Volume 5, Number 46
www.cheshirecitizen.com
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Orchard celebrating its 40th year By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
In its 40th season, Hickory Hill Orchards still attracts pick-your-own enthusiasts such as Donald and Jackie Duman, of Bethany, who have been coming since the beginning.
By Mary Ellen Godin Record-Journal staff
“Our kids and our grandkids grew up coming here,” Donald Duman said. Longtime orchard worker Rick Pieschl inspects nectarines at Hickory Hill Orchard in Cheshire on Sept. 1. Hickory Hill Orchard is celebrating 40 years in business. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal
See Orchard, A10
Woman’s killer is sentenced after 40 years 58, will spend 20 to 35 years in prison. By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
Four decades after the slaying of Cheshire native Karen Johnson, her killer was sentenced last month in a North Carolina court to what could amount to a life sentence. Roger Pollard agreed to a plea deal, acknowledging that prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him although he didn’t admit guilt. Pollard,
interview last year, Gary Johnson said his fellow Marine didn’t like him and Johnson grew up in Cheshire with her knew he was away when his wife was family and moved to North Carolina in killed. 1979 to marry her high school sweetheart Gary Johnson after he joined the Investigators reopened the case sevMarine Corps. eral years ago. Tom Trevethan, Karen Johnson’s brother, said DNA evidence While he was away on training, Karen was crucial in linking Pollard to his Johnson was beaten and strangled sister’s killing. while home alone about a month after her 20th birthday. “They were able to put his DNA on Karen’s clothing,” he said. “That was Pollard and Gary Johnson served together in the Marine Corps. In an
See Johnson, A10
SEPTEMBER 21 22 23 24
The number of fatal airplane crashes in the state this year has prompted U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal to ask the Federal Aviation Administration to investigate pilot training, maintenance and other Blumenthal measures. In one year, eight small planes have crashed in the state, with six resulting in death. Blumenthal’s letter to the FAA seeks improved standards. “They have the power,” Blumenthal said about the FAA. “We’re demanding action under existing authority, and responsibility to set higher standards and improve enforcement.” A flight instructor was killed See FAA, A10
72667-02
The couple said they’ve been enjoying the South Meriden Road farm’s fresh fruit for decades.
Lynn and Fred Kudish
Higher standards urged for air travel