Stratford News

STRATFORD -- For 20 years, attempts to revive the Shakespeare Theater have amounted to "Much Ado About Nothing."

But even though the theater will remain dark this summer, the show will go on despite the clash last week between Mayor James R. Miron and the Town Council over the council's selection of a Rhode Island theater producer to reopen the legendary Elm Street showcase.

Political sound and fury aside, the Bard is not to be silenced in this town that is a namesake for Shakespeare's birthplace. Three of Shakespeare's plays will be staged in outdoor venues over the coming weeks, plus a weekend-long celebration of works and plays inspired by the Bard is set for the end of August ...

Not often would I contemplate writing a letter to the editor in favor of our "accidental mayor" James Miron, but today is the day. I did not see the confrontation between our mayor and William Hanney, the chosen developer for the Shakespeare Theater, at a recent meeting, so I am not defending his tact, just his opinion of the ludicrous contract the Stratford Town Council signed onto.

The notion that a man who is known for building movie theaters can come here and resurrect a world-class stage is silly. Theater by the Sea in Rhode Island (known by some in the industry as "Theater by the Sea Minus") is not a benchmark we should be shooting for ...

A solution to the long-standing morass at Sikorsky Memorial Airport and the former Stratford Army engine plant took a big step forward this week. Now, officials need to ensure its momentum continues.

The Bridgeport City Council gave the go-ahead to an agreement that would settle two lawsuits, allow for the installation of a runway safety zone at the airport and at the same time move development forward at the engine plant, considered the most important site for Stratford's economic future. These are two problems that have lingered for years, and the chance to solve both in one step cannot be missed.

The matter now goes back to federal court, where the deal is expected to be finalized ...

After reading Mayor James R. Miron's "explanation" for not wanting William Hanney to develop the Shakespeare Theater, I can't help but wonder if Miron has ever seen a performance at the venue ...

Recently I wrote a letter headlined, "Is Sikorsky Airport really safe?" The letter was forwarded to Joseph F. Marie, commissioner of the Department of Transportation. Pam Sucato, a spokeswoman for Mr. Marie, contacted me in regards to the issue of runway safety. She is extremely knowledgeable of everything that is happening at Sikorsky Airport.

During our conversation, the flooding problem was also discussed ...

More than two dozen police officers from around the state packed a Golden Hill Street courtroom this morning to support two Stratford officers accused of illegally accessing the town's computer system and releasing personnel data for Mayor James Miron's brother, who had applied to be a police officer ...

The Connecticut Post needs to set the record straight regarding the contract approved by the Stratford Town Council for the renovation and operation of the Shakespeare Theater ...

It's been more than a month since Police Officer Justin LoSchiavo crashed his patrol car that witnesses say took place while he was suffering a seizure ...

STRATFORD -- A man has been charged with threatening people with a knife outside the Stratford Library.

Anthony DePallo, 21, of Roger Avenue, Danbury, was arrested Monday night and charged with two counts of threatening and two counts of breach of peace. He is being held in lieu of $10,000 bond.

Police were dispatched to the library on Main Street to investigate calls that a man in front of the building had threatened people with a knife ...

A 41-year-old man was arrested after appearing for a dental appointment without a lick of clothing, police said.

Christopher Hoff, of Masarik Avenue, was naked -- and five days late -- when he showed up for a Monday appointment at Optimus Dental on Honeyspot Road ...

The Ethics Commission will recommend a sweeping new anti-nepotism policy to the Town Council that would prohibit hiring "immediate family members" of top town, education and elected officials, despite a negative recommendation from Town Attorney Richard Buturla, who insists the policy would violate state law ...

Mayor James R. Miron on Monday issued a statement explaining his reasons for refusing to sign a 40-year lease agreement with a developer who wants to reopen and operate the Shakespeare Theater, insisting the deal violates state statutes by not requiring a performance bond ...

A New York hospitality organization will offer a webinar for its members on dealing with bed bug infestations.

STRATFORD -- Nothing appeared out of the ordinary as Officer Justin LoSchiavo pulled his police cruiser to a stop behind Josie Cicerale's car for a red light. The intersection of Stratford and Beardsley avenues was getting busy that Saturday morning. Seconds later, LoSchiavo's Ford Crown Victoria slammed into the back of Cicerale's lime-green Honda Element.

The light was still red.

What had happened? Cicerale, a former nurse with 16 years experience, said LoSchiavo was in the throes of a seizure, convulsing, with saliva dripping from his mouth. His eyes were rolled back in his head, said John Valentino, a garage owner and the first person to aid the Stratford officer after his cruiser went on to hit several other vehicles.

What began as a minor traffic accident at 9 a.m. June 6 now embroils Mayor James R. Miron and the Stratford Police Department in controversy: How did LoSchiavo, a man with a history of seizure disorders, get hired in 2006 ...

by Joseph C. DeCaro

"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have."

Thomas Jefferson

Jefferson's warning was sounded as 200-plus people waving yellow "Don't Tread on Me" flags attended Tea Party 2009 at Stratford's Boothe Memorial Park, fittingly on the Fourth of July.

Scattered among the yellow flags were signs that read, "Who will bail-out America" and "Socialism is trickle-up Poverty" ...

This Shakespearean drama seems to have no end. For 20 years the stage at the Shakespeare Theater here has been dark, with one failed attempt after another to revive the once-legendary Elm Street showcase after its final performance in 1989 ...

A motorcyclist was injured when his Harley-Davidson collided with a car Monday on Route 110 near Oronoque Place, backing traffic up more than a half-mile to the Merritt Parkway for hours.

Ever wonder why the studio audience for TV's "Rachael Ray" talk show applauds thunderously at the mere mention of Parmesan cheese? It's because of RC Smith.

Full disclosure: I am a 14-year resident of the great Town of Stratford and therefore am open to charges of harboring conscious and/or unconscious bias on the subject of the town's political climate.

Connecticut police say they caught a 26-year-old Stratford woman in bed with a 15-year-old boy at her home, and she admitted having sex with him.