The HK Boys Tennis Team blanked Coginchaug, 7-0, to improve its record to 4-1 on the year. Match scores were:
1 singles: Tom Koniuta def. Matt Bahr, 6-0,6-0
2 singles: Jeff Moskey def. Chris Giordano, 6-2, 6-0
3 singles: Ryan Murray def. Ryan Hamelin, 6-0, 6-0
4 singles: Andy Otis def. Adam Burton, 6-0, 6-0
5 singles: Coginchaug forfeits match
1 doubles: Alex Langevin & Alex Waldman def. Jordan Selb & Andrew DiSilvestro, 6-1, 6-0
2 doubles: Tucker Cumpstone & Cody Warren def. Tom Ovellette & Scott Manley 6-0, 6-0.

The HK Girls Tennis team defeated Coginchaug, 6-1 and improved its record to 2-2. Match scores were:
1 singles: HK's Jen LaChance def. Stephanie Burnett, 6-1,6-1.
2 singles: HK's Kaitlin Craffey def. Kelly Smith, 4-6,6-3,6-2
3 singles: Emilie Frank def. HK's Heidi Roy, 6-4,6-1
4 singles: HK's Danielle Maltese def. Justine Kokoszka, 6-0,6-0
1 doubles: HK's Kelly Devlin & Lizzie Magleby def. Devin Opotzner & Olivia Astle, 3-6,6-4,6-4.
2 doubles: HK's Christine Griswold & Candace Rountree def. Alex Uhlman & Hayley Fredericksen 6-4,6-4
3 doubles: Cameron Regan & Julia Sorenson def. Julia Hamilton & Devin Marino, 6-3,6-3.

The HK Softball team held on to defeat Old Saybrook 1-0. Chelsea Anderson's single drove in Kyle Emshwiller for the lone run. Chelsea Griswold allowed just four hits and no walk to win her seventh of the season. Read more about the game in the Middletown Press.

The HK Baseball team lost to Old Saybrook, 13-1. Tyler Riordan gave up 12 hits and the field had 4 errors. Adam Chamberlain had two hits for the Cougars.

The owners of the True Value Store on Route 81 and Stevens Road have dropped their variance appeal before the Zoning Board of Appeals on the advice from their attorney that it is unlikely they would have succeeded in getting the zoning change needed to proceed with their 8,900-square-foot expansion plan.

The Cost Family represented by their attorney, Tom Cody presented two alternatives to the Planning and Zoning Commission on April 5 that would have allowed them to expand the store to accommodate their space needs. The Board responded that though they were very sympathetic to the hardware store, the proposals were in direct opposition to the Town Plan.

The existing regulations allow buildings of no more than 5,000 square feet in the small business district where the store is located. The large business district, which allows buildings of up to 20,000 square feet is located around the Route 80/81 circle. The PZC suggested building two smaller buildings to accommodate the need, but the Costs argued that staffing and servicing multiple buildings would be impractical.

According to the Hartford Courant, Tom Cost said, "the expansion plan is 'in a holding pattern right now,' but predicted that competitive pressures in the hardware business would lead him to explore options that include moving the store out of Killingworth".

• Monday, May 2:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Cogingchaug High School Lip Sync
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. YFS Community Night
• Tuesday, May 3:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Basketball Shoreline Finals 2002
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Environment Club Presentation
•Wednesday, May 4:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. HKMS Concert
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Parenting Resource Video
•Thursday, May 5:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. HK Football game vs. NB 2004
10:00 a.m.& 9:00 p.m. Senior Citizens Fashion Show
•Friday, May 6:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. OSHS Girls Lacrosse
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. HKHS Choral Concert
•Saturday,May 7:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. OSHS Girls Lacrosse
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. HKHS Choral Concert
•Sunday, May 8
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. OSHS Girls Lacrosse
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. HKHS Choral Concert
information provided by HKTV

The HK Lacrosse team racked up another big win Thursday with a 9-6 victory over West Haven. Scoring for the Cougars were: Kaeli Deane(3); Ashley Smith:(2); Jess Fox(2); Jess Bellonio(1); Ali Thomson(1); Meredith Burke, 1 assist.

Alicia Bobbie added 11 saves in goal. Coach Lindsey Matteo said, "she played a great game in goal for us. She stepped up and played a huge role in our success. She was the anchor of all our great transitions to the offensive end."

Ali Thomson, Jess Fox and Amanda Murray combined for 12 caused turnovers and essentially shut down the West Haven attack. Matteo said the defense played a solid game, thanks to the efforts of Liz Scovill, Sarah Ferjak, and Murray. "They've been stepping it up all week. No one scores against them unless they work for it. I'm so proud of these girls today. They were intense and played they best I've ever seen them. They were quick, smart, and precise. I don't think they could have worked better together than they did today."

The HK Junior Varsity Baseball team dismantled North Branford in a 15-3 rout. Freshman Louis Annino was on the mound for the Cougars and improved his record to 3-0. At the plate, Alex Pyle-Struzinski had a strong day with a single and a double, and A.J. Marginelli hit 2 singles and a double with 4 RBIs.

The HK Junior Varsity Softball team lost to North Branford, 6-5 in extra innings.

The HK Varsity Baseball team defeated North Branford 3-0. Peter Rynkowski pitched a one-hitter with 5 strikeouts.

The Boys Golf team lost to Morgan 177-183. Scores for HK were; Peter JEssey 43, Rob Mertx 47, Adam Rembiz 47, Logan MacCelan 47 and T.J. Aceto 50.

Earlier in the week, HK Varsity Softball lost to Hale Ray 3-2. Chelsea Griswold threw a three-hitter in the loss and had an RBI; Chelsea Brookes singled and Kyle Emshwiller hit Brookes in with a single. Read more about the game in the Middletown Press.

In HK Girls Tennis, the Cougars lost to Morgan 4-3. Jen LaChance, Lizzie Magleby and the doubles team of Cameron Regan and Katie Roy won their matches. The HK Boys Tennis team defeated Morgan 5-2.

The Killingworth Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a party at the Killingworth Library. The Clinton Recorder reported that founding President Eric Auer of Killingworth Nurseries was on hand as well as out-going President Richard Pleines of Acorn Bed & Breakfast and in-coming President Eileen Boulay, a realtor with Century 21. The Chamber reports it has a membership of 160. For more information on the Killingworth Chamber of Commerce visit its website.

On Tuesday, May 3 the Region 17 School District will hold a referendum on the 2005/2006 schools budget from 6:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. in the all-purpose room at Killingworth Elementary School. For information on obtaining an absentee ballot, please contact the Town Clerk's office at 663-1616. The Board of Education has approved sending a $30.3 million budget to Haddam and Killingworth taxpayers; a 7.6 percent increase over current spending. Killingworth taxpayers would be responsible for 47 percent or $14,321,300.

The budget is composed of approximately 94 percent fixed costs for contractual obligations, such as salaries and benefits; transportation costs; special education and tuition; facility costs, and the cost of securing the third bond for construction of the new Intermediate/Middle School. Additions to the budget include a half-time E.X.P.L.O.R.E. teaching position for gifted elementary school students and elementary school science and language arts materials.

The Haddam Senior Center and the Human Relations Club of Haddam-Killingworth High School are planning the first annual Spring Fashion Show. The show will have ten senior citizen models from the Haddam Senior Center, and 10 models from Haddam-Killingworth High School wearing clothing donated by the Dress Barn of Middletown.

The event was organized by Fran Oktavec, Haddam Senior Center director, Maude Bing, director, Haddam-Killingworth High School Human Relations Club, and Drew Granucci, president, Haddam-Killingworth High School Human Relations Club.

The show will take place at the Haddam-Killingworth auditorium Wednesday, May 4, at 6 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Haddam Senior Center, from any member of the H-K Human Relations Club, or at the door. Cost is $5; $3 for seniors and children under 12. For information, call Oktavec at 345-2480 Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Haddam-Killingworth Lacrosse team defeated Ellington, 13-5, Tuesday. Scoring for the Cougars were: Kaeli Deane (6); Jessica Bellonio, 3 goals and 1 assist; Ashley Smith (2); Lauren Ann Isleib, 1 goal, 1 assist; Ali Thomson, 1 goal, 2 assists. Coach Matteo praised goalie Alicia Bobbie on her strong performance. She had 13 saves on the day. She also had outstanding defensive help from the combined efforts of Liz Scovill, Amanda Murray, and Sarah Ferjak. HK evens out its record to 3-3. They are up again today vs. West Haven at the HK Field; game time is 4:00 pm.

The Hartford Courant reported that Selectman Louis Annino, Sr. officially announced to the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee that he will not run for re-election in November. First Selectman David Denvir announced in March that he would not seek re-election. Annino and Denvir were both elected to the Board in 1993. Selectman Fred Dudek, appointed in August to fill the seat vacated by Charles Morgan, has not yet announced his intentions.

The Killingworth Board of Finance presented the proposed 2005/2006 annual budget for public comment last night at the elementary school. The budget proposal reflects an overall shortfall of $1,023,459 or 1.823 mils.

The item most debated was the 6.7 percent increase in the First Selectman's salary. Last year, the Board came under fire for a 6.1 percent increase for the Town's Chief Administrative Officer. Board of Finance Chairman John McMahon explained that it has been a long-term goal of the Board of Finance to bring the First Selectman's salary up to $60,000 and have it remain at that level for several years. The 2005/2006 proposed salary is $59,500. McMahon said the Board feels an appropriate salary would help attract good candidates to the position and feels the job is worth $60,000. He said the position is for a two-year term and the Board thinks the candidates should know what they are going to make going into the job.

Residents questioned why Town employees will only receive a cost of living increase and the First Selectman will receive almost double that. McMahon said the town employees' salaries are part of a negotiated contract; the First Selectman's salary is not. He said the First Selectman's position has evolved into a full-time position with many important responsibilities. The Board set the figure based on the job requirements and comparison to area towns. First Selectman David Denvir has already announced he will not run for re-election in November.

The proposed capital budget for 2005/2006 is $246,300.00; a decrease of over $238,000 from last year. This area includes line items such as assessor's costs, Board of Elections, roads and bridges, land use, Fire Department, highway non-road improvements, recreation, and sanitation and health. The proposed operating budget is $3,884,691; an increase of over $520,000 from 2004/2005. This area includes line items such as, salaries and expenses, utilities, highway costs, insurance, supplies, services such as senior clubs, the library and the dog pound, plus funds distributed to agencies such as HK Youth and Family Services.

The Town's share of the Reg. 17 School expenses is $14,321,300; an increase of $1.436 million. Total revenues for the Town are projected at $17,428,832 with the shortfall being $1,023,459: This translates to $182 for every $100,000 of taxable property; based on a $300,000 property, the resident's tax increase would be $547. The Board will discuss any changes to the proposed budget and present the completed budget for a vote at the Annual Town Meeting in mid-May.

Rev. Edward Cornell, speaking on behalf of the Town's Field Study Committee last night, recommended the Board of Selectmen seriously consider the purchase of a 150-acre parcel of land on North Parker Hill Road Extension for open space and recreation use. Cornell said the committee recently walked the property with Land Conservation Trust President Bruce Dodson and was very impressed. Cornell said, "much of the land is level, flat and, on the surface at least, layered with turf".

Cornell said, this pristine land's advantages are that it is attached to Cockaponset State Forest; it has access points to the north and south; it affords the short-term possibilities of a multi-purpose field or two that would have little impact on the surrounding community, and it affords long-term possibilities for future generations by protecting a vital town asset.

Dodson has been working with landowner Bob Wettish in negotiations with the State Department of Environmental Protection. The DEP has had a long interest in acquiring the land for the State Forest and Wettish is also now looking into open space options for the sale.

Dodson said the Land Trust's Open Space Committee is very interested in the land and the Land Trust agrees it is "the single most desirable property in town". According to Dodson, Wettish was against selling the property to the Regional School District several years ago but his circumstances have changed and he is eager to sell the land now. Dodson said Wettish would have to be convinced to sell it for active recreation like ball fields.

Cornell said the committee has toured many parcels of land in Killingworth in recent months and "just about every parcel [is] layered with rocks, out croppings, ledge and boulders". He said the Wettish property is different. Field Study Committee member Ed Sipples urged the Town to act with some urgency. He said the road frontage on the property would make it very appealing to a developer if and when it goes on the market. Dodson said that the 2500 feet of road frontage would accommodate a 14-home subdivision.

The Board of Selectmen enthusiastically agreed to discuss the Committee's recommendation in executive session.
photos courtesy Field Study Committee member Michael Board

The Killingworth Selectmen each made a statement at the end of last night's Board of Selectmen's meeting publicly supporting Killingworth's building official Richard Leighton despite his arrest last week on charges he defrauded the four area towns, including the Town of Killingworth, that employ him.

Leighton has been under investigation since last July by the State's Attorney's office regarding his billing practices. He is accused of overbilling the municipalities for training expenses related to his job as a building official, and conducting personal business on computers owned by the Town of Essex.

Selectman Louis Annino, Sr. said he has never questioned the quantity or the quality of Leighton's work. He said he was always pleased to have Leighton work for Killingworth. Selectman Fred Dudek said speaking as Fire Chief and Selectman, the public safety and fire safety of town subdivisions would be nonexistent if it weren't for Leighton. First Selectman David Denvir said he has not been presented with the evidence against Leighton but said the State would have to come up with something big to make him not stand beside him.

Denvir said Leighton will continue to be employed by the town until further notice. He said he has not talked with the State's Attorney regarding the evidence in the allegations. He contrasted this to when former town restaurant sanitarian, Thomas Armentano, was under investigation for fraud. Denvir said he met with Cromwell Police officers who laid out a thorough and convincing case in March 2004. After reviewing the evidence, Denvir fired Armentano.

Leighton has also come under fire recently from the Reg. 17 Building Committee which questioned his estimate of hours needed on site to oversee construction of the new Intermediate/Middle School. The Building Committee estimated that the building fees would be about one fifth of Leighton's estimate. The Board of Education initially balked at paying the building fees that had been waived for previous Haddam and Killingworth school projects. The Board of Selectmen stood behind Leighton's estimate and looked to have the Town of Haddam pay their share of the fees. The Board of Education conceded that was not an option and in February decided to pay the fees out of the construction budget.

Leighton was charged last week with two counts each of Larceny in the First Degree by Defrauding a Public Community and Larceny in the Second Degree by Defrauding a Public Community, and one count of Computer Crime in the Fifth Degree. The charges carry maximum penalties of 20 years, 10 years, and six months respectively. Leighton will be arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court, on May 4, 2005.

This week, Killingworth Democratic Town Committee member Ray Celmer offers his comments on veterans' benefits.

In the troubled times in which we live, our military is in the news on a daily basis. As one drives through town , car after car passes with magnetic ribbons exhorting us to support our troops. Many of us have family or friends who are serving or have served in the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Those who survive their deployment and return home will hold at least one thing in common forever: they will all become veterans. full story.

At the Book Fair and Family Night on May 3, there will be a fantastic "Bonus Basket" raffle sponsored by the KES-PTO. Parents of KES students should have received information about this event in their child's backpack.

Each grade is responsible for gathering items or dollar donations to create two fabulous baskets. Themes range from "Macho Man"; a collection of guy stuff to "New Arrival"; anything you might need for a new baby. All items and money need to be collected by Wednesday, April 27.

Tickets will be sold the night of the May 3 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. All community members are welcome to purchase tickets at $1 per single ticket or six for $5.00. For more information please contact Amy Koepke through the KES office at 663-1121.

The Haddam-Killingworth Girls Lacrosse team is participating in the Goal-A-Thon fund-raiser this season to help raise money to buy equipment for the program. This is a collaborative effort with MetroLacrosse, a well-known non-profit organization that provides free lacrosse and education programs to youth living in historically underserved urban neighborhoods.

To make a pledge go to www.goalathon.com click on Connecticut and HK Lacrosse. Make a pledge amount for each goal the Cougars score this season or make a one-time donation. At the end of the season the goals will be tallied and your credit card will be charged. HK Lacrosse keeps two-thirds of all donations and the remainder of the funds help support MetroLacrosse programs. Donations and pledges are tax-deductible. For more information on this year's team or to make a separate donation, please contact Coach Lindsey Matteo at lmatteo7@msn.com

The Killingworth Women's Organization is busy preparing for its annual art auction to benefit the Killingworth Library and honor retired Head Librarian, Ginny Chapman. The auction will be held on Saturday, April 30 from 7-11:00 p.m. at the Westbrook Elks Lodge, 142 Seaside Ave. Westbrook. The preview starts at 7:00 p.m. with the auction commencing at 8:00 p.m.

Approximately 160 pieces of art at ½ to 1/3 below gallery prices will be presented. The collection of work will include such items as hand blown glass, sports memorabilia, water colors, oils, lithographs, giclees and serigraphs in all price ranges. Major credit cards accepted.

Tickets are $15 per person and include passed hors-d'œuvres, music, door prizes, cash bar and an enjoyable evening for all. To purchase tickets, stop by the Killingworth Library or call Mary Ellen Wilson at 663-0440.
Pictured are members (from l. to r.) Kristen Van Alstine, Joanne Sacchi, Sue Anizano, Barb Rojas, Marni Lustberg, Tammy Overchuk, Joan Reed Wilson and Mary Ellen Wilson. photo courtesy KWO

Tri-Town Youth Football, Flag Football and Cheerleading will hold its final open registration date on Wednesday, April 27 from 6-8:00 p.m. at Killingworth Elementary and Deep River Elementary Schools.

•Flag Football Program is offered for boys and girls ages 6-8. The fee is $50.00.
•Tackle Football is offered for boys and girls ages 9-14. The fee is $115.00.
•Cheerleading is offered for ages 5-14. The fee is $50.00.

All forms can be downloaded and printed from the website. Some protective gear is provided. Registration is open to residents of Haddam, Killingworth, Deep River, Chester and Essex. For more information visit www.eteamz.com/tritownfootball or contact Debbie Schaefer at 526-2789 with any questions.

The Killingworth Board of Finance will present to the citizens of Killingworth the 2005/2006 Municipal Operating Budget of $3,884,691.00 and the 2005/2006 Capital Budget of $246,300.00 for discussion and public comment at a Public Hearing. The hearing will be held in the all-purpose room of Killingworth Elementary School on Rte. 81, Killingworth, CT at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, 2005.