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Norwich, CT

Norwich Author Wally Lamb Picked For Oprah’s Book Club — Again Norwich Author Wally Lamb Picked For Oprah’s Book Club — Again
Norwich Author Wally Lamb Picked For Oprah’s Book Club — Again Norwich native Wally Lamb has once again caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey. Lamb’s new New York Times best-selling novel, "The River Is Waiting," is the latest pick for Oprah’s Book Club.  Winfrey announced the selection during her podcast last week. The novel tells the story of a father named Corby Ledbetter. "New fatherhood, the loss of his job, and a growing secret addiction have thrown his marriage to his beloved Emily into a tailspin," publisher Simon and Schuster wrote in the abstract.  It becomes the 115th title in her long-running book club, and the third novel fr…
'An Amazing Man': Norwich Rallies Around Family Of Man Killed In Freak Workplace Accident 'An Amazing Man': Norwich Rallies Around Family Of Man Killed In Freak Workplace Accident
'An Amazing Man': Norwich Rallies Around Family Of Man Killed In Freak Workplace Accident A Connecticut community is rallying around the family of a 60-year-old man who was killed last week in a freak accident while working on a sewer pipe.  Michael Dirocco, of Norwich, was working at a home on Hamilton Court in Norwich around 6:15 p.m. on Friday, June 13, authorities said. He was working for a private company to dig the trench that stretched 90 feet and was five feet wide and deep when it suddenly collapsed onto him, authorities said.  It was meant to connect the home to the city's sewer line.  Paramedics rushed him to an area hospital, but doctors were unable t…
Worker Killed After Trench Collapses Behind Norwich Home; Police, OSHA Investigating Worker Killed After Trench Collapses Behind Norwich Home; Police, OSHA Investigating
Worker Killed After Trench Collapses Behind Norwich Home; Police, Osha Investigating A Connecticut construction worker was killed after a trench for a sewer line he was working on collapsed on top of him.  Michael Dirocco, 60, was working at a home on Hamilton Court in Norwich around 6:15 p.m. on Friday, June 13, authorities said. He was working for a private company to dig the trench that stretched 90 feet and was five feet wide and deep. It was meant to connect the home to the city's sewer line.  The walls of the trench collapsed and trapped the Norwich man inside. Rescuers found him partially buried when they arrived, authorities said.  Responders du…
Norwich School Lockdown Lifted After Police Deem Site Safe Norwich School Lockdown Lifted After Police Deem Site Safe
Norwich School Lockdown Lifted After Police Deem Site Safe Norwich Free Academy was placed on lockdown Tuesday afternoon, May 27, out of an "abundance of caution" after police received a call of a potential emergency, the school said.  Norwich police did not provide details on what the caller said or the alleged emergency. The school was on lockdown for about an hour, beginning at 1 p.m., until officers could work through their protocol.  The lockdown at NFA was lifted at approximately 1:40 pm. We are grateful to our partners at Norwich Police Department... Posted by Norwich Free Academy on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Nothing was found…
Food Sold At Big Y Linked To Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak, FDA Says Food Sold At Big Y Linked To Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak, FDA Says
Food Sold At Big Y Linked To Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak, FDA Says Big Y Foods has recalled several types of sandwiches and wraps at more than two dozen stores as part of a nationwide salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers. The recall covers any small or large sub, 30-inch Super Sub, wrap, or panini made fresh at the deli counter, the Food and Drug Administration said. The sandwiches weren't prepackaged and were made on Tuesday, May 20, and Wednesday, May 21. Big Y said the sliced cucumbers came from Smartcuts, which was affected by Bedner Growers' salmonella outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention previously said the cucumbers …
Norwich Voted CT's Top Hidden Gem, Provides 'Most Bang For Your Buck:' Survey Norwich Voted CT's Top Hidden Gem, Provides 'Most Bang For Your Buck:' Survey
Norwich Voted CT's Top Hidden Gem, Provides 'Most Bang For Your Buck:' Survey Connecticut may not be the first place that comes to mind when you're house hunting on a budget, but a new national survey found three Nutmeg State cities that offer homeowners the best value for their money. If you’re searching for an affordable place to live in Connecticut without sacrificing quality of life, Norwich tops the list. A new study by Advance America asked more than three thousand real estate professionals which U.S. cities offer the most comfort, community, and potential for happiness at the lowest cost. Related: These Massachusetts Cities Offer Maximum Value for Lowest Cost…
Community Remembers CT Mom Killed In Groton Crash: 'She Lit Up The Room With Her Laugh' Community Remembers CT Mom Killed In Groton Crash: 'She Lit Up The Room With Her Laugh'
Community Remembers CT Mom Killed In Groton Crash: 'She Lit Up The Room With Her Laugh' A 45-year-old Connecticut woman who died after her car struck a utility pole earlier this month is being remembered for her sense of humor, compassion, and kindness to loved ones and strangers alike. Vanessa Pettengill, 45, of Norwich, was killed Tuesday, May 7, after her SUV went off the road on Fort Hill Road in Groton, between Depot Road and South Road, authorities said. Paramedics rushed her to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead, according to Groton police. The Danbury High School graduate leaves behind two children and a large extended family whom she cared…
Man Caught Using Recording Device In Women’s Restroom At Norwich Walmart: Cops Man Caught Using Recording Device In Women’s Restroom At Norwich Walmart: Cops
Man Caught Using Recording Device In Women’s Restroom At Norwich Walmart: Cops A man who police say hid a recording device in the women's restroom at a Connecticut Walmart was arrested after he ran from the store when someone called police.  Grayson S. Weir, 21, is accused of hiding the recording device at the retail store at 220 Salem Turnpike in Norwich on Monday, May 12, police said.  A store manager contacted police after confronting him in the women's bathroom.  Weir ran out of the store and sped away in his car before officers arrived, but employees provided a detailed description of the vehicle and suspect, Norwich police said. Detectives t…
120 MPH: Intoxicated Driver Leads Police On Chase Before Glastonbury Crash, Cops Say 120 MPH: Intoxicated Driver Leads Police On Chase Before Glastonbury Crash, Cops Say
120 MPH: Intoxicated Driver Leads Police On Chase Before Glastonbury Crash, Cops Say A high-speed chase down Route 2 that nearly put construction workers in harm’s way ended with a crash and a drug-related arrest in Glastonbury. Marcus Douton, of Norwich, faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence and leading police on a pursuit at more than 120 mph on Wednesday, April 30, around 6:15 p.m., authorities said.  The incident began when multiple 911 callers reported a Lexus sedan driving erratically on Route 2 westbound in Bozrah. The vehicle had fresh damage to its front bumper, leading troopers to believe it had just been in a recent crash. Troopers i…
These CT ShopRite Stores Are Open On Easter Sunday (Some Are Closed) These CT ShopRite Stores Are Open On Easter Sunday (Some Are Closed)
These CT ShopRite Stores Are Open On Easter Sunday (Some Are Closed) Before you head out for rolls or last-minute chocolate bunnies this Easter Sunday, double-check your local ShopRite’s hours below. Across Connecticut, some ShopRite stores are staying open for limited hours, while many others will be closed all day on Sunday, April 20. Here’s the full list of which CT ShopRite stores are open, closed, and when they’re closing early, so you’re not left out in the parking lot. OPEN (Limited Easter Sunday Hours): These stores will be open on Easter — most from 6 or 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. ShopRite of Clinton – 7am-2pm ShopRite of Cromwell – 7am-2pm ShopRite of…
Mom, 8-Year-Old Girl ID'd As Victims In Fatal Norwich House Fire Mom, 8-Year-Old Girl ID'd As Victims In Fatal Norwich House Fire
Mom, 8-Year-Old Girl ID'd As Victims In Fatal Norwich House Fire Police in Connecticut have identified the body of a 44-year-old woman and an 8-year-old girl found inside a burned home as a mother and her daughter, authorities said.  Carmen Vizcaino and her young daughter, Skylynn Owens, were found inside of the second-story apartment at 37 Otis Street in Norwich early Thursday morning, April 10, authorities said.  A blaze began at the three-story home around 1 p.m. Five of the second people (from two families) inside escaped thanks to the quick thinking of a woman on the third floor. They saw the flames and woke up their neighbors to get them …
8-Year-Old Girl, Mom Killed in Devastating Norwich House Fire 8-Year-Old Girl, Mom Killed in Devastating Norwich House Fire
8-Year-Old Girl, Mom Killed in Devastating Norwich House Fire An 8-year-old girl and her mother were killed in an early morning fire at their Connecticut home, authorities said.  The fire broke out just before 1 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, at a home on Otis Street in Norwich, officials said. Three families made up the seven people living at that address, Norwich firefighters said.  A tenant on the third floor was the first to spot the flames, and they ran, horrified, trying to wake up everyone else in the building. They called 911 as well, helping fire crews get there just 10 minutes after they spotted the fire.  Authorities did n…
Norwich Felon Busted Making Ghost Guns After Woman Calls Police Fearing For Her Life: Cops Norwich Felon Busted Making Ghost Guns After Woman Calls Police Fearing For Her Life: Cops
Norwich Felon Busted Making Ghost Guns After Woman Calls Police Fearing For Her Life: Cops A Connecticut convicted felon is back behind bars after a woman called police, reporting that she feared for her life when he threatened to kill her, authorities said. She told authorities he had multiple guns at the home and 3D-printed "ghost" firearms as well.  Richard Menzano, 50, of Norwich, is facing multiple felony charges following his arrest on Friday, April 4, police said. Officers responded to a Norwich residence after a woman told them Menzano had threatened to kill her. She said he was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, but he had weapons in the home —so…
North Stonington School Social Worker Charged With DWI, Cops Say — District Won't Address It North Stonington School Social Worker Charged With DWI, Cops Say — District Won't Address It
North Stonington School Social Worker Charged With DWI, Cops Say — District Won't Address It A Connecticut woman who was arrested after police said she was driving intoxicated down the wrong side of I-395 at high speeds, nearly crashing into multiple vehicles, reportedly worked as a school social worker, Daily Voice has learned.  Cailin Sorder, 34, of Griswold, was charged on Saturday, March 22, with operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving the wrong way on a limited-access highway, engaging police in a pursuit, interfering with an officer, and first-degree reckless endangerment, Connecticut State Police said. Original Report: Intoxicated Wrong-Way…
Intoxicated Wrong-Way Driver In Montville Nearly Causes Head-On Crash, Flees From Police: Cops Intoxicated Wrong-Way Driver In Montville Nearly Causes Head-On Crash, Flees From Police: Cops
Intoxicated Wrong-Way Driver In Montville Nearly Causes Head-On Crash, Flees From Police: Cops A Connecticut woman is facing serious charges after allegedly driving while intoxicated and speeding the wrong way on Interstate 395, nearly hitting oncoming cars head-on, according to police said. Troopers had to crash into her SUV to bring the dangerous pursuit to an end, authorities said. Cailin Sorder, 34, of Griswold, is charged with operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving the wrong way on a limited-access highway, engaging police in a pursuit, interfering with an officer, and first-degree reckless endangerment, police said. Troopers began receiving multiple 911 …
Hartford Reclaims Title Of Hottest Real Estate Market In The Nation: Report Hartford Reclaims Title Of Hottest Real Estate Market In The Nation: Report
Hartford Reclaims Title Of Hottest Real Estate Market In The Nation: Report With home sales surging across the country, one Connecticut city was named the nation's hottest housing market once again, according to a new report. Two others made the top 20.  Hartford earned the top spot for February 2025 after seeing a jump in interest from buyers looking to move there, Realtor.com reported. The site credited the historic city's strong job market and high-quality schools as key factors driving the renewed demand. The median price for a Hartford home hit $434,000 in February, rising 6.6 percent compared to last year, Realtor.com reported. Despite higher prices, lis…
2 Hit While Changing Tire On Route 2; 1 Seriously Wounded In Crash 2 Hit While Changing Tire On Route 2; 1 Seriously Wounded In Crash
2 Hit While Changing Tire On Route 2; 1 Seriously Wounded In Crash A car crashed into two people parked on the shoulder of a Connecticut highway changing a tire, sending them both to the hospital, authorities said.  The crash was reported on Route 2 in Norwich just before 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, Connecticut State Police said.  Two 29-year-olds from Rhode Island were stopped on the right shoulder of the eastbound lane tending to their vehicle when a 2005 Nissan Altima crashed into them, police said.  Both were taken to the hospital, with one suffering serious injuries in the crash.  State Police urge anyone who witnessed the cra…
Norwich Man Spray-Painted Swastikas In Multiple Locations: Police Norwich Man Spray-Painted Swastikas In Multiple Locations: Police
Norwich Man Spray-Painted Swastikas In Multiple Locations: Police Two weeks after "offensive graffiti" was found in four locations around a Connecticut city, police say they have arrested the man responsible. David Dionne, 40, was arrested after police identified him through surveillance footage from areas where four large swastikas were found on Feb. 21 in Norwich’s west end, authorities said. Related: Swastikas Spray-Painted on Norwich Street, Overpass Investigators believe the Norwich man is solely responsible for the vandalism. The largest of the four swastikas was found at the intersection of Old Salem Road and Route 82, with President Donald Trump…
Police Investigating Stabbing at Norwich Hotel Police Investigating Stabbing at Norwich Hotel
Police Investigating Stabbing at Norwich Hotel Police in Connecticut are asking the public for information after authorities found a man stabbed at a hotel earlier this week. Police responded to the Comfort Suites hotel at 275 Otrobando Ave. in Norwich just after 2:45 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, after a 911 caller reported a man had been attacked, authorities said. Officers arrived and found a man with a stab wound to his upper body. Paramedics transported him to William W. Backus Hospital, where he was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening, Norwich police said. Investigators urge anyone with information about the attack to c…
Man Slashed In Throat During Broad-Daylight Assault In Norwich Man Slashed In Throat During Broad-Daylight Assault In Norwich
Man Slashed In Throat During Broad-Daylight Assault In Norwich Police are looking for the person who slashed a 56-year-old man in the neck on Monday morning, on Feb. 24, in New London County.  The attack happened around 9 a.m. near 191 Franklin Street in Norwich. Police arrived to find the victim on the ground with a cut on his throat.  Paramedics took the victim to William W. Backus Hospital with a non-life-threatening injury, Norwich police said.  Investigators are now working to track down the individual or individuals responsible. No suspect description has been released, and police have not yet determined a motive. Detec…
Mexican Favorites, Mediterranean Twist: New Restaurant Revives Shuttered Space In Franklin Mexican Favorites, Mediterranean Twist: New Restaurant Revives Shuttered Space In Franklin
Mexican Favorites, Mediterranean Twist: New Restaurant Revives Shuttered Space In Franklin A new Mexican restaurant is bringing bold flavors to southeastern Connecticut, reviving a former favorite spot near Norwich. Volaré Mexican Restaurant & Bar officially opened in Franklin on Tuesday, Feb. 25, the business said in a Facebook post. It's located along the Yantic River, near the Route 2 interchange and the Norwich Business Park. The restaurant is putting a special spin on a typical Mexican spot's menu. "We specialize in authentic flavors like our savory chicken mole, sizzling fajitas, and signature tacos," Volaré says on its Facebook page. "Adding a twist, we also…
Swastikas Spray-Painted On Norwich Street, Overpass Swastikas Spray-Painted On Norwich Street, Overpass
Swastikas Spray-Painted On Norwich Street, Overpass Residents in Norwich woke up to disturbing sights Friday morning, Feb. 21, after antisemitic graffiti was spray-painted across multiple locations in the city. Norwich police said two swastikas were spray-painted on separate locations on the city's west side. The largest symbol was left at Old Salem Road, with President Donald Trump's name spray-painted beneath it. Another swastika was found on an I-395 overpass along Salem Turnpike, police said. Multiple people shared photos of the graffiti on social media demanding the city move quickly to remove it.  Norwich Police Lt. Kyle Besse s…
Wrong Way Drunk Driver On I-395 Causes Head-On Collision In Norwich: Police Wrong Way Drunk Driver On I-395 Causes Head-On Collision In Norwich: Police
Wrong Way Drunk Driver On I-395 Causes Head-On Collision In Norwich: Police A Connecticut man was accused of being intoxicated when he went the wrong way on an I-395 off-ramp in Norwich and crashed head-on with another vehicle, police said. Theodore Kunsa, 45, of Voluntown, was arrested following the 1:19 p.m. crash on Thursday, Feb. 20, according to Connecticut State Police. No one was injured in the crash, authorities said. Related: Drunk Driver Blames GPS After Going Wrong Way on CT Highways, Police Say Troopers said Kunsa showed “several signs of intoxication” and failed a field sobriety test. He was arrested and charged with operating under the influence, …
Drunk Driver Busted Going Wrong Way On I-395 In Norwich: Police Drunk Driver Busted Going Wrong Way On I-395 In Norwich: Police
Drunk Driver Busted Going Wrong Way On I-395 In Norwich: Police A Rhode Island man was arrested after allegedly driving the wrong way on I-395 while under the influence, state police said. John Turo, 22, of Westerly, was taken into custody early Saturday, Jan. 25, near Exit 11 southbound in Norwich, Connecticut State Police said. Related: Alleged Drunk Norwich Driver Clocked At 130 MPH Because He Was In Hurry To See Cat, Police Say Troopers responded to a 911 call around 2 a.m. about a driver heading north in the southbound lanes. When they arrived, they found a vehicle stopped on the shoulder, facing the wrong direction. Turo was behind the wheel a…
Drunk Norwich Driver Speeding At 130 MPH Was In Hurry To See His Cat: Police Drunk Norwich Driver Speeding At 130 MPH Was In Hurry To See His Cat: Police
Drunk Norwich Driver Speeding At 130 MPH Was In Hurry To See His Cat: Police An intoxicated Connecticut man told troopers he was speeding down I-395 at more than 130 mph because he wanted to get home to see his cat, according to Connecticut State Police. Logan Mirmozaffari, 28, of Norwich was arrested early Sunday, Jan. 26, and charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving, authorities said. Troopers patrolling I-395 in Norwich around 12:45 a.m. spotted a Kia sedan flying down the highway at more than 130 mph, authorities said. Police activated their lights and sirens and managed to pull the vehicle over near Exit 11.  When asked why he was dri…
How Much Snow Did You Get? Here's Rundown Of Totals From Westchester How Much Snow Did You Get? Here's Rundown Of Totals From Westchester
How Much Snow Did You Get? Here's Rundown Of Totals From Westchester A quick-moving Nor'easter brought accumulating snowfall throughout the region Sunday night, Jan. 19 into Monday morning, Jan 20. Here's a rundown of totals from the National Weather Service. New York Nassau County 2 ENE Roosevelt 4.1 inches 1018 PM 01/19 Public Syosset 4.0 inches 1000 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter East Williston 3.9 inches 1015 PM 01/19 Public 1 W Plainview 3.9 inches 1250 AM 01/20 Public 1 ESE East Meadow 3.8 inches 1117 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter 1 ENE Glen Cove 3.8 inches 0817 AM 01/20 Public  Sea Cliff 3.6 inches 1042 PM 01/19 Public Plainview 3.2 inches 081…
Alleged Norwich Bank Robber Didn't Keep His Stolen Cash For Long Alleged Norwich Bank Robber Didn't Keep His Stolen Cash For Long
Alleged Norwich Bank Robber Didn't Keep His Stolen Cash For Long A bank robbery suspect didn’t make it far with his ill-gotten gains after police quickly arrested him and seized the cash and weapon used in the robbery, authorities said. Santinho Samacau, 20, of Norwich, faces numerous charges, including robbery in the first degree, larceny in the second degree, and reckless endangerment in the first degree, police said. Samacau is accused of robbing Centerville Bank on High Street in Norwich around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15. Authorities said he entered the bank with a pistol and demanded cash. He fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash, but …
23-Year-Old Accused In Fatal Norwich Stabbing That Left 1 Dead 23-Year-Old Accused In Fatal Norwich Stabbing That Left 1 Dead
23-Year-Old Accused In Fatal Norwich Stabbing That Left 1 Dead A Connecticut man was arrested and charged with fatally stabbing a 39-year-old last week, authorities announced.  Jhon Paul Cela-Pichisaca, 23, is charged with murder and carrying a dangerous weapon, Norwich police said Monday, Jan. 13.  Cela-Pichisaca is accused of attacking and fatally wounding 39-year-old Nelson Chumap following a fight in the 100 block of Baltic Road in Norwich on Friday, Jan. 10. Related: Man Found Covered In Blood Dies At Norwich Hospital Police were alerted to the incident when someone dropped a blood-drenched Chumap off at William W…
Man Found Covered In Blood Dies At Norwich Hospital; Police Rule It Homicide Man Found Covered In Blood Dies At Norwich Hospital; Police Rule It Homicide
Man Found Covered In Blood Dies At Norwich Hospital; Police Rule It Homicide Update: Police have arrested a 23-year-old man and charged him with the fatal stabbing. Click here for more information.  Police in Connecticut are investigating a homicide after a man covered in blood was found Friday night, Jan. 10, authorities said.  Police were called to the 100 block of Baltic Road in Norwich just after 11:30 p.m. where they found the man. Paramedics rushed him to William W. Backus Hospital, where he died of his injuries.  Police believe he was attacked inside the home.  Investigators believe the victim was targeted and there is no ongoi…
Back-to-Back Crashes Rock CT Community: I-395 Shut Down, Head-On Wreck Leaves 1 Critically Hurt Back-to-Back Crashes Rock CT Community: I-395 Shut Down, Head-On Wreck Leaves 1 Critically Hurt
Back-to-Back Crashes Rock CT Community: I-395 Shut Down, Head-On Wreck Leaves 1 Critically Hurt A high-speed crash shut down a portion of I-395 early Saturday morning, Jan. 11, marking the second major collision in the area in less than 12 hours.  Connecticut police closed the interstate near Exit 14 in Norwich around 2 a.m., following a crash that left two people injured. One person suffered head injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital, while another was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, police said. The roadway remained closed for several hours as crews cleared debris and investigators examined the scene. Police reopened that section of I-395 to traffic by 7 a.m., au…
Driver Killed Friend In 100MPH+ Police Chase In Bozrah; Charged With His Death: Cops Driver Killed Friend In 100MPH+ Police Chase In Bozrah; Charged With His Death: Cops
Driver Killed Friend In 100MPH+ Police Chase In Bozrah; Charged With His Death: Cops A 20-year-old Connecticut man has been charged with killing his teenage friend after losing control of his car at speeds over 100 mph during a police chase that ended in a crash into an embankment earlier this year, authorities said. Michael Cream, of Norwich, is charged with second-degree manslaughter, engaging in a police pursuit, reckless driving, and other traffic infractions, according to Connecticut State Police. Police first spotted Cream driving on Route 2 in Bozrah on April 7 at around 3:45 p.m. His Mazda 3i was clocked at 105 mph in a 65 mph zone, police said. Troopers turned on …