Daily Five: Waterford Title Named Story of the Year

1. The cold weather continues. Today should be mostly sunny, with a high around 32, according to the National Weather Service. Tonight should be mostly clear, with a low around 16, according to the service.

2. The Waterford Police Department is now accepting applications for its citizen’s academy, which runs from March 7th until May 23rd.

The academy is free and reveals a variety of aspects of the Waterford Police Department, from a presentation on the weapons the department uses to a K-9 demonstration. The academy meets every Thursday night from 6 to 9 and all participants must do a ride-along with a police officer as well.

To apply for the academy, you can go to the Waterford Police Department’s website or applications can be picked up at the police department at 41 Avery Lane. The class is open to all Waterford residents and to people who work in Waterford as well.

If you have any questions about the academy, contact Waterford Police Officer Marc Balestracci at (860) 442-9451 or e-mail him at mbalestracci@waterfordct.org.

Patch went to several of the classes last year, and it was really interesting. Of course, the best part was watching Waterford Police Sgt. Andre Parker getting tased.

3. The Day newspaper this week named the Waterford High School boys’ basketball team winning its first state championship as its sport’s story of the year.

The team went 24-2 in the regular season and went on to defeat Watertown in the Class M finals to win the school’s first championship in boys’ basketball. The team was lead by Seniors Nolan Long, Geary McLeod and coach Greg Gwudz.

Congratulations to the team for a wonderful season, and all of Waterford wishes them well as they try to defend their title this year.  

4. There are two events today at the Waterford Public Library.

From 10 a.m. to noon, there is a question-and-answer session on how to use your e-Reader. And at 11:30 a.m., the library is playing the movie Hope Springs, which stars Tommy Lee Jones and Meryl Streep and was filmed in Stonington.

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5. On this date in 1961, the United States severed diplomatic relations with Cuba. And on this date in 1959, Alaska was admitted as the 49th US state.

Quote of the Day

“A good listener is usually thinking about something else.”

-Kin Hubbard

Trivia of the Day

On this date in 1925, what man announced he was taking dictatorial powers in Italy?

Yesterday’s Answer: Charles Lindbergh famously piloted the Spirit of St. Louis across the Atlantic Ocean.