October 2, 2025 Chester, Deep River, & Essex Vol. XXV Iss. 40
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Unaffiliated Candidate Challenges for Top Spot By Christian Maldonado Staff Writer DEEP RIVER
With municipal elections approaching in November, both the Democratic and Republican parties have selected candidates for First Selectman. A third name will also appear on the ballot: Oswald Sheppard. Sheppard, a former utility consultant and
Deep River resident, is running as an unaffiliated candidate. While he has no background in elected office, he previously served as campaign manager for Kathryn Russell, one of the candidates he will now face in the election. He said he was drawn to the race out of a desire to serve the town and make a meaningful contribution.
“I wanted to change the direction of my career to something that was more rewarding, and I wanted to do something a little more valuable with my time,” Sheppard said. “Local government is one of those rare places where you can provide a net positive for a lot of people.” See Unaffiliated Candidate page 7
Source to Sea Sweep Kathryn Ryan with the Essex Land Trust helps unload trash behind the Connecticut River Museum on Sept. 27 during the Essex 3 Villages Source to Sea cleanup, organized by Sustainable Essex. Ryan helped clear debris from Great Meadow, one of several areas targeted in the community effort to protect local waterways.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ Valley Courier
Red Red House Restaurant Restaurant•• Bar Bar • Takeout Takeout 158Main MainStreet, Street, Deep River 158 River
After nearly 40 years, Julie Flagg is shifting gears................................2
Eyeing States The Shoreline Co-op girls’ swimming and diving team, which includes athletes from Old Saybrook, has won its first three meets to start the season...................................14
A ‘Fabulous Sensation’ A Chorus Line at Goodspeed has been extended through Nov. 2......25
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