Farmington CT Local News | The Farmington Mercury

How to reply to a bad review on Google or Yelp

Answer an honest complaint in a few calm lines, and never offer anything for a changed review. A burst of bad ratings followed by a demand for money may be a scam: report it, don't pay.

Jack Beckett·Oct 28, 2026

The Standard, No. 15: What a reply to a bad review may say, and may not

Election 2026 · Farmington votes Nov. 3

Find your ballot →

Fri. Oct. 16: Registration deadlinePassed. You can still register and vote the same day, at early voting or on Election Day at Town Hall.
Oct. 19 to Nov. 1Open now: Early voting at Town HallOpen today, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. You can register and vote on the spot.
Mon. Nov. 2Monday: Last day for an absentee ballotNo excuse needed, new for 2026. Mailed or drop-box ballots must arrive by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Tues. Nov. 3Tuesday: Election Day, polls 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.Vote at your precinct's polling place. Not registered? Register and vote at Town Hall.

Early Voting Opens Today at Farmington Town Hall
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Hayes and Shea Split on Taxes, Iran and Immigration
Oct 16, 2026
22nd District and 6th Senate: Farmington's Split Races
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For Business Owners

Give every customer your Google review link, not just fans

Sending only your happy customers to Google to leave a review breaks Google's rules. Give the link to everyone.

Jack Beckett·Oct 26, 2026

Town Hall

Farmington Saltbox Can Raise Its Roof to Fight Ice Dams

Working from outside spares the house's finished second floor and attic, the architect said, and no one voted against it.

Jack Beckett·Oct 24, 2026

Farmington Board of Education members at tables in the Noah Wallace School library on Oct. 19, with the headline: Farmington Elementary Emergency Dismissals Move Earlier

Schools

Farmington Elementary Emergency Dismissals Move Earlier

On emergency early-dismissal days this school year, Farmington elementary students will go home closer to noon, about 90 minutes earlier than before. The…

Jack Beckett·Oct 24, 2026

Farmington school officials at tables in the Noah Wallace School library during the Oct. 19 board meeting, with the headline: Farmington School Enrollment Falls to a 10-Year Low

Schools

Farmington Schools Have Their Fewest Students in a Decade

Farmington's public schools have fewer students than at any time in at least 10 years, and most of the drop since 2024 is in the elementary schools. The…

Jack Beckett·Oct 24, 2026

Opinion

Two Newsrooms, One Arrest Log

Peter Cellino

Shutdown Day 24: SNAP Deadline Looms as Connecticut Steps In

Jack Beckett

Federal Shutdown Day 24: Connecticut’s $14.3 Billion Gamble

Jack Beckett

2000 Mules: A Masterpiece of Deception for the Gullible

Jack Beckett

Town Hall

Farmington Plans One Polling Place for Spring Budget Vote

Farmington's registrars plan to hold the spring budget referendum at Town Hall only. The Town Council also passed a veterans' tax break and approved the school…

Jack Beckett·Oct 24, 2026

Schools

Amy Borio Named Principal of East Farms Elementary

Borio has spent more than 30 years in public education, the district says, including four years as assistant principal at Pine Grove.

Jack Beckett·Oct 23, 2026

The Standard, No. 13: On Google, asking for reviews is fine. Rewarding them is not.

For Business Owners

Asking for Google reviews is fine. Rewarding them is not.

Ask every customer for a Google review, the same way each time. Google bans giving anything back for a review, even a drawing entry.

Jack Beckett·Oct 23, 2026

The Standard, No. 12: Google Listing Phone Number: It Has to Be One You Control

For Business Owners

Your Google Listing Needs a Phone Number You Control

One of Google's rules is that the phone number on your listing must be under your business's direct control. Keep a number you own and answer as the main one.

Jack Beckett·Oct 21, 2026

The Standard, No. 11: Claim the Google, Yelp, Bing and Apple Listings You Never Set Up

For Business Owners

Claim Your Shop's Listings on Google, Yelp, Bing and Apple

Your shop may be listed on Google, Yelp, Bing and Apple Maps even if you never set it up. Here is how to claim each listing so you can update it yourself.

Jack Beckett·Oct 19, 2026

Things to do in Farmington