Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by John McKenna
Christmas comes early at Angevine Farm
Lisa Bergs, right, of Warren, chats with a customers during the Christmas in July Makers Market at Angevine Farm in Warren on Saturday. John McKenna photos By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher Angevine Farm in Warren was bustling with activity on Saturday as it hosted its second annual Christmas in July Makers Market on […] Remember Me
Anxiety building over Town Hall Annex fate
The future of the Town Hall Annex in Bantam was the subject of a discussion on Thursday. John McKenna photos By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher Investing more than $30 million into the Town Hall Annex in Bantam to bring the decaying building up to modern standards would make no sense, First Selectman Denise […] Remember Me
Legislative candidate feeling grateful
To the Editor: July 24 I am honored to be the endorsed Democratic candidate for state representative in District 66. On May 20, I was nominated by Woodbury Selectman Richard Coates and seconded by Bonnie Sherman to run in this November’s election. I am deeply grateful for their confidence and for the encouragement I’ve received […] Remember Me
Legislators need be be active on grants
To the Editor: July 24 Mention was made in a letter to the editor suggesting the role of a representative is passive, only responding to requests needing support to shepherd completed grants to the state, using Flanders as the example. Comparing Flanders to towns offers little insight into the role an effective state representative might […] Remember Me
Legislator takes issue with event remarks
To the Editor: July 24 On Sunday, June 28, I attended a Pride Month gathering on the North Green in Woodbury in the spirit of community and inclusion. I was shocked when Vanita Bhalla publicly accused me of supporting a Republican candidate who suggested LGBTQ individuals should be put to death. Those remarks were reprehensible […] Remember Me
Obituary: Nancy Rogers of Litchfield
Nancy Barrett Rogers Nancy Barrett Rogers Oct. 3, 1947 - July 11, 2026 Nancy Barrett Rogers was born to Raymond A. and Anne B. Rogers, spending her early years in Princeton, NJ. Following graduation from Marymount College, she moved to New York City, where she lived for many years. Subsequently, she resided in Litchfield with […] Remember Me
Local students gain honors, diplomas
Ellen McCarthy and Madeline Miller-Murphy, both of Litchfield, were named to the College of the Holy Cross Dean's List for outstanding academic achievement during the spring semester of the 2025-26 academic year. McCarthy graduated in May and Miller-Murphy will be a sophomore. To qualify for the Dean's List, students must pass four or more letter-graded […] Remember Me
Goshen to showcase summertime bounty
Mike's Beehives in Goshen will be one of the stops on the Goshen Open Farm Tour on Saturday and Sunday. John McKenna photos From wine, honey and chocolate to seasonal produce, goat milk and cheese, the annual Goshen Open Farm Tour this weekend will have a bit of everything in showing that agriculture in town […] Remember Me
Morris Land Trust to celebrate legacy farm
Heather Washburn, the owner of Farnham Farm in East Morris, her dog, Ellie, and Morris Land Trust President Ben Solnit at the farm on Wednesday. John McKenna photos By Hope Melk: BZ correspondent The Morris Land Trust will host a commemorative event at historic Farnham Farm on Sunday to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary and […] Remember Me
Our Towns: Scout brings light to boathouse
Evan Cassone of Boy Scout Troop 29 has overseen the installation of lighting in the Litchfield Hills Rowing Club boathouse on Bantam Lake. John McKenna photos John McKenna By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher LITCHFIELD - One of the most elaborate and involved Eagle Scout projects in the history of Boy Scout Troop 29 […] Remember Me
Moody’s: Region 20 finances much better
The Region 20 Board of Education's fiscal health is strong thanks in part to the work of Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Villar and Chief Financial Officer Julia Cardillo. John McKenna photo By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher The once bleak financial standing of the Region 20 Board of Education continues to improve and, based […] Remember Me
Morris selectmen considering DOT plan
The state Department of Transportation has proposed an updated version of a plan to improve the intersection in the center of Morris. John McKenna photo By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher The state Department of Transportation is giving the Board of Selectmen in Morris a chance to weigh in on the latest version of […] Remember Me
Orchids and onions
Orchids to the Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for creating the new "Patriot Garden" at American Legion Post 27 in Litchfield (see news page). Orchids to the Region 20 Board of Education for its re-election of Chairman Tiffany Parkhouse and Vice Chairman Ashley Westfall, both of Warren (see news […] Remember Me
Young soccer players learning from a pro
Led by instructor and professional soccer player Ollie Diakhate, campers in the Litchfield Park and Recreation Department summer soccer camp have a good time Monday at White Memorial Field. John McKenna photos Participants in the Litchfield Park and Recreation Department's summer soccer camp at White Memorial Field are learning a lot about the game and […] Remember Me
New steps are in place at the Milton Hall
On the new steps at the Milton Hall during Milton's observance of the 37th anniversary of the July 10, 1989 tornado are, lower step, Jack Bares, left, and Tate Bares, and top step, Wesley Ricard and Rylee Selino. John McKenna photos The potluck supper at Milton Hall that marked the 37th anniversary of the July […] Remember Me
Troopers respond to meeting altercation
Two state troopers question Litchfield land-use department secretary April Blasavage, left, and Planning and Zoning Commission alternate Denise Correira outside the Town Hall Annex in Bantam following an incident involving two Litchfield residents during a planning and zoning meeting on Monday. John McKenna photos By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher What had been a […] Remember Me
Pastor putting his carpenter skills to work
Rabbi Peter Oliveira, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Litchfield, pulls a nail from a beam in the ceiling of the belfry in the steeple of the church on Monday. John McKenna photos By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher Talk about an in-house job. At the First Congregational Church of Litchfield, Rabbi Peter […] Remember Me
Duel taking shape in 66th District race
State Rep. Karen Reddington-Hughes, R-Woodbury, is seeking a third term representing the 66th District. She is shown at her Abrash Gallery vintage rug and home furnishings shop in Woodbury. John McKenna photos By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher An all-Woodbury match up in the 66th District race is beginning to take shape as two-term […] Remember Me
Vehicle causes mayhem in center of town
A Ford Explorer that damaged the Litchfield Green and Litchfield Historical Society property late Saturday night sits on the back of a flatbed truck on East Street on Sunday. Contributed photos By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher The Litchfield Green sustained damage as did Litchfield Historical Society property late Saturday night when a Ford […] Remember Me
Cheerleader prospects take center stage
Girls in the Litchfield Park and Recreation Department's cheerleader camp perform at Litchfield Intermediate School. Contributed photos The Park and Recreation Department's cheerleader camp for girls in grades 1-4 was held at Litchfield Intermediate School July 6-10. Directed by Lakeview cheer team coach Lindsay Baker, the camp focused on basic skills and moves and culminated […] Remember Me
Obituary: Col. Ray Kaufman, Army veteran
Col. Ray Kaufman LITCHFIELD – Col. Raymond “Ray” Kaufman Jr., U.S. Army (Ret.), passed away after a distinguished life of service to his country, his family, and his community. Col. Kaufman proudly served for 31 years in the United States Army in a variety of leadership assignments before retiring in 1986. A graduate of Eastern […] Remember Me
Summertime in Litchfield means road work
The reconstruction of Wigwam Road in Northfield is one of the major road projects being carried out in Litchfield. John McKenna photos By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher Key road improvement projects in Litchfield have been completed or are underway as the town's more than 100 miles of road continue to be brought into […] Remember Me
Young cheerleaders display their skills
Participants in a cheerleader camp at Litchfield Intermediate School this week perform for parents on Friday. John McKenna photos The future for the Lakeview cheer team sure looks bright after a performance Friday by the girls in a summer cheerleader camp run this week by Lindsay Baker, who is building a successful program at the […] Remember Me
Goshen board upholds ZEO quarry ruling
Goshen Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Dan Kobylenski, center, is flanked by ZBA members Audrey Blondin and Donald Moore as they study a property map during a public hearing Thursday on the status of a quarry on Turkey Hollow Lane. John McKenna photos By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher A decision Goshen Zoning Enforcement […] Remember Me
VNHLC moves thrift store to Bantam church
Our Lady of Grace Church in Bantam is the new home of the Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Litchfield Country Thrift Store. Hope Melk photos By Hope Melk: BZ correspondent A nonprofit thrift store benefiting Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Litchfield County opened Tuesday in its new home in the hall at Our Lady of […] Remember Me
Candidates visit with Morris Democrats
Aaron Zimmer of Brookfield, the Democratic candidate for state Senate in the 30th District, addresses the Morris Democratic Town Committee on Tuesday. John McKenna photos By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher The Morris Democratic Town Committee on Tuesday hosted a pair of Democrats running for office in November, Aaron Zimmer of Brookfield and Suzanne […] Remember Me
Goshen registrars prepping for primary
The registrars of voters in Goshen will be in session July 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. to take care of business ahead of the statewide Democratic and Republican party primaries on Aug. 11. Registrars will hear requests from Goshen residents removed from the registry list to have their names added back to the list. […] Remember Me
Tough loss for Trojans in Tri-State contest
Willy Yahn of the Tri-Town Trojans steals second base in a Tri-State League game against the Wolcott Scrappers at Community Field on Tuesday. Jason Marquez photos Dan Livingston's brilliant pitching effort for the Tri-Town Trojans on Tuesday was wasted as the home team dropped a 1-0 Tri-State League decision to the Wolcott Scrappers at Community […] Remember Me
Our Towns: New garden at Post 27 dedicated
At the dedication of the new garden at American Legion Post 27 in Litchfield are, from left, Robin Bielawiec, Nancy Amrich and Janet Johnson of the Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Don Sage, Jim Amrich, Danielle Lemieux, Dick Robert and Mark Rose of Post 27, Cara Johnson of the […] Remember Me
Orchids and onions
Orchids to Jodiann Tenney of Litchfield for her five years of strong service on the Board of Selectmen (see news page). Tenney, who stepped down due to an increase in her professional obligations, provided valuable insight as a selectman and will be remembered for the job she did as chairman of the committee that analyzed […] Remember Me
Tournament to aid PHPF and booster club
Lakeview golf coach and Litchfield Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Rob Gollow has been a mainstay in the annual Litchfield Hills Open tournament. John McKenna photos Some of the area's top golfers will hit the Torrington Country Club course on Aug. 3 as it hosts the annual Litchfield Hills Open, a fundraiser for Plumb Hill […] Remember Me
Building a future for Lakeview’s cheer team
The dance was on at the Litchfield Park and Recreation Department's cheerleader camp on Tuesday. John McKenna photos Lindsay Baker's effort to establish a successful cheer team program at Lakeview High School is working and is getting a boost from the Litchfield Park and Recreation Department's summer cheerleader camp being held at Litchfield Intermediate School […] Remember Me
Warren’s Criollo completes first triathlon
Jorge Criollo of Warren competes in the Hopkins Vineyard Triathlon on Saturday. Contributed photos Jorge Criollo of Warren might have been the happiest finisher in the Hopkins Vineyard Triathlon at Lake Waramaug on Saturday. Criollo completed his first triathlon with a big smile on his face. He covered the half-mile swim, 8-mile bike ride and […] Remember Me
Rev. Collins installed as pastor of parish
Rev. Matthew Collins, pastor of the St. Louis de Montfort Parish, speaks during his installation Mass on Saturday. Photos courtesy of Archdiocese of Hartford With the help of the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford, the Rev. Matthew Collins was installed as the pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Litchfield on Saturday. Archbishop […] Remember Me
Panel seeks emergency coverage solution
Litchfield Volunteer Ambulance Chief John Pudlinski comments during a meeting of the Interlocal Emergency Medical Services Committee on Monday. John McKenna photos By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher A group charged with proposing a potential solution to the emergency medical services sustainability issue Litchfield and Bantam are facing is one step closer to its […] Remember Me
Goshen GOP endorses De Barros in 5th
Goshen Republican Town Committee Chairman Jeff Damiano and Vice Chairman Lynette Miller preside Monday over the town committee's vote on endorsing a Republican candidate for the upcoming 5th Congressional District primary. John McKenna photos By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher The Republican Town Committee in Goshen is throwing its weight behind Jonathan De Barros […] Remember Me
All-Round Harnesses Group Test
Reviewed by John McKenna - Rockfax and Elle Hopkins A longstanding favourite, the Adjama (men's) and Luna (women's) are Petzl's do-everything harnesses; comfortable and adjustable, able to handle sport or trad, single or multi-pitch. With adjustable legs, five decent gear loops and a genuinely comfy and supportive build, we've used it for pretty much everything, from sea cliff trad at Gogarth to single pitch sport.
Lakeview students apply artistic touch
The mural Lakeview National Art Honor Society students painted in the classroom of science teacher Tyler Schuck. Quinn Stickney photos When Litchfield and Wamogo high schools merged to become Lakeview, ceiling tiles in the schools with the artistic designs of past students were painted over to achieve a fresh start signifying the new Region 20. […] Remember Me
Driver injured in collision with pole
Bantam firefighter Jim Gavell and Litchfield Volunteer Ambulance emergency medical technician Fatime Adili work at the scene of an accident on Bantam Road on Monday. John McKenna photos By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher Bantam firefighters and a crew from Litchfield Volunteer Ambulance sprung into action on Monday after a Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling […] Remember Me
A Wild West night at community center
Litchfield Community Center staffers at the Wild West Summerfest celebration on Saturday are, from left, Quinn Stickney, Jen Purdie, Erin Vasquez and Noah Weik. John McKenna photos By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher A crowd 340 strong partied wild west-style at the Litchfield Community Center on Saturday evening in the latest - and perhaps […] Remember Me
New pool opens at the Litchfield Inn
Guests gather around the new pool at the Litchfield Inn during a reception on Sunday. John McKenna photos A picturesque summer afternoon on Sunday saw the Litchfield Inn christen its new swimming pool. The inn's owner, Syed Bokari, hosted a large group of friends for a cocktail party that marked the occasion. Litchfield Inn owner […] Remember Me
From the pulpit: Rev. Parker Prout
Rev. Parker Prout July 12 sermon of the Rev. Parker Prout, pastor of the United Methodist Church of Litchfield and Bantam and First United Methodist Church of Torrington. This year we are observing our country's beginning. The date of July 4th -- is a focal point of the 250th anniversary of a truly landmark statement […] Remember Me
Driver, occupant escape injury in crash
Litchfield firefighters work at the scene of an accident on the East Street section of Route 118 on Sunday. John McKenna A BMW traveling west on the East Street section of Route 118 in Litchfield on Sunday left the road and skidded down an embankment before coming to a rest against a tree. The driver […] Remember Me
Round up of local real estate transactions
This property at 42 Chestnut Hill Road in Litchfield has sold for $1,500,000. John McKenna photo Litchfield Walter S. Mack Jr. and Consuelo Mack have sold property at 42 Chestnut Hill Road to Peter J. and Thomas Skalka for $1,500,000. Michael and Kerry Bianchi have sold property at 262 Hunter Drive Lot 262 to Taryn […] Remember Me
Bear has been invading Warren homes
A nuisance bear roaming the area around the north shore of Lake Waramaug in Warren has entered two homes and a garage and killed a calf on a farm recently, prompting First Selectman Gregory LaCava to seek help from state Sen. Stephen Harding, R-Brookfield, state Rep. Karen Reddington-Hughes, R-Woodbury, and the state Department of Energy […] Remember Me
Healthy choices: Importance of water
Health and wellness guru Susan Wheeler of Goshen provides monthly tips on self-care. She can be reached at susan@susanvwheeler.com. By Susan Wheeler: BZ correspondent One of my favorite things about summer is getting out on the trails with my dogs. There is something about being surrounded by trees, hearing the birds, and walking along a […] Remember Me
Parkhouse maintains R20 board leadership
Tiffany Parkhouse of Warren has been elected to a new term as chairman of the Region 20 Board of Education. John McKenna photo By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher Leadership of the Region 20 Board of Education will remain in the hands of Tiffany Parkhouse of Warren for another year following the board's annual […] Remember Me
Our Towns: Bantam observes its history
Dave and Yvonne Reynolds of Bantam view memorabilia on display for the Bantam Historical Society's Independence Day program. John McKenna photos John McKenna By John McKenna: BZ editor and publisher LITCHFIELD - While the cannons of the First Litchfield Artillery Regiment were blasting away in the center of town on Independence Day, the Bantam Historical […] Remember Me
Reflections on the Lakeview Class of 2026
Quinn Stickney graduated third in the Lakeview High School Class of 2026 and will attend Vassar College, where she will study political science and science, technology and society. Jason Marquez photo By Quinn Stickney: BZ correspondent Dating back to my time as an intermediate school student, I remember being told that my class, the class […] Remember Me
How to survive freshman year of college
Hope Melk is a 2025 graduate of Lakeview High School and will be a sophomore at the University of Connecticut, where she is studying journalism and political science. Below is her advice to the college-bound graduates from the Lakeview Class of 2026. John McKenna photo By Hope Melk: BZ correspondent Successfully transitioning into life after […] Remember Me
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with John
Contact John, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack