🌱 Structure Fire In East Haddam + Gillette Castle Tours Resume

Welcome back, The Haddams-Killingworth! I'm here in your inbox today to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Sunny, breezy and cooler. High: 64 Low: 36.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny. High: 64 Low: 44.

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Here are the top three stories today in The Haddams-Killingworth:

1. An explosion and subsequent structure fire broke out in East Haddam on Sunday morning around 10:30 a.m. The incident on Pine Road involved two structures engulfed in flames, with an additional brush fire emerging; thanks to the efforts of East Haddam firefighters, the fire was successfully controlled and did not affect neighboring houses. Preliminary reports suggest that the blaze may have been triggered by propane tanks stored in a shed, but an investigation by the town fire marshal's office is underway to determine the exact cause. (Patch)
2. A total of 14 communities in Connecticut, including East Haddam, will benefit from a total of $3.7 million in state grants to preserve 1,025 acres of open space and establish five new community gardens. According to Governor Ned Lamont, East Haddam's share of the funds will be used for two projects: one for the acquisition of 95 acres next to East Haddam Middle School, and the other for the purchase of 123 acres of land on the north side of Honey Hill Road. The combined cost of both projects is estimated at $564,200. (Patch)
3. The historic Gillette Castle, once home to the late actor William Gillette, is set to reopen for the season as of May 27. After undergoing renovations, the castle is ready to welcome visitors once again, providing a glimpse into the life of the renowned actor known for his iconic stage portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. The park grounds and hiking trails remain open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. (Fox 61)

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Today and tomorrow in The Haddams-Killingworth:

Wednesday, May 17

• A Vanished Port: Middletown And the Slave Economy of the Caribbean, 1650-1824 At East Haddam Historical Society & Museum (7:00 PM)

Thursday, May 18

• The Night Boat To New York With Erik Hesselburg At Haddam Fire Station #1 (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a cozy evening activity with your little ones? Killingworth Library is hosting Pajama Storytime tomorrow (Thursday, May 18) at 6:00 p.m. (Killingworth Library Association via Facebook)
• The Connecticut Department of Transportation has shared an update on the Swing Bridge Rehabilitation Project in Haddam. Visit the link for the most up-to-date news on the project, including weekly construction activities and advisories. (Town of Haddam)
• Living Rock Church in Killingworth is seeking volunteers to help clean the church this Saturday, May 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All volunteers will be given coffee and donuts. (Living Rock Church via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• “A Vanished Port: Middletown and the Slave Economy of the Caribbean, 1650-1824” (May 17)
• Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing (May 18)
• Junk in the Trunk Tag Sale (May 20)
• Steward Outdoor Day School's Open House (May 20)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll see you around.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.