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🌱 Patch AM: West Hartford Approves Four-Year Firefighter Contract

And check out Thursday Evening Jazz Duo Laroo & Byrd on the West Hartford Patch calendar

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Wednesday August 19th Patch AM
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Hey hey West Hartford! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • New four-year firefighter contract reshapes pay, schedules and training support
  • West Hartford schools secure $350,000 to expand special education options
  • How did Hall and Conard crack Connecticut's top 15 again?

Also on today's calendar: Thursday Evening Jazz Duo Laroo & Byrd and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Clouds and sun; less humid, with a high of 87 and low of 64 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: An afternoon shower possible, temps: high: 81, low: 58.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and less humid, with a high of 83 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. West Hartford Approves Four-Year Firefighter Contract (patch.com) — West Hartford residents will see their professional fire department operating under a new four-year contract that updates pay, schedules, and health benefits while funding training and fitness equipment. Town leaders praised firefighters' lifesaving work and rising call volumes as reasons to modernize compensation and staffing, and union members publicly thanked the community and officials for supporting the agreement. The deal is retroactive to July 1, 2025, and aims to improve both service and working conditions in West Hartford.
   

2. West Hartford Schools Awarded Large Grant For Special Education Programs (patch.com) — Families in West Hartford will see a boost to local special education services thanks to a $350,000 state grant aimed at expanding in-district programs and reducing costly out-of-district placements. State leaders say the funding will help districts like West Hartford build more inclusive, high-quality options so students with disabilities can learn closer to home alongside their peers. Specific local program allocations have not yet been detailed.
   

3. West Hartford High Schools Among State's Top 15 In Latest U.S. News Ranking - We-Ha (we-ha.com) — West Hartford's Hall and Conard high schools have again landed among Connecticut's top 15 and in the top 3% of public high schools nationwide in U.S. News & World Report's latest rankings. Local families can see how strong AP participation, graduation rates, and test performance are driving these A-plus scores and how the schools compare with other top districts statewide.
   

4. More Than Mentors: Three Men Find Purpose by Showing Up for Kids - We-Ha (we-ha.com) — A West Hartford resident, Joe DeLutrie, shares how becoming a Big Brother through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut has reshaped his life as much as his mentee's. Alongside two Glastonbury mentors, his story highlights how a few hours a month can give local kids support, new experiences, and caring adult role models while also giving adults renewed purpose.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This cat belong to someone?
    He likes to hang out on my patio, which is fine. He's also somewhat friendly. I've picked up a lot of footage of coyotes and foxes in my yard from my… (Nextdoor Aiken)
  • Hi goodmorning- I hope everyone is doing well and having a good start to their mornings!
    I wanted to let people know that as an fyi, I have noticed there are lots of scammers posing as people, "Willing to pay people supposed good pay and… (Nextdoor Farmington Ave)
  • BJ's Wholesale Club posted a job opening for Meat Clerk Part Time in West Hartford. Apply here.
  • Chipotle Mexican Grill posted a job opening for Kitchen Leader in West Hartford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near West Hartford here.

Ok West Hartford! 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: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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