WFSB - Eyewitness News

Runners prepare for Be Happy 5K/10K in WindsorWINDSOR, CT (WFSB) – Crews in Windsor are gearing up for the inaugural Be Happy 5K and 10K Run Sunday morning. The Lindsay Legacy Foundation is hosting the run. They support the Smilow Cancer Center’s innovative treatment programs and quality care for patients and families who have been given a cancer diagnosis. The “Be Happy” motto is inspired by Lindsay. She died from cancer complications two years ago. The Kids 1K starts at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K and 10K start at 8 a.m. There will be food, drinks, and music waiting for runners at the finish line. There will also be a photo contest. The winner will receive a 1-year gym membership to Club Fitness in Windsor. Use #TeamBeHappy. For more information on the race, click <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Windsor/BEHAPPY5K10KKidsFunRun1K" target="_blank">here</a>. <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Windsor/BEHAPPY5K10KKidsFunRun1K"> </a>
PD: Body found in Groton in Thames River on SaturdayGROTON, CT (WFSB) -- City of Groton Police are investigating after a body was found in the Thames River on Saturday. Dispatch confirmed to Channel 3 that crews were investigating to determine a cause of death and identification. This story is developing. Stay with Channel 3 for updates.
Hartford Athletic Soccer takes on Puerto Rico in Hartford on SaturdayHARTFORD, CT (WFSB) -- The Hartford Athletic Soccer club is matched against the Puerto Rico National Team in Hartford on Sunday, and fans are pouring in to see the game. Fans are lining up for the special match that combines a love for the sport while remembering those on the island who are still recovering from the devastation left from Hurricane Maria two years ago. Channel 3 chatted with East Hartford resident, Juan Ortiz who came out early for the match. “The community is coming together. Everybody is excited and it’s for a great cause,” said Ortiz. Although both teams are vying for the win, together they’re lending a helping hand to Hurricane Maria relief efforts as a portion of the proceeds from the match will benefit the San Juan Center in Hartford. “It’s actually pretty cool because you got the pride of the culture and also the pride of the team. The team is starting out and within the community one of their things was outreach to the community,” explained Ortiz. Fans told Channel 3 this match sends a message of solidarity to those on the island who are still feeling the deadly hurricane’s lingering effects. “We haven’t forgotten about those on the island and we haven’t forgotten about those who made Hartford their home after [Hurricane Maria] and there are many whose lives were uprooted and overturned who came to Hartford and we’re proud to be a welcoming city that stands together,” said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin. The Hartford Athletic Club is calling the match a friendly-international one as the two teams send a winning message. For tickets to future games, click <a href="https://www.hartfordathletic.com/puertorico" target="_blank">here</a>.
PD: Body found near railroad tracks in BristolBRISTOL, CT (WFSB) -- Bristol Police are investigating after they said a body was found near the railroad tracks on Saturday morning. Police were called to the wooded area by the railroad tracks off Center Street just before noon on Saturday. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner responded and will conduct an autopsy. Police have not yet made an identification, but said there were no signs of foul play and there is no danger to the public. Those with information are encouraged asked to call the Bristol Police at 860-584-3021
Suspect died in New Britain police custodyNEW BRITAIN, CT (WFSB) -- Police are investigating after a suspect died while in New Britain Police Department custody following an arrest. New Britain Police Department Chief Christopher Chute told Channel 3 that 45-year-old Tamara Mifflin died from an unexpected medical event while in custody following an arrest in a verbal domestic assault. Chief Chute said New Britain EMS performed resuscitation efforts on Mifflin, but without success. Mifflin passed early Saturday morning. Chief Chute said the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and New Britain State Attorney’s Office are assisting with the investigation and an autopsy to determine the cause of death will be conducted. This story is developing. Stay with Channel 3 for updates.
Person taken to hospital after car crashes off bridge in OxfordOXFORD, CT (WFSB) – One person was taken to the hospital after their car crashed off a bridge in Oxford early Saturday morning, officials said. The Oxford Center Volunteer Fire Company said units were dispatched to 10 Park Road around 2:07 a.m. Officials say when firefighters arrived they extricated one person from the vehicle. The victim had their arm pinned because a guard rail was running through the vehicle. Crews removed the roof of the vehicle to extricate the patient, the fire department said. Officials say the Park Road Bridge will be closed until further notice.
Experts weigh in on benefits of upcoming tax-free weekWEST HARTFORD (WFSB/AP) — Shoppers in Connecticut will be getting a break from sales taxes in the coming days. Connecticut's sales tax-free week begins on Sunday and runs through Aug. 24. During that time, retail purchases of most clothing and footwear items under $100 will be exempt from the 6.35% tax. The week long holiday in Connecticut is timed for the busy back-to-school shopping period and is estimated to save consumers nearly $5 million. "I think the smartest way consumers can play this is make a list of those items that you were planning on buying anyway, see what's already on sale and then the icing on the cake is that you get this extra six percent off," said Kristin McGrath, Offers.com This year, the National Retail Federation reports families are expected to spend on average nearly $700 on back-to-school shopping. Online and box retailers are expected to bring in some money. Small businesses like BK and Company in West Hartford also see a spike at the register during the sales tax holiday. So much so, it considered paying the sales tax for its customers when Governor Ned Lamont proposed eliminating the incentive earlier this year in the state budget. "We thought it was important to pass along that saving to our customer, so I'm just glad we don't have to absorb that this year," said Barbara Karsky, BK and Co. For a complete breakdown on sales tax-free week, click <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/Sales-Tax/Sales-Tax-Free-Week" target="_blank">here</a>.
Online bomb threat delays game at Dodd Stadium, man arrestedNORWICH, CT (WFSB) – A game at Dodd Stadium in Norwich was delayed after a bomb threat was made online Friday. "It was tough getting in the gate the gate didn’t open up until about ten minutes before the first pitch," Michael Homer of Deep River said Friday. Police said a bomb threat was allegedly made by James Quinn of Waterford who posted the comment in the online section of the New London Day. According to police, the threat was brought to the attention of the Norwich Police by the Mayor’s Office. Working in conjunction with Waterford Police Department, Mohegan Sun Tribal Police Department, Norwich Police Detectives were able to locate the subject who posted the initial threat. Quinn was arrested and charged with first-degree threatening and second-degree breach of peace. "It’s kind of like a waste of time isn’t it?" Dominic Orsini of East Hampton said. "Come on you can do better than that." Police said the stadium was methodically searched by police and bomb detection canines, to ensure the safety of all who would be in attendance. No device was found and the venue was cleared prior to letting attendees onto the property. The game started following this delay Police said Quinn was released on a $20,00 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Norwich Superior Court Aug. 29.
Wolcott Country Fair has something for everyoneThe Wolcott Country Fair began on Friday.
Peter Fonda, star of 'Easy Rider,' dies at age 79 from lung cancer(CNN) -- Actor and director Peter Fonda, who rose to fame with his role in "Easy Rider," died Friday, his manager, Alan Somers, told CNN. He was 79. Fonda died of respiratory failure due to lung cancer at his Los Angeles home, the family said in an emailed statement. "It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that Peter Fonda has passed away," the family said. "... In one of the saddest moments of or lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our hearts." Fonda was a member of the Hollywood powerhouse Fonda family, as the son of legendary actor Henry Fonda and the brother of actress and activist Jane Fonda. His daughter is actress Bridget Fonda. Jane Fonda, in a statement, reflected on her relationship with her younger brother. "I am very sad. He was my sweet-hearted baby brother. The talker of the family. I have had beautiful alone time with him these last days. He went out laughing," she said. Fonda broke out as a star with his turn in the 1969 blockbuster "Easy Rider," which marked its 50th anniversary this year. The film also starred Jack Nicholson and Dennis Hopper. Film critic Roger Ebert called the film "one of the rallying-points of the late '60s," saying it was a buddy picture that celebrated "sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll, and the freedom of the open road." "It did a lot of repeat business while the sweet smell of pot drifted through theaters," Ebert wrote of the film in 2004. Fonda was nominated for an Academy Award for the screenplay, a nomination he shared with Hopper. "I never stopped working, thanks to 'Easy Rider,' "<a href="https://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-hy-throttle15feb15-story.html" target="_blank"> Fonda told The Los Angeles Times</a> in 2007. <a href="https://twitter.com/iamfonda?lang=en" target="_blank">His last tweet on August 9</a> referenced the film: "Easy Rider' at 50: How they put together that groundbreaking soundtrack." The family asked for privacy to grieve, but said they wished for people to "celebrate his indomitable spirit and love of life" "In honor of Peter, please raise a glass to freedom," the family said, referencing one of Fonda's lines in "Easy Rider." Director Ava DuVernay reposted a photo she took with Fonda. "Rest in Peace, Kind Sir,"<a href="https://twitter.com/ava/status/1162496579204288513" target="_blank"> she wrote</a>. Director Rob Reiner called Fonda a "revolutionary filmmaker during a revolutionary time." "My heart goes out to Jane," <a href="https://twitter.com/robreiner/status/1162508325474279424" target="_blank">he said via Twitter.</a> His career was defined by 'Easy Rider' Born Peter Henry Fonda in New York on February 23, 1940, he started his career on Broadway in 1961 in "Blood, Sweat and Stanley Poole," <a href="http://www.playbill.com/person/peter-fonda-vault-0000095247" target="_blank">according to Playbill</a>. He directed his first film, "The Hired Hand," in 1971. He also starred in the critically acclaimed western, which was restored and premiered at the 2001 Venice Film Festival. Fonda was also nominated for a best actor Academy Award for his turn in "Ulee's Gold" in 1998. He went on to star in a number of films and television shows, though he never achieved the success of his father. But his career would forever be defined by his turn as Wyatt, with his stars-and-stripes helmet astride his motorcycle, "Captain America," in "Easy Rider," a rough-hewn character that often times reflected his personal life. Fonda's Wyatt and Hopper's Billy travel from the California-Mexico border to New Orleans in time to celebrate Mardi Gras. Fonda told the LA Times that it was his rocky relationship with his father that led him to first ride a motorcycle. "My father didn't want me to. I was like in your face," Fonda said. "As soon as I could I bought a Harley." Turner Classic Movies says "Easy Rider" on one level is the story of two drug dealers who become rich from a cocaine deal. "But the film is much more than that and shows a diverse cross section of American culture that encompasses lifestyle experimentation (the hippie commune), intolerance (the hostile locals at a backwater Louisiana diner), and wanderlust (the motorcycle becomes a symbol for freedom)." Coming to peace with his father Like his siblings, Fonda had an at-times complex relationship with his father. In a 1994 CNN interview, which came as he released his autobiography, "Don't Tell Dad," Fonda opened up about the genesis of rebellion. "It was a desire to be heard -- a father who was not communicative at all. I became quite angry as I learned that I wasn't me -- I was Henry Fonda's son. I had no idea who he was; I didn't want to be identified that way. I was demanding to be heard on my own grounds." Fonda said he was 38 before his father told him he loved him. "...and he put his hands on my shoulders and it was the oddest sensation of both him pushing me away and pulling me to him. Tears streaming down his face, he said in that beautiful Henry Fonda, non-blinking straight talk, 'I love you very much, son.' 'Well, I love you very much, dad.' And I got in my car and drove away,'" he said. The-CNN-Wire™ &amp; © 2019 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. 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