LocalFILE PHOTOPutnam / Local
Putnam fundraiser brings $4,000 to Daily Bread pantry
The new donation report links September’s tasting fundraiser with a local food service that operates by appointment.
EASTERN CONNECTICUT / FREE TO READ
Your Town: Putnam
Your town’s news first, followed by news from bordering towns. Upcoming events and useful official links are also below.
News In Putnam
LocalFILE PHOTO
Police & FireFILE PHOTOPutnam / Police & Fire
Putnam smoke shop searched in September 29 seizure
The reports attribute the search to Putnam Police; any later arrests or case outcome remain unverified.
LocalFILE PHOTOPutnam / Local
Putnam’s Bogdanski announces Justice of the Peace certification
A statement shared by WINY says the selectman is available to officiate Connecticut weddings; the appointment record has not been independently checked.
LocalFILE PHOTOPutnam / Local
Day Kimball reports 38 patients reached by new substance-use support program
Project ASSERT connects emergency-department patients with treatment and recovery resources; early placement counts are hospital-reported results.
LocalFILE PHOTOPutnam / Local
Putnam food drive delivers five boxes of donations to Paws Cat Shelter
The shelter thanked Price Chopper and community donors for supplies collected in the previous month.
Police & FireFILE PHOTOPutnam / Police & Fire
Putnam Fire Department plans October 17 open house
WINY reports truck tours, children’s activities and an extrication demonstration at the Church Street station.
Police & FireFILE PHOTOPutnam / Police & Fire
Putnam hit-and-run: police seek white sedan after pedestrian seriously injured
Reports citing Putnam police describe a School Street crash, a possible Nissan and an appeal for witnesses. The vehicle identification remains tentative.
BusinessSTORY PHOTOPutnam / Business
Centreville reopens Putnam branch as exterior work continues
The bank welcomes customers back inside at 40 Main Street; WINY reports paving and striping planned before Saturday’s festival.
LocalEVENT ARTWORKPutnam / Local
Sandcastle takes shape in downtown Putnam ahead of Great Pumpkin Festival
WINY reports Sandtasia artists working in Union Square ahead of the October 17 festival.
BusinessSTORY PHOTOPutnam / Business
Gas pumps reopen at Sam’s Sunoco on Kennedy Drive in Putnam
WINY reports new pumps and a canopy at the station, along with repaving of the parking lot and Bakers Dozen drive-through.
LocalFILE PHOTOEastern CT / Local
Railroad-crossing safety plan includes 19 Eastern Connecticut towns
CTDOT proposes clearer pavement lines, renewed signs and selective trimming; construction is anticipated in 2028.
LocalFILE PHOTOPutnam / Local
Putnam district voters to consider $100,000 roof-funding transfer tonight
Special district meeting will consider using building reserves for the Church Street police/fire station roof.
EducationFILE PHOTOCanterbury / Education
Canterbury and other Eastern Connecticut districts receive math-tutoring grants
The October 5 state awards fund intensive support for grades 6–10.
Police & FireFILE PHOTOPutnam / Police & Fire
Groton driver charged after alleged 147-mph trip on I-395
State police describe a laser speed reading of approximately 147 mph, a stop in Danielson and a reckless-driving charge. The case is scheduled for arraignment October 21.
Nearby Town News
From bordering towns: Killingly, Pomfret, Thompson, Woodstock.
LocalSTORY PHOTOWoodstock / Local
Woodstock apple-picking dispute reaches new heights
Woodstock Orchards alleges a balloon visitor took apples and damaged trees. The operator acknowledges picking one apple but disputes the damage claim.
ElectionsFILE PHOTOThompson / Elections
Thompson school budget passes by 37 votes on fourth try
WINY reports a 942–905 school-budget vote and 1,215–640 approval for general government. The station reports 29.1% turnout; an official result certificate remains unverified.
CourtsFILE PHOTOThompson / Courts
Thompson case resulted in 45-year hospital commitment
September announcement describes an August25 order following a verdict of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.
Police & FireFILE PHOTOThompson / Police & Fire
Phone crash alert leads police to injured driver in Thompson
The October 10 Hill Road crash involved a utility pole; police said the road reopened Sunday morning.
LocalSTORY PHOTOPomfret / Local
Nick’s Nightmare schedules three Pomfret nights for Little League fundraiser
The October 23, 24 and 30 sessions are listed from 6:30–9:30 p.m. at the Pomfret-Eastford Little League field on Route 97.
Arts & CultureFILE PHOTOWoodstock / Arts & Culture
Foreigner tribute Double Vision scheduled at Woodstock’s Loos Center
The October 24 performance begins at 7:30 p.m.; the venue lists tickets at $41–$61 and admission for ages 4 and older.
SportsSTORY PHOTOKillingly / Sports
Ellis Tech reported five-set volleyball win over Goodwin Tech
The October 7 school report says a 3–2 Monday victory brought the Golden Eagles’ record to 10–1 at that point in the season.
LocalEVENT ARTWORKKillingly / Local
Killingly plans October 24 Halloween block party and light parade
Main Street trick-or-treating and a Davis Park party run 4–6p.m., followed by a 6:15p.m. parade. Organizers plan a Main Street traffic closure.
Police & FireFILE PHOTOThompson / Police & Fire
Six East Thompson firefighters continue Firefighter II training
The department’s October 13 update lists rescue and equipment training and says the six students have about four weeks remaining.
LocalFILE PHOTOThompson / Local
TEEG highlights Wednesday Life Skills Social Club for ages 12–14
The North Grosvenordale program combines games, activities and conversation; families must register.
CourtsFILE PHOTOEastern CT / Courts
Local legal notices: Ledyard land hearing and Killingly bridge comments
October 13 roundup of selected upcoming public-notice dates, with original documents and participation details.
EducationSTORY PHOTOPomfret / Education
Pomfret science classes examine environmental research through news
An October school report describes recurring presentations on environmental challenges and proposed solutions.
EducationSTORY PHOTOPomfret / Education
International criminal lawyer returns to Pomfret for student discussions
Alumnus Kip Hale discussed public-interest work and career exploration during the school’s visiting-alumnus program.
SportsFILE PHOTOPomfret / Sports
Pomfret field hockey records back-to-back October wins
The school’s varsity results list a 5–1 win at Ethel Walker and an 8–1 home win over Mt. St. Charles.
LocalFILE PHOTOThompson / Local
Thompson Route 200 bridge replacement scheduled into November 2027
CTDOT’s $9.45 million contract covers the bridge over I-395, drainage and guiderails.
LocalFILE PHOTOKillingly / Local
Killingly bridge replacement proposal goes to October 15 public meeting
Residents can review the Wright Road project and submit comments through October 29.
LocalFILE PHOTOBrooklyn / Local
Brooklyn and Chaplin intersections included in Eastern Connecticut signal-upgrade plans
The design project also includes Groton and Killingly, with construction anticipated in fall 2028.
SportsSTORY PHOTOThompson / Sports
Hodgdon wins Thompson finale as Emerling takes Modified Tour championship
NASCAR’s October 10 recap confirms both the race winner and season champion.
CourtsFILE PHOTOKillingly / Courts
Killingly nonprofit director pleaded guilty in $775,000 theft case; December sentencing listed
The September 9 federal announcement describes losses at organizations in Windham and Middlefield.
ElectionsFILE PHOTOWoodstock / Elections
Woodstock sets November polling place and Town Hall early-voting location
Election Day voting is at Woodstock Middle School; early voting runs October 19–November 1 in Town Hall’s Meeting Room 1.
Coming up in Putnam
All calendarsSwim With Pumpkins at Hale YMCA
Oct 18, 2026 · 12:00 PM · Hale YMCA Youth & Family Center, 9 Technology Park Drive, Putnam, CT 06260
Organizer details