PUTNAM — Eversource is investing $1.5 million in system upgrades in the town of Putnam.
The work includes installing new, stronger, and thicker utility poles and electric lines known as “tree wire,” which can better withstand extreme weather.
“Smart switches” are also being added to the system to help restore power outages more quickly if they do happen. These devices can limit the number of customers affected by an outage and restore power with computer-assisted technology from the energy company’s operations center, without having to send a crew to inspect the line and make repairs.
The project is now underway and weather permitting, crews will be working from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Eversource and its contractors are coordinating with town officials about potential traffic disruptions while the work is ongoing.
Customers may experience short power interruptions at times during the course of the project so crews can safely perform the work. Any customers affected will be notified by the company in advance. The project is expected to be complete by early November.
More than 200 utility poles are being replaced along with the installation of approximately one mile of tree wire. The work is taking place along Quinebaug, Sunset and Groveland avenues; River, Town Farm and Recreation Park roads; Arch, Park and School streets, Pomfret Street (Route 44); and Grove Street and Mechanics Street, where both are also known as Route 12.
“Our job is to ensure customers have the reliable energy they need to run their businesses and power their lives,” said Eversource President of Electric Operations Craig Hallstrom. “By making these strategic investments, like the ones in Putnam, we’re building a more robust and resilient electric grid that will serve our customers well into the future.”
PUTNAM — As summer winds down, First Fridays will move into its penultimate month with the Sept. 1 event. As with the entire season, the evening promises to be a festive and fun time celebrating iconic western films. From 6 to 9 p.m. there will be more than 50 art vendors, live music, family friendly activities, and art installations. Like all First Fridays, the event is free to the public and visitors are invited to discover the festival and the offerings of Putnam’s downtown, including al fresco dining, galleries, boutique shopping, and more.
After exploring four distinct film genres including science fiction, action & adventure, classic films, and animation and musical films, September’s event will move westward into the territory of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. With endlessly quotable lines, iconic scenes, and chases across prairies and deserts, The Western film genre is the embodiment of lawlessness and adventure. From art projects to costumes, there will be reflections of western films throughout downtown and patrons are invited to join in by dressing as their favorite characters – spurs, boots, hats, and all!
As with all First Fridays events, there will be live music throughout the evening. From 6 to 9 p.m. the main stage will feature KICK – New England’s ultimate high-energy showband, specializing in every good rock and pop song ever made. Over in Union Square, Glorybound will play from 6:30 to 90 p.m.
The First Fridays Art Installations, which features local artists creating original work throughout each evening of the festival, will showcase the work of local print artist, teacher, and mentor muralist, Aaron Stark. Titled “Fruits & Fauna” Aaron will create a public art experience for festival attendees with an intriguing use of pattern and color across a shared canvas.
The fun continues at the Community Arts Table with an art project for all ages. September’s project is inspired by every western’s favorite animal – the horse! Using pool noodles, children and families are invited to make their own “pool noodle ponies.”
Above all else, First Fridays remains an art-based festival, and the Sept. 1 event will see a record number of art vendors lining Main Street and Union Square in downtown Putnam. Patrons are invited to peruse the wide variety of artisan wares while enjoying the late summer weather. Coupled with outdoor art vendors, the many galleries of Putnam will also feature openings and exhibitions. Stop by Arts & Framing to see featured artist and potter Martha Youngsman, then head next door to The Flying Carpet Studio and their celebration of the modern western spoof Blazing Saddles. Over at Artique, families can create their own mini canvases with adorable cactus cartoons and watch live art demonstrations. The Complex Performing & Creative Arts Centre will feature a variety of earring designs. And don’t miss Providence band The Silks at The Stomping Ground. Downtown will be chock-full of art, performances, and projects all evening long. visit http://www.discoverputnam.com/firstfriday.
PUTNAM — The Putnam Police Department arrested a local resident on heroin charges Aug. 10.
Payton Livingston, 20, of 77 Chapman Street (right side), was charged with operating a drug factory, two counts of possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a narcotic outside of original container.
The Putnam Police Department conducted an extensive narcotic related investigation into the alleged sale of heroin Livingston. Livingston has been suspected of selling heroin within the Putnam Special Services District, according to Putnam Police.
Members of the Putnam Police Department, with the assistance of the Killingly Police Department and Statewide Narcotics Task Force, executed a search and seizure warrant at 77 Chapman St. Livingston was there and admitted to being in possession of heroin. Police found bags of heroin and drug paraphernalia, as well as an amount of Suboxone and U.S. currency.
He was also charged with second-degree failure to appear based on an active arrest warrant.
Members of the Putnam Police are committed to combating illegal drug activity within the Putnam Special Services District. Anyone with information pertaining to such activity is encouraged to contact the Putnam Police Department Crime Tip hotline at www.putnampolice.com or 860-963-0000.
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 963-0000.
Aug. 12
Marty Frazier, 38, Providence Street, Putnam; disorderly conduct.
Marta Armstrong, 28, Providence Street, Putnam; disorderly conduct.
Aug. 13
Steven Riendeau, 29, Marshall Street, Putnam; breach of peace.
Justin Leo, 30, Mechanic Street, Putnam; creating a public disturbance.
Aug. 14
Geovanni Hernandez, 19, no certain address; two counts of third-degree burglary, fifth-degree larceny, sixth-degree larceny, third-degree larceny, second-degree criminal mischief, second-degree failure to appear.