March 5, 2026
.com
Chester, Deep River, & Essex Vol. XXVI Iss. 10
Tri-Town Digs Out After Blizzard By Christian Maldonado Staff Writer
After a late-February storm buried Chester under 22 inches of snow and left Deep River with up to 19 inches and Essex with 16, local public works crews say storage space is shrinking and salt supplies are tightening.
According to snowfall reports compiled by the National Weather Service, the Feb. 22–23 blizzard delivered some of the highest totals seen in the tri-town area in more than a decade. While the region has experienced larger single-day snowfalls — including 30 inches during the February 2013 blizzard — officials say the cumulative effect of multiple storms this winter, combined with sustained
cold temperatures that have slowed melting, is creating mounting challenges. The February blizzard was just one of 10 to 12 plowable storms crews have responded to this winter — roughly double the average in recent years, according to Essex Public Works Director Ryan Welch. In addition,
Rich Buchetto is committed to safety and service in Deep River....2
See Tri-Town Digs Out page 6
Sap Season Begins
Lessons for Growth The Warriors enter state tournament play with an opportunity to reset and build momentum.........................12
Kai Cohen, 6, fills his cup from a plastic spout tapped into a maple tree during a maple sugaring demonstration Feb. 28 at North Quarter Park in Chester. The event is presented by Chester Parks and Recreation and led by sugarmaker Kim Price and Parks and Recreation Director Aaron Page.
Photo by Laura Matesky/ Valley Courier
Way Down South Take a cruise down to the Florida Keys................................19
KEEP CALM
AND
EAT
CHILI POTSTICKERS CHILI
Just up the Road
Red House, Deep River