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The scary popular Harrybrooke Park Haunted Trail is back and better than ever. Reviews are pouring in after Friday’s opening night and by every indication, this year’s trail is the most frightening on record.

“OMG,” said Jane Casamento. “I jumped out of my shoes every time I turned a corner. I’m surprised I didn’t have a heart attack.”

Many features from past haunted trails are back again and there are several new additions--none more terrifying than the surprise appearance of Presidential Candidate Beto O’Rourke, who jumped out from behind bushes and chased startled trail goers.

“I’ve never been so scared in my life,” said Tim Murphy. “As I ran away, all I could hear him screaming was, ‘I’m Beto O’Rourke and I’ve come for your guns!’”

When asked how Harrybrooke Park was able to get O’Rourke to participate, Executive Director, Bill Buckbee confessed, “Actually, he just showed up on his own. I think he thought this was part of a campaign trail.”

If you missed the fun last night, you can walk the Haunted Trail on 10/19, 10/25 and 10/26. There is no guarantee that Beto will be back, however. For more information and to buy tickets, please visit their website.

Mayor Bass believes it is important to honor the diversity that is part of New Milford’s cultural fabric. Throughout the Mayor’s time in office, town hall has organized several ceremonies to honor flags from foreign nations.

Flags from Germany, Italy, Ukraine, Guatemala and other countries have been raised to showcase the diverse heritage of New Milford residents.

In keeping with the tradition, town hall recently decided it was long overdue to honor the foreign country of California. The California Republic colors were recently raised during an intimate ceremony that included a modest number of California transplants who now call New Milford home.

“I’m not sure if California is a foreign country,” said ceremony attendee Juan Cabrillo. “But, it sure seems like it sometimes.” 

Following the ceremony, attendees gathered to enjoy avocado toast and various straw-free, organic beverages. 

Organizers of the newly formed New Milford Concerned Citizens (NMCC) Facebook page are scrambling to address their biggest concern -- that residents are realizing in increasing numbers that the group is really only concerned about Democrats running for office.

“We tried to launch the page and appear non-partisan, but it’s just not working out as planned,” said an anonymous NMCC source. “We want to be recognized as a source for truth, but people don’t seem to be buying it.”

The NMCC page may have to accept that no one believes the page promotes an equal playing field and go all in with its pro-Democratic Town Committee platform.

“If we’re good at anything, it’s that we can take half-truths and use them for political gain” our NMCC source continued. “We don't care if we have to throw town employees under the bus if the ends justify the means. We’ll do it.”

New Milford mayoral candidate Tom O’Brien is feeling optimistic about his chances come November 5th. However, Sassafras recently learned that O’Brien is secretly worried Mayor Pete Bass might try to surprise him in an upcoming debate by throwing down a challenge to arm-wrestle.

“Sure, I’m in excellent shape from riding my bicycle, but have you seen the pipes on the guy?” said O’Brien. “I don’t think I can beat him in arm wrestling. Yet, I don’t want to back down and look weak.”

O’Brien’s team is working on an effective response should they need one. So far, the best counter-punch they have is to see who can fix a flat bike tire faster. 

With less than a month away from Election Day, there has been no formal announcement when the two candidates will debate. Sassafras wonders if O’Brien’s arm-wrestling concerns are behind the delay.

Stay tuned for more information on this developing story.

***UPDATE***

Sassafras just learned that the Mayoral Debate has been scheduled for Thursday, October 24th from 7:00 - 8:30pm at the Sarah Noble School cafeteria. Gentleman, roll up your sleeves.

Who is Seth George? That is the question New Milford resident Lori Bird has been trying to answer for over six months to no avail.

“Just when I think I know who it might be, he’ll post something that completely makes me second guess myself,” said Bird. “Hell, I’m not even sure he’s a he or  a she...or a they. It’s driving me crazy that I don’t know who this is!”

Bird told Sassafras her obsession has taken a toll on her performance at work and alienated some of her friends. She sought out professional counseling as a result.

“I was reading a recent post on the New Milford, CT 06676 Facebook page and I literally had a nervous breakdown,” recalled Bird. “About a dozen people claimed to be Seth George and not one of them was someone I had considered before. That’s when I knew I needed help.”

Sassafras contacted Seth George for comment. When we asked, “Who is Seth George?” He responded, “I am.”