Brian Lockhart
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Reporter covering Bridgeport, some Stratford for The Connecticut Post. Gulf of Mexico. Lake Ontario. Slava Ukraini. Opinions my own. brian.lockhart@scni.com.
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Articles by Brian Lockhart
A vacant Stratford Rite Aid could become a Key Food grocery store
The shuttered Rite Aid Pharmacy on Main Street in Stratford on Oct. 22, 2026. Brian Lockhart/Hearst Connecticut Media The parking lot behind the shuttered Rite Aid Pharmacy and adjacent stores along Main Street in Stratford on Oct. 22, 2026. Brian Lockhart/Hearst Connecticut Media STRATFORD — Located on the modest Paradise Green commercial strip, the vacant Rite Aid pharmacy may not at first glance seem like the ideal size for a grocery store.
Connecticut Republicans are skipping some state races to deny Democrats campaign cash Original
Republican state party Chairman Ben Proto. Brian A. Pounds/Hearst Connecticut Media BRIDGEPORT — If you can’t beat 'em, limit the amount of public campaign cash they can receive. Not exactly a catchy, motivational election season battle cry. Article continues below this ad But in a few dark blue Connecticut neighborhoods — Bridgeport being the prime example — that is a strategy outnumbered Republicans have adopted this legislative campaign season.
Bridgeport to pay $50K to settle 2 police misconduct lawsuits
The Bridgeport Police banner is displayed on the podium at the Bridgeport Police Training Academy’s 47th Basic Training Session Graduation Ceremony at the University of Bridgeport on February 5, 2025. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media The total tab for the cases — one involving excessive force, the other a mistaken arrest — is $50,000.
Stratford approves 35% Homestead assessment reduction. Here’s who qualifies for the tax relief.
Stratford Mayor David Chess discusses the state of the town with the business community on Oct. 15, 2026 at Riverview Bistro. Brian Lockhart/Hearst Connecticut Media BRIDGEPORT — As of late last week, only about 3,700 households of an estimated 15,000 eligible had applied to reduce their next few years of real estate taxes through the Homestead Act.
New Bridgeport parking rules came with $250 fines. Police say school buses are not being targeted.
Bridgeport Police Sgt. Paul Cari and Assistant Chief Frank Capozzi meet with members of the City Council's public safety and transportation committee about parking regulations on large commercial vehicles Sept. 15, 2026. Brian Lockhart/Hearst Connecticut Media The school bus costume worn by Bridgeport Councilwoman Eneida Martinez sits on the side of the meeting room during the Sept. 15, 2026 discussion of parking regulations for large commercial vehicles.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines available to high-risk individuals ahead of respiratory illness season
October 15, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available for people at higher risk of serious illness from these viruses. Long-term care homes and hospitals are receiving the vaccine now to protect those most at risk. Pharmacies and primary care providers will be receiving the vaccine in mid-October.
Buying a property regulated by the conservation authority: what you need to know
October 15, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart Many people may like the thought of purchasing a rural property with a stream or river running through the area. It can provide a picturesque locale and allow people to connect to nature through a variety of experiences.
Matthews House Hospice annual gala features ‘An Enchanted Evening’
October 15, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart Matthews House Hospice in Alliston is inviting the South Simcoe community to come together for its 15th annual Giving Hearts Gala. This year’s theme is “An Enchanted Evening.” This signature fundraising event promises an evening of exceptional food, entertainment and celebration – all in support of compassionate care close to home.
Grade 7 immunization program returning to Simcoe Muskoka
October 15, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart In partnership with local school boards, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit will be bringing vaccine clinics to schools this fall to help Grade 7 students keep up to date on recommended immunizations. Students will be offered three free, publicly funded vaccines that help protect against hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, and human papillomavirus.
Age-Friendly leaders recognized for making a difference
October 15, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart Nineteen individuals, businesses and organizations were honoured at the County of Simcoe’s 2026 Age-Friendly Recognition Awards ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 6. Through their dedication, innovation and service, the honourees are helping older adults remain connected, independent and engaged in their communities.
Dr. Kent Newton celebrates 30 years of helping local residents with chiropractic treatment
October 15, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart After 30 years of helping local residents and other patients who arrive from a considerable distance, Dr. Kent Newton says he has enjoyed every year of those three decades and has no plans to give up his chiropractic practice anytime soon.
Province investing over $1 million in support of Matthews House Hospice programming
October 15, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart The Ontario government is providing $1,078,000 in one-time funding to continue the palliative-focused community support service pilot program at Matthews House Hospice in Alliston on behalf of Stevenson Memorial Hospital. The CSS program helps people with life-limiting illnesses remain safely and comfortably at home longer.
Bridgeport's only hockey bidder says he's not officials' preferred choice for the arena
The Bridgeport Islanders celebrate an overtime goal against the Providence Bruins in Game 2 of their AHL playoff series on May 4, 2022 at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Conn. Bridgeport Islanders / Contributed Photo Bridgeport Islanders forward Michael Dal Colle skates against the Hershey Bears during an AHL hockey game on Saturday, March 11, 2022 at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Conn.
Missing sculpture to Gustave Whitehead again soars over Bridgeport's West End
The metal sculpture honoring Gustave Whitehead's aeronautic accomplishments has been put back on display on Bridgeport's West End. Brian Lockhart/Hearst Connecticut Media The metal sculpture honoring Gustave Whitehead's aeronautic accomplishments has been put back on display on Bridgeport's West End.
Bridgeport arena's future takes shape as state, city eye 'preferred' bidder Original
A suite level view of the ice rink at the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport photographed on April 23, 2026. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media A group enters the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport for a tour on April 23, 2026. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media A year later, the 10,000-seat sports and entertainment venue has gone from hosting slapped pucks and cheering crowds, to being inactive and the subject of quiet negotiations about its uncertain future.
Thomas McCarthy returns to Bridgeport City Hall a decade after clashing with Ganim
Then newly-elected Bridgeport City Coucil President Aidee Nieves sits with then outgoing Council President Thomas McCarthy during the City Council meeting at City Hall in Bridgeport, Conn. on Monday, December 4, 2017. Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media Former Grand Marshal Tom McCarthy, right, marches with other dignitaries in the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Fairfield Avenue in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, Conn. on Friday, March 15, 2024. Brian A.
MacKinnon Family Restaurants makes $150,000 pledge to hospital foundation
October 8, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart The Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation has announced a $150,000 pledge from MacKinnon Family Restaurants in support of the Foundation’s Because of You Campaign. For the MacKinnon family, supporting Stevenson Memorial Hospital is a long-standing commitment.
OPP and MTO conduct joint commercial motor vehicle enforcement
October 8, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart Several truck drivers learned the hard way about the importance of keeping their vehicles in a safe operating condition after members of the Ontario Provincial Police in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation Barrie Enforcement Office conducted a Commercial Motor Vehicle enforcement blitz on Sept. 20, in the area of County Rd. 90.
Kevin Lord Foundation makes donation to Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation
October 8, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart It was a good day for hitting the links when 152 golfers turned out for the annual Kevin Lord Memorial Foundation Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 30, at Bear Creek Golf & Country Club in Utopia. The annual event raises funds and supports several local charities. Foundation president Al Lord visited Stevenson Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, Sept.
Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority prepares for transition to regional authority
October 8, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) Board of Directors has unanimously approved its 2027 Business Plan and Budget. This is a transitional year for the NVCA as the organization joins five other conservation authorities to form the Lake Huron Region Conservation Authority.
County of Simcoe recognizes age-friendly champions
October 8, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart As communities across Canada recognized National Seniors Day, the County of Simcoe is shining a spotlight on the individuals, businesses, and organizations that help make Simcoe County a more inclusive, accessible, and supportive place for older adults. The county has honoured them through its annual Age-Friendly Recognition Awards.
CONTACT’s annual Coats for Kids campaign starts in October
October 8, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart CONTACT Community Services has announced the launch of its 22nd annual Coats for Kids Campaign. This is a local initiative aimed at ensuring that every child in South Simcoe can stay warm during the winter months.
Local author releases new children’s book
October 8, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart While some authors struggle with writing the number of words it takes to create a novel, Alliston author Delano Brown found himself in a challenge of an opposite nature – how to reduce a lot of words to a much smaller number while keeping the book’s theme.
New helipad officially opens at Stevenson Memorial Hospital
October 8, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart Stevenson Memorial Hospital held a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 1, to officially open its brand new helipad. The structure had already been used several times to land and transport critically ill patients to hospitals in Toronto. The new helipad marks the first completed project of the hospital redevelopment.
Alliston Hornets remain undefeated after a pair of weekend games
October 8, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart The Alliston Hornets are now the only undefeated team in the Provincial Junior Hockey League after winning both of their games over the weekend. Opening the weekend, the Hornets hosted the Innisfil Spartans at the New Tecumseth Recreation Centre on Friday, Oct. 2.
New Tecumseth Times
October 8, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart “What in the hell happened?” “An execution. A successful one.” “How can you call that, a success?” “Eduard Delacroix is dead.” You may recognize that scene from the Tom Hanks movie The Green Mile, where the execution of a prisoner doesn’t go as planned.
Mayor and deputy mayor candidates share their positions on local issues
October 8, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart There was more of a question-and-answer format than a traditional debate at the New Tecumseth Mayoral and Deputy Mayor Debate at the Gibson Centre in Alliston on Monday, Oct. 5. Three of the five invited candidates attended the event, giving residents an opportunity to hear their positions on a range of local issues.
Bridgeport looks to pay $50,000 to settle 2 federal lawsuits over police conduct
A file photo of a Bridgeport police cruiser. Bridgeport police said a 43-year-old Bridgeport man suffered serious injuries after crashing a motorized scooter at Seaside Park on Sunday evening. Courtesy of the Bridgeport Police Department Municipal officials are poised to settle a pair of unrelated federal lawsuits by a man claiming a police officer struck him while in custody and a woman who was falsely arrested.
Bridgeport leaders rally behind Chief Roderick Porter as calls for his ouster continue
BRIDGEPORT — The Rev. Carl McCluster admitted that, four years ago, Roderick Porter would not have been his first pick when the mayor put the retired captain in charge of the police department.
Annual low-cost rabies vaccination clinics coming to Alliston, Tottenham
October 2, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart Veterinarians in Simcoe County are once again offering low-cost rabies vaccination clinics to help pet owners protect their dogs and cats from rabies. The clinics are open to dogs and cats aged three months and older and provide an affordable way to keep pets protected.
OPP sergeant from Alliston charged in child exploitation investigation
October 2, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart An Alliston resident and Ontario Provincial Police Sergeant with 28 years of service has been arrested and charged in connection to a child sexual exploitation investigation. Chris Weise, 54, who is currently on an unrelated leave of absence, was arrested and charged on Tuesday, Sept.
Families invited to join National Breastfeeding Week celebrations
October 2, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart National Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from Oct. 1 to 7, highlighting the benefits breastfeeding provides to babies and families. To mark the week, municipalities across Simcoe Muskoka will proclaim National Breastfeeding Week and hold flag-raising events.
Skilled Trades & Technology Centre connects residents with in-demand careers
October 2, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart The Town of New Tecumseth is investing in the future through innovative partnerships, hands-on learning opportunities, and forward-thinking initiatives that connect residents with in-demand careers.
Alliston Hornets take early lead in PJHL division standings
October 2, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart The Alliston Hornets are tied for first place with the Orillia Terriers after the opening few games of the North Carruthers Division of the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL). Both Alliston and Orillia are undefeated after three games. The Hornets had two road games over the weekend. On Saturday, Sept.
Ontario Trillium Grants fund five local programs
October 2, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart The Ontario government is providing five non-profit organizations in Simcoe-Grey with $413,200 in funding this year through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Capital grant stream.
Town plans environmental assessment for water booster pumping stations
October 2, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart The Town of New Tecumseth is undertaking a Schedule B Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for the addition of two water booster pumping stations. The Town of New Tecumseth owns and operates a 57-kilometre water transmission main that transports treated water from the Raymond A.
Plan ahead for respiratory virus season to keep babies safe: Health unit
October 2, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is reminding parents-to-be and families with new babies to plan for respiratory virus season. This includes asking their baby’s health care provider about RSV immunization. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that can make babies and young children very sick.
Police warn of recent cellphone service provider fraud
October 2, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart Ontario Provincial Police officers are investigating multiple instances of cellphone service provider fraud and are reminding the public to remain cautious of unsolicited telephone calls.
Parking lot and lower entrance closed at local hospital for renovations
October 2, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart Stevenson Memorial Hospital’s lower parking lot across from Riverdale Park is undergoing revitalization and is temporarily closed. The lower parking lot will be reshaped and paved in preparation for the new hospital facility. The lot closed on Sept. 21, and construction is expected to take two to three months to complete.
Supporters plan rally for Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter amid ongoing fight with union
Councilwoman Mary McBride-Lee, left, speaks with Mayor Joe Ganim in front of the polling place at Wilbur Cross School in Bridgeport on February 27, 2024. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter speaks at the annual meeting of the Downtown Special Services District in Bridgeport on May 14, 2025. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media BRIDGEPORT — The Rev. Mary McBride-Lee believes the city’s top cop, Roderick Porter, could use some love.
Last Blast brings vintage construction equipment to Simcoe County Museum
October 2, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart If you enjoy seeing vintage steam-powered machines, you will appreciate the Last Blast event at the Simcoe County Museum. The museum, in collaboration with the Historical Construction Equipment Association of Canada, is presenting another exciting edition of the Last Blast – a one-of-a-kind celebration of vintage equipment.
Families invited to join National Breastfeeding Week celebrations
Families invited to join National Breastfeeding Week celebrations October 2, 2026 · 0 Comments National Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from Oct. 1 to 7, highlighting the benefits breastfeeding provides to babies and families. To mark the week, municipalities across Simcoe Muskoka will proclaim National Breastfeeding Week and hold flag-raising events.
Bridgeport to sell long-vacant downtown land for $250,000 for new apartment building
Vacant city-owned land at 157 and 171 Golden Hill St. in Bridgeport on Sept. 29, 2026. Brian Lockhart/Hearst Connecticut Media Vacant city-owned land at 157 and 171 Golden Hill St. in Bridgeport on Sept. 29, 2026. Brian Lockhart/Hearst Connecticut Media BRIDGEPORT — City officials are moving to unload long-vacant municipal property downtown for a small apartment building.
Stratford mayor abruptly lets go 2 key economic development hires
David Chess speaks during an interview at Stratford Town Hall, in Stratford, Conn. Dec. 3, 2025. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media STRATFORD — One day you are filming your boss as he samples freshly-made beignets at a local diner and interviews its owner. And then suddenly you are out of work. Mayor David Chess began this week with what appears to be an abrupt shakeup in his economic development office, an area of municipal government central to his successful 2025 campaign.
Stratford fire chief is retiring after 25 years. He may be headed to Hamden
Stratford Fire Chief Jermaine Atkinson, who has retired from the department and is seeking a job in Hamden, speaks during a news conference on Sept. 9, 2022. Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media STRATFORD — Fire Chief Jermaine Atkinson is retiring, but not planning to end his career. After a quarter century battling blazes in Stratford, four of which he spent as chief, Atkinson is awaiting final approval for a job in Hamden.
Bridgeport's East End wants its own pedestrian bridge, one to Pleasure Beach
The Pleasure Beach peninsula as viewed from Seaview Avenue in Bridgeport on Sept. 23, 2026. Brian Lockhart/Hearst Connecticut Media Signs with information about the Pleasure Beach peninsula and the water taxis needed to get there, posted off of Seaview Avenue in Bridgeport on Sept. 23, 2026. Brian Lockhart/Hearst Connecticut Media BRIDGEPORT — East End leaders are feeling bridge envy.
Bridgeport police union president faces challenger as fight with chief intensifies
Michael Salemme III, left, and Marie Cetti are both running to be president of the Bridgport police union. BRIDGEPORT — The chief may run the police department, but its union president also plays an influential role in determining how the force functions. And to describe relations between top cop Roderick Porter and Michael Salemme III, union boss for the past three years, as tense would be a vast understatement.
Around 800 students remain eligible for suspension if not vaccinated
September 24, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart Around 800 Grade 11 and 12 students remain eligible for suspension if they don’t get their required vaccinations up to date. In May, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit mailed reminder notices to more than 5,600 students letting them know they were missing required vaccinations.
New Lowell Knights win North Dufferin Baseball’s senior division championship
September 24, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart The New Lowell Knights are back-to-back North Dufferin Baseball League (NDBL) senior division champions after winning the final series in five games over the Bolton Brewers. The Knights also claimed the 2025 title. New Lowell finished the regular season in second place behind the Owen Sound Baysox.
Matthews House Hospice has a full day of fun with Annual Golf Tournament
September 24, 2026 · 0 Comments By Brian Lockhart Matthews House Hospice in Alliston held its Annual Golf Tournament on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Bear Creek Golf Club in Utopia. This was the 15th year of the full-day tournament, which raises funds for Matthews House programs and services.
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