🌱Sidewalk Construction To Begin In June + Hydraulic Oil Spill

Hi there, Essex-Chester-Deep River! I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. In today's issue, you'll learn about these stories and more...

• More sidewalks in Essex!
• Bobcats, a success story for the Nutmeg State.
• Hydraulic Oil spill in Essex!

But first, today's weather:

Breezy; morning mist. High: 63 Low: 52.

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

1. In an effort to provide a safer way to travel for pedestrians and cyclists wanting to access the River Road area from the heart of Essex Village, construction on the River Road Sidewalk project in Essex is slated to begin this June. According to Zip06.com, "First Selectman Norm Needleman said he is excited to see the project finally move forward following the push from Heritage Cove residents. ‘Ithink it’s a great improvement for the whole town,’ said Needleman. ‘People have been asking for this for a long time, and I’m excited that we’re going to give them what they want, finally.'” (Zip06.com)
2. According to a Patch article written by Rich Kirby, "Forget real estate prices, standardized test scores or Frank Pepe's pizza, the real Connecticut success story is the bobcat. After nearly being wiped out in the state through trapping and hunting in the early 70s — there was even a pelt bounty paid until 1971 — the bobcat population has more than bounced back. From the beginning of this year through April 19, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Wildlife Protection has recorded 1,653 bobcat sightings. That's 159 more than the agency registered over the same period last year, according to DEEP biologist Melissa Ruszczyk. The total number of bobcat sightings in 2022 was 4,412. The cats have also been seen in every one of the state's 169 towns. In 2014, only 75 towns registered bobcat sightings." (Patch)
3. On Wednesday, April 19 there was a hydraulic oil spill on Book Hill Road between Canfield Road and the Essex/Deep River town line. According to the Town Of Essex website, "The DEEP responded with their emergency hazmat and environmental services clean-up crew and cleaned up the spill. The Town will continue to monitor the area and apply road sand for traction because the area may become slippery if it rains." (essexct.gov)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Welcome Back Osprey (8:00 AM)
• Earth Day Source to Sea River Cleanup and Electric Vehicle & More Fair (9:00 AM)
• STEAM Saturdays: DIY Chia Head! (Gr. K-6) (10:00 AM)
• Do Good Days (Gr. 9-12): Cross Lots Clean Up (1:00 PM)
• Introduction To The Essex Land Trust (2:00 PM)
• Introduction to the Essex Land Trust (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: "Thomas and Percy have rolled into Essex Station and are looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend at A Day Out With Thomas!! Essex Steam Train & Riverboat" (Essex Steam Train & Riverboat via Facebook)
• Essex Board of Trade: "Great job! And thank you for beautifying Essex!" (Essex Board of Trade via Facebook)
• Essex Fire Engine Co. #1: "EFD responded to a mutual aid call for a fire on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge. Our hazmat equipment and vehicles were used to assist in the deployment of absorbent booms to contain the fuel runoff from the bridge." (Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 via Facebook)
• Deep River Fire Department: "Thank you for all the donations last weekend to benefit the The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries, Inc. Your donations will help to feed many people in need!" (Deep River Fire Department via Facebook)
• Ivoryton Library Association: "Come check out our new books!" (Ivoryton Library Association via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Dudley Farm Farmers' Market (April 22)
• Madison Earth Care Earth Day Festival & Market (April 22)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (April 25)
• Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Clinton! BOGO WEDNESDAY! (May 3)
• Dancing and Great Food with String of Pearls Big Band! (May 12)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com