Bethel's Top 10 News Stories of 2011

1. Two Months, Two Massive Storms
What many Bethelites will remember about 2011 is being without power for several days not once, but twice. In late August, knocked the power out of 56 percent of residents, delayed the first day of school and left debris and flooding. Then about two months later, the weekend before Halloween, dropped more than a foot of snow, caused tons of debris, two school snow days and left more than 90 percent of residents without power; many for more than a week. 

2. Election Day Was Big for Democrats; Included Tea Party Candidates 
This year's municipal election season became more interesting than usual, when former First Selectman Robert Burke ran again as a Tea Party candidate along with seven others on the slate. Former Selectman Kevin Cleary was the Republican candidate, but both challengers lost to incumbent . Democrats as a whole won big on Election Day, winning many spots including all three on the Board of Finance.

3. Chesley Announces His Retirement; Smith Chosen as New Superintendent 
After 13 years of service, Bethel Superintendent earlier this spring. The search for his successor began early this fall and in mid-November it was announced at a Board of Education meeting that Bethel Middle School Principal . He will start Feb. 1.

4. Library Completes Capital Campaign
After nearly a decade of fundraising and collecting donations, the Bethel Public Library officially announced in September that its to complete the building's addition. Renovations can start as early as the end of this year and will take about six months to complete.

5. "Old" Town Hall Sparks Debate 
With the library looking to complete it's expansion, zoning laws require 12 more parking spaces. Some officials have building, which is not in great condition, while others feel parking can be found elsewhere and the town can . The debate is expected to continue in 2012. 

6. Residents Fight for Non-Government Agency Funding
During the budget season, the Board of Finance voted to cut funding to non-government agencies such as the Women's Center and Meals on Wheels. Many residents , but the funding was . 

7. Teen Center Get Temporary Home
Bethel's Pro Access Teen Center got a in a remodled section of the municipal center. Selectman Richard Straiton spearheaded the project and organzied many volunteers to fix the space. In his second term, Straiton said he plans on finding a permenant home for Pro Access.

8. Wildcats Have Hall of Fame 
Bethel High School began an this year and inducted 10 people who have contributed to the program to the . In future years, six inductees will be chosen. 

9. Bethel Train Station Parking to Expand
In July, the Bethel Train Station was . According to a News Times report, about 130 spaces will be added to the current 250 spaces. Every year, there is usually a long waiting list for parking permits. 

10. Family Left Homeless From Fire
This month, the community rallied together to help a Bethel family of five recover after a . No one was injured. Many businesses and familes collected clothes and other goods for the family. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.