Stafford Free Press
@staffordfreepress.bsky.social
Stafford Free Press’s goal is to educate & inform the citizenry, bring transparency to the inner workings of our government, & tell the stories that make Stafford special. Also, we care about local news & press freedom. https://www.staffordfreepress.com
Once you're done at Primrose Salon & Antiques, no shop says #SpookyAutumn more than Stafford's very own #magicwandshop
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/orchard...
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/orchard...
OrchardWorks Brings a Touch of Salem to Stafford
Learn about OrchardWorks' plans for the new space on Main Street in Stafford.
www.staffordfreepress.com
September 25, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Once you're done at Primrose Salon & Antiques, no shop says #SpookyAutumn more than Stafford's very own #magicwandshop
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/orchard...
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/orchard...
Looking for a destination for an autumnal day trip? We have an idea (plus a few more cute Stafford destinations). www.staffordfreepress.com/post/autumna...
Autumnal Antique Hunting at Primrose Salon & Antiques
Nestled in Staffordville, Primrose Salon & Antiques offers a unique experience for fall road trippers.
www.staffordfreepress.com
September 25, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Looking for a destination for an autumnal day trip? We have an idea (plus a few more cute Stafford destinations). www.staffordfreepress.com/post/autumna...
New England is littered with cool old buildings. This one might get a new lease on life soon.
#redevelopment #reuse #brownfields #connecticut #stafford www.staffordfreepress.com/post/what-s-...
#redevelopment #reuse #brownfields #connecticut #stafford www.staffordfreepress.com/post/what-s-...
What’s Up with the Witt School?
Learn about the latest plan for the Witt School.
www.staffordfreepress.com
September 10, 2025 at 1:20 PM
New England is littered with cool old buildings. This one might get a new lease on life soon.
#redevelopment #reuse #brownfields #connecticut #stafford www.staffordfreepress.com/post/what-s-...
#redevelopment #reuse #brownfields #connecticut #stafford www.staffordfreepress.com/post/what-s-...
Keep your fingers crossed 🤞This old building could get a new life.
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/a-new-l...
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/a-new-l...
A New Life for the Old Dry Cleaner Building?
Discover what one couple with vision hopes to bring to an unused building in downtown Stafford.
www.staffordfreepress.com
September 9, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Keep your fingers crossed 🤞This old building could get a new life.
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/a-new-l...
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/a-new-l...
The Candidate Q&As are coming in fast and furious! I won't post them all, but feel free to scroll through the Election page to see who is running and why.
www.staffordfreepress.com/all-news/tag...
www.staffordfreepress.com/all-news/tag...
Election | Stafford News
www.staffordfreepress.com
September 5, 2025 at 1:31 PM
The Candidate Q&As are coming in fast and furious! I won't post them all, but feel free to scroll through the Election page to see who is running and why.
www.staffordfreepress.com/all-news/tag...
www.staffordfreepress.com/all-news/tag...
Fall is New England's time to shine. Stafford has a lot ot offer during this time of year. AppleFests, live music, Trick or Treat on Main (which is also fun for grown-ups), and a scarecrow contest are just the beginning. www.staffordfreepress.com/post/fall-in...
Fall into Fun: Upcoming Events in Stafford, CT this Autumn
Fall may be the busiest time of year in Stafford. Learn about the long line-up of events this season.
www.staffordfreepress.com
September 4, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Fall is New England's time to shine. Stafford has a lot ot offer during this time of year. AppleFests, live music, Trick or Treat on Main (which is also fun for grown-ups), and a scarecrow contest are just the beginning. www.staffordfreepress.com/post/fall-in...
Reposted by Stafford Free Press
The number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits for at least a week rose to the highest level since late 2021, according to Labor Department data.
Nearly 2 million Americans on unemployment, highest since pandemic era
Continuing unemployment claims jumped to 1.97 million in late July, according to a Labor Department report, highlighting a weakening labor market.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 7, 2025 at 4:44 PM
The number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits for at least a week rose to the highest level since late 2021, according to Labor Department data.
@esoterrance.bsky.social This opening was great timing. Arts on Main is tonight, and LuAnn's will be open for business...along with all its neighbors.
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/luann-s...
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/luann-s...
LuAnn’s Bakery & Cafe is Open for Business in Stafford
It's finally here. Learn what to expect at Stafford's newest Main Street business.
www.staffordfreepress.com
August 8, 2025 at 4:24 PM
@esoterrance.bsky.social This opening was great timing. Arts on Main is tonight, and LuAnn's will be open for business...along with all its neighbors.
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/luann-s...
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/luann-s...
New England was once full of textile mills. Today, many of them are luxury condos and food courts. But this Stafford Springs-based mill is still serving its original purpose, even if it's not always easy.
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/america...
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/america...
www.staffordfreepress.com
August 1, 2025 at 2:49 PM
New England was once full of textile mills. Today, many of them are luxury condos and food courts. But this Stafford Springs-based mill is still serving its original purpose, even if it's not always easy.
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/america...
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/america...
An endorsement across party lines is rare in this day and age, but we've got one! www.staffordfreepress.com/post/parties...
#localnews #ctnews #localpolitics #localgovernment
#localnews #ctnews #localpolitics #localgovernment
Parties Announce Candidates With Some Surprises
Find out who is seeking elected office in November.
www.staffordfreepress.com
August 1, 2025 at 2:39 PM
An endorsement across party lines is rare in this day and age, but we've got one! www.staffordfreepress.com/post/parties...
#localnews #ctnews #localpolitics #localgovernment
#localnews #ctnews #localpolitics #localgovernment
We've gotten to know more about self-insurance than we ever imagined.
#localnews
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/bof-vot...
#localnews
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/bof-vot...
BOF Votes to Move $700k of Self-Insurance Funds
BOF takes action to start paying back the General Fund.
www.staffordfreepress.com
June 10, 2025 at 1:43 PM
We've gotten to know more about self-insurance than we ever imagined.
#localnews
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/bof-vot...
#localnews
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/bof-vot...
Budget news changes so quickly that we can barely keep up. Here's the latest on Stafford's budget.
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/town-ma...
#localnews #budgetnews #smalltownct
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/town-ma...
#localnews #budgetnews #smalltownct
Town Makes Budget Changes to Avoid a Mill Increase
Stafford will dip into the General Fund to offset the mill rate increase.
www.staffordfreepress.com
June 6, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Budget news changes so quickly that we can barely keep up. Here's the latest on Stafford's budget.
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/town-ma...
#localnews #budgetnews #smalltownct
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/town-ma...
#localnews #budgetnews #smalltownct
Economic development is a long, hard slog. Could new volunteers be the answer?
#localnews #CTnews #staffordct #economicdevelopment
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/a-new-d...
#localnews #CTnews #staffordct #economicdevelopment
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/a-new-d...
A New Day for the EDC?
First Selectman Bill Morrison is trying to revive the Economic Development Commission (EDC), starting with a meeting on May 28, 2025. He came prepared with application forms and resignation forms. Pre...
www.staffordfreepress.com
May 30, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Economic development is a long, hard slog. Could new volunteers be the answer?
#localnews #CTnews #staffordct #economicdevelopment
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/a-new-d...
#localnews #CTnews #staffordct #economicdevelopment
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/a-new-d...
Reposted by Stafford Free Press
Wildlife underpass reduces squished amphibians by 80%
->Popular Science | #Wildlife #Amphibian | More info from EcoSearch
->Popular Science | #Wildlife #Amphibian | More info from EcoSearch
Wildlife underpass reduces squished amphibians by 80%
Get the Popular Science daily newsletter💡 Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Email address Sign up Thank you! Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Vulnerable amphibians are getting some help from an effective and pretty simple intervention–wildlife underpass...
www.popsci.com
May 30, 2025 at 3:18 PM
There's going to be a lot of asphalt and concrete going down this summer.
#localnews #staffordct
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/staffor...
#localnews #staffordct
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/staffor...
Stafford Road & Construction Updates
Get a quick update on projects you'll see around town this summer.
www.staffordfreepress.com
May 20, 2025 at 10:55 AM
There's going to be a lot of asphalt and concrete going down this summer.
#localnews #staffordct
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/staffor...
#localnews #staffordct
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/staffor...
This doesn't impact the overall budget; it just moves funding from one side to the other.
#schoolbudget #budgetseason #townbudgets
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/bof-vot...
#schoolbudget #budgetseason #townbudgets
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/bof-vot...
BOF Votes to Move $490k from BOE Budget to BOS
Debt service funds moved out of BOE budget and over to the BOS.
www.staffordfreepress.com
May 19, 2025 at 8:33 PM
This doesn't impact the overall budget; it just moves funding from one side to the other.
#schoolbudget #budgetseason #townbudgets
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/bof-vot...
#schoolbudget #budgetseason #townbudgets
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/bof-vot...
Reposted by Stafford Free Press
I believe Hartford may be the only other city in the country to have zoning that would allow this neighborhood to exist as of right without a special hearing (In the core of downtown only). The only thing standing in the way is project economics here
Land use policy is climate policy: The Homestead/Central Ave assemblages are a collection of 13 buildings in JC enabled by rezonings in 2018 & 2024. They'll have 7,587 homes combined, with no parking. That means people living there will produce ~85,000 fewer tons of CO2/year than if...
May 19, 2025 at 8:14 PM
I believe Hartford may be the only other city in the country to have zoning that would allow this neighborhood to exist as of right without a special hearing (In the core of downtown only). The only thing standing in the way is project economics here
Two failed budget referendums later, Stafford puts forth a "flat-funded' budget. Here are the consequences.
#localnews #staffordct #budgets #schoolcuts #Connecticut
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/the-imp...
#localnews #staffordct #budgets #schoolcuts #Connecticut
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/the-imp...
The Impact of a 0% Budget Increase Becomes Clearer
After two failed referendums, the town’s various boards are scheduling multiple meetings a week to reach a budget proposal they think the voters will accept. This week, there’s already been one Board ...
www.staffordfreepress.com
May 9, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Two failed budget referendums later, Stafford puts forth a "flat-funded' budget. Here are the consequences.
#localnews #staffordct #budgets #schoolcuts #Connecticut
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/the-imp...
#localnews #staffordct #budgets #schoolcuts #Connecticut
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/the-imp...
Some good news for businesses hemmed in by pre-existing issues. Neighbors might not love it.
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/pzc-all...
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/pzc-all...
PZC Allows Path to Expansion for Existing Non-Conforming Businesses
Discover what this means for business owners of a specific type.
www.staffordfreepress.com
May 6, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Some good news for businesses hemmed in by pre-existing issues. Neighbors might not love it.
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/pzc-all...
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/pzc-all...
If you need a reprieve from the serious news of the day, this just might be the story you need. But, also, it's super gross...
#localnews #smalltowns #weirdlawsuits
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/staffor...
#localnews #smalltowns #weirdlawsuits
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/staffor...
Stafford To Settle Over Burial Buses
Learn about the weirdest lawsuit I've ever had to report on.
www.staffordfreepress.com
April 18, 2025 at 12:39 PM
If you need a reprieve from the serious news of the day, this just might be the story you need. But, also, it's super gross...
#localnews #smalltowns #weirdlawsuits
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/staffor...
#localnews #smalltowns #weirdlawsuits
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/staffor...
Reposted by Stafford Free Press
We're told the FDA is now making plans to end most of its routine food safety inspections
That oversight work would be effectively outsourced to state and local authorities, under this plan
www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-foo...
That oversight work would be effectively outsourced to state and local authorities, under this plan
www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-foo...
FDA making plans to end its routine food safety inspections, sources say
Food safety inspections would be left to state and local authorities under the plan being developed by the FDA.
www.cbsnews.com
April 17, 2025 at 9:10 PM
We're told the FDA is now making plans to end most of its routine food safety inspections
That oversight work would be effectively outsourced to state and local authorities, under this plan
www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-foo...
That oversight work would be effectively outsourced to state and local authorities, under this plan
www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-foo...
CSDE has decided it won't sign the federal anti-DEI letter. Schools are left wondering what will happen to their federal funding. www.staffordfreepress.com/post/boe-dis...
BOE Discusses Title VI Compliance
During the April 7, 2024, Board of Education meeting, member Aaron Hoffman made a motion to add a new item to the agenda: a discussion of “Certification of Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights...
www.staffordfreepress.com
April 18, 2025 at 12:34 PM
CSDE has decided it won't sign the federal anti-DEI letter. Schools are left wondering what will happen to their federal funding. www.staffordfreepress.com/post/boe-dis...
While the BOE keeps its fingers crossed and hopes to get its budget approved, it's also wrestling with this year's deficit.
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/boe-def...
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/boe-def...
BOE Deficit Down, But Not Eliminated
The latest status update on the BOE's budget deficit.
www.staffordfreepress.com
April 1, 2025 at 12:33 PM
While the BOE keeps its fingers crossed and hopes to get its budget approved, it's also wrestling with this year's deficit.
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/boe-def...
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/boe-def...
Context is key when understanding your town's budget proposals. So, we compared Stafford's requests to those of similar towns.
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/compari...
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/compari...
Comparing 2025-2026 Budget Proposals
Comparing and contrasting Stafford's budget to similar towns.
www.staffordfreepress.com
March 31, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Context is key when understanding your town's budget proposals. So, we compared Stafford's requests to those of similar towns.
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/compari...
www.staffordfreepress.com/post/compari...