Obituary: Michael J. Hoherchak He worked as a mechanical engineer and project manager in the pollution-control field, was a member of St. Luke parish, the Masons and Ancient Order of the Scottish Rite, and is remembered for “his kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his family and…

Police launch crackdown on distracted driving Westport joins stepped-up enforcement campaign during April’s “National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.”

Patti Smith celebrated at Westport Library, denounced outside Appearance by the singer, writer and artist, who was featured guest at VersoFest opener Thursday, protested by group saying she made antisemitic comments.

Staples PTA Board pens letter opposing school cellphone ban Staples PTA board was to present a letter protesting a proposed cell phone ban at the Board of Education meeting Thursday evening. The meeting was abruptly canceled earlier in the day without reason.

TEAM Westport scrutinizes antisemitism as VersoFest protest looms Concerns about the rising number of antisemitic incidents and hate speech discussed as protest looms over singer/artist Patti Smith’s appearance Thursday night at Westport Library’s VersoFest.

Broadway and Netflix: Susan Granger reviews “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and “Apple Cider Vinegar.” Read her reviews here. https://westportjournal.com/arts/visual/susan-granger-04032025/

Souper stars: Seven restaurants named Westport’s favorite soup makers Winners announced in “Great Westport Soup Contest,” sponsored by Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce.

Programs on alcohol, drug abuse problems set next week “National Public Health Week” community events designed to inform adults about how to counter substance abuse, addiction issues.

Finance board OKs money for Longshore maintenance study After sometimes heated debate, $238,000 approved to look for site for new parks maintenance facilities.

Obituary: Richard Ernest Radez The West Point graduate served with the Army in Vietnam and helped plan the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.; worked in the finance field, and is remembered as an “affectionate husband, father and grandfather … who valued his relationships with friends…

Westport real estate news: a 69-year-old split-level on Ellery Lane has been approved for demolition. Read the details here. https://westportjournal.com/realestate/goodbye/westport-ct-house-demolition-24-ellery-lane/

Replacement of Saugatuck water main starts Monday Aquarion project, along Riverside Avenue and Charles Street, expected to take several months.

New store’s yellow storefront triggers boards’ caution  One of two new yoga clothes retailers coming to Main Street told to tone down bright design proposed for store facade.

Palmer’s Pen: Town officials need to be transparent with the public The devil is in the details, and although public meeting notices may technically meet legal requirements, they may not serve the public well.

Patti Smith’s VersoFest appearance triggers antisemitism allegations Social-media posts by singer, writer and artist, scheduled to appear Thursday at event’s keynote program, called antisemitic and hate speech by Westport critics.

Join the Westport Journal: We’re looking for writers and photographers Talented freelance writers and photographers sought to help us cover the news and events in town.

Obituary: Ronald F. Malone, former Westport police chief He served as chief of the Police Department from 1984-90; helped develop policing strategies ahead of their time; was an RTM member 16 years; enjoyed photography and art, and is remembered as someone who “knew leadership wasn’t about…

P&Z skips Hamlet hearing, seeks revisions to Baron’s housing plan Despite official Monday agenda, P&Z pushes next hearing on Saugatuck project to April 7, while seeking changes to affordable housing initiative on Baron’s South open-space.

Compo Beach, fire pits now a match Regulations adopted by Parks and Recreation Commission for issuing permits to rent new fire pits at Compo’s South Beach this season.

Palmer’s Pen: The ‘Hamlet’ feels like we’re turning Saugatuck into SoNo By John H. Palmer I have a buddy who wants to do the same old thing every time I visit him in Westport: Go to the Black Duck to drink Bud Light and reminisce about the glory days when we were lifeguards together. Nothing…

The Parker Harding dumpster mystery is solved, for now J. Crew granted a temporary agreement to allow a dumpster to be placed in Parker Harding lot during Main Street store construction.

Field trip cancelled to site for proposed public safety complex Visit to Sherwood Island Connector location for consolidated facilities will be rescheduled, officials said.

Police: Man stole checks from resident’s mailbox Suspect allegedly swiped the mail before it was picked up by Postal Service, police said.

WESTPORT — During the week of March 10-14, seven properties traded hands for a total of $11.4 million, including properties on Harvest Commons, Maple Avenue S, Oak Street, Post Road E, Rayfield Road, Richmondville… https://westportjournal.com/property/westport-ct-house-sales-march-10-14-2025/

Scarice: Staples community to help make the call on cellphone ban Superintendent sets timeline for Staples students, parents and faculty to weigh in on proposal to prohibit phones at the high school.

‘Agnes of God’ to be staged by Westport Community Theatre Drama exploring issues of faith, trauma and truth will be performed for the next three weekends.

WESTPORT real estate news: a 69-year-old split-level on Fillow Street has been permitted for demolition by the Building Department. https://westportjournal.com/realestate/goodbye/house-demolition-on-fillow-street/

Greens Farms RR lot to close for waste collection Depot’s Lot No. 1 will be off limits for parking the evening before April 5 household hazardous waste collection.

Selectwomen save Treadwell Avenue stone wall treading on town property Town officials granted a rare waiver to keep a stone wall standing on a Treadwell Avenue property.

Injuries reported as trucks collide, careen off I-95 Westport, Fairfield fire crews dispatched to scene where tractor-trailer, pickup crashed at towns’ border Thursday.

Here are two new motion pictures to stream: “The Residence” and “The Room Next Door.” Read Susan Granger’s reviews here. https://westportjournal.com/arts/watching-with-susan-granger-march-27/

Obituary: Yolanda Hall An honored educator whose “teaching methods are the building blocks for language teaching programs today,” she also enjoyed painting and reading.

‘Connection’ the main course on 203 Dinner Club menu Westport mothers find community amid family and job responsibilities in aftermath of pandemic isolation.

Swing into new season at Longshore Golf Course Westport’s municipal 18-hole course opens for a new season Friday.

Obituary: Rosalie (Swartz) Kaye She had been a member of Westport Woman’s Club, Westport Weston Family YMCA, Westport Y’s Women and Congregation for Humanistic Judaism of Fairfield County, as well as a Westport Country Playhouse volunteer.

Lobsenz, Guadarrama named Staples ’25 valedictorian, salutatorian Both seniors, who will address the school’s 151st commencement, have a wide range of achievements in and out of the classroom.

Budgetary déjà vu: Financiers again ax Wheels 2U funding  Money for on-demand shuttle service to railroad stations, as well as for Earthplace, only cuts made as Board of Finance signs off on $87.2 million town-side ledger for 2025-26.

School roundup: Coaches ‘boostered,’ new climate survey and calendars evolve Board of Education signs off on issues ranging from booster club donations to hiring new climate survey vendor and calendars for next two academic years.

Staples students honored at business, UN competitions Westporters bring home citations from two recent academic conferences.

Classical pianists to perform April 6 concert Free event will take place at Saugatuck Congregational Church.

Traffic, parking concerns dominate P&Z’s latest ‘Hamlet’ review Developers’ plans to use railroad station parking and eliminate on-street slots criticized.

Finance panel unanimously approves $150.4 school budget Education spending proposal for 2025-26, with 4.7 percent hike, heads to Representative Town Meeting for final action.

Staples names seven ‘Students of the Month’ for March Those honored are considered “all-around good citizens” of the high school.

Police to host child car seat safety clinic Certified inspector on hand April 3 to check proper installation and use of seats.

All that jazz: 25 musicians in ‘JazzFest’ spotlight JazzFC’s April 24 fundraising concert will support community programs.

Palmer’s Pen: Old connections, new beginning Veteran journalist John Palmer appointed new editor of Westport Journal.

In the pink: Eleish Van Breems Home makes ‘Remarkable’ transformation New flagship store for the Westport-based furniture and home décor business is the renovated Main Street site known as longtime home of the Remarkable Book Shop.

Say ‘Goodbye’ to 24 Bauer Place A permit to demolish the 66-year-old Cape Cod has been issued. https://westportjournal.com/realestate/goodbye/westport-ct-house-demolition-24-bauer-place/

Debate over ‘Block S’ award sparks school board trophy strife Traditional trophies awarded to Staples student athletes pared back to plaques in cost-cutting move.

Police: Woman swiped credit card at local restaurant Suspect allegedly took card from unattended handbag at local Panera five years ago.