Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Seymour Police probe homicide after male found shot in Ideal Plaza parking lot


 

Ansonia Police asking public's help in locating teen

Anthony Rush 

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing person who left his home around 9 p.m. on 8/25/2026.
Anthony Rush is a 15-year-old male, approximately 5’4” tall, weighing 160 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie and black jeans.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885.
Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Tip411 using the link below:

 

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Recuperation journey 2.0: Looking at the sky


 Tonight's waxing gibbous moon is 94 percent illuminated.

Griffin Health congratulates Heart of Caring Award winner


Griffin Health recently hosted its annual Nursing Support Staff Appreciation Celebration to recognize its more than 300 caregivers who make vital contributions as coordinators between patients and nurses and doctors, including its 2026 Heart of Caring Award winner, Multi-Skilled Technician Moraima “Mo” Medina.
The Caring Heart Award is given to an exemplary Griffin Health nursing support staff member whom others believe to be truly committed, compassionate, kind and exemplifies the Planetree person-centered care philosophy.
A recently hired caregiver in the Griffin Hospital inpatient units, Moraima was selected for the award for her consistent person-centered care and compassion for patients.
“It is not unusual for Mo to go to the gift shop to buy little gifts for her patients such as lip balm for dry lips or balloons for a birthday,” the nomination for Moraima stated. “Mo is known to go visit her patients when they are transferred to other units. Specifically, there was a patient transferred for hospice care. Mo made a point to go visit with the patient and the family.”

‘Turnback Tuesday’ features Hotchkiss Hose Co. #1


Turnback Tuesday is remembering the oldest fire company in Derby, Hotchkiss Hose Co. #1.
The company was formed June 7, 1837. Records indicate that the first engine was a hand pump machine manned by 12 men.

This image is of the first motorized fire apparatus. It was built by John J. Booth in 1914. John was a local blacksmith and carriage maker with a shop at 13-17 Housatonic Ave. in Derby.
This image and many others will be on display for the months of September and October at the Derby Public Library.
The items displayed will be from the collection of the Hotchkiss Hose Co. #1 and their members.

Thanks goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Sad news: Shelton Police report missing man located Monday deceased


SHELTON - The Shelton Police Department today provided an update regarding the search for 73-year-old Christopher Taylor, who was reported missing on Aug. 16, 2026. Following an extensive, multi-agency search effort, Mr. Taylor was located deceased on Monday, Aug. 24.

The circumstances surrounding Mr. Taylor’s death remain under active investigation. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), in coordination with the Shelton Police Department, is continuing to investigate this incident. Shelton Police Detectives have been working around the clock and continue to utilize every available investigative resource as the investigation remains active.
The Shelton Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to the agencies, organizations, volunteers, and members of the community who assisted throughout the search. We are especially grateful for the assistance provided by the Derby Police Department, Fairfield Police Department, Shelton Fire Department, Shelton EMS, Oxford Fire/EMS Department, Oxford K9 Search and Rescue, as well as community outreach organizations, volunteers, and residents who provided assistance, information, and support.
We also thank everyone who shared information, assisted with the search, or provided tips to Detectives. The tremendous response from the community and surrounding agencies was instrumental throughout this difficult search.
Please keep the Taylor family in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of their loved one during this difficult time.
The investigation remains active, and no further information will be released at this time.

Shared from the Shelton PD Facebook page.

Ansonia schools to start Thursday, police urge drivers to use caution


 

Ansonia to host fun Halloween event for families on Main Street


 HALLOWEEN ON ANSONIA MAIN STREET Trick or Treat Event!

Join us for a spooktacular trick or treat evening of family fun, treats, music, entertainment, and MORE!
📅 Saturday, Oct. 31
⏰ 4-7 p.m.
📍 Ansonia Main Street and Veterans Park
🚧 Part of Main Street will be closed off for the event, with space left available for parking.
🎉 Veterans Park will feature:
🎶 Opening Ceremony & Music
🎭 Entertainment
🎨 Face Painting
🍬 Trick-or-Treat Bags
🥨 Snacks & Water
🎁 Giveaways
📸 And MORE!
City Hall: Mayor Frank Tyszka will be passing out full-size candy bars and books to promote literacy!
Costumed characters will be stationed around Main Street, passing out special treats. This will be a great picture opportunity for families and kids!
Restaurants and storefronts will be participating!
Bring the whole family, dress up in your favorite costume, and enjoy an evening of Halloween fun in downtown Ansonia!
ALL ARE WELCOME! We can't wait to see you there! 🎃
To lead up to the event, The City of Ansonia is partnering with My Sister's Place & Alisha Freelove to collect costumes.
Please feel free to donate a costume for the event at My Sister's Place!

Monday, August 24, 2026

Backbeat to perform Wednesday at Veterans Park in Ansonia


 

Ice cream shop in Seymour to host benefit for Ansonia High soccer teams


 

Ansonia Police Officer charged with disorderly conduct in off-duty incident

Denyce Ruiz


ANSONIA - Ansonia Police Officer Denyce Ruiz was arrested Aug. 21 and charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an off-duty incident that occurred in Ansonia on Aug. 10, 2026, police said in a written release.

The arrest warrant was issued following a thorough criminal investigation conducted by the Ansonia Police Department's Detective Bureau. The criminal investigation has now been completed.

Ruiz had previously been placed on paid administrative leave while the criminal investigation was being conducted.

With the completion of the criminal investigation, the Ansonia Police Department's internal administrative investigation will commence. The internal investigation is separate from the criminal investigation and will examine the circumstances surrounding the officer's conduct.

Chief Wayne Williams stated: “The Ansonia Police Department takes allegations of criminal conduct involving a member of this Department extremely seriously. Our officers are held to a high standard both on and off duty, and when allegations of criminal conduct arise, it is our responsibility to ensure that they are investigated thoroughly and objectively.

"In this case, the Detective Bureau conducted a thorough criminal investigation, which resulted in an arrest warrant being issued and the subsequent arrest and charge of Ruiz. That criminal investigation has now been completed, and the matter will proceed through the judicial process.

"The Department's internal administrative investigation will begin immediately. That investigation will be conducted separately from the criminal matter and in accordance with applicable law, Department policy, and the officer's contractual and due-process rights.”

Officer Ruiz is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

No further information will be released by the Department at this time.


Ansonia Library to host Grandparents Day Tea Party Sept. 12


 

CT Foodshare to visit St. Mary's Church in Derby Tuesday


DERBY - CT Foodshare will return to St. Mary’s Church Tuesday, Aug. 25 from 2:15-3 p.m.
All are welcome to receive food, no questions asked. Tickets will be distributed at 2 p.m. to anyone who is physically in line. No placeholding allowed. Next visit Sept. 8.

The church is at 212 Elizabeth St.

The Jolly Beggars to perform Tuesday on Derby Green


DERBY - The City is hosting free concerts on the Derby Green on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Rain date is Wednesday.

From the band's website: "The Jolly Beggars bring the rich tradition of Celtic folk music and storytelling to modern day audiences. Based out of Connecticut, their traditional songs and musical arrangements have exposed many to the joys of Celtic music." 


Saturday, August 22, 2026

Emma's Pizzeria in Ansonia to host fundraiser for AHS Global Scholars


 

St,. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop in Derby posts daily sales


Are you STILL shopping retail first?!
It's TIME to jump on the thrifting train! Each item is a one-of-a-kind, curated item that has passed our sorters high standards! 

All for sale at a teensy fraction of the original price. Plenty of vintage items mixed in too! Come on down!

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: St. Mary's School play in Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a photo of the cast of the play "Spider Island," performed by students of St. Mary's School in March of 1946.
[First posted on this date in 2017.]

Shelton Clean-Up Project to focus on Long Hill Ave/Wakelee Terrace site


 

Friday, August 21, 2026

Recuperation journey 2.0: Looking at the sky


 Backyard view at 7:40 p.m. 

Griffin 5K walk/run to benefit Center for Cancer Care slated Oct. 24


DERBY - Save the date for the 18th Annual 5K Walk-Run to Benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital set for Saturday, Oct. 24.

The 5k Walk/Run was started by the caregivers of the Cancer Center as a way to raise funds to purchase wigs for patients.
The first Walk/Run exceeded expectations drawing over 250 participants and raising more than $25,000, providing opportunity for additional financial support for patients as they undergo cancer treatment.

The 5K has drawn thousands of participants over the years and raised more than $900,000 to help support local cancer survivors in its 17-year history.
Participants can walk or run individually, form a team with their family, friends and co-workers, and collect pledges and payments. Awards will be presented to the top fundraising team and the top fundraising individual at the event.
Participants can also purchase a commemorative sign for $100 to honor or memorialize a loved one that will be displayed at The Center for Cancer Care.
Individuals and teams can register online at griffinhealth.org/5k.
For more information, contact Laura Howell at lhowell@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-1263.


Seymour Public Library Evening Book Club to meet Tuesday



 For more information contact Suzanne Garvey -sgarvey@biblio.org or 203-888-3903  ext #5


Derby Historical Society to host end of summer movie night at Humphreys House


 

Haynes Group to sponsor Salvation Army Red Kettle Kick-Off Nov. 10 in Shelton

ANSONIA - We [at Salvation Army Greater Valley] are thrilled to announce that Haynes Group will proudly serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Greater Valley Red Kettle Kick-Off! 🔔❤️

Join us on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 8:30 a.m. [at Courtyard Marriott in Shelton] as we officially kick off the Red Kettle season with our special guest, Cindi Bigelow, President & CEO of Bigelow Tea.

We’re grateful for Haynes Group’s generous support and commitment to helping us make a difference in our community this Christmas season.

🎟️ Learn more and reserve your spot: salarmy.us/GreaterValleyRedKettleKick-Off2026



Thursday, August 20, 2026

Bougie Bag Bingo to benefit Adam's House in Shelton


 

Tag sale slated Sept. 19 at Ansonia First United Methodist Church

If you are doing fall cleaning and looking to get rid of gently used items, please consider donating to the church. Items accepted from Aug. 21-Sept.14.

Any questions, please feel free to contact Nancy DeGennaro.

203-619-2162


Free movie on tap Friday at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton


SHELTON - Join us for Friday Films! 🍿
Plumb Memorial Library offers a free bimonthly “Friday Films” series on Fridays at 1 p.m. The films will be viewed in the downstairs Meeting Room.
The film for Aug. 21 is Merrily We Roll Along.
No registration is required and light refreshments will be served.
The Library is at 65 Wooster St.

Seymour Community Center offers free roller skating fun Friday


 Seymour Community Center is at 20 Pine St., Seymour.


This is shared from First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis' Facebook page.