Killingworth's Blake Knockwood, son of Michelle and Ralph Knockwood, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on Tuesday evening in a ceremony witnessed by family and friends in the Old Town Hall. Eagle Scout is the highest rank bestowed by the Boys Scouts of America and according to Troop 18 Scoutmaster David Doolittle, only 2 in 100 scouts achieve the status. Knockwood said he had "come this far and didn't just want to stop". He also said he knew it was very important to his parents, especially his mom.

Doolittle presented Knockwood with a proclamation from Pres. George W. Bush, and said similar acknowledgments were on their way from the Governor and other officials. First Selectman Marty Klein, an Eagle Scout himself, attended the ceremony and told Knockwood that scouting had given him lifelong friends.

Knockwood's Eagle project was a house to house campaign to ensure that every Killingworth residence has a proper house number and identification. Town ordinances require that houses and common driveways are properly marked. This is especially important when emergency vehicles are trying to locate houses.

Knockwood, a junior member of the Volunteer Fire Company for four years and now a probationary member of the senior Fire Company, received funding from the Fire Company, the Ambulance Association and Wal-Mart to complete the project. He said he canvassed the neighborhoods looking for homes without numbers and notified the homeowners of the ordinance. Then he either worked with the homeowner to properly mark the house or verified that the homeowner did it themselves. He said he went back through the neighborhoods several times to make sure the project was complete.

Knockwood, whose career goal is to become a renowned pastry chef, just completed his freshman year at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY and is working at an externship at Take the Cake Bakery in Guilford. He said, "Boy Scouts taught me to be courteous, kind and clean; a must when dealing with customers everyday."

Knockwood started in scouting in elementary school as a Tiger Cub and fulfilled the requirements for Eagle rank last year as a senior at Vinal Technical High School in Middletown. While at Vinal he was named scholar-athlete, MVP and elected captain of his soccer team. He also played four years of basketball.

Blake Knockwood receives his Eagle Scout award from former Scoutmaster Donald McDougal as Scoutmaster David Doolittle looks on.

Knockwood with his parents Ralph and Michelle.

Property transfers as reported by the Killingworth Town Clerk's office for the period May 1- May 31, 2006:
• J & L Construction LLC to Lee A & Roberta K. Wezenski, Lot 5 Clarkson Crossing for $918,994.00.
• Elizabeth Stankovics to Roland A. Zeller, Mobile Home 3 Woodland Trail for $88,000.00.
• Jeffrey A. & Lois Dobratz to Christopher D. & Paula A. Solimene, Parcel A Route 81 for $460,000.00.
• Robert A. & M Deborah Allexon to Shari Konstantino, Lot 92 Autumn Ridge Laurel Rid. for $540,000.00.
• Evan W & Julie B. Ingersoll to Cendant Mobility Financial Corp, Lot 24 Blueberry Hill 2.4352 A for $550,000.00.
• Cendant Mobility Financial Corp to Stephen G. Kelly & Kimberly A. Nash, Lot 24 Blueberry Hill 2.4352 A for $550,000.00.
• Shari Konstantino AKA to Carolyn Leber, Lot 6 Colonial Est Colonial Dr. for $632,500.00.
• Patricia L. Griswold to Robert E. Eustace, Lot #30 Alders Bridge Estates for $316,000.00.
• Eleanor C. Reinhardsen AKA to Sandra G. Bidwell, 1977 Mobile Home 18 Pleasant T. for 66,000.00.
• Thomas E. Hyneck to Hans Scholl, Roast Meat Hill Road for 355,000.00.
• Amy K. Kops to Christine Imperato, Lot #46 Beech Tree Ridge for 430,000.00.
• Sherwood R. Anderson to Connecticut Shoreline Developers Inc., Sherwood Forest Route 81 for 355,000.00.
• Mary Ellen Wilson to Daryl C. and Veronica L. Smith, Lot #8 Parker Hill Road for 447,500.00.
• Hammonasset River Estates LLC to Joel E. Guay, Lot 2 Hammonasset River Estate for 275,00.00.
For previous property reports, click here.

Dog licenses may be renewed at the Town Clerk's Office during normal business hours: Monday-Friday, 8-12, 1-4 p.m. or by mail: Town Clerk, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, CT 06419.

All dogs six months or older must be licensed and wear a collar and tags at all times. A dog without a tag is presumed to be unlicensed and is not protected by law. A tag must not be used on any dog other than the dog described in the license bearing the corresponding number.

You are liable for damage done by your dog, including damage to shrubs, flowers or trees. All dogs must be vaccinated against Rabies and owners must submit a certificate to the Town Clerk when licensing their dog. Per P.A. 85-167. Owners of roaming dogs are liable to prosecution. When a spayed or neutered dog is licensed for the first time, a certificate from a licensed veterinarian must be presented. If application is made by mail, make check payable to: Killingworth Town Clerk and please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Fee: Male or female - $19.00. Neutered male or spayed female - $8.00.

After a day of fishing with his grandson, Dr. Robert Chandler, a visitor to our town, realized that he had lost his prescription eyeglasses. He is inquiring if anyone has come across them in their travels. He was fishing near Messerschmidt Pond, the pond area of Stafford Pond ballfield, and the big pond area on the west side at Chatfield Hollow. They were gold-rimmed bifocals, not fancy but very good glasses. There would be a reward if anyone finds them and contacts Chandler directly at 203-438-3510, his granddaughter Paige McHugh in Killingworth at 663-1163, or through the editor@killingworthtoday.com.

Killingworth residents Patricia O'Sullivan and Jeffrey Chambers have been honored by the New Haven Register as outstanding members of their graduating classes. The Youth of the Year title is bestowed upon seniors who best exemplify the qualities of leadership, academics and achievement. The students will be recognized at an awards luncheon on June 4 at 12:30 p.m. at the University of New Haven.

O'Sullivan, 17, daughter of Daniel and Jan O'Sullivan attends Mercy High School in Middletown. She is a member of the National Honor Society; Students Against Destructive Decisions, president; jazz band; wind ensemble; peer ministry; Student Activities Council and Laurel Girls' State, recruitment team. Her honors include the Harvard Book Award and All-Southern Region and All-State musician. She plans to attend Bucknell University for studies in music education.

Chambers, 18, attends Haddam-Killingworth High School. He is the son of David and Kathleen Chambers. He is a member of the National Honor Society; Spanish Honor Society; Band Council, treasurer; Students Against Destructive Decisions and student drama production, stage crew. His honors include the Yale Book Award, excellence in pre-calculus, biology and Spanish. He plans to attend Amherst College to study biology.

The Haddam-Killingworth High School Honor Society held its annual induction ceremony Wednesday evening. Principal Charles Macunas opened his congratulatory remarks by quoting John Luther. "Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are to some extent a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it piece by piece by thought, choice, courage and determination." Macunas said the students exemplified all four characteristic of the Honor Society: Character, Scholarship, Leadership and Service. "I am most proud of your character."

The 52 members of the 2005-2006 Honor Society logged more than 1200 community service hours this year. Some of their projects included organizing a school supply drive for hurricane victims in Gulfport, Mississippi, A toy drive for the Salvation Army, a clothes drive for Goodwill and volunteering at St. Vincent DePaul Place in Middletown.

The Senior NHS inductees are: Sarah Brooks, Jeffrey Chambers, Melissa Cordnor, Katherine Deane, Jessica Fox, Christine Griswold, Samantha Holohan, Heather Langer, Alexandria Martindale, Carissa Mierzejewski, Jeffrey Moskey, Daniel Schrieber, Katie Swick, Alisha Thomson, Andrew Wright and Peter Zahorodni. The Junior NHS inductees are: Josephine Amendola, Kate Anderson, Leah Arsenault, Shalyn Carey, Eric Couture, Sarah Ferjak, Rita Flynn, Jessie Gersz, Brittany Halleck, Kristin Kozlowski, Jenna Loos, Jessica Mullaney, Ashley Page, Kelsey Sokol, Julia Sorensen, Linda Suravich and Kate Wargo.

Under sunny, warm conditions the 8th seeded HKHS varsity baseball team defeated 25th seeded St. Paul, 7-1, in the State Class S qualifying round game.

Senior ace Tyler Riordan went the distance with a dominant, complete-game victory at home. Senior Chris Anselmo led the offense with two doubles. Junior Peter Rynkowski helped seal the victory with his exceptional defense at 3rd Base. The newly-crowned Shoreline League Champions, now have a record of 17-6. Read more about the game in the Middletown Press

Next up for HK is Thomaston (#9) today at 3:30 PM at HKHS.

Valley Regional freshman Kate Paul won the 1-2 singles title at the Shoreline Conference Girls Tennis tournament, last week with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Haddam-Killingworth's Jen LaChance. LaChance defeated Old Lyme's Emily Searle in the semi-finals, 7-5, 6-1. In the 3-4 Singles finals Dana Callahan from Valley Regional defeated HK's Caitlin Gilhuly, 6-1, 6-0. In the Quarterfinals, HK's Colleen Phelan defeated Rachel Gaudio of Old Lyme, 5-4, 6-2.

In the Double final, Brittany Hoynack and Jessica Schaaf defeated Alyssa Hoynack and Hannah Korsmeyer 6-0, 3-6, 6-2. Hoynack and Korsmeyer defeated HK's Christine Griswold and Julia Sorenson in the Semi-finals.

In state tournament play, the Cougars won their opening match against Rocky Hill, 6-1, but fell to Stonington, 3-4 in the second round.

HK's Caitlin Gilhuly and Jen LaChance. Photo courtesy F. Phelan

Connecticut Trails Day is June 3, 2006. Two hiking events are planned on Killingworth trails that day; join us on one or both!

The first hike will take place in the Cockaponset forest off of Firetower Road, from 9 a.m. until noon, covering about 3 miles of hilly and rock terrain. Cockaponset forester Emery Gluck will be the leader, with representatives from the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust. Light rain does not cancel the walk; call Emery after 7:30 on the 3rd if the weather is questionable, at 860-462-8960. To reach the trail area, head north on Route 81 from the 80/81 traffic circle. Take the first left after KES, onto Firetower Road. 500 feet up there will be a yellow gate on your left. Park on the side of the forest road after going through the gate. Bring water, bug repellent and hiking boots.

The afternoon hike will be led by Debby Butler, from the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust, along the land trust's Hammonasset River trail. The trail runs along the river from lower Bargate Trail to Route 80 - a distance of about two miles. That morning we will hike the southern half, from near Chestnut Hill Road north, just past the first traffic circle on Bargate Trail. Hikers should meet on Bargate, parking on the straight section just north of Chestnut Hill Road (end closest to Madison) south of #21 Bargate, and near the 15 mph sign at 1 p.m. We will spot some cars up near the traffic circle. The trail offers a variety of features, including a pond, the river, some moderate climbing and great views. Hikers will learn about two interesting trail hobbies - letterboxing and geocaching, finding one or two of each along the route. The raindate will be Sunday, June 4 at 1 p.m. Call Debby Butler at 663-2231 for additional information. Please bring water; fruit and snacks will be provided at the end of the hike.

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If you missed the deadline of May 15th to reserve a spot in the upcoming John P. Hine, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament, you may be in luck. There were still 12 openings left at the time this article was written. The tournament is being held at the Clinton Country Club on Monday, June 12th. The cost will be $175 per golfer and includes lunch which will be served at 11 followed by a shotgun tee time of 12:30. Unwind over cocktails and dinner. Raffles and contests will be held throughout the day. If you are interested in playing in the tournament, please call Shelly Cumpstone at 663-2747 before the last few spots are gone.

On Saturday, June 3, the Killingworth Congregational Church will be hosting a Touch-a-Truck fundraiser. The event will be held from 10:00 am -2:00 pm on the church grounds. Bring the kids to see, touch and sit in all sorts of cool vehicles (National Guard, State Police Boat, Killingworth Fire Department, Killingworth Ambulance Association, construction vehicles, plus LOTS more!).

The HK High School Baseball team held on to win, 4-3, to take the Shoreline Conference Championship, Saturday against Old Lyme. Old Lyme came into the game off the first undefeated season in the program's history. The Cougars led 4-1 going into the seventh inning, but gave back a pair before sealing the victory with a strikeout by pitcher Peter Rynkowski. Tyler Riordan hit in all four runs for HK including a 2-RBI triple. Read more about the game in the Middletown Press.

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The HK Softball team lost, 3-4, to Coginchaug in the Shoreline Conference Championship game at Old Lyme, Saturday morning. Jenna Webber hit a 2-RBI double in the 2nd inning. Chelsea Griswold struck out four and allowed nine hits. Read more about the game in the Middletown Press.

Pictured: Jenna Webber (r), Jade Paracuelles and pitcher Chelsea Griswold. Coming Soon! More pictures of the both SLC games