I have covered a variety of news topics and beats in the greater Southington and Greater Meriden areas since 2006 with both the New Britain Herald and Meriden Record-Journal.
I moved to Southington at the start of 2011 after previously living in New Britain. A 2005 graduate from the University of Hartford with a bachelors degree in journalism and media broadcasting, I immediately joined the New Britain Herald and was assigned to cover all things news in Newington.
Within six months, I was assisting in a number of area towns, including Southington, Berlin and New Britain.
In 2007, I joined the staff at the Record-Journal and was immediately assigned the Southington beat before moving to cover police, court and fire news in Meriden, Wallingford, Southington and Cheshire. I was involved in providing live coverage at the trial of Steve Hayes, who was given a death sentence in November for his role in a deadly 2007 triple homicide in Cheshire.
I grew up in Ashburnham, Mass., a small town on the New Hampshire border about an hour outside Boston and 45 minutes from Worcester. I attended Oakmont Regional High School and was a 2001 graduate, playing on the varsity baseball, soccer and basketball teams during my time there.
I am an avid MLB fan with a heart that lives and dies with the Boston Red Sox, although as a baseball fan growing up I am proud to say that one of my favorite players was Tino Martinez. I wished him and the Yankees success – provided that success is no more than the Red Sox have.
When I find free time, I enjoy spending my days playing baseball or softball. I like cooking and generally just enjoy being social with friends and family. I also love meeting new people and hearing their stories, so please tell me about yourself if you see me.
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license to inject beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will cause us to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
I am registered as unaffiliated and often lean towards liberal policies, although I remain fiscally conservative and like to keep an eye on government spending. I was raised Roman Catholic but have since found myself drifting away from the church. I hold general Christian morals and beliefs but also feel that every situation is different and a spiritual connection with God is more important than practicing every Sunday.
Contact Information
Cell, 860-256-1714, Email, Jason.Vallee AT patch.com, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SouthingtonPatch, Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/SouthngtnPatch
In all, more than 10,000 deer were hunted and killed in Connecticut in 2013, state officials report. This interactive map shows you the count for every town in the state.
In all, more than 10,000 deer were hunted and killed in Connecticut in 2013, state officials report. This interactive map shows you the count for every town in the state.
The following arrest information was provided by the Southington Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.
Officers said Jeffrey Bowman was last seen on Friday afternoon and are now asking for help from the public in locating him.
The town’s school district is getting a little added recognition – thanks in part to a spread in the February issue that identified Berlin as a “professional board” in an expose.
The following arrest information was provided by the Southington Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.
Police said 53-year-old Michael Pepe approached a neighbor while intoxicated last week and started a verbal argument before pulling a handgun, pointing it and threatening to kill the victim.
The most recent obituaries for those from Southington and those with family in Southington.
The most recent obituaries for those from Berlin and those with family in Berlin.
Police have obtained a warrant and are seeking help in locating 19-year-old Jaheem Snype, who they said seriously injured an officer after dragging him with a stolen car over the weekend.
Police have obtained a warrant and are seeking help in locating 19-year-old Jaheem Snype, who they said seriously injured an officer after dragging him with a stolen car over the weekend.
A winter storm is headed to Berlin and the town is taking caution to make sure students and residents arrive home safe beforehand.
A winter storm is headed to Southington and the town is taking caution to make sure students and residents arrive home safe beforehand.
A look at some of the job listings from the past week in and around the Berlin area.
A look at some of the job listings from the past week in and around the Southington area.
The location, in a plaza just east of McDonalds, is a prime one for high traffic and is ready to go. How would you fill it?
There's a lot of space open for development and while rumors have included hotels, restaurants and more, what would you like to see built?
A new teaching method has been introduced that is aimed at increasing the fun factor.
A new teaching method has been introduced that is aimed at increasing the fun factor.
Take a look at what's ahead this week in Berlin for meetings, events and more.
