Staff Writer
Staff writer for Mercury Local covering government, elections, public safety, and development across multiple publications. Beckett has filed more than 600 stories on local policy, crime, zoning, and civic accountability in Connecticut and the Carolinas.
Farmington's annual budget referendum closed at 8 p.m. Thursday with 950 of the town's 18,707 registered voters casting ballots — a turnout of 5.08 percent. Under the town charter, a budget rejection
May 1, 2026
After a 90-minute public hearing, the Town Council declined to vote on the south-side alignment and asked Town Engineer Russ Arnold to redesign the project as a south-side / north-side split crossing
Apr 30, 2026
One arrest, two motor-vehicle charges, and the first FM log entry to put §14-140 on the page. Officer Sotelo's third appearance in the series.
Apr 30, 2026
Four arrests on the Farmington PD log for April 28, 2026, the densest single 24-hour log of the year by charge count. The official record on the Forest Park Drive shooting confirms the suspect's name
Apr 29, 2026
Farmington TPZ on Monday night accepted a formal zoning application for the Enclave at the Farmington River — a 240-to-296-unit, $225 million proposal by Crown Equities affiliate National Land Holding
Apr 28, 2026
Three arrests on the Farmington PD log for April 27–28, 2026: a shared-incident dual arrest at 47 New Britain Avenue (Caron + Faulkner, Officer Karangekis) and a five-charge on-scene arrest at 1600 So
Apr 28, 2026
The Farmington Police Department's 72-hour weekend log for April 24–27 records one arrest: Edward Charette of Wolcott, charged with shoplifting at 500 South Road. With this arrest, Officer Daniel R. A
Apr 28, 2026
Farmington Police are participating in Connecticut's statewide April distracted-driving crackdown — the "Put the Phone Away or Pay" campaign coordinated across 37 law enforcement agencies. Farmington
Apr 27, 2026
A public hearing on the proposed Meadow Road Sidewalk Project will be held Tuesday, April 28, at 7:05 p.m. in the Town Hall Annex Council Chambers, 1 Monteith Drive. The Town's notice cites Chapter 16
Apr 27, 2026
Farmington's annual budget referendum is Thursday, April 30. Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. across four locations. On the ballot: the $143 million FY 2026-27 operating budget plus $18.3 mill
Apr 27, 2026
Two arrests and eight charges in a 24-hour log introduce four new statute categories to the FM series — including §53a-64bb Strangulation 2nd, the most serious new charge debuted in several logs. Offi
Apr 24, 2026
Farmington's $143 million operating budget and $18.3 million in bond questions go to voters Thursday, April 30. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at four locations, and absentee ballots have their own s
Apr 22, 2026
Before April 30, voters decide whether to condition the air in four elementary schools. The bond is the simple number. The math around it is not.
Apr 22, 2026
The Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission signed off on removing twelve inches of fill and a three-year monitoring schedule at 24 Summersby Way.
Apr 22, 2026
Town Meeting voters referred a 4.74% spending plan and two bond questions to the ballot. The average homeowner would pay $281.20 more in taxes. A state mandate and a historic debt load both sat in the
Apr 21, 2026
Noble Energy returned to Farmington Inland Wetlands with a smaller plan for 8261 Fienemann Road: no restaurant, a shrunken warehouse and travel center, and wetlands impact cut from 3,700 square feet t
Apr 21, 2026
Two arrests over a 72-hour weekend window — both on Friday night, both on motor-vehicle charges, both by Officer Daniel J. Taylor, two hours apart.
Apr 20, 2026
Spring bulky waste collection starts Monday, April 20. Here's a quick reminder of the rules before you drag anything to the curb.
Apr 19, 2026
Six arrest records, two people — one of them Honesty Love Tirado, 23, of New Britain, with five incident numbers and $105,000 in bond stacked against her in a single Thursday morning.
Apr 17, 2026
Six arrests in 48 hours — three at Westfarms Mall, the first co-defendant pair in the Mercury's series, and four statutes new to the log.
Apr 16, 2026
Farmington's Annual Town Meeting is Monday, April 20, at 7 PM at Farmington High School. Here's the full budget timeline through the April 30 referendum — and what happens if it doesn't pass.
Apr 15, 2026
Farmington's spring bulky waste collection runs April 20–24. Here's what the Town will take, what it won't, and how to get your items to the curb correctly.
Apr 15, 2026
Four of nine commissioners showed up. They elected a chair who declined the gavel, moved a $14.3 million school HVAC referendum in under ten minutes, approved a sign that can't be illuminated, and gav
Apr 14, 2026
The Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to send a $14.3 million HVAC referendum for four elementary schools to Town Council, approved a Progressive sign that can't be illuminat
Apr 14, 2026
Two arrests in Farmington over 24 hours: a New Britain woman faces child endangerment and assault charges at Farm Glen Boulevard, while a warrant arrest at 319 New Britain Avenue — the log's most recu
Apr 10, 2026
Farmington Police arrested Tatiana Cepeda, 31, of the Bronx on seven charges at 319 New Britain Avenue on Wednesday night — including three charge categories that had never appeared in the FM log seri
Apr 9, 2026
Farmington's WPCA reports a strong March despite high flows, traces a grease backup to Five Corners, and waits on one pipe delivery before the Yukon upgrade can begin.
Apr 9, 2026
There are two Bruces on the Farmington Bicycle and Trails Advisory Committee, which creates a certain logistical challenge when one of them is trying to address the other.
Apr 9, 2026
Farmington's Town Council approved a $143.2M budget for FY 2026-27, setting a 27.55 mill rate and locking in $564K in regional dispatch savings.
Apr 9, 2026
A solar developer eyes the former Tilcon quarry on Route 6 for a solar farm. If the project tops one megawatt, it bypasses Farmington zoning entirely.
Apr 9, 2026
Seven entries, five suspects, one name that appears three times. Officer Malik Brown notches his fifth appearance in the series with two DUI arrests on Farmington Avenue in a single day. Jaiden Bethea
Apr 7, 2026
Two arrests and ten combined charges in Farmington's April 1 police log. Alberto Gonzalez Jr of New Britain faces eight charges including two felony protective order violations and a $100,000 bond. Ar
Apr 2, 2026
The Farmington Police Department press arrest log for March 30–31, 2026, contains zero arrests. The first empty log since the series began on March 18.
Mar 31, 2026
The Farmington PD arrest log for March 27–30, 2026 produced four arrests: two DUIs, a fourth shoplifting at 500 South Road, and a Farmington resident arrested at her own address. Officers Aparo, Smith
Mar 30, 2026
One arrest, five charges, midnight on Forest Street. Charles Anthony Calandriello, 20, of Plainville was charged with DUI, operating under influence, evading responsibility with injury or property dam
Mar 27, 2026
The Farmington Police Department recorded five arrests between March 25–26, 2026, including a $803,000 bond on conspiracy and larceny charges for a New Jersey man, a nine-charge traffic stop on Scott
Mar 26, 2026
Farmington's Ad Hoc 1928 Building Committee set May 14 for the ribbon cutting of the town's new Town Hall — the renovated 1928 high school. Guided tours, food trucks, and souvenir brick distribution p
Mar 25, 2026
The Farmington Police Department's arrest log for March 24, 2026 recorded one arrest: Hannes Josue Guaman, 28, of Wethersfield, charged with larceny sixth degree in connection with shoplifting at 500
Mar 25, 2026
The Farmington TPZ unanimously approved a two-year extension and three model homes for Carrier Group's contested 25-lot Morea Road subdivision. Construction on Winter Creek Place is nearly complete; C
Mar 24, 2026
The Farmington Police Department logged five arrests in 24 hours, headlined by a 12-charge vehicle pursuit that ended at a Fernwood Lane residence and Officer Roque's third consecutive shoplifting arr
Mar 24, 2026
The Farmington HS Building Committee Financial Subcommittee reviewed 282 change orders totaling $4.6 million on March 13, 2026. An errors-and-omissions analysis found that 21 percent of high school ch
Mar 23, 2026
Eight arrests, six people, four officers, three days. Including a woman arrested while already in prison, an officer on a two-day shoplifting streak, and someone served three warrants at once on Asylu
Mar 23, 2026
At the Farmington Bicycle Advisory Committee's March 11 meeting, the Director of Parks cleared the way for long-awaited wayfinding signs in the Highlands, the committee discussed a $5,000 state micro-
Mar 22, 2026
The Farmington WPCA approved the 2026-27 sewer budget at its March 11 public hearing — the close of a process the Mercury reported on in February. The residential rate is now $377 per year, a 3 percen
Mar 22, 2026
The Farmington Police Department arrested two people in a 24-hour period ending Friday morning. A New Haven man faces felony larceny charges. A Winsted man faces felony burglary and motor vehicle larc
Mar 22, 2026
The Farmington Police Department arrested one person in a 24-hour period ending Thursday morning. A Hartford man faces a single count of larceny in the sixth degree — the lowest degree available under
Mar 22, 2026
Farmington Police log eight arrests in four days — burglar tools, ATM scanners, a retail detour, a probation miscalculation, and one warrant. Combined bond: over $1 million.
Mar 19, 2026
The Farmington Police Department's arrest log for March 16–17 reveals two arrests, five charges, and one individual arrested at her own home. A full Monday in Farmington.
Mar 19, 2026
**Farmington's TPZ cleared five applications Monday — frisbee camp lights at Miss Porter's, a stormwater overhaul for Horton Electric, and signs for the Warren Apartments. One commissioner picked a fi
Mar 11, 2026
At a lengthy Feb. 24 hearing, Farmington officials and residents focused on a proposed Town Hall Annex overhaul, a $14.3 million elementary school HVAC bond, road spending, and unresolved questions ov
Mar 8, 2026
Frozen pipes, float drama, and a 3% sewer bump—Farmington’s WPCA keeps it classy. Thanks, Farmington Storage , for the Museum air. 🏛️💨
Feb 16, 2026
Farmington’s Planning & Zoning Commission approved three major projects in a 4-hour marathon meeting: a Big Y supermarket, country club lounge expansion, and towing lot improvements.
Feb 11, 2026
Nine arrests in seven days prove Farmington residents committed to keeping local law enforcement gainfully employed. All charged are innocent until proven guilty—and our local jail properly climate-co
Feb 8, 2026
Five arrests, many court dates, zero drama. Farmington stays calm—thanks to paperwork and Farmington Storage (Museum Air included).
Jan 30, 2026
A marathon Plan and Zoning meeting approved a 62-unit Scott Swamp housing project, multiple residential permits, and set the stage for February hearings.
Jan 28, 2026
Farmington’s Bike Advisory Committee weighed trail safety, school access, signage costs, wetlands constraints, speed etiquette, and grant timelines—one careful step at a time.
Jan 27, 2026
Four arrests, four court dates, zero chill. Allegations only—courts decide. Thanks to Farmington Storage for Museum Air™ that treats your boxes better than your decisions. 📦
Jan 24, 2026
Farmington’s council opened 2026 with rules, a Wells Drive road dispute, a fund-balance target shift, and major votes on tech, lighting, and a police generator.
Jan 17, 2026
Farmington’s latest arrest log: charges, bonds, and court dates—served cold. Thanks to Farmington Storage for Museum Air™ and moral support. 📦
Jan 11, 2026
Farmington’s Green Efforts Committee set April 25, 2026 for Town-Wide Clean-Up, reported 5,500 pounds of textiles recycled, and discussed expanding school composting.
Jan 10, 2026
Farmington Town Council's January 2026 meeting sets tone for new year with infrastructure and policy decisions.
Jan 10, 2026
Year-end arrest log spanning December 31 through January 9.
Jan 9, 2026
Farmington Police arrest logs (Dec. 23–31, 2025): names, charges, bonds, arrest times, locations, and court dates—plus the legally required reminder that everyone is presumed innocent.
Jan 5, 2026
One Farmington arrest between Dec. 19–22, 2025. Trespass charge, bond posted, court date set. Full context, zero panic, and a reminder: innocent until proven guilty.
Dec 26, 2025
The Farmington High School Building Committee addressed HVAC noise complaints, approved invoices, and outlined final closeout steps as the long-running project enters its final phase.
Dec 24, 2025
Town Plan & Zoning Commission approvals for innovative agricultural and housing projects.
Dec 20, 2025
The Commission’s work Tuesday night was procedural, precise, and refreshingly drama-free. In Farmington, that counts as a feature, not a bug.
Dec 19, 2025
December 2025 arrest log with all charges and court information.
Dec 19, 2025
Farmington’s latest arrest logs list dates, times, charges, and bond info. Everyone is presumed innocent; the paperwork is presumed judgmental. 🚨☕
Dec 19, 2025
Farmington’s bike committee reviewed trail fixes, school walking audits, business outreach, and a possible 15 mph e-bike speed limit, then set a date for a March 2026 public forum. 🚲
Dec 15, 2025
A calm, factual look at Farmington arrests—no sirens, no panic. Innocent until proven guilty. Thanks to Farmington Storage, where even evidence could age gracefully. 🏛️📦
Dec 12, 2025
Farmington’s Town Council honored its first female Eagle Scout, awarded a Human Rights prize, advanced school repairs, expanded golf carts at Westwoods, and set dates for Hanukkah, graduation, and a n
Dec 11, 2025
Farmington’s TPZ Commission advanced education, housing, and contractor-use proposals on Dec. 8, approving Spy Farm, Barnes Landscaping’s contractor building, and limited Saturday work at 402 Farmingt
Dec 10, 2025
The Unionville Historic District and Properties Commission approved three months of minutes, elected officers, and advanced its oral histories project during a brief December 4 meeting.
Dec 8, 2025
Farmington’s latest arrest logs feature shoplifting, warrants, and one very determined return trip to South Road—lovingly preserved in museum-grade air by Farmington Storage.
Dec 5, 2025
Farmington’s Green Efforts Committee tackles school composting funding, Earth Day cleanup plans, textile recycling totals, and how to turn nip-bottle money and garden-club grants into real climate wor
Dec 3, 2025
1928 Building Committee Moves Project Toward Final Phase Ahead of Early-January Completion FARMINGTON — The 1928 Building Committee met on November 25, 2025, moving through a long docket of constructi
Dec 1, 2025
Farmington arrests, real details + Onion-style spice. Brought to you by Farmington Storage, Connecticut’s only storage facility with “Museum Air.”
Nov 28, 2025
The Farmington HDC navigates the nuances of vinyl cladding, steel doors, and hewn crosses. From 14 Mountain Road to the crumbling silo at the Tint Barn, preservation remains a detailed art.
Nov 25, 2025
A complete roundup of Farmington arrests across the week, delivered with Onion-style wit and deep respect for Museum-Air™ storage solutions.
Nov 23, 2025
Farmington’s Board of Education reviewed AP performance, SAT data, dual-enrollment growth, SchoolLinks planning tools, strategic goals, policy updates, and budget progress during its Nov. 17 meeting.
Nov 19, 2025
Farmington’s Nov. 10, 2025 council meeting honored two Eagle Scouts, marked Veterans Day, heard sharp school funding concerns, and reviewed bonds, building projects, and upcoming zoning and parking ru
Nov 16, 2025
Always Last To Breaking News, But First To The Police Log In keeping with the proud tradition of “Always last… to breaking news,” this round-up walks through every arrest reported in Farmington’s offi
Nov 15, 2025
Farmington’s wetlands commission spent November 5th juggling a mid-century addition, a Wood Pond dock, Horton Electric’s paved yard, a larger tow lot on an aquifer, and a future Big Y at Westfarms.
Nov 13, 2025
Unionville’s HDC met unofficially on November 6 to advance an oral-history effort and to celebrate the unveiling of a state plaque for the 1926 Stone Church, with a national register nomination now un
Nov 9, 2025
This week’s Farmington arrest log—names, charges, times, locations, bonds, and court dates—straight from police records. Everyone is presumed innocent. Sponsor: Museum-air Farmington Storage .
Nov 7, 2025
Brian FX Connolly defeats Joe Capodiferro in a rare shift for Farmington, marking the town’s first Democratic leadership since the 1950s.
Nov 5, 2025
The federal shutdown enters its 34th day as Connecticut mobilizes a $3 million emergency response to the SNAP suspension affecting 360,000 residents. Municipal elections Tuesday test Trump effect loca
Nov 3, 2025
Farmington’s Nov. 4 municipal ballot lists 40 candidates across town offices—from Probate Judge to Constable—with voting 6 a.m.–8 p.m. and early voting through Nov. 2.
Nov 3, 2025
Farmington’s Board of Education voted Oct. 27, 2025, to appoint Jess M. Giannini superintendent for a three-year term beginning Jan. 5, 2026, after an eight-month CABE-led search. 🎓
Nov 2, 2025
Complete ballot information for Farmington's November 2025 election.
Nov 2, 2025
Farmington Arrest Log: Dates, Times, Charges, and Bonds. All presumed innocent. Brought to you by Farmington Storage—purveyor of Connecticut’s only “Museum air.” Thanks for the oxygen. 😌
Nov 1, 2025
Historic District Commission November 2025 meeting notes and approvals.
Nov 1, 2025
A Hartford resident arrested twice on October 27, 2025, facing criminal trespass, mischief, and larceny charges in Farmington. Court date: November 12, 2025. Bond posted.
Oct 28, 2025
Farmington’s arrest log (Oct. 24–27): names, charges, times, bonds, court dates. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Facts first, punchlines second. Sponsored by Museum-Air Farmington Storage.
Oct 27, 2025
Federal shutdown enters day 24. Connecticut faces $14.3B in federal funding risk. State prepares emergency backfill as SNAP deadline looms. November 1 brings a crisis point. Surplus may not survive.
Oct 26, 2025
Historic District Commission Juggles Church Signs, Windows, and a Wandering Cross A wooden memorial cross needs a home. A church signpost leans to one side. And 41 windows wait for replacement. Welcom
Oct 24, 2025
Three Farmington arrests logged in 24 hours: alleged shoplifting, a warrant/trespass case, and a narcotics/traffic stop. All are presumed innocent.
Oct 24, 2025
Farmington’s Nov. 4 ballot, race by race: every office, candidate, and voting detail—plus how district seats work and where to vote early—sourced to official state and party materials.
Oct 23, 2025
Two arrest entries for one individual; full details from the Farmington PD log. Presumed innocent. Powered by ☁️ Farmington Storage and its legendary Museum air.
Oct 23, 2025
