Cady Road fire ruled accidental
PUTNAM — A structure fire that damaged a home at 61 Cady Road has been ruled accidental, though the exact cause remains undetermined, according to the Fire Marshal’s Office.
The fire marshal said the fire pattern analysis and witness statements surrounding the Dec. 8 fire show the fire started in the basement but the “ignition source could not be determined due to the extent of the damage in the area of origin.”
Dec. 8 a neighbor reported a chimney fire. The first arriving fire officer found smoke inside the residence and light smoke from the rear eaves, but no active flames. Further investigation by firefighters revealed high heat in the basement. Upon entry through the rear bulkhead, crews discovered the fire at the back wall of the basement. They were able to quickly extinguish the blaze
There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. Anyone with information about this incident or other fires in Putnam is asked to contact the Putnam Fire Marshal’s Office at (860) 963-6800 ext. 112.
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Ben Ahmed, with the basketball, stands with his teammates after breaking the school record. Tjay Hong photo.
#1 Putnam Science Prep team goes 2-0
BOSTON — Putnam Science definitely looked like the #1 team in the country as they rolled past #5 Cats Academy on Saturday 89-56. Jaeden Roberts led the Mustangs with 15 points, 2 assists and 2 steals and Ben Ahmed had 14 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks in the win. Warren Keel added 12 points, 5 assists and 4 steals for #1 Putnam Science. Tony Williams (6 steals) and Abdou Yadd (3 assists) each added 9 points apiece for PSA who improved to 31-2 on the season. Parrish Edmond added 7 points and 6 rebounds and Sam Osayi chipped in 8 rebounds.
WEBSTER — PSA continues to show the prep world why they are the #1 team in the country after another lopsided win over Bridgeport Prep 109-66 to move to 32-2 on the season. Adama Tambedou led the Mustangs with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks and Jamell Hatchett had 18 points, 5 steals and 2 assists in the win. Jaeden Roberts added 17 points, 3 steals and 2 assists and Abdou Yadd chipped in 13 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals for PSA. The big story of the night was Ben Ahmed (8 rebounds), who scored 12 points and broke the school scoring record. The record was held by current UConn star and PSA class of 2020 Hassan Diarra at 1,469 career points. Ahmed broke the record with a free throw with 5:33 on the clock in the second half. (see separate story below).
PSA Varsity – Busy Week
PUTNAM — The Varsity boys lost at home 74-57 Saturday afternoon to a tough Wilbraham and Monson team to fall to 13-10 on the season. TJ Espinosa led the Mustangs with 26 points and 6 rebounds and Jason Wang had 6 points and 5 rebounds. KJ Stcyr had 6 points and 3 steals and Stanislaw Nowakowski added 4 points, 6 rebounds and 6 blocks for Putnam Science.
PUTNAM — The Varsity boys lost at home Tuesday evening to Woodstock 82-55 to fall to 13-11 on the season. Stanislaw Nowakowski (7 rebounds) and Drake Alvarez (2 assists) led Putnam Science with 13 points each in the loss. TJ Espinosa added 11 points and 5 rebounds and Jason Wang chipped in 8 points and 3 rebounds for the Mustangs.
PUTNAM — TJ Espinosa had 15 points and 5 rebounds to lead the Varsity boys to a big 95-35 win over South Kent on Wednesday afternoon. Gabriel Vicente (5 rebounds), Craig Jonhera (6 steals), KD Duba (2 steals) and Zuko Ntshila (4 rebounds) all added 10 points apiece in the win. Jason Wang added 9 points and 5 rebounds and KJ Stcyr chipped in 6 points and 6 assists to help Putnam Science improve to 14-11 on the season.
PUTNAM — Premier Prep led most of the game and held on to knock off the Putnam Science Varsity boys 85-73 Thursday night. TJ Espinosa led the Mustangs with 18 points and 4 rebounds and Jason Wang added 13 points and 3 rebounds in the loss. KJ Stcyr added 12 points and 3 assists and Javier De Castro chipped in 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists as PSA fell to 14-12 on the season. Chris Maplanka had a game-high 12 rebounds for Putnam Science.
Elite – Rough Week
PUTNAM — The Winchendon (NY) School escaped with an 81-80 win over the PSA Elite boys Sunday afternoon. PSA made a shot at the buzzer for the win, but it came after the buzzer and the Mustangs fell to 22-8 on the season. Dominick LaDuca hit 7 three’s and had 22 points and Jacob Wang added 17 points and 7 rebounds in the loss. Octavius Wheeler added 14 points and 5 rebounds and Javelle Epps added 13 points and 3 rebounds.
PUTNAM — The Putnam Science Elite boys led 43-41 at halftime but couldn’t get the win and lost their 4th game in a row 82-81 to the Darrow School. Dominick LaDuca led the Mustangs with 18 points on 6 three pointers and added 4 assists in the loss. Octavius Wheeler added 17 points and David Djan had 16 points and 9 rebounds for Putnam Science who fell to 22-9 on the season. Jude Gonzalez added 9 points and 2 assists for PSA.
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Ahmed makes history, breaks PSA scoring record
Putnam Science Academy has a new all-time leading scorer.
Ben Ahmed cemented his name in PSA history, surpassing former Mustang and current UConn guard Hassan Diarra’s career scoring record of 1,469 points. With this milestone, “It means a lot just being able to see the results of my hard work and being able to pass a PSA legend like Hassan Diarra,” Ahmed said.
Ahmed’s journey to the record books began in his first year at PSA, when he made an immediate impact. He vividly recalls the first game he started against South Kent, a moment that set the tone for his career.
“I had 20 rebounds that game and I’ve been starting ever since,” he said.
Beyond the numbers, Ahmed credits PSA’s coaching staff for his development both on and off the court.
“I feel like you want to be around coaches that tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear, and all the coaches I’ve had here at PSA have done that,” he said. “They’ve also taught me to be very accountable as a basketball player.”
Despite his individual success, Ahmed remains locked in on the team’s ultimate goal—winning another championship before he leaves for the next chapter of his basketball career.
“I’m just trying to win another championship for PSA with my teammates before going to college and hopefully having an impact my freshman year,” he said.
For younger players looking to carve out their own path, Ahmed keeps his advice simple: stay focused and keep working.
“Just have a ‘why’ and goals set, and keep doing the right thing and pursuing those goals every day.”
As the season continues, Ahmed’s legacy at PSA is already secured. But he’s not done yet—he has one more championship run left in him, and he’s determined to go out on top.
Rebecca Townes
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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Richard O. Allard, U.S. Army veteran
PUTNAM — Richard O. Allard, 90, of Putnam died unexpectedly Feb. 15, 2025, at his home in Putnam. Beloved husband of the late Emily (Staplins) Allard, she died in 2021.
He was born Dec. 26, 1934, in Putnam, son of the late Omer and Almedia Allard.
Richard was a communicant of St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam. He served his country in the U. S. Army. He worked as a groundskeeper for many years at St. Mary’s Church and the Woodstock Fairgrounds.
He was a life long member of Putnam Fish and Game Club where he enjoyed Thursdays shooting with his friends and where he was the longest standing member.
He was an outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and deep-sea fishing. Richard and his wife loved to travel, especially their trips to Quebec, Canada and out west.
He leaves his children Richard A. Allard (Pam) of St. Johnsbury, Vt., Michelle Sabolesky and her fiancé J. R. Rousseau of Putnam; grandchildren Tessa LaRose, William Allard and great-grandchildren Liam, Jackson and Malika.
A Graveside Service will be held in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St. Putnam.
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