Killingworth Copes August 17, 2020: Multi-Threat Update

We have a lot to cope with these days. The power is back on . . . again . . . for now
. . .  after Tropical Storm Isaias, but hurricane season has not yet peaked. The first mosquito carrying Eastern Equine Encephalitis was trapped last week in Stonington. Two members of a weeklong camp held at the HK Intermediate/Middle School tested positive for COVID-19 after attending the camp for a couple of days just before Isaias shut down the camp (neither one was a Haddam or Killingworth resident). And one more Killingworth resident has tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total to 17. The individual is currently hospitalized.

That’s why I’ve called this edition of Killingworth Copes a multi-threat update. We are strong, and we will keep up the fight on all fronts, but, sheesh. Enough already.

RSD17 school reopening. Our school district recently altered its original plan for reopening the schools this fall. The new, hybrid plan involves a mixture of in-person and remote learning for all students in grades 2 through 12, and half-day, in-person school for kindergarten and grade 1, for the first month of the school year, which begins on September 1. Superintendent Holly Hageman explains the plan in detail on the RSD17 website. 

Superintendent Hageman writes, “Our goal will be to transition all grades to in-person learning after September 25th, and we will evaluate the appropriateness of that possibility based upon all relevant circumstances. We will aim to have decisions in place by mid-September for the model(s) to be in place beginning on Tuesday, September 29.”

She encourages anyone with questions or comments to write to her at reopeningHKschools@rsd17.org.

Eversource. The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) will hold a public hearing via Zoom on Monday, August 24, at 10 am to collect information and ask questions about Eversource’s enormous July rate hike. PURA says it is reexamining that rate hike “to ensure that Eversource is not over-collecting revenues in the short term at the expense of ratepayers during this period of financial hardship.”

If you are interested in submitting testimony, especially in light of the company’s performance in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaias, email your comments to pura.information@ct.gov, mentioning Docket Number 20-01-01 in the subject line, or mail them to Public Utilities Regulatory Authority,10 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051. To attend or participate in the Zoom hearing, register by clicking this link and completing the application. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with more information about how to join the meeting.

Mosquito-borne illnesses. The recent rains are a blessing after many weeks of dry weather, but they do raise the risk of breeding mosquitoes carrying Eastern Equine Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and other diseases. EEE, a rare but deadly disease, was a threat in our area last year and was recently found in a trap in Stonington. To reduce the risk of being bitten, avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk; wear protective clothing; and use insect repellents containing DEET. Maintain window screens, and prevent stagnant water from collecting in containers or elsewhere on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as 24 hours.

Town Hall services. Although we are still admitting the public to Town Hall by appointment only, our staff is hard at work conducting all the services we normally provide. If you do not reach someone by phone (860-663-1765) during normal business hours–MTW 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.; Th 8:00 am – 7 pm; F 8:00 am – noon–please leave a message; we will get back to you. For emergencies, as always, dial 911.