—Two Hartford City residents are accused of burglarizing the home of an acquaintance who was being detained at the Blackford County Jail were charged in recent days in Blackford Circuit Court with burglary a Level 4 felony carrying up to 12 years in prison on April 4 after its occupant had been arrested in a case involving allegations of child sexual abuse Items taken from the home reportedly included a camera security system tools including an air compressor and drill Some of the tools were later sold to a local pawn shop More: Hartford City man who tied woman to bed sentenced to 8 years in prison Witnesses said they observed McCoin and McCluskey at the scene of the break-in "loading things onto Timothy's truck." When they served a search warrant on April 10 at the burglary suspects' home in the 6700 block of North Blackford County Road 100 East sheriff's deputies reported finding items taken in the April 4 break-in Also seized were two bags of meth and drug paraphernalia McCoin and McCluskey are both also charged with possession of meth a Level 6 felony with a maximum 30-month sentence Initial hearings in their cases are set for Monday His trial in that case is scheduled for June 12 He also faces six more charges in two other cases pending in Blackford County courts: invasion of privacy possession of a device or substance used to interfere with a drug or alcohol screen; and possession of paraphernalia McCluskey has been convicted of possession of meth Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com HARTFORD — The City of Hartford recently announced that its is still accepting applications for the 2nd District seat on the city’s Common Council following a recent vacancy from the 2025 Spring Election the seat was left open when Dennis Regan won the mayoral race The City of Hartford Common Council will determine who will fill the vacant Alderperson seat in the Second Aldermanic District on May 13 at 7 p.m Community members interested in running for this vacant seat should submit a resume along with an explanation of why they are interested in becoming an alderperson These should be submitted to: City Clerk 109 N WI 53027 Applications must be received prior to 3 p.m Proof of residency in the 2nd Aldermanic District must also be provided Applicants will also be required to appear at the May 13 Common Council meeting in the Council Chambers on the lower level of Hartford City Hall Each candidate will be granted three minutes to address the Common Council after which alderpersons will be given an opportunity to interview each candidate HARTFORD — The City of Hartford recently announced that it is still accepting applications for the 2nd District seat on the city’s Common Council following a recent vacancy from the 2025 Spring Election 10 things to know this week from the WOW counties (Waukesha Ozaukee and Washington) sent on Sundays Get the latest Washington County news delivered every day so you don't miss out on updates Have Washington County breaking news alerts sent to your inbox as they happen Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Embattled City Councilman Alex Thomas was silent Wednesday on whether he’ll step down from his position on the Hartford City Council while he defends against charges he embezzled money from a local church a member of the Working Families Party (WFP) has faced public calls from the WFP to resign since he was arrested in October on charges of second degree larceny and second degree money laundering Thomas, 28, was previously an associate pastor at Hartford’s South Church. Police allege he misused a church credit card to direct more than $14,000 to a pair of entities they describe as shell companies He allegedly spent the money on things like fast food Thomas did not enter a plea during a brief court appearance Wednesday the WFP again called on Thomas to step down saying the accusations of misappropriating funds are a “troubling distraction” from its mission of fighting for workers' rights Thomas took office in January as a first-term councilor from the WFP a minor party that advances progressive causes “The Hartford Working Families Party and the City Council must remain focused on the critical issues that impact our community,” the statement reads “We publicly asked Alex Thomas to step down in October so that he does not distract further from these priorities and we still believe that is the best course of action.” Thomas served as director of family ministry at the historic church including group activities for Hartford youth Church leaders told Connecticut Public they removed Thomas from his position earlier this year after they became aware of charges made to a church credit card Thomas had a Bank of America credit card issued in his name for the purpose of running his family ministry programs with an annual discretionary budget of $25,000 a church administrator noticed money was being sent via the payment service PayPal to entities called "Youth International Work(s) and Helping Common Man," and the charges had no supporting receipts but similar charges continued until April 2024 The church administrator then recognized that the email address associated with the receiving accounts belonged to Thomas "It appears that Alexander Thomas was paying himself with the South Church Bank of America Credit Card," the affidavit reads Investigators determined Helping Common Man and Youth International Works “don’t appear to have any legitimate business purpose website employees or operations,” according to the affidavit They allege Thomas used his PayPal account to transfer money from the two entities to his personal PayPal balance Investigators found that Thomas didn't buy anything significant and instead "spent the stolen funds on various and small ATM cash withdrawals,” according to the affidavit Attorney Ronald Johnson said he is withholding comment on the criminal allegations until he reviews additional evidence “The state indicated they'll have the rest of the accounting and all the discovery by the next court date,” Johnson said “and then we can expand and talk about the case and our strategy.” Thomas and his attorney did not respond to questions about whether Thomas will remain on the council Council President Shirley Surgeon also did not respond to questions sent by email Wednesday about removing or replacing Thomas She said previously that members must uphold the “values and trust placed in us" by residents "There’s an appropriate legal process in place and I trust our local law enforcement to see that process through," Surgeon said in a written statement in October the City Council remains focused on serving the residents of Hartford." Receive daily news and talk from Connecticut Public Radio directly to your inbox — State police say a Blackford County man was rescued Sunday after jumping into the White River in a bid to avoid being arrested According to an Indiana State Police news release tried to pull over a Volkswagen — driven by Sebastian Southerland of Hartford City — traveling at 89 mph in southbound lanes of Interstate 69 in Delaware County Southerland then allegedly led the trooper on a high-speed chase down the interstate before exiting at the Indiana 32/67 interchange in Daleville He then turned west on Indiana 32 and traveled through Chesterfield and into Anderson where he eventually reached Ninth Street and fled from his vehicle upon reaching a dead end at the river A foot chase ensued before Southerland reportedly jumped into the river which was "moving rapidly" because of recent rainstorms The Hartford City man was swept down the river "a short distance," the release said Anderson firefighters used water rescue equipment to remove him from the river Southerland was taken to a local hospital and late Sunday was reported to be in critical condition Southerland was preliminarily charged with resisting law enforcement in a vehicle reckless driving and driving with a controlled substance in his system The Madison County prosecutor's office will determine whether formal charges will be filed A firefighter was also treated for injuries after the water rescue A female passenger in Southerland's vehicle was not arrested the Hartford City man has been convicted of dealing in meth driving while suspended (four times) and failure to stop after an accident Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInHARTFORD CT (WFSB) - A funeral was set for Wednesday morning for Hartford’s city clerk Noel McGregor Jr. was killed in October following a hit-and-run crash. was critically injured in the crash and succumbed to his injuries after he was transported to a hospital His family and loved ones planned to honor his legacy as a dedicated civil servant and community leader in Hartford A procession was scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m at the corner of Albany Avenue and Main Street and make its way to the Artists Collective A celebration of life service was planned to follow at 11 a.m the driver responsible for the hit-and-run has not yet been located McGregor’s family remembered him as a devoted individual who served his city in many capacities “This is someone who’s legacies going to live forever,” said Jendayi Scott-Miller but I think what’s bringing comfort to us is the life that he lived and this is someone who we look up to.” McGregor was a retired Hartford police detective the chair of Hartford’s Democratic Town Committee His commitment to Hartford’s growth and well-being left a lasting impact on the city Former Hartford Police Chief Daryl Roberts described McGregor as a mentor and father figure he corrected you when you were wrong,” Roberts said “All of those things stuck with me as they did so many others.” and friend will continue to inspire those who knew him — A Hartford City man who used belts and extension cords to tie a female acquaintance to a bed has been sentenced to eight years in prison was sentenced this week by Blackford Circuit Court Judge Brian Bade after pleading guilty to criminal confinement a Level 3 felony carrying up to 16 years in prison The judge imposed a 12-year sentence — eight years in prison followed by four years on probation More: Muncie man accused of sexually assaulting juvenile he was convicted of possession of meth in Blackford Superior Court was recently sentenced to two years in the Blackford County Jail after pleading guilty to sexual misconduct with a minor The Hartford City resident was convicted of fondling a juvenile — A Hartford City man charged with 26 crimes after his infant son was determined to have as many as 19 bone fractures and bruising to his brain has been sentenced to nine years in prison had pleaded guilty to domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury to a person under 14 years old and neglect of a dependent Both charges were Level 3 felonies carrying maximum 16-year sentences Blackford Circuit Court Judge Brian Bade in recent days imposed an 18-year sentence with nine years suspended 24 other charges — 12 counts each of domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury to a person under 14 years old and neglect of a dependent — were dismissed a Blackford County sheriff's deputy reported Weiss's son Vincent Randolph Hospital in Winchester that Aug 29 and then flown by medical helicopter to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis More: Muncie parents accused of 'nutritional' neglect, restraining child The court document indicated the baby had 12 "definite fractures" to his arms and legs and several other likely fractures to his rib cage and elsewhere The baby also had "hemorrhagic contusions" on his brain described as 'like bruises on the surface of the brain (that) come from some type of trauma." the baby's 19-year-old mother and the infant had more recently lived in Parker City but investigators believed the child's injuries occurred while the family was still residing in Hartford City Investigators said Weiss at first denied any role in his child's injuries but later admitted to handling the baby roughly on repeated occasions Interviewed by deputies from both Blackford and Randolph counties Weiss eventually admitted that while arguing with the baby's mother he had "tossed" a car seat holding the child and that the baby's head had "smacked" a hardwood floor The child was not buckled into the car seat at the time he threw it Asked why he didn't take the child for medical treatment at that point Douglas Walker is a news reporter for The Star Press — A Blackford County man has been accused of repeatedly sexually abusing a juvenile was charged Tuesday in Blackford Circuit Court with two counts of rape and single counts of child molesting The most serious of the rape charges is a Level 1 felony carrying up to 40 years in prison while the other is a Level 3 felony with a maximum 16-year sentence The sexual assaults are alleged to have taken place over a period of several years More: Hartford City man awaiting trial on rape charges apprehended in Michigan by U.S. marshals His accuser said Dolen had threatened to sexually abuse other children and also threatened to kill her and himself Dolen is also accused of providing the juvenile with marijuana to smoke he faces misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia According to a Blackford County sheriff's deputy the marijuana (allegation) I agree with 100 percent." Court records reflect no prior felony charges against Dolen He was being held in the Blackford County Jail under a $20,000 bond Douglas Walker is a news reporter for The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com — A Hartford City man was found dead Saturday after a house fire was reported at his home was pronounced dead at the scene of the fire Blackford County Coroner Zach Crouch — who was called to the scene at 9:48 a.m — said an autopsy would be conducted at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie A Hartford City Council member faces larceny and money laundering charges after allegedly taking funds from a local church where he worked Hartford police said Alex Thomas turned himself in Tuesday after a warrant for his arrest was issued in superior court was released on bond and is scheduled to be arraigned later this month Thomas was previously an associate pastor at South Church where he served as director of family ministry Hartford police said they received a complaint from the church on June 4 alleging embezzlement of funds between April 2023 and April 2024 Police said their investigation found Thomas allegedly misused a church credit card to direct funds to a shell company He faces charges of second degree larceny and second degree money laundering Thomas directed questions about the case Wednesday to his lawyer Johnson declined comment because he said Thomas is still waiting to review the allegations "All I can say is that he turned himself in readily and we’ll be in court on Oct was sworn into office for his first term on the Hartford City Council in January as a member of the Working Families Party According to a biography on his campaign website attended local public schools and was active in Hartford City Mission the Hartford Artists Collective and the Wilson-Gray YMCA The biography indicates he is the first Black pastor of South Church an independent Congregational church that traces its history in Hartford back more than 350 years Officials at South Church told Connecticut Public previously they removed Thomas from his position after they became aware of charges made to a church credit card Adam Thomas Söderberg said at the time that Thomas led the church’s youth programs for two years Thomas led group activities for more than a dozen Hartford youth on Friday nights — an idea that Söderberg said Thomas generated to help give teenagers a safe and positive environment to spend time after school adding: “They don’t know how to completely process it positive part of the last two years of their lives.” Söderberg said church staff first raised questions about expenditures last year after Thomas reported exceeding the budget for his programs More troubling signs emerged this year when staff saw a lack of receipts and supporting documentation for some expenses The church investigated and discovered unexplained payments to a pair of companies totaling nearly $15,000 he offered no explanation at all," Söderberg said The church received further assistance from PayPal to research the payments and discovered they went to entities linked to Thomas He said the church felt obligated to contact police to safeguard its own resources and also because of the office Thomas holds as a public official "South Church has been serving the city for 354 years and we felt a little protective of Hartford as well." Hartford City Council President Shirley Surgeon said it's incumbent on members of the council "to uphold the values and trust placed in us" by residents and I trust our local law enforcement to see that process through" Surgeon said Scott Lawalin’s uncle died on a battlefield in Nashville preserving the legacy of his uncle and many other soldiers as just a few days from now cannon fire will ring out over Hartford City for the Civil War Days event the Hartford City Civil War Days will feature re-enactors who cook and sleep like soldiers from the time period.  This year’s performance will showcase the Battle of New Hope Church as well as the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain and the Battle of Atlanta It will also feature bayonet drills and presentations for visitors detailing the historical context of several of the weekend’s events that’s not all that’s available at the event “It’s not all just about the guns and cannons,” Sean Cavanaugh president of the Hartford City Civil War Days organization We have a lot of great period food vendors that will be there We have a lot of just something for everybody there So if you don't like the guns and the battling music This year’s celebration will also host two guests: a seasoned actor who will play Abraham Lincoln and the 2nd Cavalry Brigade Band who will provide music complete with a fashion show and ball gown competition.  the event isn’t just about introducing an audience to the past captain of the  49th Indiana re-enactment unit and colonel of the army of the Wabash As a direct descendant of multiple Civil War soldiers he’s had the opportunity to visit relatives’ graves from the time period but even as he wears a uniform created to mirror their own he’s reminded of the small scope re-enactments provide even in large-scale events like Hartford City “It is my way of honoring their (Civil War soldiers’) service and to kind of get a taste of how they (lived),” Lawalin said but it is interesting to kind of wear the same type of clothing they did Lawalin’s favorite part of the event has nothing to do with the clothing or artillery the chance to unplug is what makes re-enacting so worth it allowing him to remember how large the world is outside all the technology and devices Remembering one’s place in history is part of the importance of learning about it a public history student with experience in history engagement “It’s … easier to forget that it’s real,” Martin said “I think that (re-enactment) offers a lot of reality and gravity in humanity to some things that people hear about or sleep through.” She noted how quickly people forget that even the buildings around them are part of a grander narrative Yet there is inspiration and passion that can be gained from being curious about the stories history offers There’s also a sense of responsibility to be gleaned from its pages it's the country's history,” he said.  re-enactment is one way he gets to be part of it all The Hartford City Civil War Days will run Oct. 4–6 at 304 County Rd 75 E, Hartford City, IN 47348. More information, including a full schedule of the weekend’s events, can be found at https://www.hartfordcitycwdays.com/ Details: cache-fra-eddf8230129-FRA 1746491009 2693996760 Details: cache-fra-eddf8230129-FRA 1746491012 2694014570 — Authorities are investigating the fire-related death of a 75-year-old Hartford City man The body of Rant Elliott was found Tuesday evening in his home in the 500 block of West Washington Street According to Blackford County Coroner Zach Crouch emergency responders determined several rooms in the house "were previously on fire." The blaze apparently did not spread because of the home "being sealed," Crouch said An autopsy was to be conducted Wednesday at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie Authorities reportedly went to the home after being asked to check on Elliott's well-being — A Hartford City man has failed in a bid to have his 24-year sentence for a pair of child molesting convictions reduced was charged in September 2022 with eight counts of child molesting: four Level 1 felonies after striking a deal with the Blackford County prosecutor's office Gonzalez-Medina pleaded guilty to two of the Level 4 felony charges Blackford Circuit Court Judge Brian Bade then imposed a maximum 24-year sentence The Hartford City man had been accused of sexually abusing a pre-teen girl several times over a one-year period Hartford City police and the state Department of Child Services conducted an ensuing investigation In an interview with a Hartford City police detective Gonzalez-Medina admitted to several of his accuser's allegations Gonzalez-Medina maintained the judge's decision to impose a maximum sentence was inappropriate given the defendant's "character." The Blackford County man had no prior criminal convictions the Indiana Court of Appeals rejected the appeal Judge Nancy Vaidik noted that Gonzalez-Medina "didn't just molest (the victim) twice; he acknowledged molesting her around 25 times." The judge also noted the grim nature of some of those assaults which could have resulted in his conviction on Level 1 felony charges that carry up to 40 years in prison Gonzalez-Medina has failed to persuade us that his 24-year sentence is inappropriate," she wrote incarcerated at the Miami Valley Correctional Facility north of Kokomo has a projected release date in September 2040 according to a state Department of Correction website — A Hartford City man awaiting trial on rape allegations was taken into custody Thursday by U.S According to a release from the Blackford County Sheriff's Department was apprehended in Michigan a day after he allegedly removed an ankle monitor tied to his July placement on electronic home detention The release said the quick apprehension was the result of the "swift action and expertise" of federal marshals Romano was charged with two counts of rape along with criminal confinement and battery Hartford City police began an investigation that month after receiving a call from a nurse at a hospital in Columbus reporting a 24-year-old woman had been assaulted in Blackford County More: Hartford City man charged with rape, confinement The nurse said Romano had "coerced" the Ohio woman into coming with him to Indiana making repeated threats to harm her and her family He is also accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting the woman in a room at a Hartford City motel The Hartford City man was released from the Blackford County Jail in July and placed on electronic home detention after he was granted a bond reduction He apparently does not presently have a trial date in the Blackford Circuit Court case The rape charges against him are Level 3 felonies carrying maximum 16-year sentences West Hartford Town Manager Rick Ledwith proposed a $370.3 million budget Tuesday night that increases spending by 6.55% and would result in a 7.35% tax increase Town Manager Rick Ledwith presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget to the Town Council Tuesday night noting that there are challenges to be met prior to adoption of the spending plan as Council members meet in committees to review each line item and hear from the community at two public hearings as well as several Town Hall meeting-style open discussions The proposed $370,290,339 FY26 budget increases overall spending by 6.55% ($22,751,258) over the town’s FY25 budget Town services are projected to increase by $7,472,909 (5.73%), and Board of Education expenses, based on the proposal delivered by Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus on March 4 are estimated to increase $14,422,944 (7.18%) Capital financing costs are estimated to increase in FY26 by $855,405 (5.27%) The percentage of each category relative to the overall budget is virtually unchanged from past years Proposed General Fund expenditure for FY26 the current mill rate of 42.35 mills would increase to 45.21 mills (6.75%) while the motor vehicle mill rate “recognizes the challenges we face as a community while reaffirming our commitment to providing the highest level of services for our residents,” with strength and purpose “This budget helps us strengthen our community by investing in services for a resilient future It is a budget that balances fiscal responsibility with the strategic investments needed to sustain and enhance the quality of life that makes West Hartford the best place to live Ledwith provided specific details about those challenges during his presentation noting that the key drivers on the town expense side are payroll and risk management – the latter of which is primarily the increase in health care premiums salaries and benefits are also major drivers along with the significant and under-reimbursed increase in tuition costs for out-of-district special education placements and transportation While there will likely be refinement in the numbers over the next several weeks Ledwith noted that the overall approach to the budget will maintain the following priorities: The Town Council received the FY26 proposed budget on March 11 Wages and salaries are the largest piece of the town’s budget The costs are associated with full-time employees who have negotiated agreements including the compounding effect of the CSEA agreement which was ratified this year but is retroactive to 2021 and the increase in the minimum wage for part-time and seasonal employees Operating expenses are up by just $266,122 (0.9%) this year in comparison to last year when they increased by $1.2 million “This is the category we have the most control over and one where we cut significantly in preparation for this budget,” he said The largest expense increase on the town side – $3.6 million or 7.5% – is in the category of fringe benefits/insurance/bonded pension liability participates in the State Partnership Plan for heath care and premiums are projected to increase 9.9% in comparison to last year when they rose just 2% which is a smaller increase than last year The largest percentage of the general fund expenditure is education “which makes sense in that we employ 1,600 full-time employees who are responsible for educating 9,000-plus Pre-K to Grade 12 students,” and the break-out doesn’t change much from year to year and is similar for any town or city in the state the largest departments are public safety (police and fire) and public works “As we begin to look at reducing our $7 million increase,” Ledwith said While the Town Council cannot specifically adjust the education budget – only the overall allocation – Ledwith noted that when Vicinus presented his 2025-26 budget last week it highlighted special education costs as a key driver in particularly a $3.6 million increase in tuition for outplaced students with reduced excess cost reimbursement by the state what was originally thought to be a shortfall in the current fiscal year due to a reduction in excess cost reimbursement has been addressed by the legislature “Our school district was facing a significant shortfall in their budget this year because of a reduction in this year’s excess cost reimbursement but thanks to the mayor and our delegation that reduction will be reversed for this fiscal year With that being said we will work closely with our superintendent and his team to strike a balance that maintains our investment in our future and allows our schools to continue to prepare and inspire all of our students,” Ledwith said and people-related costs account for more than three-quarters of overall expenses Property taxes are the primary source of revenue for cities and towns throughout Connecticut An estimated 86.6% of the revenue for FY26 will come from local property taxes “which is certainly a challenge for us but one that we have been accustomed to managing,” Ledwith said The percentage of revenue derived from property taxes has not changed much over the years Property taxes are based on the Grand List as of October 1 of the previous year, and when West Hartford’s Grand List was published in January there was a modest increase of just $8,5 million While the town experienced growth in real and personal property it was largely offset by a reduction in the value of motor vehicles of more than $50 million due to legislation that required use of the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) rather than the the National Automobile Dealers Association pricing guide “The impact of that state law change significantly impacted most cities and towns around the state and to address that impact which gives municipalities an option of essentially reversing this negative impact by adding 5% to the depreciation schedule,” Ledwith said “I will recommend accepting this option which would increase our Grand List growth from $8.5 million to $53.5 million essentially reversing the arbitrary decrease caused by that original law.” It will likely be an even greater difference and a more precise number will be provided at the next Town Council meeting when there will be a vote on a resolution to re-publish the Grand List with the updated motor vehicle valuation “In the end our Grand List growth this year will be one of the higher dollar amount increases we have seen in a non-revaluation year in the last 20 years indicating our strong economic health,” Ledwith said Also having a positive impact on revenue is the “charge for service” which will increased by more than $1 million primarily reflecting building permit fees for new developments throughout the town Total state aid will also increase slightly The town’s 12-year Capital Improvement Plan is “our Town Council’s very important commitment to maintaining infrastructure” – town and school facilities and flood mitigation – and is primarily funded through the issuance of General Obligation Bonds and federal and state grants As part of the adoption of the FY26 budget the Council will vote to approve years 1 and 2 of the CIP proposed at $50.4 million and $43.3 million respectively The chart below shows some of the major planned capital fund investments in the next two years and Ledwith said the town will continue to apply for grants as further offsets to costs Ledwith also provided a brief overview of recent and remarkable accomplishments noting that the “past year was one of historic growth and progress for our town and one we should be proud of.” “These accomplishments are a direct result of our shared commitment to smart planning and an unwavering dedication to making West Hartford a place where all residents can thrive,” Ledwith said will be working hard and reviewing the budget in detail over the upcoming weeks during virtual meetings and workshops that can be viewed by the public through West Hartford Community Interactive The public will have the opportunity to comment on the town’s General Fund budget at public hearings scheduled for Tuesday In addition to the workshops and public hearing listed below this year the Town Council and Board of Education will host a listening tour providing an additional opportunity for community conversation regarding the budget and board of education chair and vice chair plan to participate Those sessions are scheduled for Wednesday Upcoming public meetings related to the Board of Education budget include: Those dates are all reflected on the schedule below along with meetings of Town Council committees to discuss department budgets The Town Council plans to adopt the overall budget on Tuesday Comments regarding the general fund budget can be submitted in writing via email to comment@WestHartfordCT.gov. Comments specifically regarding the West Hartford Public Schools budget can be sent to budget@whps.org “It is challenging,” Mayor Shari Cantor said assuring the public that the budget will be reviewed carefully and that there will be opportunity for communication and discussion with residents The addition of the community conversations will allow for participants to have a “give and take” conversation and respond to questions All budget documents, including the Budget in Brief, are posted on the town’s website for review Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism Just what the citizens of West Hartford need Are any West Hartford residents not terrified by the report that “West Hartford Town Manager Rick Ledwith proposed a $370.3 million budget Tuesday night that increases spending by 6.55% and would result in a 7.35% tax increase” Even considering such a tax increase implies that West Hartford is choosing to have a monied “class” of residential property owners within our zip codes Shame on proposal of such a encumbrance on West Hartford property owners who are still slammed by the virtual elimination of the SALT provisions of the federal tax code; by inflated prices for food and other necessities; and for some by loss of income due to employers’ “downsizing” It would be to our town’s credit if instead of requesting “a 7.35% tax increase” Manager Ledwith could identify cost reductions in the town’s expenditures so real property owners’ budgets would not bear the extraordinary financial burden he proposes I just read about the proposed budget for 2026 The town (especially the Board of Ed) has got to become more creative and at most We hear about the new building projects that should be bringing in enhanced revenue All I see are traffic nightmares around the Center This is not the year to stick the residents with increases We have to keep adjusting our personal budgets to pay town taxes and other increases such as horrific utility bills I have lived here all my life and this time it IS easy to say “it’s too much” housing and Vision Zero/safe streets for all When will the citizens of W H wake up and vote these reckless spenders out of office people in this town need to speak up at every public hearing every town council meeting until the final vote on this budget The West Hartford taxpayers association needs to be revived And yet they’re ignoring very basic quality of life issues to promote their woke agenda They don’t lead to more so-called equitable policing I spoke up when they were contemplating Blue Back Square That was supposed to reduce the taxes back then I showed them that it could/would never happen…guess I was right when others disagreed the medical insurance for town staff and teachers is through the state partnership plan To the best of my knowledge it is not individually negotiated by anyone at the town or school level which over time has been cost-effective in comparison to the self-insurance program the town had in place previously I think it’s been 5-6 years since the switch This happens to be a tough year for the health insurance policy those costs are for West Hartford residents only and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" © 2025 • WeHa News • All Rights Reserved • Ezoic Privacy Policy - Created by Roy Web Design — A rural Hartford City man has been sentenced to 112 years in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of child molesting was arrested in June after being accused of repeatedly sexually abusing two children under the age of 10 Egly pleaded guilty to two Level 1 felonies and one Level 4 felony The sentence imposed in recent days by Blackford Circuit Court Judge Brian Bade was the longest the Hartford City man could have received for those convictions Blackford County Prosecutor Joelle Freiburger had recommended a maximum sentence Egly's accusers said he forced them to perform sex acts in 2018 More: Molesting convictions result in 20-year prison term for Randolph County man Interviewed by investigators with the Blackford County Sheriff's Department Egly at first denied the children's allegations but later acknowledged he had sexually assaulted them Egly then wrote an apology to his accusers "I am sorry for what I have done to you boys," he wrote I would hope you could forgive me for what I have done to you both." Court records reflect no prior charges against the Blackford County resident all stemming from assaults on the same victims Despite pleas from several displaced tenants still yet to find permanent housing after an August fire forced them from their homes Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said the city would stick to its Jan 10 deadline and stop paying for temporary housing in the form of hotel stays “We have done far more than the city has ever done in cases like this and unfortunately we just don’t have the financial resources in the city to continue to provide temporary housing solutions,” Arulampalam told reporters and tenants gathered outside his City Hall office on Thursday Tenants of the Concord Hills Apartments have been wrangling with the city and the Greyhill Group they staged a demonstration at City Hall to ask for a one-to-two-week extension of temporary housing as several displaced families sought to finalize permanent living arrangements who’s been living in a hotel with her 3-year-old son said she had an appointment to see an apartment following the demonstration but she wasn’t sure she would be approved for it “We're just asking for more time,” Garcia said and there's elderly people as well that don't have nowhere to go.” Tenant Marisol Navarro appealed to the mayor in remarks delivered shortly before his arrival just like you show up for all the events in the city where there's catering and partying and ribbon cutting – do something for these people,” Navarro said “Don't throw them out in the street with their babies Other displaced tenants described hardships finding wheelchair-accessible apartments and delayed inspections on renovated units leading to their being unable to take occupancy by the Friday deadline when the hotel stays would run out The mayor told the tenants to take up the matter with the Greyhill Group Greyhill did not return Connecticut Public’s request for comment Shortly after Arulampalam addressed the tenants the mayor’s office sent an additional statement “Due to the extensive nature of the displacement of Concord Hills tenants the City of Hartford exceeded any past practice by covering temporary supportive housing for five months and providing direct outreach and support to help tenants secure permanent housing,” the statement read “The City has consistently communicated that it cannot provide indefinite accommodations but that we will continue our vigorous efforts to support impacted tenants through relocation services to secure permanent housing.” Four months after apartment fire, Hartford takes legal action against landlord Hartford residents displaced by August apartment fire told to find new homes Future uncertain for Hartford residents displaced by August apartment fire Connecticut Public's Abigail Brone contributed reporting Arunan Arulampalam's father-in-law is Gregory B who is a member of the Board of Trustees of Connecticut Public — A Hartford City man faces drug-dealing charges after what the Blackford County Sheriff's Department called "an extensive investigation into the illegal sale of methamphetamine and narcotic drugs." was charged Thursday in Blackford Circuit Court with dealing in a narcotic drug possession of a narcotic drug and possession of meth witnesses told investigators that Martin routinely traveled to Dayton Martin reportedly traveled to the Dayton area and a Saturn Aura he was traveling in was later stopped — allegedly for a traffic violation — at Blackford County roads 400 West and 200 South Deputies and Hartford City police responded to the scene A news release said a bag containing 113 grams of meth was recovered from under the hood of the car and Martin was also found to be carrying about 57 grams of fentanyl More: Police: Hartford City woman arrested for dealing fentanyl after trip to Ohio The dealing charges against Martin are Level 2 felonies carrying maximum 30-year prison terms while the possession charges are Level 3 felonies with maximum 16-year sentences An initial hearing in his case is set for Nov The driver of the car at the time of the traffic stop were each charged with possession of meth and possession of a narcotic drug — A Blackford Circuit Court jury has found a Hartford City man guilty of sex crimes guilty of three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor: one Level 4 felony carrying up to 12 years in prison and two Level 5 felonies with maximum six-year sentences The jury also found Alaniz guilty of providing furnishing alcohol to a minor More: Winchester man pleads guilty to child solicitation in Blackford County Hartford City police said Alaniz had sexually abused a girl in her early teens on three occasions between June and October 2022 Officers said Alaniz at first denied some of the girl's allegations and then asked to consult with an attorney The Department of Child Services was also involved in the investigation Blackford County Prosecutor Joelle Freiburger and Chief Deputy Prosecutor Steve Sneed presented the state's case against Alaniz who was defended by attorney Aaron Henderson The Hartford City man had earlier convictions for driving while intoxicated and possession of paraphernalia — A Hartford City man convicted of sexually abusing a juvenile has been sentenced to more than 24 years in prison a Blackford Circuit Court jury found Matthew Gene Alaniz The jury also found Alaniz guilty of furnishing alcohol to a minor Blackford County's chief deputy prosecutor Judge Brian Bade in recent days sentenced Alaniz to 24 years and six months in prison More: Ex-corrections officer at Jay County Jail pleads guilty to sexual misconduct with inmate Hartford City police said Alaniz — who was arrested in January 2023 — had sexually abused a girl in her early teens on three occasions between June and October 2022 Alaniz had earlier convictions for driving while intoxicated and possession of paraphernalia Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.