., Lauren Foley, 43, of Canaan was eastbound on Route 44 in Norfolk at Shepherd Road, behind a 2015 Jeep drivenby Mercedes Vijay, 59, of Torrington. Foley’s 2006 Chevy Impala rear ended the Jeep as it was turning into a residential driveway. Foley was found at fault and was issued a misdemeanor summons for operating under a suspension, following too close and having an expired registration.
School bus hit by falling tree; no one hurt
On Thursday, June 11 at approximately 3:45 p.m. an All Star Transportation school bus with 19 passengers was northbound on Low Road near Grandview Lane in Sharon when the bus was struck by a falling tree. Neither the driver, Jean Kearns, 57, of West Cornwall, nor any of the children, who ranged in age from 6 to 14, reported injuries when examined by EMS, and the driver was not found at fault in the accident. There was minor damage to the front bumper of the bus.
Truck snags guardrail
On Saturday, June 13, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Tristan Miller, 22, of Unionville, was westbound on Johnson Road in Canaan in a 2002 Ford F250 Super Duty when the truck left the roadway and struck a guardrail. Miller was issued a warning for failure to maintain lane and the Ford was towed from the scene.
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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SWSA prepares to launch summer ski jumping at Satre Hill
Patrick L. Sullivan
Jun 17, 2026
The 35-meter ski jumping hill and tower will soon be ready for summer use.
Patrick L. Sullivan
SALISBURY – For generations, Satre Hill has come alive each winter as ski jumpers soar through the cold air during Jumpfest, which celebrated its 100th year in February. Soon, however, the iconic hill may be just as busy in the summer, as new infrastructure and artificial surfaces pave the way for year-round training.
The Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) is preparing to launch summer jumping, which could transform the venue into a nearly year-round jumping destination. SWSA hopes to attract young jumpers from New England and New York to train at Satre Hill during the summer, and eventually hopes to host a summer jumping event.
SWSA president Ken Barker said the ability to practice year-round helps the athletes. “Like any other sport, we can keep them focused and in the best condition,” he said.
Barker said the artificial surfaces, made out of plastic and ceramic, feel remarkably similar to real snow. One necessary component is running water, which is used to wet the surfaces being installed on the medium, 35-meter jump.
A well drilled last week marks a milestone for the venue.
“We’ve never had running water before,” said Barker on Saturday, June 13 at the hill as volunteers prepared for the next phase of the organization’s evolution. He said it’s been talked about for years.
Though the running water will not be used for snowmaking – Barker said the current operation relies on aging cisterns while SWSA develops plans for a future pond – it will support major events and will also make summer jumping possible.
Barker had samples of ceramic and plastic materials on hand. The plastic, he said, is called a shingle and will be attached to the landing hill in rows of eight. Installing them will take SWSA volunteers just a couple of days.
The ceramic tiles are being attached to the jump tower and must be screwed in, one at a time. Barker knows exactly how many there are – 680 – because he did the work.
He said one advantage of the ceramic tiles is that they make it unnecessary to add snow to the jump tower in the winter.
Not only will the water come in handy for off-season ski jumping, but also for big events like the Jane Lloyd Fund clambake set to take place in late July.
SWSA hopes to get its summer jumping activities underway by the end of July or beginning of August. Barker said there will likely be about two dozen participants, all youngsters from the Tri-State area who have been regular SWSA participants for years.
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After painter’s death, friends reflect on a life rebuilt
Christian Murray
Jun 17, 2026
Michael Moore with his son, Lucian. Friends and family say much of his life revolved around raising his son.
Provided
LAKEVILLE — Friends and coworkers say Michael Moore spent years rebuilding his life.
Now, they are grappling not only with the loss of a friend and employer, but with the loss of a father whose life had come to revolve around his 7-year-old son, Lucian.
The 40-year-old painting contractor was killed June 1 in Ashley Falls. Authorities allege that fellow painting contractor Cole Bushnell was responsible. Bushnell, 41, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder and is being held without bail.
Friends say Moore had overcome addiction, regained custody of his son and built a business that employed people who, like him, were trying to get back on their feet. He was also talking about marriage after more than six months in a committed relationship.
For many who knew both Moore and Bushnell, the allegations remain difficult to reconcile. The two men had known each other since their days at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, worked together for years and remained close friends.
“They were best friends,” Moises Reyes, a painter who was employed by Moore, said.
Friends say Moore and Bushnell spoke daily, shared workers on larger jobs, consulted one another on estimates and occasionally helped each other financially when business slowed.
One friend and fellow painter, who has known both men since childhood but didn’t want his name disclosed, said Bushnell served as a mentor to Moore as the younger contractor built his own business.
“Cole was like a mentor to him,” the friend said. “Whatever job one got, they would run it by the other.”
Friends said it was not uncommon for the two men to loan each other money when cash flow tightened, a reality of running small contracting businesses.
“I saw it both ways,” the friend said. “Mike would help Cole. Cole would help Mike.”
That history has left many searching for answers.
“I don’t understand how it happened,” the friend said.
Rebuilding his life
Those closest to Moore acknowledge that he struggled with addiction during his younger years and had several encounters with the criminal justice system. But friends say those challenges became the foundation of a turnaround.
After becoming sober, Moore focused on rebuilding his life, establishing his own business and gaining sole custody of Lucian nearly four years ago.
“He got clean. He got his son back,” said Joey St. John, who worked for Moore but had been friends with him for nearly a decade.
Friends describe that achievement as one of Moore’s proudest accomplishments. They say much of what he did in recent years revolved around creating stability for his son. Lucian’s mother, they said, had her own personal struggles.
A father first
By all accounts, Lucian was the center of Moore’s life.
Friends describe him as a single father whose daily routine revolved around his son. He dropped him off at daycare in Winsted most days and picked him up at the end of the day.
Friends say Moore worked hard to regain custody of Lucian and was devoted to raising him.
“Lucian loved his daddy more than anything,” said Jacklyn Evon, whose husband grew up with Moore and was a friend.
Her husband, Bryan, attended Kellogg Elementary School in Falls Village with Moore in the 1990s, when there were only about 10 children in the grade, with just three being boys.
“They were like brothers,” she said, noting that Moore gave a lively speech at their wedding.
Following Moore’s death, friends and family members have rallied around Moore’s son.
Evon launched a GoFundMe campaign noting that Moore was Lucian’s sole caregiver, provider and primary source of support. The fundraiser seeks to help cover counseling, educational expenses, daily needs and long-term financial support for the boy.
“No amount can replace Michael or erase the pain of this loss,” the fundraiser states. “However, together we can help ease some of the burdens that now lie ahead for Lucian.”
The GoFundMe had generated about $18,000 in a week, with about 150 contributors.
Evon said that Lucian has a strong foundation but there is uncertainty ahead.
A crew left behind
Moore’s death has also left his workers grieving and uncertain about the future.
Many of the people Moore employed were themselves rebuilding their lives after addiction, incarceration or other setbacks.
Reyes said Moore gave him an opportunity after he completed rehabilitation in 2025 and began trying to turn his life around.
“He uplifted me,” Reyes said. “He pointed me in a better direction. I am completely heartbroken by this.”
Reyes said Moore believed in him and helped him develop skills that allowed him to earn a better living. Reyes was working at Burger King in Torrington before Moore hired him.
“If my motivation went down, he would help me,” Reyes said.
Today, Reyes is still trying to process the loss.
“It’s hard to wake up in the morning and concentrate,” he said, who now has to find a new job. “Every 30 minutes I feel grief.”
Meanwhile, St. John was also recovering from addiction and needed a job. “He’s like, ‘I’ll give you some days, come work for me.’ I said: ‘All right.’”
St. John said he became friends with Moore through their shared love of music and Moore’s passion for playing guitar.
Fernando, who didn’t provide his last name but worked for Bushnell, said he is struggling to process the alleged homicide and is now in therapy. He was the employee who was allegedly shown Moore’s body by Bushnell on June 1.
St. John, who had planned to spend the summer working for Moore, has been making deliveries through DoorDash while searching for another job.
Others remain uncertain about what comes next.
Coworkers say Moore looked after his crew, bought lunch, solved problems and treated employees with respect.
Remembering the man they knew
Many of Moore’s friends say his death came at a time when he appeared to have found a path forward.
They said the timing of his death was tragic, since he had got back on track and had rebuilt his life around his family and work.
“He poured all of his energy into his son,” Evon said. “And whatever he had left, he put into his business.”
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