HK Sports
The HK Girls Basketball team defeated no-league opponent Plainfield last night, 57-55. The game was tied with 12 seconds on the clock when Shelby VanHuysen drove the length of the court and passed to Megan Murray for the game-winner. VanHuysen led the Cougars with 14 points including 2 three-pointers. Michelle Fillion had 12 points, Murray had 10 and Allie Rand has 7. HK is now 4-1 on the year.

State Sen. Edward Meyer, co-chairman of the legislature's Select Committee on Children, recently announced his support for a new initiative that seeks to provide $15 million in state funding in order to increase student, teacher and public safety in Connecticut's public schools by installing security cameras, door buzzers, and other security features.

Meyer said, "Every day thousands of parents across the country drop their children off at public school buildings, some of which are secure and some of which are less-than-secure, but many of which are increasingly becoming targets for violent and unpredictable individuals. As a parent and a grandparent, it's long past the time for Connecticut to step in and offer the kind of financial resources that our local school districts need to determine what kind of security features work best for them and how and when to install them. This is a very forward-looking and proactive stance and not the kind of post-incident 'Band-Aid' approach that others have offered in the past."

Specifically, the S.A.F.E. plan calls for:
• $1 million from the Fiscal Year 2007 surplus (currently estimated by the state comptroller's office to be $266 million) to help districts pay for the costs of conducting a thorough assessment of the security at their schools (Cost: approximately $7,000 - $10,000 per school).
• $10 million in bonding to help schools purchase and install security infrastructure, such as surveillance cameras, entry door buzzer systems, scan cards, panic alarms, or other systems to improve security. These funds should also be permitted to pay for necessary planning and design. The cost to provide such systems range from $10,000 - $200,000 per school, and a state grant will be designed to reimburse most, if not all, of each school's costs on a sliding scale.
• $4 million from the Fiscal Year 2007 surplus to provide training to school personnel on how to use new security systems, procedures to improve school security, and to improve coordination with local first-responders. Surplus funds should also be made available to help schools purchase portable security devices like metal detector wands and screening machines, if local school leaders determine such options are the most appropriate for their needs.
• Additionally, as a condition of receiving a state reimbursement for a new facility, any new school construction application will be required to include plans for security infrastructure. This requirement will also be extended to applications for renovations of school entryways.

According to the Houston Astros website, there will be a 10:00 a.m. CT press conference today, when it is expected that first baseman, and Killingworth native, Jeff Bagwell will officially announce his retirement.

Bagwell was unable to play in 2006 after playing in just 38 games in 2005 due to lingering issues with his ailing right shoulder, and the announcement would confirm what had been expected for quite some time. He spent all 16 years of his stellar career in an Astros uniform following an August 1990 trade with the Red Sox, who traded Bagwell for reliever Larry Anderson.

Sometimes, things just belong together. Would Fred Astaire have been as great without Ginger? What would a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical sound like if they never wrote music together? Sometimes, we come across such interdependency amongst the kitties in our care. This week's featured kittens are one such inseparable pair.

Mattie and Patches are the last two kittens in our care from a litter of six found under a porch in Madison. They are both extremely friendly and lovable, need to be around people and will jump up onto your lap or rub against your legs when they want attention. Where there is one, the other is not far behind.

Mattie and Patches get along with other cats in their foster family. Much to the chagrin of the family dog, Patches has developed a fondness for playing with canine tails. These two well-rounded kitties were raised in a foster home with other cats, children, and a dog. With such an upbringing, they should easily adapt to any home.

Finding good homes for our cats is not an easy task. Finding homes for two kittens, even ones as cute and loveable as Mattie and Patches, is even more difficult. We are committed to doing what is best for our feline charges. In this case, it means that we wait for that special person with enough love in their hearts for two very special five-month-old calico kittens.

If you feel these two kittens may be right for you, or would like to meet some of our other pairs of kitties, please call our Adoption Director at 860-669-1347. Please send your tax-deductible donations to: Forgotten Felines, P.O. Box 734, Clinton, CT 06413. You may also preview many adoptable cats and kittens at the website: forgottenfelinesct.org    Photograph by J. Sheehan

To the Editor:
As a 20 year resident of Killingworth, I would like to thank the members of the PAYT Committee for all their hard work. The changes they have implemented at the Transfer Station have had a real impact in my household and the town's pocketbook. Keep up the good work.
Shelly Cumpstone

HK Sports
HK Field Hockey standout Leslie Zules has been named the All-Area Most Valuable Player by the New Haven Register. She led the state in scoring with 29 goals and 13 assists. Her 29 goals is a single-season school record. She led the Cougars to the Shoreline Conference title. Zules was also the only area player to be named a Regional All-American. She is only third player in the state to earn the honor. Also named to the All-Area team was senior Jenna Loos.

The HK girls travel 11-year old team continued their winning streak on Sunday by defeating a tough Branford team on their home court by the close score of 33-31. It was a tight game throughout, with HK up by 6 points at the half, and by 3 points at the end of the third quarter. A strong HK defensive press held the Branford team at bay. HK was led by Anna Fetteroll with 13 points and an impressive 10 steals. Beth Riedy followed with 8 points, Torie Peterson 6 points and Shannon Sledzik 4 points. All girls HK teams play at home this Sunday Dec. 17 at KES. This is the last game of the first half schedule, and will begin again after the holiday break.

The HK Boys Basketball team defeated North Branford, 57-41, in the Cougars' home opener. HK led, 28-20, at the half. Steve Landell led the Cougars with 15 points followed by Alex Pollack with 14, Dan Wendt with 12 and Alex Langevin with 9.

Steve Landell moves through the T-Bird defenders. He made the bucket and the foul shot.

According to Killingworth Fire Company Captain Arnie Moore, shortly before 8:00 a.m. Tuesday morning the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company, Clinton Volunteer Fire Department, Killingworth Ambulance and Middlesex Hospital paramedic were dispatched to Route 81 in the area of the Clinton/Killingworth town line for a multiple vehicle accident. Rescue personnel arrived to find a pickup truck, a box truck and a minivan involved. The pickup and box trucks were severely damaged. Three patients were located, one of whom was trapped in the pickup. Emergency personnel requested the Life Star helicopter, an additional ambulance from Westbrook and an additional Middlesex Hospital paramedic.

Two patients were taken by the Clinton Ambulance to Yale-New Haven Hospital. Using hydraulic tools, it took rescuers from the two fire departments approximately eighteen minutes to extricate the third patient from the pickup truck. He was transported by the Killingworth Ambulance to a landing zone near the intersection of Stevens Road and Route 81. From there he was flown to Yale-New Haven Hospital by the Life Star helicopter. Route 81 remained closed to traffic for several hours while the Connecticut State Police conducted their investigation.

HK Sports
The HK High School Girls Basketball team suffered a tough loss to Old Lyme, 41-59, last night at the fieldhouse. Old Lyme led by only six at the half, but the Cougars could not put together a run to make up the difference. Megan Murray played a strong game despite early foul trouble. She led the Cougars with 15 points followed by Shelby VanHuysen with 11 and Jenna Loos with 7.

Senior Ally Hall drives for the hoop late in the second half.

The Pay As You Throw Committee narrowly missed being eliminated as an active committee at last night's Board of Selectmen's meeting. As the selectmen were reviewing the annual appointments list, Selectman Ed Sipples questioned why the PAYT was not listed for re-appointment. First Selectman Marty Klein answered that the committee had done its job and now it was time to move on. Sipples said this was the first he had heard of the action and argued that the committee was still actively working on recycling and improving transfer station operations. Following some discussion, both Sipples and Selectman Fred Dudek approved the 2007 list of appointments with the PAYT Committee included.

Dudek said he never liked the name of the committee and would like to see it re-named the recycling committee and given a new charge. Sipples agreed the committee needed a new charge but noted he was more comfortable re-appointing the PAYT Committee now and changing the name and charge later.

PAYT members Amy Robert-Perry and Peter Venuti were in attendance and clearly stunned by the news that their committee was not up for renewal. Venuti said Klein's actions were "sneaky and disrespectful to the committee members". He said the committee is not costing the town any money. "All we're doing is trying to save the town money." Venuti asked why the committee had not been informed of the decision. Klein said committee member Steve Hollander was aware of it. Sipples said he understood that the committee was proactive and did shake things up, but it was good for the town.

The selectmen's office sends out a notice of interest to committee members nearing the end of their term to solicit them to continue to serve. Because the PAYT was not on the 2007 appointment list, none of the PAYT members received invitations. Perry and Venuti were therefore the only members of the committee able to respond when asked at last night meeting. The committee's other two members, Steve Hollander and Jeff Reisman will have to be appointed at a later date.

Most recently the PAYT has been circulating a survey soliciting residents on their use of the transfer station and their opinion of the town's recycling effort. The deadline for the survey is December 28. If you have not already filled one out, you can find the survey here.

The Historical Society still has a number of Holiday Cookbooks for sale. The collection contains time-tested recipes for cookies, bars & squares, cakes, pies, breads & candies. The booklet sells for $5.00 and copies are available at the Town Clerk's Office. There are also a limited number of Clara Parmalee and Goody Wee dolls available at $25.00 each.

Monday December 3:
• 1:48 PM: Medical emergency, North Parker Hill Rd
Thursday December 7:
• 8:53 PM: Medical emergency, Iron Works Rd
Friday December 8:
• 10:19 PM: Motor vehicle accident, Roast Meat Hill Rd
Saturday, December 9:
• 10:14 AM: Medical emergency, Hemlock Drive
• 10:57 AM: Medical emergency, Route 81

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, December 11, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of minutes of meeting held November 27, 2006
3. Visitors: Richard Bauer
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
5. Appointments/Vacancies:
    1. 2007 Appointment List
    2. Conservation Commission Vacancies (2)
6. Old Business:
    1. Authorization of BOS to call Town Meeting for vote on the following items:
       a. Discontinuance of "portion of Alders Bridge Road" revised 10/20/06 Approved at P&Z Meeting 11/21/06 (Dec.)
       b. Approval of Town Hall Computer Expenditure in the amount of $20,000
    2. Authorization of BOS to go to BOF for the following: (Dec.)
       a. Cemetery Tree Cutting - BOS approve over-expenditure
       b. TOB Roof Repair - BOS approve over expenditure
    3. Open Space Grant Agreement, Wettish Prop.-Soccer Fields, STEAP 2002-17, authorize to go to BOF and take to Town Meeting.
    4. Multi-Year Capital Improvement Plan
    5. Authorization for First Selectman to call a Town Meeting at his discretion pending approval by BOF to appropriate the sum of $18,600 be added to the $200,000 previously appropriated, for engineering services for the replacement of Reservoir Road Bridge and to enter into an agreement with Cardinal Engineering Associates, Inc. as previously passed at BOS Meeting of 11/27/06 (Dec.)
    6. Employee Evaluation Program Review
7. New Business:
    1. Fire Co. Bids for Truck and Receipt of Grant - R. Bauer, Killingworth Fire Chief.
    2. Authorization of BOS approval and to call Town Meeting for vote on the following items: (Over and Under Expenditures) (Dec.)
       for the re-appropriation of 122,743 for the Wettish Property purchase.
       to authorize the overexpenditures in excess of $10,000 for the following items:
       Town Engineer $19,223
       Town Clerk Salary $18,075
       Town Pension Plan $114,587
       Demutualization Proceeds Distribution $10,000
       Fire Company Incentive Program $20,785
Snow removel $65,612
       Tax Refunds & Abatements $23,951
       Misc Government Grants $15,040
       Total: $287,273
Said overexpenditures to be funded by underexpended General Fund Appropriations totaling $271,377 and the appropriation of $15,896 from Undesignated General Fund Balance.
       to authorize the close out of the following Capital accounts totaling $11,788 with the balance going to Undesignated Reserve Fund Balance:
       Fire Dept. self contained breathing apparatus $3,113
       Fire Dept. replacement brush truck $522
       Sanitation & Health Roll-off Truck $4,433
       Sanitation & Health Trash Containers $2,925
       Sanitation & Health Open Top Containers $795
       Totaling $11,788
       to authorize the transfer of $37,053 from Undesignated Capital Reserve Fund Balance to the Capital Reserve Fund line item Land Use Committee.
       3. BOS reconsider Authorization to go to BOF for approval of a Property Tax Resolution per Sec. 12-144c of CT General Statutes.
       4. Set date for BOS Special Meeting
8. MK Announcements
9. Selectmen's Concerns
10. Adjournment
Agenda as of 11:00 a.m. Friday, 12/08/06
Printable version

On December 12th, 13th, 18th and 22nd, the Haddam-Killingworth Boys' and Girls' Basketball teams will be collecting donations at each of their home games for the Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Middletown. Varsity basketball games begin at 7:00pm.

Please help these athletes support our community by bringing any non-perishable food items to the sporting event you will be attending while supporting our Haddam-Killingworth High School Sports' Teams.

December 12, 2006 @ 7:00pm H-K Girls vs. Old Lyme
December 13, 2006 @ 7:00pm H-K Boys vs. North Branford
December 18, 2006 @ 7:00pm H-K Boys vs. Westbrook
December 22, 2006 @ 7:00pm H-K Girls vs. Coginchaug

Please call Megan Murray, 663-2454 with any questions.

HK Sports
The HK Girls Basketball team defeated Valley Regional, 78-51, Saturday night. Senior Co-Captains Megan Murray and Jenna Loos led the Cougars with 24 and 11 points respectively. Ally Hall and Michelle Fillion with contributed 10.

The HK Girls JV Basketball team dropped a, 40-43, decision to Valley earlier in the evening. Deanna Loso led the team with 13 points followed by Ally Pratt with 12.

Michelle Fillion and Megan Murray both had strong games for the Cougars

"Killingworth Barns" painted by Sandy Smith and Jay Folger has returned to the Killingworth Library for the month of December. In response to the popular exhibition last November, an expanded collection is on display. The exhibit is further supported by barn history provided by the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. A follow-up program, which includes a lecture and a barn census, is being considered by interested Killingworth groups. Paintings are available for purchase and 10% of each sale is being donated to the library.

The artists are accepting nominations for additional barns for their barn painting project. For more information on the paintings, Sandy can be reached at 663 1583, and Jay at 663 2202.