Greetings from Colebrook Town Hall.
Last week, we discussed the increasing prevalence of black bears in the Northwest Corner. Reporting bear sightings is crucial for understanding the bear population in Connecticut and managing human-bear interactions. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) uses this information to monitor the distribution of bears throughout the state and address any potential conflicts that may arise.
To report a bear sighting, DEEP suggests that you use their online reporting form. This form captures important data to assist with wildlife research and management. You can access it here<link.edgepilot.com/s/a5dc9c9a/Z7rAgAJsok2d51UYcUmpSA?u=https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!%26%26p=0bf2783705e0819ad6c2d496ce694d3e72fae7a8074f90425e2a9a3ba9d0210cJmltdHM9MTc1MjcxMDQwMA%26ptn=3%26ver=2%26hs…>. You can also report the sighting directly to DEEP’s Wildlife Division at 860.424.3011. This number can be used for any wildlife-related emergency.
As noted earlier this week, we have been in touch with the Connecticut State Police regarding the theft of items from a garage on Simons Pond Road early Monday morning, as well as suspicious activity near the intersection of Beech Hill and Simons Pond Roads. State Police from Troop B in Canaan are reviewing video footage and conducting an investigation. No further issues have been reported and Troop B reports the events appear to have been isolated. Please continue to practice vigilance, though, and, if you notice unusual activity, contact the State Police in Canaan at 860.626.1820.
Next week, DPW Foreman Bill Jasmin and I will participate in a workshop sponsored by the Northwest Conservation District and the Northwest CT Community Foundation to better understand and mitigate the threat of roadside invasive plants. A focus of the workshop will be Japanese knotweed, variously described as a “menace,” a “horror movie,” and an “alien shrub that can’t be stopped.” We’ll share what we learn.
As we close out our 2024/25 fiscal year, we can report that, as of June 30th, our General Fund balance was approximately $1.8 million, and our Capital Improvement Program balance was $1.4 million, with total cash on hand in excess of $3.4 million.
The 80th Colebrook Labor Day Fair will be held on Saturday, August 30th. If you are interested in volunteering-or being a vendor-please contact Karen Odell at kodell@colebrooktownhall.org<mailto:kodell@colebrooktownhall.org>.
Entry forms, cardboard and duct tape for the Colebrook Fair Cardboard Regatta<colebrookfair.weebly.com/cardboard-boat-regatta.html> are available at Town Hall. The Regatta features homemade cardboard boats with judges selecting winners for each race, and awards for categories including the “Funky-est” boat and best costume.
An important annual fundraiser for the Community & Senior Center is their Basket Raffle at the Colebrook Fair. If you would like to contribute a basket, please contact the Center at 860.738.9521. They ask that baskets in need of wrapping be dropped off by August 26th and baskets already wrapped be dropped off by August 28th.
Zoning Permits are available through Town Hall. A Zoning Permit application isn’t necessary for interior alterations, provided there is no change of use. To initiate a permit or to confirm whether you need one, contact Karen Odell at kodell@colebrooktownhall.org<mailto:kodell@colebrooktownhall.org>. Depending on the nature of the project, building and/or other permits may be required.
Bulk waste pickup is available every week for items that will not fit in your bin. Call 860.379.1662 by Thursday of each week for Friday morning pickup.
Upcoming events
Tomorrow (Friday, July 25th), the Colebrook Historical Society kicks off its Friday Night Gatherings series. It all begins with refreshments at the Seymour Inn at 7 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. shifts to the Town Hall second floor meeting room for the evening’s guest speaker. Local historian and author Peter C. Vermilyea will discuss, “Litchfield County and the Civil War.” There is no cost to attend, and everyone is welcome.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at bbremer@colebrooktownhall.org<mailto:bbremer@colebrooktownhall.org>, or call me at 860.379.3359, extension 202.
Cordially,
Brad Brad Bremer Colebrook First Selectman 860.379.3359 ext. 202 bbremer@colebrooktownhall.org
Last week, we discussed the increasing prevalence of black bears in the Northwest Corner. Reporting bear sightings is crucial for understanding the bear population in Connecticut and managing human-bear interactions. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) uses this information to monitor the distribution of bears throughout the state and address any potential conflicts that may arise.
To report a bear sighting, DEEP suggests that you use their online reporting form. This form captures important data to assist with wildlife research and management. You can access it here<link.edgepilot.com/s/a5dc9c9a/Z7rAgAJsok2d51UYcUmpSA?u=https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!%26%26p=0bf2783705e0819ad6c2d496ce694d3e72fae7a8074f90425e2a9a3ba9d0210cJmltdHM9MTc1MjcxMDQwMA%26ptn=3%26ver=2%26hs…>. You can also report the sighting directly to DEEP’s Wildlife Division at 860.424.3011. This number can be used for any wildlife-related emergency.
As noted earlier this week, we have been in touch with the Connecticut State Police regarding the theft of items from a garage on Simons Pond Road early Monday morning, as well as suspicious activity near the intersection of Beech Hill and Simons Pond Roads. State Police from Troop B in Canaan are reviewing video footage and conducting an investigation. No further issues have been reported and Troop B reports the events appear to have been isolated. Please continue to practice vigilance, though, and, if you notice unusual activity, contact the State Police in Canaan at 860.626.1820.
Next week, DPW Foreman Bill Jasmin and I will participate in a workshop sponsored by the Northwest Conservation District and the Northwest CT Community Foundation to better understand and mitigate the threat of roadside invasive plants. A focus of the workshop will be Japanese knotweed, variously described as a “menace,” a “horror movie,” and an “alien shrub that can’t be stopped.” We’ll share what we learn.
As we close out our 2024/25 fiscal year, we can report that, as of June 30th, our General Fund balance was approximately $1.8 million, and our Capital Improvement Program balance was $1.4 million, with total cash on hand in excess of $3.4 million.
The 80th Colebrook Labor Day Fair will be held on Saturday, August 30th. If you are interested in volunteering-or being a vendor-please contact Karen Odell at kodell@colebrooktownhall.org<mailto:kodell@colebrooktownhall.org>.
Entry forms, cardboard and duct tape for the Colebrook Fair Cardboard Regatta<colebrookfair.weebly.com/cardboard-boat-regatta.html> are available at Town Hall. The Regatta features homemade cardboard boats with judges selecting winners for each race, and awards for categories including the “Funky-est” boat and best costume.
An important annual fundraiser for the Community & Senior Center is their Basket Raffle at the Colebrook Fair. If you would like to contribute a basket, please contact the Center at 860.738.9521. They ask that baskets in need of wrapping be dropped off by August 26th and baskets already wrapped be dropped off by August 28th.
Zoning Permits are available through Town Hall. A Zoning Permit application isn’t necessary for interior alterations, provided there is no change of use. To initiate a permit or to confirm whether you need one, contact Karen Odell at kodell@colebrooktownhall.org<mailto:kodell@colebrooktownhall.org>. Depending on the nature of the project, building and/or other permits may be required.
Bulk waste pickup is available every week for items that will not fit in your bin. Call 860.379.1662 by Thursday of each week for Friday morning pickup.
Upcoming events
Tomorrow (Friday, July 25th), the Colebrook Historical Society kicks off its Friday Night Gatherings series. It all begins with refreshments at the Seymour Inn at 7 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. shifts to the Town Hall second floor meeting room for the evening’s guest speaker. Local historian and author Peter C. Vermilyea will discuss, “Litchfield County and the Civil War.” There is no cost to attend, and everyone is welcome.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at bbremer@colebrooktownhall.org<mailto:bbremer@colebrooktownhall.org>, or call me at 860.379.3359, extension 202.
Cordially,
Brad Brad Bremer Colebrook First Selectman 860.379.3359 ext. 202 bbremer@colebrooktownhall.org
