Volume 23, Number 39
www.towntimes.com
Friday, December 27, 2019
STATE
Lawmakers approve settlement with hospitals Susan Haigh Associated Press
HARTFORD — Connecticut lawmakers on Wednesday, Dec. 18 approved a long-awaited $1.8 billion settlement agreement reached between Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont and the state’s hospital association that will trigger
the withdrawal of legal claims that potentially exposed the state to as much as $4 billion liability. Both Democrats and Republicans noted the seven-year deal marks a new chapter in the state’s relationship with the hospitals, which was rocky unSee Settlement, A7
Santa Claus poses with two elves during the Powder Ridge Mountain Park Winter Festival on Sunday, Dec. 22. The event featured skiing, sledding and a band playing. Photos by Devin Leith-Yessian, Record-Journal
Santa has the ‘star’ power at Powder Ridge holiday fair
State Sen. Dan Champagne, R-Vernon, left, talks with Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven, at the State Capitol Wednesday, Dec. 18. AP Photo/Jessica Hill
By Steven Scarpa Special to the Record-Journal
Holidays bring change in hours at liquor outlets
MIDDLEFIELD — You can’t have a great holiday fair without a great Santa, and Powder Ridge Mountain Park and Resort certainly had one on Sunday. Gift vendors, a carousel, live music, and a festive vibe made up the Powder Ridge Winter Festival. About 600 people have passed through the festival, now in its third weekend. “This is our first year and we plan to make every year bigger and better,” said Laura Loffredo, director of sales and marketing at Powder Ridge, adding that next year they plan to set up artist huts around the pond on the property. See Santa, A9
HARTFORD (AP) — The holidays in Connecticut mean a change in hours for some liquor permit holders.
to drink alcohol “to make responsible decisions.” She reminded the public they must be over age 21 to make alcohol purchases.
The Department of Consumer Protection reminded residents that package stores must be closed on Christmas Day and on New Years Day, under state law.
Connecticut lawmakers this year passed legislation updating the state’s liquor laws, in hopes of helping the state’s growing craft brewery industry.
One change, which has already take effect, allows breweries to sell more beer to customers for consumption off-premises. Consumer Protection The prior law limited craft Commissioner Michelle breweries to selling only Seagull said her office enup to nine liters to a single courages those who choose individual within one day. Connecticut law also requires bars to be closed by 3 a.m. on the morning of New Years Day.
Children ski the slopes at Powder Ridge Mountain Park in Middlefield during its first Winter Festival.