Boys Basketball Triumphs Over Valley Regional

Even without its leading scorer, Haddam-Killingworth boys basketball managed a double-digit win over Valley Regional tonight at the HK Fieldhouse. Ryan Murray was the game high scorer in the, 64-45, western division win. The Cougars are going to be short-handed for a while with senior Cory Riordan out of action for at least a month with a knee injury sustained in the Hyde game on Tuesday. Senior captain Matt Finlayson helped take up the slack by contributing 17 points. The Cougars are now 7-1 on the season. High scorer for Valley was Kyle Kipfer with 18 points. The varsity is back in action on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 3:30 p.m. against Old Lyme.

In junior varsity action, the Cougars were defeated, 47-55, by the Valley Regional JV. With Tyler Riordan and Perry Pratt out for half of the game in order to play with the varsity, the JV struggled to find new leaders. Brain Foley and Adam Wing both stepped up in the game scoring 15 and 13 points respectively.

Images from the varsity game

HK Recreation Announces New Winter Pre-School Programs
The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering a two new programs for 2-5-year-olds this winter.

Celebrations is a fun-filled program that is offered once a month with a central theme. Stories, songs, games, a craft, & a delicious snack will all be included. Classes are offered on Mondays. Session I is January 26 (Celebrate Snow). Session II is February 9 (Valentine Workshop). Session III is March 15 (Happy Birthday Big Bird). Session IV is April 12 (April Showers). Session V is May 10 (Bring May Flowers). Session VI is June 7 (Bug Bonanza). All classes are from 9:30 - 11:00 AM at the Haddam Youth Center. The fee is $15 each class (non-residents add $5).

Circle Time is designed to encourage children's natural creativity, ignite their curiosity and enhance their ever-growing literacy through a combination of developmentally appropriate activities such as stories, songs, fingerplays, crafts, games, musical instruments, sign language, creative movement and puppets. Each week will offer a different theme. The program meets on Tuesdays from 9:30 - 10:30 AM at the Haddam Youth Center. Session II runs from March 9th-April 13th. Session III runs from May 4th-June 8th. The fee is $40 (non-residents add $5)

HK Recreation has other programs running for older age groups including; Stratton Mountain Ski trip for 4th Grade-Adult; all-age Aqua Aerobics; 2nd Grade Basketball; Kraftin' with Kids for 6-11 year-olds; Crafts by Charli for ages 5 and up; Children's Karate for grades K-6; Hatha Yoga; Stamp-A-Stack; Beading Basics for Grade 9-Adult; Magic Mania for ages 6-11. Please call 345-8334 for information on all programs.

Mercury Clean-Up at the High School
The Department of Environmental Protection was called to the high school on Thursday, to clean up a mercury spill caused when a thermometer broke in a Cougar Cafe dishwasher according to the Hartford Courant.

Shoreline Conference Announces Scholar Athletes
Haddam-Killingworth fall athletes were recognized for their academic and athletic achievement. To be eligible, an individual must be at least a sophomore, have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or better on a scale of 4.0 and have been first-team all-conference or first-team all-state. The recognized athletes are: Volleyball: Bailey Bell and Kelsey Pratt
Soccer: Nicole Sorensen, Michael Bobbie, Josh Davis, Drew Isleib
Cross Country: Lauren Padula, Danielle Funaro, Alex Holland and Cory Weiss
Football: Jeremy McArthur, Phil Parmelee
Field Hockey: Candice Webber, Chelsea Brookes, Kelly Devlin, Ashley Smith
Swimming: Kaitlyn Wright, Kathryn Kidulas

Changes to Athletic Schedule

Haddam-Killingworth High School reports the following changes in the sports schedule.
Boys basketball game tonight against Valley Regional is postponed until Saturday, Jan. 17 at 5:30 for junior varsity and 7:00 p.m. for varsity. There is no Pep Band for this game.
Boys basketball varsity will play Old Lyme on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 3:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball is away on Saturday, Jan. 17 at Westbrook at 6:00 for junior varsity and 7:30 for varsity.
Swim meet for Friday and Tuesday, Jan. 20 has been postponed.
Freshman Basketball is on schedule for tomorrow: boys home/girls away against Old Saybrook at 10:00 a.m.
All middle school sports have been canceled

In the March 2003 issue of Connecticut Magazine, Killingworth is ranked among other small towns with populations between 5, 000-10,000. Our town ranked second behind Redding for its low-crime rate but overall, was given mediocre marks for education, economy, cost of living and leisure/culture. In the overall rankings, Killingworth was ranked 16th out of the 32 towns compared. Connecticut Magazine reported that Killingworth fell from No. 4 down to No. 16 largely because of slightly lower school scores and significantly higher house prices. Easton and Redding were ranked first and second in the category. Norfolk was the top-ranked town in the under 5,000 population category.

In the January 2004 issue, the Best of 2003 winners were announced. Two of our area businesses were honored: Chamard Vineyards in Clinton for Best Connecticut Wine & Local Winery and The Copper Beech Inn in Ivoryton for Best Country Inn.

8th Grader Claims HKMS Geography Bee Top Prize

Barrett Kenney, of Killingworth, won the Middle School National Geographic Bee for the third consecutive year on Jan. 13. Runner-up was Sarrette Stahnke and 2nd runner-up was Louis Annino. Kenney next takes the qualifying test to determine the top 100 scorers that will compete at the state level.

Kenney's interest in geography began with a fascination with weather, his mother, Kathleen Kenney said. Richard Kenney, Barrett's father, works for a company based out of China, so Barrett also has a keen interest in travel through his father's business trips. Kathleen Kenney said they were not aware of Barrett's aptitude for geography until about the 6th grade but always said he had great muscles from carrying around so many atlas and weather books. She is delighted with the support Barrett receives from his classmates and envisions him studying history or languages in college.

Barrett finished in the top 10% in the state last year and was the top 7th grade finisher. He also qualified for the state-wide contest the year before. The overall winner of the state competition, to be held at Central Connecticut State University on April 2, will compete in Washington, D.C. in May. Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek moderates the final competition with the winner receiving a $25,000 college scholarship. The 2003 Connecticut Champion was Jacob Conway, an 8th grader from King Philip Middle School in West Hartford. The National Winner was James Williams, a 14-year-old from Vancouver, Washington.

Region #17 School Delay For Friday, Jan. 16
Region 17 announced a 2-hour weather delay for tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 16 due to the severe cold. The high school reported that there will be a full day of final exams. Region#17 School District updated the announcement in the morning and closed the Region 17 schools for Friday. Many school systems in the state were closed as well due to record low temperatures and dangerous conditions

Board of Finance Rejects Farmhouse Heating Project
The Board of Selectmen, Monday, chose East River Energy of Guilford to install the heating system in the farmhouse on the 133-acre town-owned Bosco property. The Historical Society requested the project so that they could display artifacts. However, the $4,470 expenditure was denied by the Board of Finance, Tuesday according to the Hartford Courant.

Hyde Basketball Ends Cougar Win Streak

The Haddam-Killingworth boys basketball lost to Hyde, 46-61, last night at the New Haven Athletic Center. The previously unbeaten Cougars were led by Cory Riordan and Matt Finlayson, each with 14 points and Brett Zanardi with 10 points. Hyde was led in scoring by Davon Yarbrough with 21 points and Travis King with 19. HK falls to 6-1 for the year and returns to action on Friday, Jan. 17 against Valley Regional. Read more about the game and Hyde standout Travis King in the New Haven Register.

Killingworth Political Leaders Speak on Governor's Crisis
KillingworthToday.com asked First Selectman David Denvir, State Representative Brian O'Connor and State Senator William Aniskovich to comment on the political crisis in the Governor's Office. Senator Aniskovich said he will release a statement next Wednesday, Jan. 21. Gov. John Rowland maintains that he will not resign and will move ahead with the business of running Connecticut.

First Selectman David L. Denvir

In a phone interview, First Selectman David L. Denvir said, "he is confident that the U.S. Attorney will do its job and bring this matter to a head". He said depending on the findings; the U.S. Attorney's office would take it from there. "If indicted", Denvir sees Gov. John Rowland's "ability to govern severely weakened". "We must realize that the state cannot be expected to focus and carry on with business as usual with this looming question."

Denvir said everyone agrees that the U.S. Attorney is going to do a probe no matter what the legislature decides. So, if the U.S. Attorney takes the facts to a one-man Grand Jury and an indictment is handed down, the process will proceed from there. He said, of course the General Assembly has its own ability to take action but he hoped that each representative would consider the U.S. Attorney's findings before taking steps toward impeachment.

Denvir said, "he is troubled that people are calling for an impeachment when they do not know the process". The criteria for what needs to be met for impeachment is undefined. Regarding Gov. Rowland's actions, Denvir said, "he is amazed over how the situation arose and how the events got out of hand. "

State Representative Brian O'Connor
In a prepared statement:

"May you live in interesting times." I am not sure if the author of this quote had Connecticut in mind when it was stated, but it does seem appropriate. Since the Governor's disclosure of accepting gifts from state employees and those doing business with the State and then lying about it, the public has reacted with outrage and contempt. Never before has a Connecticut Governor found himself in such dire straits. The atmosphere at the Capitol is surreal to say the least.

On Thursday, January 8, 2004, the House Democratic Caucus met for 7 hours. During this time, members asked questions and one-by-one we spoke and offered our opinions as to how to proceed. Mentally exhausted, but keenly aware of the gravity of our duties, the caucus by an approximately five-to-one margin decided to support some form of an impeachment process.

When I addressed my colleagues in Caucus, I asked our leadership and whoever else was interested to send a letter to the Governor requesting that he resign from office. If he chose not to resign, then we would conduct impeachment proceedings. By resigning, Governor Rowland would spare the State from a divisive process and allow us to move forward in a positive direction. While there was some support for this idea, a majority of Democrats thought that it may compromise us if we are to stand in judgment of the Governor at a later date. It was pointed out that the Governor has due process rights and that we ought to abide by them.

Agreeing with this position and understanding that the Governor had no intention of resigning, I supported advancing with a full impeachment process rather than an ambiguous investigatory committee. It is our constitutional duty and obligation to exercise our legislative powers as a check against an Executive Branch's abuse of power, while allowing the defense to provide their side of the story. In the end we may not convict, but we would be derelict if we did not investigate these allegations and improprieties. The integrity of State government demands it and the people of Connecticut expect us to do our best to root out corruption.

Similar to the United State's Constitution, the impeachment process entails setting up an 8 to10 member bi-partisan committee to consider the improprieties. These appointments would be made by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Moira Lyons. Based on the committee's findings, they would recommend whether or not the entire body of the House of Representatives should consider impeachment. If the recommendation is to impeach, the House would need to endorse the resolution by a majority vote. It would then be considered by the Senate, with the Chief Justice of Connecticut presiding over the trial. A 2/3 majority vote is necessary in the Senate to impeach an elected official.

Count me as one of those who are disappointed and saddened by the Governor's actions. Many of you have contacted my office to express your opinions. Overwhelmingly, the people of Killingworth have asked for his resignation and if he chooses not to, they would then support the impeachment process. The most important thing an elected official has is his/her word. When there is a breach in trust, it is difficult, if not impossible to repair. The Governor has broken the public's trust. While we can forgive the man, he must be held accountable for his actions. The consequences, whatever they may be, will be just and fair.

These are tough times for all of us. As Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." I am honored that you have put me in a position to represent you in these challenging times. I intend to stand tall and will do what is best for the people of Killingworth and the great State of Connecticut.

Please feel free to contact my office should you have any further questions or comments regarding this or any other matter. Thank you.

Best,

State Representative Brian O'Connor
35th District

Boys Middle School Basketball Remains Undefeated

The HKMS boys basketball team defeated Hale-Ray, 51-44 in Moodus this afternoon. The Cougars remain undefeated this season at 5-0. The next boys middle school game is home on Jan. 16 at 3:30 p.m. against North Branford.

Images from the game:

Girls Middle School Basketball Teams Sweep Hale-Ray

HKMS varsity defeated Hale-Ray, 72-15, this afternoon at the middle school. Tri-captain Michelle Fillion was high-scorer with 18 points. Seventh grader Shebly VanHuysen threw in 8 points and eighth graders Melanie Rasmus and Kelsey Buttendorf each had 6 points. The varsity team is now 3-2. The Cougars next game is at North Branford on Friday, Jan. 16 at 3:30 p.m.

In junior varsity action, the Cougars defeated Hale-Ray with a final score of 26-6. Seventh grader Deanna Loso was the high scorer with 12 points; eighth grader Jess Hall had 6; Lindsay Griswold had 4 and Colleen Phelan and Gillian Dudek each contributed 2 points.

Tennis Coach Named New England Coach of the Year
USA Tennis-New England recently named Haddam-Killingworth High School Tennis Coach, Rodney Pakus, the New England High School Coach of the Year. According to USA Tennis, the award is given to a New England high school coach who has mastered the skills of leadership and team development. Pakus traveled to the Mountain View Grand Resort in Whitfield, New Hampshire on Dec. 6 for the awards banquet. The banquet also recognized New England's Professional of the Year, College Coach of the Year, and handed out awards for sportsmanship, junior development and community volunteering. Pakus guided the Cougars to a 47-1 overall record and three Shoreline Conference titles in his three years as head coach. USA Tennis New England, one of 17 sections of the United States Tennis Association, serves Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Chamber of Commerce Announces Holiday Decoration Winners
The Killingworth Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of its 2003 door decorating and night time holiday lighting contest. The 13 entrants were voted on by over 100 residents and awards of $100, $75 and $50 in gift certificates were given to the top vote-getters. The certificates spend like cash at any Chamber of Commerce member shop or service in town. The winner for daytime door decoration was Kelly Baker of 38 River Road. The winner for night time lighting was Leslie and Nancy Gorski of 18 Wolf Hollow Lane according to the Clinton Recorder.

New Decal Required for Transfer Station
The Killingworth Pay As You Throw Committee announced in its January interim report that town residents will need new dump decals as of April 1. Residents are allowed two windshield decals per household. The decals will be available at the town offices beginning Saturday, Jan. 17. The hours during January are, Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon, during regular dump hours on Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Thursdays from noon to 5:00 p.m. The decals will also be available at the town hall on the first two Saturdays in February, Feb 7 and Feb. 14, between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Residents must show a motor vehicle registration, proving that the car or truck is registered in Killingworth. According to the Clinton Recorder, First Selectman David Denvir said the new decals may save the town thousands of dollars and cut down on the volume of material received at the dump.

Guilford Firm to Install Heating in Bosco Farmhouse
The board of selectmen decided Monday, to hire East River Energy to install the heating system for the vacant farmhouse on the 133 acre town-own Bosco property on Route 81. The board of finance must first approve the expenditure that will cost $4,470 . The board is expected to consider the matter tonight according to the Hartford Courant.

Girls Basketball Falls to Top-Ranked Old Lyme
The Haddam-Killingworth girls basketball team lost, 29-43 to Old Lyme, Monday. Old Lyme is ranked 10th in the New Haven Register Top 10 poll and is 11-0. The Cougars were led by Kelsey Pratt with 10 points, Lauren McKinnon with 8 points and Jenna Webber with 7 points. Old Lyme was led by shoreline star Sara McCollum who scored a game-high 19 points including the 1,000th of her career. She is averaging 13.9 ppg. this season. The Cougars are 4-6 on the season and compete again Saturday, Jan. 17 at 7:00 p.m. at Westbrook.

Three-Sport Athlete Heading to Quinnipiac
Kelsey Pratt, a volleyball standout, captain of the basketball team and track star, made the decision to play volleyball at Quinnipiac next year. The Haddam-Killingworth High School star athlete was heavily recruited for sports but also maintains a 3.9 grade point average according to the profile in the Middletown Press.

2 Hour Weather Delay For Reg. #17 Schools
A commercial just came on when they were about to announce? The weather sites are all jammed. CBS news just reported that Regional School District #17 has a two hour delay.

'Hotshot' Competition Today at the High School
The Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association held its 2004 Hotshot competition today at the HK Fieldhouse. Robyne Brennan, President of the CRPA and Assistant Director of HK Recreation said 26 boys and girls, age 9-15, competed today in the Haddam-Killingworth area competition. The finalists of each division advance to the County Contest level on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 12:00 noon at the HK Fieldhouse. Top scorers from the County level will advance to the State level Feb. 14 or 15 at Central Connecticut State University for an exhibition round during half-time of the CCSU Basketball game. The Hotshot competition is a state-wide event. Here is the list of the winners and top finishers in each division.
Boys 9-10
1. Erik Carlson
2. Colin Sledzik
3. Jarrett Gallagher
Girls 9-10
1. Emily Pollack
2. Michelle Wendt
Boys 11-12
1. Sean Zapatka
2. Paul Boccia
3. Mike Mead
Girls 11-12
1. Shelby VanHuysen
2. Stephanie Frye
Boys 13-15
1. Alex Pollack
2. Steven Landell
3. Dan Wendt

Images From the Competition