Roof Scare at LMS, Foxwoods 19th, School Budget

After all the snow we've had this winter, and all the talk about heavy snow posing a threat to rooftops, it was no wonder that a "loud noise" heard by a teacher in the Ledyard Middle School gymnasium led to placing the gym and cafeteria off-limits while the district checked it out. The roof was inspected by town maintenance officials, and also by an outside engineering firm, and found to be sound. The gym and adjoining cafeteria were reopened Wednesday. 

This past Monday was Valentine's Day, and we got to meet Floyd and Lillian Evans, who were celebrating their 57th anniversary on that day. In addition to promoting a host of Valentine's Day date options, Patch also explored the Dark Side of the holiday.

Foxwoods Resort Casino celebrated its 19th anniversary this week by giving away dozens of raffled gifts at a party that featured a huge anniversary cake. The party continues today at Foxwoods, where every 30 minutes a patron will win $1,900, up until midnight, when the grand prize of $50,000 will be won.

Gov. Malloy delivered a budget address this week, and the Ledyard Board of Education approved a $29.6 budget proposal for 2011-12 this week. The board also awarded veterinary assistant certificates to nine LHS students.

The topic of this week's Moms Chat was television. Once again it made for some lively conversation. Columnist Andrea McKenzie conceded that homeschooling, while a great choice, nevertheless can be a real pain.

Ledyard Police made an arrest this week in connection with a shoplifting incident at Starr Wood Market last in December, and another arrest this week stemming from a fatal crash in June.

In sports this week, the Bacon Academy Bobcats wrestling team outscored Ledyard by 8 1/2 points to win a third straight ECC tournament title. The Colonels will have a chance to avenge the loss at the Class M state tournament today. 

In other sports news, Huskies Nation columnist Mark Osborne asserted that it could be a long time before basketball great Diana Taurasi, cleared this week of doping allegations, is ever completely free from suspicion of wrong-doing. If ever.

Patch featured ice fishing on Long Pond this week. We told you about five great things to get out and do this weekend. And we presented a Q&A with Bleu Squid Bakery & Cheese Shop owner Connie Carocari. 

We also spoke to Karen Parkinson, owner of The Paddock riding and tack center on Rose Hill Road. The business was devastated by fire in November, but Parkinson is planning to be open again by April 1.