Friday, January 3, 2020
www.southingtoncitizen.com
Volume 14, Number 1
Town prepares for bridge replacement By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
Town leaders are planning for a bridge replacement that’s more than a year away but will require the closure of Marion Avenue over Humiston Brook.
Photos by Devin Leith-Yessian, Record-Journal
Skiers enjoy mild weather By Devin Leith-Yessian Record-Journal staff
end of December, the usual target to start the season.
Temperatures were high enough at Mount Southington Ski Area over the weekend to allow skiers to slide between the slopes with jackets unzipped, enjoying mild winter weather and a plethora of snow built up over weeks of cold weather.
Instructor John Berry said skiers could enjoy the slopes while wearing a T-shirt.
A cold snap in late November allowed the ski area to begin making snow and open on the second week-
“We don’t get this kind of snow this early on,” he said Sunday. The above average temperatures were welcomed by families looking to take younger children out for some lessons, said General Manager Jay Dougherty.
“I like the variety of terrain we have here. We have something for everyone,” he said. Laying back in the snow at the base of one of the slopes, Norwalk resident David Lane said the conditions were great for getting out of the house and teaching his son, Parker Lane, 5, how to ski. His wife was teaching their daughter how to snowboard. See Skiers, A9
He said the best detour routes are being discussed with Police Department. Town leaders had an information session on the work for neighborhood residents earlier this month. While the project is a long way off, Michael DelSanto, a Town Council See Bridge, A8
Be aware of wildlife in winter By Lauren Sellew Record-Journal staff
Backyard encounters with wildlife are common during the winter months, experts say, as animals travel greater distances in search of food. Local animal control officers offered some advice on encountering wildlife during the winter. “Let them pass through,
don’t harass them, don’t corner them,” said Rachel Amenta, Wallingford’s assistant animal control officer. Many wild animals seasonally change their behavior to deal with cold temperatures and scarce food supplies, having adapted over thousands of years to cope with harsh winter weather, See Wildlife, A7
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Noah Rickert, a member of the Mount Southington Race and Freeride Team, slides to a stop at the base of one of the ski area's hills while practicing on Dec. 29, 2019.
Keith Hayden, Public Works director, said the bridge will be shut down for two weeks in the spring of 2021. That approach speeds construction and avoids alternating one-way traffic on the bridge for several months.
“There are several good detour routes,” Hayden said. “I think it’s a lot less intrusive both for the neighbors and for the traveling public.”