Voice of CT

Melissa in the Morning: Beware of Storm-Related Scammers

Right now, and in the coming weeks, scammers are on the prowl to dupe Connecticut residents following the historic flooding event August 18th. From clean-up and repair scams to charity scams, we got tips to protect yourselves from Dept. of Consumer Protection Commissioner, Bryan Cafferelli.

For more information or to file a complaint: email [email protected] or visit www.ct.gov/DCP/complaints

Ensure that a contractor has the appropriate credentials for the work they’re performing by visiting www.elicense.ct.gov
Always research a charity before giving by visiting sites like www.CharityNavigator.org, www.GuideStar.org, or www.give.org (*be wary of GoFundMe pages*)

Image Credit: Getty Images

Melissa in the Morning: Rescue Goes Viral

A video of Beacon Falls Firefighters rescuing residents in Oxford has gone viral. It is just a snippet of the incredible work first responders have done this week following the historic flooding in parts of Connecticut. We talked with Jeremy Rodorigo, Emergency Management Director and volunteer firefighter in Beacon Falls, to describe the rescue and address how first responders are recovering in the aftermath.

Image Credit: Jeremy Rodorigo

CT Humane Society Pet of the Week

Today’s Pet of the Week is Pearl!

This pretty girl is a 6-year-old domestic medium hair cat
Her previous owner didn’t have the time to care for her anymore so she came to CHS to find a loving family to be with
Her purrfect home will be adults only as she is a quiet and reserved kitty and wants a peaceful environment
She has not had much experience with other pets, so pending a meet and greet and slow introduction to resident pets, she’ll probably do well
She is polydactyl! That means she has extra toes on her front and back paws. We like to call them thumbs. This does mean she’s going to need a few extra pedicures!

CT Today With Paul Pacelli – The Electric Bill Outrage Continues

Tuesday’s “Connecticut Today” with host Paul Pacelli talked about the ongoing anger connected to many electric bills in the state with Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio (00:22). Landmark Legal Foundation Attorney and Vice President of Legal Affairs Mike O’Neill explained the current federal court battle over Title-IX (11:17)

Image Credit: Comstock / Getty Images

The Lisa Wexler Show – Live From The DNC, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz calls Lisa Wexler live to report from the DNC in Chicago.

Image Credit: Reuters

Melissa in the Morning: The Lightest, Heaviest Blue?

Ahead of the annual WICC Surfside Hotel Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth, we are hearing the blues are a lot smaller than usual. Why is that? And could this be the year with the lightest blue named the winner in the tournament? We asked our CT fish expert, Josh Rayner.

Melissa in the Morning: Seymour’s Aftermath

Seymour was one of the handful of towns impacted by the historic flooding. We checked in with First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis and Emergency Director Christopher Edwards for the latest.

Image Credit: Annmarie Drugonis

Melissa in the Morning: Washed Out Oxford Daycare

Following the devastating floods in parts of Connecticut, dozens of businesses were destroyed, including a local preschool. We spoke with Marta Saklawska, the owner and Director of Creative Starts Learning Center in Oxford, which serves more than 50 kids each year.

If you want to make a monetary donation: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-creative-starts-rebuild-after-flood?qid=136d6a177df90823fcf26734d06ffe4a
You also can donate pre-school aged items (ie. books, toys) and drop off items at the daycare’s Stratford locations:
61 California Street or 2189 Barnum Avenue

Image Credit: Marta Saklawska

Melissa in the Morning: Oxford First Selectman George Temple

The cleanup is just beginning following the flooding that caused extensive damage in Western Connecticut and killed two people in Oxford. We spoke with Oxford First Selectman, George Temple, about the aftermath of the storm on his community and plans to move forward.

Image Credit: Terry Rooney

CT Today With Paul Pacelli – What Caused All That Rain?

Monday’s “Connecticut Today” with host Paul Pacelli provided the latest info on Sunday’s record-setting rain in Connecticut, with WICC Chief Meteorologist Paul Piorek explaining what exactly happened (00:38). Beacon Falls-Derby-Seymour State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria (04:14) and Monroe First Selectman Terry Rooney (09:54) called in to talk about the damage they’ve seen. We also aired part of an afternoon news conference featuring local, state and national leaders, including Governor Ned Lamont and Oxford First Selectman George Temple (13:29)

Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus