Northern Connecticut Roundup: The Week’s Top Local Stories

NORTHERN CONNECTICUT — A bear shooting in Granby, an administrator’s resignation in Somers and a school bus crash in Suffield were among the local stories making news last week.

Here’s a look back at Patch coverage published Sept. 28 through Oct. 4, along with upcoming roadwork and town decisions to watch.

Granby Man Charged After Shooting Bear

A Granby man who reported shooting a bear that killed his chickens was charged with illegally taking a black bear, according to state environmental officials. Michael Gero, 39, is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 9. Read the full story.

Somers Assistant Principal Resigns

Aaron Geddis resigned as Somers High School’s assistant principal after videos of his past sermons raised concerns about comments on homosexuality, mental illness and people with special needs. Superintendent Sam Galloway’s announcement did not give a reason for the resignation. “The District has accepted the resignation,” he wrote. Read the full story.

Enfield Man Dies In Windsor Highway Crash

Matthew W. Bennett, 44, of Enfield died after a two-vehicle crash on I-91 South in Windsor Thursday. State police said his Honda CR-V struck a guardrail and rolled after making contact with another SUV near Exit 36. Investigators are seeking witnesses and dashcam footage. Read the updated report.

Suffield School Bus Crash Sends 11 To Hospitals

Ten students and their driver were taken to hospitals for evaluation of minor injuries after a small school bus left South Grand Street and hit a building Thursday morning. Fifteen people were aboard the bus from Regional School District 12. Read the full story.

Lawsuit Filed Over Granby Teen Drowning

The estate of E’Mari Marshall-Woodard alleges overcrowding and inadequate supervision contributed to the 14-year-old’s June drowning at High Meadow Resort. The complaint claims more than 150 students were allowed into a pool limited to 105 swimmers. Those claims are allegations in the lawsuit. Read about the case.

Ellington Solar Farm Gets State Approval

The Connecticut Siting Council approved a nearly 5-megawatt solar farm on part of an orchard near the Stafford line. The approval includes 22 conditions. Town officials previously raised concerns about noise, buffers and the loss of agricultural land. Read about the project.

East Windsor Rejects Automotive Restrictions

Planners unanimously rejected proposed limits on where new dealerships, repair shops and other automotive businesses could open. The proposal followed residents’ objections to a South Main Street project, including concerns about traffic, noise and fumes. Read about the vote.

READ MORE:

• Enfield Firefighters Begin Careers; Police Graduates Start Training
• Granby’s Solar Plan Is Taking A Different Turn
• Why Windsor’s Shad Derby May Be At Risk

South Windsor Apartments Take Shape

Construction is underway on 55 apartments at the former Calvary Church property. The development includes income-restricted housing and 13 apartments for people with intellectual disabilities. Supporters pointed to the need for supportive housing, while opponents raised concerns about traffic, density and tree removal. Read about the development.

South Windsor Eyes Land Near Wapping Park

The town’s proposed $600,000 purchase of 13.56 acres next to Wapping Park heads to another public hearing Oct. 5. Two residents previously urged officials to pursue the entire property rather than part of it. Read about the proposed purchase.

New Details On Windsor’s $13 Million Sale

The buyers of 600 Day Hill Road say the Spencer manufacturing operation has a lease through November 2034. The investment firms also see potential in the surrounding land, though no specific construction plan has been announced. Read about the deal.

South Windsor School Program Can Relocate

A program serving young adults with disabilities received approval to move to 1170 Ellington Road. The relocation would provide a community-based setting and free classroom space at the high school annex. Read about the move.

Friends Help Missing Suffield Man’s Family

A fundraiser is helping Manoj Bagga’s wife and children cover household expenses following his disappearance Aug. 7. Suffield police told Patch Sept. 30 that he remains missing and the investigation continues. Read about the fundraiser and investigation.

Enfield Honors Athletes And Tim Jensen

Six athletes and coaches joined the Enfield Athletic Hall of Fame’s 2026 class. Longtime local journalist and former Patch editor Tim Jensen received a posthumous recognition award. Read about the honorees.

East Windsor Aldi Announces Opening

The new Aldi at 151 Prospect Hill Road scheduled its grand opening for Oct. 1. The announcement listed regular shopping hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Read about the new supermarket.

I-91 Ramp Closures Begin Next Week

Drivers in Enfield and East Windsor will face overnight ramp closures at exits 45 through 49 beginning Oct. 12. Work is scheduled Monday through Thursday nights for about four weeks. “Only one ramp will be closed at a time,” CTDOT said. Read the closure details.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.