A Connecticut man faces a charge after shooting a black bear that killed some of his chickens Friday. State environmental officials say the bear broke into an enclosure, and 39 year old Michael Gero reported seeing it eat a chicken in his yard before he shot it. Gero also told investigators he believed the bear killed his goats last month. He is charged with illegally taking a black bear and is due in court October ninth.

Danbury’s Fire Department has launched a Fire Explorers program for city teenagers ages 14 to 17. Participants will learn about firefighting and emergency medical services while working with firefighters. An open house is set for Saturday, October third, from 10 to two at the Fire Training Facility on Plumtrees Road.

Connecticut’s Better Business Bureau is warning property owners to watch for questionable contractors after the nor’easter. It says homeowners should resist anyone demanding an immediate decision or offering a deal that expires on the spot. Check a contractor’s credentials and get details in writing before agreeing to repairs. The bureau also advises calling your insurer about coverage and keeping receipts. Don’t sign over an insurance check or give a contractor control of your claim.

Danbury police say a monthlong drug investigation led to two arrests last Tuesday. Detectives say they saw 59 year old Patricia Saunders of Danbury make a drug sale in a South Street parking lot. Officers arrested Saunders and 49 year old Ronald Reiske Jr. of Brookfield without incident. A search of Saunders’ Fairfield Ridge home turned up crack cocaine, a scale and a gun, according to police. Saunders faces drug sale and other charges. Reiske faces possession and paraphernalia charges.

Every Connecticut public school student from kindergarten through 12th grade can now get breakfast at no cost before the school day starts. The statewide program began this school year, and families do not need to apply. State lawmakers approved 12 million dollars to help districts provide the meals. Breakfast times and pickup locations vary by school, so families should check with their child’s school for details.

FEMA says it awarded nearly three-point-eight million dollars to Connecticut fire departments and other first responders last week. The money comes from federal fiscal year 2025 fire grant programs, with the awards announced Friday. The Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company will receive nearly 71 thousand dollars for a vehicle exhaust removal system. Greenwich will get nearly 74 thousand dollars for firefighter training. Other grants will pay for equipment, vehicles and fire prevention projects across the state.

Ridgefield officials say high winds and rain soaked ground could bring down more trees and cause additional power outages. In a Sunday afternoon update, the town warned that fallen trees could also make roads dangerous. Residents should treat every downed wire as live and stay clear. Report outages to Eversource at 800-286-2000. The town’s emergency operations center remains on standby, and officials say they’ll post further updates on the town website and through Ridgefield Alerts.

Eversource says it restored power to more than 146,000 Connecticut customers by Sunday afternoon as a nor’easter brought strong winds and heavy rain. About 17,000 customers were still without power as of 3 p.m. Crews had cleared more than 350 blocked roads and were continuing repairs. The utility says new damage could cause more outages while the storm continues. It urges residents to stay away from downed wires and call 911 to report them.

ENCON Heating and Air Conditioning is opening a Danbury location and says it expects to add about 100 employees over the next year. The company says 20 to 25 of those jobs could go to people in the Greater Danbury area. It is seeking technicians, mechanics, installers and apprentices. The new location will serve Danbury and surrounding towns. A grand opening is planned for October 19.

Connecticut officials are urging residents to prepare for a nor’easter expected to bring rain, strong winds and possible coastal flooding this weekend. State emergency officials say winds could disrupt power. Towns are clearing drains and preparing response crews. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items, charge phones and have food, water and medications on hand. Officials also warn drivers to stay out of flooded roads.