Sandbar Romp
A family took advantage of the sandbars off of Cockenoe Island this evening as the sun set over Peck Ledge Lighthouse in the distance.
One COVID-19 Case, No Deaths; State Positivity Rate 0.43%
The Westport-Weston Health District reports that Westport’s COVID-19 cases were up one today. The State’s daily test positivity rate was 0.43%
Westport total positive or probable cases: 1,805 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 31 deaths.
State Daily Test Positivity: 0.43%
Westporter Reconnects with Helicopter He Flew during Vietnam as Y’s Men Visit CT Air & Space Museum
Y’s Men Club Member and Westporter Jay Dirnberger reminisced yesterday as he revisited an OH-6 Cayuse helicopter, an aircraft he piloted during his tour of duty in the Viet Nam War in 1968. In performing his front line war zone services Dirnberger earned the Bronze Star and Silver Star awards as well as the Distinguished Flying Cross, twenty-three Air Medals and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Dirnberger was a helicopter pilot in the Army's First Cavalry Division and later in the 18th Airborne Corp at Fort Bragg. Dirnberger organized the event as part of the group activity offering for the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston, which include hiking, sailing, and a variety of interest-based meeting groups. Photo by Dave Matlow for The Westport Local Press.
Police Continue to Investigate Accident: Scooter Rider Injured “Seriously”
Westport Police Department Press Release
At approximately 9:45 p.m. on June 29, 2021, the Westport Police as well as the fire department and emergency medical services responded to the intersection of Post Road East at Bulkley Avenue on a report of a serious motor vehicle accident.
Upon arrival, it was determined that a car and motor scooter were involved in a collision. The operator of the scooter was transported to the hospital with what appeared to be serious injuries. The operator of the car remained on scene and is cooperating.
The Westport Police Accident Investigation Team is leading this investigation with assistance from the Fairfield Police Accident Investigation Team. The road was closed for several hours but has since reopened.
Curtains Open in Time for the 90th Anniversary of the Westport Country Playhouse
The Westport Country Playhouse opened their doors Tuesday night for the first time since before the pandemic - celebrating the return of the world class theatre house on it's 90th birthday. The Playhouse began this year’s live season with a virtual showing of the film Tiny House, by Michael Gotch and produced by Mark Lamos. The entire film was shot remotely, with the cast filming themselves in their own homes - then sending in the footage to the Editor Dan Scully. Scully then used green screen and digital technologies to blend all of the characters together to make the appearance that they were all in the same place at the same time, all while remaining safe and completely distant.
Home, Sweet Home at Westport Country Playhouse
The Westport Country Playhouse welcomed guests tonight for champagne, birthday cake, and an in-person showing of the film Tiny House. The theater’s interior is famous to those who have frequented its seats, and missed by many in the community. Empty for over a year, guests were happy to be ushered to their rows as the house lights dimmed in the quintessential playhouse ahead of tonight’s performance. Taking place after a group sing-a-long of Happy Birthday, Dear Playhouse - the film brought laughter and excitement to the space once again.
Morning Weather Report: Heat Advisory, Air Quality Alert Continued; Heat Index of 103 Degrees Forecast
Today*
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 103. Southwest wind 7 to 11 mph.
Tonight*
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. West wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tomorrow
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 81. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tomorrow Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then showers likely. Low around 65. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Click here to expand Heat Advisory & Air Quality Alert Information
HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT WEDNESDAY
AIR QUALITY ALERT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT WEDNESDAY
Gas Leak Requires Purposeful Burn on Old Hill Farms Road
Westport Fire Department Social Media ReleaseUpon arrival, firefighters needed to use water to protect the home from the leaking gas in the nearby tank. Due to the condition of the tank, the propane company was unable to stop the leak and in order to make the tank safe, the gas must be burned off. The process called “flaring” involves crews replumbing the tank to attach a piece of equipment called “the red dragon”. This allows responders to elevate the “flare” or fire high above the ground and control the amount of liquid or vapor burned off.
Boat Sinks off of Old Mill Beach
A powerboat began to take-on water this evening off of Old Mill Beach just before 7:00 PM, the boat being reportedly owned by a local rental company, according to nearby vessels. The Westport Police Marine Unit and local Sea Tow personnel responded to the scene to find the pontoon-type vessel nearly fully submerged. No injuries were reported, the cause of the sinking has not been released. Photo by Anthony Loiacono for The Westport Local Press.