The following charges were listed in the Putnam Police Department logs. The people charged are innocent until proven guilty in court. The Town Crier will publish dispositions of cases at the request of the accused. The dispositions must be accompanied by the proper documentation. The Putnam Police Department confidential Tip Line is 860-963-0000.
Aug. 2
Aaron S Gleason, 48, Sabin Street, Putnam; illegal operation motor vehicle under suspension, traveling unreasonably fast, improper stop/turn signal lamp; second-degree failure to appear; second-degree failure to appear.
Aug. 4
Shane Michael Davis, 32, James Street, Putnam; third-degree criminal mischief.
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Briefly
$10,000 Donation
POMFRET — Westfield Bank recently donated $10,000 to Horizons Rectory School for Horizons’ mission to expand educational opportunities for under-resourced students in northeastern Connecticut. Horizons Rectory School is a tuition-free, six-week academic and enrichment summer program for students from under-resourced communities in northeastern Connecticut. Now in its second year, the program provides students with a joyful, high-quality learning experience that combines academics with arts, swimming, field trips, and social-emotional support. “Support from partners like Westfield Bank allows us to provide life-changing opportunities for students,” said Dave Farrell Director of Auxiliary Programs at Rectory School and Executive Director of Horizons Rectory School. “This gift not only helps fund critical programming but also sends a powerful message to our children: your community believes in you.”
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Paula Labonte Ruoppo
THOMPSON — Paula (Labonte) Ruoppo, 66, of Thompson, passed away peacefully July 21, 2025, at home. She was the loving wife of David Ruoppo. Born in Putnam, she was the daughter of Leo and Martha (Perrault) Labonte.
Paula was a devoted and multifaceted woman, known for her strong work ethic, creative talents and warm spirit. With a deep sense of care and a mind for detail, she dedicated her professional life to supporting others and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. She was the office manager for Senexet Computer Systems, as well as Expert Laser Services. She also found fulfilment in education, working as a teacher’s assistant at St. Andrews Elementary School in Charleston, S.C., where she touched the lives of many young students with her patience and kindness.
With talents extending far beyond the workplace, Paula had a remarkable gift for all things crafty. She was a skilled seamstress, had a knack for needlepoint and was so good at crochet; she could do it in her sleep. Her love of cooking and baking had everyone she loved, never short of a delicious meal or sweet treat. If she wasn’t in the kitchen whipping up a meal or canning her famous jellies and jams, you could catch her tending to her yard or working her magic with her power tools. Paula also was a Sunday School Teacher at Landmark Baptist Church and was a very good singer in two church choirs.
She leaves two sons, Wesley Isaac Ruoppo, Jack Leo Ruoppo; two sisters, Ruth Reyes of Piedmont, S,C., Brenda Balcunas of Thompson; brother, David Labonte of Franklin, Mass.; a granddaughter, Sydney Violet Ruoppo; two grandsons, Gabe Owen Ruoppo, Blake Williams Ruoppo, granddaughters, Flora Green Ruoppo, Katani Rose Ruoppo.
The Mass of Christian Burial was July 26 at Creation Church, Thompson, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.
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Putnam Main Street Car Cruise takes over town!
Car enthusiasts from all over are expected to pack Putnam for one of the biggest and most popular Car Cruises of the summer, The Putnam Main Street Car Cruise!
Aug. 10, registration for vehicles starts at 8 a.m., and it is free to register. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers will be posted around town wearing bright safety vests handing out registration packets that include a Registration & Judging Card to display on your windshield for “Choice Trophy Winner” eligibility, map of the downtown and park area showing dining and our gracious sponsors, ATMs and other points of interest, a Dash Plaque featuring a classic vehicle, plus a raffle ticket to win a gift card at a local restaurant.
Custom Motorcycles, Custom Hot Rods, and Classic Cars will flood the downtown Putnam area and Rotary Park! Trophies will be awarded in many categories! Make sure to check out the 24k Gold Plated DeLorean in Rotary Park.
With the large number of crowds expected, several streets will be closed, including Kennedy Drive, Massicotte Circle, and Main Street.
Don’t miss the family-friendly “Pluck-A-Duck” Kids Corner in Rotary Park! Bounce Houses, Photo Booth, Arts & Crafts Tent, Xen’s Critters petting zoo, Balloons by Bella, Face Painting, and a Celebrity Dunk Tank are just a few quacktastic things for the kiddos to enjoy. Definitely take advantage of the last day to buy your “Pluck-A-Duck” tickets for just $5 each. Purchase your duck ticket in Rotary Park and look for the mobile duck cart as it travels through town. The list of prizes is huge! As in 125+ prizes!
Music provided by WINY Radio.
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