The Kent Dispatch

02/18/2025

The Planning and Zoning Commission’s Cannabis Subcommittee recently discussed how Kent’s Right to Farm ordinance would affect any zoning regulations governing cannabis businesses. The subcommittee has been looking at all forms of cannabis businesses—agricultural, manufacturing, delivery, and retail—as it tries to determine what kind of regulations would be appropriate for Kent.

It has created a survey for residents, seeking input on the subject. The survey is still open. As of the the first full week of February, 260 persons had responded to the survey, with responses almost evenly divided about the desirability of cannabis businesses in Kent.

https://kentgtd.org/cannabis-subcommittee-weighs-effect-of-right-to-farm-ordinance/

02/18/2025

The Planning and Zoning Commission’s Cannabis Subcommittee recently discussed how Kent’s Right to Farm ordinance would affect any zoning regulations governing cannabis businesses.

The subcommittee has been looking at all forms of cannabis businesses—agricultural, manufacturing, delivery, and retail—as it tries to determine what kind of regulations would be appropriate for Kent. It has created a survey for residents, seeking input on the subject.

Read more about what's going on in town with cannabis businesses: https://kentgtd.org/cannabis-subcommittee-weighs-effect-of-right-to-farm-ordinance/

KENT, Conn.—The Planning and Zoning Commission’s Cannabis Subcommittee recently discussed how Kent’s Right to Farm ordinance would affect any zoning regulations governing cannabis businesses. Land Use Administrator Tai Kern informed […]

02/18/2025

Kent News, Inc., the nonprofit publisher of The Kent Dispatch, announces the addition of Elyse Sadtler to its board of directors.

Elyse is a writer, educator, creator, and entrepreneur who brings a passion for writing and journalism to the board.

She has written extensively for many area publications, including The Lakeville Journal, Rural Intelligence, Litchfield Magazine, and the Litchfield County Times.

Some may recognize her from her business, Henna By Elyse.

To learn more about Elyse, visit https://kentgtd.org/elyse-sadtler/

02/17/2025

Kent has experienced seasonal flooding along the Housatonic River when spring ice floes break up. However, Kent is in little danger from dam failures, according to engineers from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

In early February, DEEP met via Zoom with members of the Conservation Commission. The commission requested the presentation on dam safety regulations because of climatic changes that have brought heavy rainfalls and damaging flooding in some areas of the state.

Read more about the different types of dam Kent has, and how the commission is looking to plan for the future.

https://kentgtd.org/deep-engineer-says-kent-has-no-high-risk-dams/

02/17/2025

The Millbrook School, 131 Millbrook School Road, will host the Firefly Environmental Arts Project launch on Friday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. A collaborative art exhibit will showcase nature-inspired works by both professional and aspiring student artists.

Eileen Fielding, director of the Sharon Audubon Center will speak and Marvelwood School students will present about efforts to ensure the purple martin survival in Connecticut and beyond.

Read more: https://kentgtd.org/firefly-environmental-arts-project-launches-feb-21/

02/15/2025

See details of today's impending storm from Jack Drake below. Of concern: potential power outages in our area due to ice accumulation.

As a reminder, the Town of Kent,CT Transfer Station will be closed Sunday, Feb. 16, due to this storm. It is open regular hours today, Feb. 15, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Transfer Station will not open Monday as a "make up" day due to the Feb. 17 Presidents Day holiday.

02/14/2025

It was all about the chocolate Wednesday at Kent Center School. Who was there and what was served?

https://kentgtd.org/all-things-chocolate/

Kent Center School Kent Memorial Library Kent Land Trust 109 Cheese Market / Kent

KENT, Conn. – Nearly 150 patrons paid a visit to Kent Center School Wednesday, Feb. 12, to celebrate and enjoy all things chocolate. The school’s popular Kent Chocolate Fest attracted […]

02/13/2025

A group of a half dozen women....explore creative new land through the art of writing—once a week when they meet to “Shut Up & Write!”

https://kentgtd.org/weekly-group-focuses-on-how-to-shut.../

45 On Main Coffee, Chocolate & Creamery

KENT, Conn.— “The writer is an explorer. Every step is in advance into a new land.” So wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson. A group of a half dozen women do just […]

02/13/2025

Kent School is facing a proposed class action suit filed on behalf of 70 current and former students whose personal photographs and video files were illegally accessed, viewed, copied, and retained by a former senior school IT employee.

https://kentgtd.org/kent-school-faces-class-action-suit-following-it-breach/

KENT, Conn.—Kent School is facing a proposed class action suit filed on behalf of 70 current and former students whose personal photographs and video files were illegally accessed, viewed, copied, […]

02/11/2025

"Life is a gamble," so says Kent Dispatch's Editor Kathryn Boughton in her latest column.

She writes, "....Despite my own aversion to losing money, there is no doubt that gambling is huge in America. On Super Bowl Sunday, it was expected that Americans would legally wager $1.39 billion, up from...."

https://kentgtd.org/life-is-a-gamble/

When I was 17, I made my first trip to Ireland. It was my first and only transatlantic voyage, a five-day odyssey that I found boring then, and now, in […]

02/10/2025

The reception has been postponed, but the artwork is on display!
https://kentgtd.org/kent-art-association-holds-annual-student-show-delays-reception/

Kent Art Association

KENT, Conn.—The Kent Art Association has delayed its 33rd annual Student Show reception until Feb. 22 – when it will be a closing reception – due to a series of […]

02/10/2025

The Hotchkiss Library of Sharon, 10 Upper Main St., Sharon, Conn., will hold a Galentine’s Day event at the Library on Friday, Feb. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The evening is for all people who want to celebrate friendship and love. The event includes Valentine’s Day trivia, friendship bracelet making, bath salts bar and a free lucky door raffle. The library will provide nibbles, sweet treats and refreshments.

https://kentgtd.org/galantines-day-planned-at-sharons-hotchkiss-library/

02/10/2025

The Kent first selectman has told the board of selectmen that he, the town treasurer and the newly elected leaders of the fire department have met to discuss the formation of a joint board specifically tasked with oversight of the town’s investment in the department.

https://kentgtd.org/lindenmayer-wants-kvfd-collaboration-on-finances-emergency-management/

KENT, Conn.—First Selectman Marty Lindenmayer is proposing a collaborative board composed of members of the Board of Selectmen and the Kent Volunteer Fire Department to oversee financial issues between KVFD […]

02/09/2025

🐦He painted every bird species in North America from life. 🦉 His life and work will be explored Feb. 22.

https://kentgtd.org/white-memorial-event-will-honor-rex-brasher/

LITCHFIELD, Conn.—The White Memorial Conservation Center will host an event, “Remembering Rex,” a tribute to the late artist Rex Brasher, Saturday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. The program will be […]

02/09/2025

Kent's own George Potts will present a free live-streamed concert this coming Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m.

For more information about the set list and how to get a free ticket, click the link:
https://kentgtd.org/potts-to-give-online-concert-feb-11/

02/08/2025

Tonight's storm will continue to impact roads and services into Sunday afternoon. The Town of Kent,CT transfer station is open regular hours today, Saturday, Feb. 8, until 3:30 p.m. and will be open tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 9, from 1-4 p.m.

The forecast is on track for our upcoming storm. Please see latest briefing for a general overview of what to expect:

02/07/2025

Note the extracurricular schedule changes slated for next week at Housy, below 👇

02/06/2025

Kent resident Robert S. Mellis, 84, died on Jan. 31, 2025. A journalist, teacher, and world-traveler, he is remembered for his humorous outlook on life and his staunch love of news and local journalism.

Read the full obituary here: https://kentgtd.org/robert-s-mellis-dies-journalist-teacher-traveler/