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🌱 Patch AM: 'Dangerous Social Media Door Kick Challenge': Groton Police Issue Warning

Also check out Live Evening Estate Auction in Jewett City on the Groton Patch calendar

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Thursday January 8th Patch AM
Thursday January 8th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

What's up Groton! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Groton police warn families about risky late-night door-kicking trend
  • How could Noank’s Main Street makeover change daily life in Groton?
  • Why a Groton-raised police chief is stepping away this spring

Also on today's calendar: East Lyme 8B vs. Groton-Mystic 8B and 4 more events.

Find out what's happening in Grotonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: After dinner, my parents asked if I could clear the table. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Grotonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 46 and low of 28 degrees.
  • Friday: Occasional afternoon rain, temps: high: 48, low: 42.
  • Saturday: Rain and drizzle, with a high of 48 and low of 43 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• 'Dangerous Social Media Door Kick Challenge': Groton Police Issue Warning (patch.com) — Groton residents are being warned by town police about a growing “door-kicking challenge” in which teens kick doors at night to film frightened reactions for social media. Officers stress that this prank can lead to criminal charges, dangerous confrontations, and costly damage, and urge parents, neighbors, and homeowners in Groton to discuss the risks, improve security, and promptly report any incidents.
   

• Residents voice opinions on Noank Main Street reconstruction project (theday.com) — Groton residents packed a recent hearing to debate a major reconstruction of Main Street in Noank that would rebuild pavement, add ADA-compliant sidewalks, and slightly reduce parking. Neighbors are split between preserving the historic village character and embracing safety and drainage upgrades, while town officials stress that the design and funding plan are still flexible and open to public input.
   

• After 25 years as a Waterford police officer, Chief Marc Balestracci is moving on (theday.com) — A longtime Waterford police chief who grew up in Groton is preparing to retire this March after 25 years on the force and several years leading the department. He reflects on how early skepticism about police shaped his focus on community outreach, officer wellness, and internal support programs, and says he’s leaving confident the department is strong and ready for new leadership.
   

📸 Around Groton

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Groton

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📣 Groton Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Groton PatchAM possible:

  • Kinderplay — (860) 910-8363
    New Play Space Located Right Here in Groton
  • Deans Mill Farm — (860) 245-5487
    Rustic-chic private farm venue in scenic Stonington, CT
  • Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
    Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!
  • California Closets — (203) 924-8444
    Custom Storage Solutions for the Whole Home
  • Monaco Ford of Niantic — (860) 739-5437
    Experience The Monaco Difference. Extra Value. No Extra Cost
  • Werrlein Companies — (860) 785-0125
    Coming to the Mystic Area January 2026

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Come in and have a warm meal with us.
    No matter who you are or where you come from or who you love or what you look like, you are welcome here. (Nextdoor Groton Bank Thames River)
  • If even 10% of this report is true you would NEVER eat pumpkin seeds again.
    And this isn't the only report. There are others. On YouTube: "Stop now these 8 pumpkin seed mistakes trigger irreversible reactions in your body"… (Nextdoor Noank)
  • Groton posted a job opening for Recreation: Program Leader, Assistant Swimming Instructor in Groton. Apply here.
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Groton. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Groton here.

🗞 Nearby News

New London

  • New London police offer free pedal locks to combat car thefts (wfsb.com)
  • Friday Night Folk to feature Geoff Kaufman (theday.com)
  • Charles E. Abernathy, 95 (thequincysun.com)

Waterford

  • Yale New Haven Health to close Norwich heart and vascular center (theday.com)

Stonington

Ok Groton! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I needed a running start, but I made it!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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