🌱High Connecticut Gas Prices + VRHS Honor Roll

Happy Tuesday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know going on today.

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First, today's weather:

Less humid with some sun. High: 73 Low: 55.

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

1. Congratulations to Valley Regional High School students who have made the 3rd quarter high honors and honor roll. Do you see any names on this list you recognize? (Zip06)
2. If you are a usual driver on Route 9 you may be questioning why there are new signs with unfamiliar numbers and signs that say, "the old exit...". This is all part of the state Department of Transportation initiative to renumber all of the state's highway exits as the existing signs reach the end of their useful life. The new signs have improved reflectivity, enhancing visibility at night. The project includes the updating of all major routes and highways throughout the state. All work is expected to be completed by 2030. (CT Insider)
3. We have hit a high and it's not a good one. According to AAA, the price of regular gas has gone up more than 20 cents in the last week. Currently, a gallon of regular gas in CT costs $4.53 on average, which is higher than the reported national average of $4,48 per gallon. According to AAA, part of the reason gas prices are going up is that the price of crude oil continues to fluctuate, in part because of the war in Ukraine. AAA suggests using resources such as Fuel Price Finder to help drivers save on fuel. (NBC Connecticut)

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Teen Take and Make Craft - Essex Library Association (12:00 AM)
• Treat Your Dog Tuesdays (10:00 AM)
• Social Security 101 Workshop with SSA Public Affairs Specialist Benjamin Rhodes (1:00 PM)
• Bereavement Support Group - Essex Library Association (4:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Essex Library: "Mark your calendars! Saturday June 4 is Family Game Day at the Essex Library! All day while we are open (10-4), come by and play some games! Board and card games will be provided, but feel free to bring some of your family's favorites to." (Facebook)
• Essex Library: "@ The Library May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Check out our curated collection of picture books and movies in the Children's room and celebrate these cultures and their contributions to the history." (Facebook)
• Essex Library: "May is Mental Health Awareness month. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Burden of Disease study estimate that almost 800,000 people die from suicide every year. It's not always easy to recognize the signs of suicide." (Facebook)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Premier Subaru — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Your CBD Store | SUNMED Tincture Tuesdays! 20% Off (May 17)
• Financial Planning Boot Camp: Train today for your financially healthy retirement (May 17)
• Oddfellows Teen Rep Company Presents: The Greeks! (May 19)
• Spring Song Fest (May 22)
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Housing:

• Apartment for rent (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with another update.

— Karena Garrity

About me: I am a native of Connecticut, who currently resides in the Tri-Town community of Chester, Deep River and Essex. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my small town 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 Daily? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com