www.southingtoncitizen.com
Volume 19, Number 52
Friday, December 30, 2022
Rise in costs force another look at fire dept. projects By Christian Metzger Record-Journal staff
SOUTHINGTON — The Board of Fire Commissioners voted to approve over $1 million in engine and equipment replacements for the coming 2023/24 fiscal year. In drafting its capital budget, the department aims to space out the needed improvement of its facilities and vehicle replacements over the next several years. “April & Mark’s Cartoon Christmas Display” in Plainville has been delighting visitors, and collecting donations for the local food pantry, for many years. Nicole Zappone, The Citizen
With pressing supply chain issues, parts are more ex-
pensive and construction of new engines is estimated to take upwards of four years at some manufacturers, according to Fire Chief Eric Heath’s report. With some of the projects costing upwards of $1 million, they would need voter approval in a townwide referendum. But that doesn’t remain a certainty yet, as the department continues to work to slim its proposal ahead of the Jan. 6 deadline. See Budget, A11
Annual holiday display pulls in Community services donations for Plainville pantry surviving lean season By Nicole Zappone The Citizen
PLAINVILLE — Each winter, for more than two decades, April and Mark Blethen have welcomed the public to check out the substantial holiday display outside their North Washington Street home.
What the Blethen’s ask visitors for in return is a donation to the Plainville Food Pantry.
we had to move it to the backyard ... Mark suggested a set-up where there was a walk-through with the lights so that it was a path people could go through.”
“We decorated the front yard for the last 22 years and always left a donation box,” “April & Mark’s Cartoon April Blethen said. “We tried Christmas Display” features leaving a box on the side, but it got so overwhelming See Display, A10
Happy Holidays
SOUTHINGTON — Southington Community Services is on track to meet its seasonal donation goals in spite of having a leaner year. With less food being available to them than in previous years, officials have still been able to provide for residents in need even with an increased number of residents using their services. See Services, A2
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By Christian Metzger Record-Journal staff