🌱Celebrate A Star Student + New CT State Police Labor Contract

Hello, neighbors! Karena Garrity here with your fresh copy of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily, filled with all the things you need to know about what's going on locally. In today's briefing, we'll cover these stories and more:

• Celebrate a star student!
• State Senator Norm Needleman joined his colleagues in approving a new, four-year Connecticut State Police labor union contract.
• Looking for a house?

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 50 Low: 31.

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Here are the top stories today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

1. Do you know a Star Student you’d like the rest of Connecticut to know, too? Look beyond report cards, though future problem solvers who excel academically fit the definition, too, and we’d love to hear about them. You’ll find Star Students not only in classrooms, science fairs and math Olympiads, but also on theater and concert stages and before a palette of paint. They’re at debate lecterns, and out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us. Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these Star Students for their achievements and service to the community in big and small ways. Shouting out a Star Student is simple. Just fill out this simple form here — photos are appreciated — and we’ll do the rest with stories on Patch, so the whole neighborhood can celebrate what makes them special. (Patch)
2. According to a recent press release, State Senator Norm Needleman joined his colleagues in the state Senate in the bipartisan approval of a new Connecticut State Police labor union contract. Some highlights of the contract include; delivering a 2.5% pay raises each year, boosting state police trainee pay and providing a $3,500 bonus this year, along with many other benefits. Needleman reportedly said in the release, "Working with first responders directly through my work as Essex's First Selectman, I know firsthand the dedication, effort and sacrifice Connecticut police officers make every day. It is right and just for us to approve this new contract which takes important steps to provide them with improved compensation for their work. I would specifically like to note that the increases to State Police trooper trainee pay will help Connecticut attract the best and brightest candidates in years to come. This is a valuable aid to our police officers." (Senator Norm Needleman)
3. When you’re looking for a new place, keeping tabs on all the latest listings can be a tedious endeavor. That’s why we here at Patch have stepped in and done the initial work for you.
   Here are the five newest properties to hit the housing market in the Essex-Chester-Deep River area — such as a listing in the Killingworth area with 2 beds and 1 bath for $124,900, and another in the Madison area with 3 beds and 3 baths for $759,900. Looking for more information on one of the properties in our list? Just click on any address to learn more. Enjoy! (Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch)

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From my notebook:

• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Library Roundup day! In no particular order, here are upcoming events at our local libraries!" (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Miss Nicole's favorite week of the year starts tomorrow: Take Your Child to the Library Week! We can't wait to see you at the library for our scavenger hunt, checkout challenge, Lego builder competition, and more! " (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Deep River Public Library: "Poking fun at Shakespeare. #readersofinstagram #readersgonnaread #readingtime #reading #bookaddict #books #book #booknerd #bookstagram #library #librarylife" (Deep River Public Library via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! See you all tomorrow morning for another update.

— Karena Garrity

About me: I am a native of Connecticut, who currently resides in the Tri-Town community of Chester, Deep River and Essex. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my small-town community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com