🌱Roadwork May Delay Buses + Conserve Water During Drought Conditions

Morning, neighbors! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in the community today.

First, today's weather:

Very warm and humid. High: 87 Low: 71.

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

1. Businesses across the Essex-Chester-Deep River area are looking for new employees, and we've rounded up some of the best local job openings listed within the past week. Looking for full-time or part-time work? Here are a few of the latest job openings in the area, compiled by Patch and ZipRecruiter. (Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch)
2. The drought continues to be a top news story in the area and according to the Connecticut Water Company last week’s rain was not a ‘drought buster.' Some areas of Connecticut did see locally heavy rain that helped, but it was not enough. Because the drought continues to worsen, Connecticut Water has stepped up conservation messaging to customers, including businesses. All of Connecticut Water’s service areas are experiencing either “severe” or “extreme” drought conditions so on August 26, CT Water sent an email to customers encouraging wise water use and the elimination of outdoor water use. Do your part and help out during this stressful ecological time and help to conserve water where and when you can. (CT Water)
3. According to a recent email that has gone out from the Region 4 School District, road work will likely cause transportation delays for all buses and some family, student and staff vehicles beginning the second week of school. "Region 4 was informed last week that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced that a milling and resurfacing project will be performed on a 3.28-mile segment of Service Route 602 (Main Street/Warsaw Street) in Essex and Deep River. The project is scheduled for Tuesday, September 6, through Tuesday, September 27. According to DOT, motorists can expect lane closures to occur from Route 154 in Essex to Route 80 in Deep River. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone. The regular work schedule for this project is from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday-Friday). Region 4 Schools understand the delay and inconvenience this will cause for families and staff throughout the region, but especially those reporting to JWMS and VRHS. They are asking that people plan accordingly and budget additional time for commutes. They anticipate this may cause unavoidable delays for our elementary bus routes. All of the building principals have been notified of this situation and have developed plans at each of their schools to support students and their families during arrival and dismissal times."

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Tech Help - Essex Library Association (10:30 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Essex Library: "Friendly trash-talking wasn’t enough to put them off their focus. Congratulations and kudos to Sylvia and Steve Lecky, the Puzzlers, who took just under three hours to build the jigsaw puzzle in Saturday’s First Annual Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "New free classes available at WBDC's eLearning Library! http://ow.ly/FCbs50Knmu9 The eLearning Library provides easy access to take a class when the timing is right for you—at your pace, on your schedule. Gain knowledge and practical skills." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Town of Essex – Government: "DYK that with the rise of online shopping we generate more than 6.1 million tons of cardboard a year at home but we only recycle about 36% of this? Next time you buy something online, help save trees by recycling the box!" (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow 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