🌱 Patch AM: Cell Phone Stop Turns Into Drug Arrest In Vernon

Hey hey Vernon! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Traffic stop in Vernon uncovers fentanyl and multiple drug charges
• Vernon plans disruptive milling and paving on key neighborhood streets
• Vernon's July jobless rate edges below the state average

Also on today's calendar: Solo Agers Coffee Social in Tolland Sept 9th and 10 more events.

Today's riddle: Where do math teachers go on vacation? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Saturday: Partly sunny, a shower or two, with a high of 75 and low of 58 degrees.
• Sunday: Partly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 73, low: 49.
• Monday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 76 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Cell Phone Stop Turns Into Drug Arrest In Vernon (patch.com) — A routine traffic stop for cell phone use on Hartford Turnpike in Vernon led police to arrest a Hartford man after they say they found multiple types of illegal drugs, including fentanyl. The driver now faces several felony drug charges and was held on bond ahead of a scheduled appearance in Rockville Superior Court.
   

2. Road Milling And Paving projects On Tap For 4 Areas Of Vernon (patch.com) — Drivers in Vernon should prepare for milling and paving on several neighborhood streets, including Emerald Drive, Deepwood Drive, Welles Road, and others in the coming weeks. Public Works says roads may close to through traffic, on-street parking will be restricted during construction, and residents should expect delays while local access and emergency vehicle passage are maintained.
   

3. Connecticut Labor Department Releases July 2026 Unemployment Numbers — See How Vernon Stacks Up (patch.com) — Vernon residents can see how their town's job market compares, with July 2026 unemployment figures showing a 5.6 percent rate, slightly better than Connecticut's 5.8 percent. The report highlights Vernon's labor force and employment totals within the context of continued statewide job growth.
   

4. Connecticut Is Rolling Out AI-Powered School Bus Cameras (bgr.com) — Vernon is rolling out AI-powered cameras on school buses to catch drivers who illegally pass when stop-arms are extended, with first-time fines set at $250. Officials say most violators don't reoffend after being penalized, aiming to make daily trips to and from school significantly safer for local children.
   

📸 Around Vernon

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Vernon

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★ Featured events ★

Wednesday September 9
• Solo Agers Coffee Social in Tolland Sept 9th →
  Sage Insurance Solutions, LLC, 129 Tolland Stage Rd, Tolland
  2:30 pm
Friday September 11
• $4000 Cash Bingo - St Joseph Church Vernon CT →
  St. Joseph Catholic Church, 33 West St, Vernon
  6:30 pm
Thursday September 17
• Dementia Dialogue Book Event with John Scully! →
  123 West Rd, Ellington
  6:00 pm
Saturday September 19
• Finex Credit Union to Host Free Public Shred Day in Vernon on September 19 →
  Finex Credit Union, 60 Hyde Ave, Vernon
  9:00 am
• Jay Medal Soirée →
  Jay Estate, 210 Boston Post Rd, Rye
  5:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Sunday September 6
• Valley Falls Heritage Center and Museum Open Today →
  345 Valley Falls Rd, Vernon
  1:00 pm
Thursday September 10
• Family Crafternoon →
  Rockville Public Library, 52 Union St, Vernon
  4:00 pm
Monday September 14
• Lego Club →
  Rockville Public Library, 52 Union St, Vernon
  4:00 pm
Wednesday September 16
• Lil' Bookworms Storytime →
  Rockville Public Library, 52 Union St, Vernon
  10:30 am
Saturday September 19
• Variety Show & Bake Sale →
  Rockville United Methodist Church, 142 Grove St, Vernon
  9:00 am
• Read to a Therapy Dog →
  Rockville Public Library, 52 Union St, Vernon
  10:30 am
Sunday September 20
• Heritage Center Museum Tours at Valley Falls Farm →
  345 Valley Falls Rd, Vernon
  1:00 pm
Tuesday September 22
• Music & Movement →
  Rockville Public Library, 52 Union St, Vernon
  10:00 am

📣 Vernon Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Vernon PatchAM possible:

• Vernon Nails — (860) 858-6157
• The Learning Experience- Vernon CT — (860) 454-7848
• Dustless Hardwood Floors LLC — (860) 993-7657
• Talaga Construction — (860) 836-5343

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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

🪧 Patch Classifieds

• Rockville High School- Class of 1976 – 50th Reunion Gala Dinner
  Date & Time: Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM – 11:00 PMLocation: Georgina's Banquet Facility, Bolton, CT.... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Please share & repost to help reunite this stray bird!
  Found on September 3, 2026 in Newington, CT 06111 near Millpond Park Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the finder,… (Nextdoor Elmspark)
• Have you nominated a Good Neighbor yet?
  Nominations close Monday, September 14th: https://nextdoor.com/gnd National Good Neighbor Day is Monday, September 28th, and this year Nextdoor is… (Nextdoor )

• The Edge Fitness Clubs posted a job opening for Childcare Provider (MA) in Manchester. Apply here.
• Panera posted a job opening for Catering Lead in South Windsor. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Vernon here.

Ok Vernon! 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: Times Square (Thank you Jean K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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