A 29 year old man from Danbury is facing charges after police say he cashed a 23 hundred dollar check tied to work under the name Q T Landscape and Design for a home in New Canaan but never completed the job. Investigators say the payment was deposited into a separate account and the suspect failed to return calls or begin the project. The suspect is due in court on Friday on a fourth-degree larceny charge.

Residents in Danbury will get a chance to clear out unwanted items during Clean City Danbury Day set for April 25. The event runs from 8 a m to noon with five drop-off locations across the city, allowing residents to dispose of bulky household items at no cost. Officials say proof of residency is required and commercial vehicles are not allowed, while materials like construction debris, hazardous waste, and electronics are restricted.

A 72 year old accountant from Middlebury has been sentenced to three months in federal prison for a tax evasion scheme involving more than 1.3 million dollars in unreported income. Edward Sodlosky, who operated a business in Naugatuck, admitted to cashing over two thousand client checks and using multiple accounts to hide income from the IRS. Federal officials say the scheme resulted in more than 422 thousand dollars in tax losses, which has since been repaid, though additional penalties remain. Sodlosky is scheduled to report to prison in late May.

A new tax credit is aimed at helping small businesses in Connecticut afford health insurance for employees.
The proposal would reimburse employers up to one thousand dollars per worker each year through the state’s insurance exchange. Supporters say the plan could help smaller companies regain access to coverage, while business groups argue more options are still needed to deal with rising healthcare costs.

A 43 year old acupuncturist from Milford has avoided jail time after being convicted of billing Medicaid more than 123 thousand dollars for services never provided. Julian Cano was sentenced to a suspended three-year prison term and will instead serve five years of conditional discharge. He’s also ordered to repay the full amount and is barred from participating in Medicaid and other federally funded healthcare programs.

Leaders in Newtown have approved a new basketball court at the Fairfield Hills campus, fully funded by a 100 thousand dollar donation. The fenced-in court will be built next to the community center playground and used mainly for childcare programs, while also remaining open to the public during off hours. Officials say the addition supports the town’s long-term plan to expand recreation and community use at the site.

A developer is proposing a roughly 10 million dollar project to build 104 apartments along Route 7 in New Milford, with nearly one-third of the units set aside as so called “affordable housing”. Plans call for three four-story buildings with 32 deed-restricted affordable units, triggering state protections that limit the town’s ability to deny the project unless clear health or safety concerns are found. A traffic study estimates about 716 daily trips and a five percent increase in vehicle volume, but engineers say the roadway can handle it. The proposal, known as Evergreen Village, now heads toward a zoning commission public hearing.

Connecticut dairy farmers are warning the industry could collapse without immediate state support as rising costs and low milk prices continue to squeeze operations. Farmers say they are not breaking even, citing higher fuel, feed and tax expenses while milk prices remain too low to cover costs. State lawmakers are now considering emergency funding of up to 20 million dollars to keep farms afloat, with Governor Ned Lamont also signaling possible relief. Officials say without quick action, many of the state’s remaining dairy farms could shut down as soon as this year.

Danbury is getting national recognition after being named one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U S by Livability. The city ranked number 51 and was the only Connecticut community to make the list, earning praise for its strong schools, arts scene and access to parks and entertainment. Analysts also pointed to Danbury’s location about 50 miles from New York City, calling it a commuter-friendly and more affordable option compared to other areas in the state. This marks the third straight year Danbury has landed on the list, reinforcing its reputation as a growing regional hub.

Leaders in Newtown have approved plans for a new basketball court at the Fairfield Hills campus, funded by a 100 thousand dollar donation. The fenced-in asphalt court will be built next to the Community Center playground and used primarily for childcare programs, while also being open to the public during off hours. Officials say no additional parking or lighting will be added, and the court will close at dusk like the nearby playground. The project is part of the town’s long-term plan to transform the former hospital grounds into a hub for recreation and community use.