Author/paranormal investigator to speak May 28 at Ansonia Library

 

Regional hazardous waste collection slated Saturday in Waterbury

 

Regional hazardous waste collection slated April 18 in Waterbury

 

Learn local haunted history at Derby Public Library program

 

Derby Police arrest Waterbury man on multiple motor vehicle charges

DERBY - Patrol Officer Tirado initiated a motor vehicle stop Oct. 24 on Nasir Gibson [DOB May 15, 1991] of Waterbury for motor vehicle violations. 

During the stop, Gibson displayed signs of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, police said. After failing standard field sobriety tests, he was placed under arrest for DUI.

Police said further investigation revealed Gibson was illegally in possession of a loaded firearm equipped with a large-capacity magazine. As a result, Gibson was additionally charged with the following offenses:

Criminal Possession of a Firearm (CGS 53a-217)
Criminal Possession of a Large-Capacity Magazine (CGS 53-202w)
Weapon in Motor Vehicle (CGS 29-38)
He was held on a $750,000 bond.

The Derby Police Department remains committed to removing illegally possessed firearms from our streets and ensuring the safety of our community.

We ask if you see a vehicle being operated erratically — speeding, swerving, or showing signs of impaired driving — don’t ignore it call 911. Your call could prevent a serious crash and save lives. 

Provide as much detail as possible:

-Location and direction of travel
-Vehicle make, model, and color
-License plate (if possible)

Shared from the Derby PD Facebook page.

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: W & L Lumber Co. in Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" remembers the Derby Building and Lumber Co. (W & L Lumber Co.) founded in 1835 by brothers Willis and Lewis Hotchkiss. Both gentlemen were prominent builders, businessmen and citizens of Derby. Their company had a large yard with an office and its own dock on the Housatonic River. 

In its early days, the company delivered timber and lumber on "teams" to Derby, Ansonia all the way up the Naugatuck Valley to Waterbury. A team of three heavy horses was quite the sight indeed.

[First posted on this date in 2018.]

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

Waterbury man arrested in connection with Ansonia shots fired case

Edward Rumley

ANSONIA - On Nov. 12 Edward Rumley, 32, of Waterbury was taken into custody on an arrest warrant for his involvement in the Aug. 31, 2024 shots fired investigation in Ansonia. 

Rumley was charged with criminal attempt at assault first degree, reckless endangerment first degree, unlawful discharge, criminal possession of firearm, and carrying a pistol without a permit, Lt. Patrick Lynch said today in a release.

Rumley was held on a $250,000 bond, arraigned in court Nov. 13, and turned over to the custody of the Department of Corrections. 

Rumley’s next court appearance is Nov. 21, 2024. At least one more arrest will be made in this case, the suspect is currently in custody with the Department of Corrections on unrelated charges and will be arrested on a later date, Lynch said.

All arrestees are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law; an arrest is not proof of or an admission of guilt.

 

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the police department at 203-735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411 at the link below.

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights book used by siblings for 2 different reasons

Turnback Tuesday looks at a book that was used by two family members for very different reasons.

William J. Murray worked for R. N. Bassett Co. in 1902 and 1903 as a clerk. He used this book to keep a record of wire gauges that were used.

The R. N. Bassett Co. at this time was located on the corner of Third and Housatonic Avenue in Derby. They made skirts and corset wire.

William’s sister, Virginia, got a hold of this book and decided to make it her own. She used it to record school events especially her graduation year from Shelton High School in 1911.

Virginia ((or “Ginger” as her classmates called her), was one of 17 to graduate. She also used this book to paste and write down recipes.

Virginia became a teacher, moved to Derby, and her first teaching job was at Lafayette School in Shelton in 1915. She held this position for three years. In 1918, she taught at Hawthorne School in Shelton and then in 1920, Virginia became a teacher at Irving School in Derby. She transferred to Lincoln School to teach in 1924, and in 1927, Virginia moved to Waterbury.

This book is a recent donation to the Library from Joseph DiRienzo.

Thank you to the Shelton Public Library for their help in locating Virginia's listing in the Shelton High School yearbook.

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

3 arrested in Bridgeport in connection to shots fired in Ansonia

ANSONIA - Police responded to a shots fired complaint at 6:07 p.m. Saturday on Fourth Street near North Main Street. 

Officers located a shell casing and an unspent round in the area, but there were no victims and no reports of damage to any property, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a written release. 

During the investigation a suspect gray Dodge Caliber was identified and a statewide message was sent to all law enforcement agencies regarding the vehicle. 

A short time later the Bridgeport Police Department located the car with three occupants inside. 

A handgun was found inside the car and all the occupants were arrested by Bridgeport PD. 

The individuals arrested were identified as Claude Perry, 30, of Ansonia, Edward Rumley, 32, of Waterbury, and Chantel Carter, 38, of New Haven. 

The investigation into the shots fired is ongoing and arrests are anticipated in the near future.

Lynch said Chief Williams would like to thank the Bridgeport Police Department, in particular Officer Jancy Rodriguez and Sgt. Julio Diez, for their assistance in identifying the suspects and recovering evidence for the investigation.

 

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the police department at 203-735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411 at the link below.

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Buses to replace service on suspended Waterbury Line during repairs

The Waterbury Branch Rail Line was impacted by the flooding on Sunday. 

Service will be replaced by buses in both directions between Bridgeport and Waterbury until repairs to our infrastructure are completed. Bus service is now available at Seymour as roads in the area have reopened. 

Waterbury Branch commuters should build additional travel time into their schedules, check www.mta.info for bus departure times.

This post is shared from the Office of the First Selectwoman of Seymour Facebook page.

A 'Turnback Tuesday' posted on this date in 2018 features Derby Junction

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" looks at the old Derby Junction (Transfer Point) located on the corner of Derby Avenue and Main Street. 

This electric road was the first one built in New England with construction starting in 1887. 

Mr. Thomas Wallace of Ansonia persuaded Mr. James Kennedy to come to Derby and build. Mr. Kennedy built the first electric railroad in America. Derby Junction had access to New Haven, Bridgeport (by way of Shelton) and Waterbury (by way of Ansonia).

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

Sharing a 'Turnback Tuesday' post from this date in 2018

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" remembers the Derby Building and Lumber Company (W & L Lumber Co.) founded in 1835 by brothers Willis and Lewis Hotchkiss.

Both gentlemen were prominent builders, businessmen and citizens of Derby. Their company had a large yard with an office and its own dock on the Housatonic River.

In its early days, the company delivered timber and lumber on "teams" to Derby, Ansonia all the way up the Naugatuck Valley to Waterbury. A team of three heavy horses was quite the sight indeed.

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

Ansonia First United Methodist Church posts Lenten events in region

First United Methodist Church, 47 Franklin St., Ansonia./ File photo

The Valley Cooperative Parish of Methodist churches has scheduled the following events during the Lenten season:

• Feb 14, 7 p.m. Woodbury UMC

Ash Wednesday Services

• Feb. 27, 6 p.m. Woodbury UMC

Soup 'n Bread Supper, Taize Worship

• March 12, 6 p.m. Ansonia UMC

Soup 'n Bread Supper, Worship

• March 28, 7 p.m. UMC of Waterbury

Maundy Thursday Service

• March 29, 7 p.m. Naugatuck UMC

Good Friday Service

Shelton Police charge 2 with robbery after fight in parking lot on Howe Avenue

SHELTON - Shelton Police Monday arrested 23-year old Jalen Bolton of Waterbury and 22-year old Ashan Langston of Bridgeport.

Police charged both Bolton and Langston with robbery 1st degree, larceny 3rd degree, and conspiracy in relation to both charges.

Additionally, Bolton was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell when officers located crack cocaine.

Both were held on $100,000 bond and transported Tuesday to Derby Superior Court.

The arrests stem from an incident that occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. Monday, when Shelton Police were dispatched to a fight in the Municipal Parking lot at 415 Howe Ave. Officers canvassed the area; however, the individuals involved fled the scene, police said.

A short time later the victim came to the Shelton Police Department to report that he was robbed at gunpoint in downtown Shelton.

The victim stated he was able to fight off three suspects and get the license plate of the vehicle they were driving.

The vehicle information was shared with surrounding law enforcement agencies and Bridgeport Police Department Auto Theft Task Force located the vehicle in Bridgeport.

The vehicle was stopped and the occupants were identified as Langston and Bolton. The victim identified Langston and Bolton as two of the individuals that robbed him in Shelton.

The investigation is ongoing with additional arrests expected.

This press release was posted Tuesday on Facebook by Det. Christopher Nugent.

***The charges in the press release are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.***

Ansonia Police, DEA agents arrest 3 males on drug charges

ANSONIA - Ansonia Police in conjunction with the DEA New Haven Field Office Tuesday conducted surveillance in the north end of Ansonia to address quality of life, drug, and weapons issues. 

At about 2 p.m. officers and agents observed multiple possible drug transactions coming from a vehicle. When the vehicle was approached, there were three occupants all of whom were detained. 

The occupants were identified as Tremaine Cox, Kyree Pettway-Coverson, and Jeremiah Perkins, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a written release.  

Pettway-Coverson was found with multiple folds of heroin in his lap. 

Cox had both powder cocaine and crack cocaine in his possession, he also had a fully loaded Glock 45 caliber handgun in his possession. The gun was registered to Cox and he had a valid pistol permit. 

The car was registered to Perkins and during a search of the car heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, a digital scale and packaging materials were found.

Tremaine Cox

Cox, 22, of Derby was charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance, three counts of possession with intent to distribute, sale of narcotics, and possession of drug Paraphernalia. 

Cox was released on a $100,000 bond with a court date of July 11, 2023 at Derby Superior Court.

Kyree Pettway-Coverson

Pettway-Coverson, 24, of Ansonia was charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance, three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Pettway-Coverson was held on a $50,000 bond with a court date of June 28, 2023 [today] at Derby Superior Court.

Jeremiah Perkins

Perkins, 25, of Waterbury was charged with charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance, three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Perkins was released on a $50,000 bond with a court date of July 11, 2023 at Derby Superior Court.

Lynch said a total of 268 folds of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine were seized, along with $890 in cash and the Glock handgun.

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Nurse at Griffin Hospital in Derby honored with DAISY Award

Bridget Robinson, RN

DERBY - Griffin Health recently honored Bridget Robinson, RN of Waterbury with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide patients and families every day. Winners can be nominated by patients, patients’ family or friends, or fellow caregivers for their exemplary care.

Robinson, a nurse in Griffin’s 2 North A inpatient unit, was nominated by a fellow caregiver for the expertise and positive spirit she brings to her fellow caregivers and the compassionate and responsive care she provides to patients and their loved ones.

“The empathy Bridget has for patients and staff is unmeasurable,” the nomination for Robinson stated. “I've seen her many times take the initiative to help staff both seasoned and new. No task is beneath her. She is a natural leader, and I know when she is in charge, we are going to have a great day. She is an all-around great nurse.”

Information about the DAISY Award is included in Griffin Health patient information packets and nomination forms are available online and at all Griffin Health locations. The award recipients are chosen by a committee at Griffin and the award is presented throughout the year. 

For more information, visit griffinhealth.org/daisy.

About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. 

The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

 

Waterbury man found in Colony Park in Ansonia with drugs, stolen handgun

Jeremiah Perkins

ANSONIA - Police investigated a suspicious activity complaint at about 3:45 p.m. Jan. 4 at Colony Park.

Officers located two males in the parking lot and one of them provided his proper date of birth but a false name. 

The male was later identified as Jeremiah Perkins, 24, of Waterbury, police said. 

He was found to be in possession of 350 folds of fentanyl, 2.5 grams of crack cocaine, a 9mm Beretta handgun reported stolen from a home in Ansonia and $3,640 in cash.

Perkins was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of fentanyl, possession of crack cocaine, criminal possession of a firearm, and stealing a firearm. 

He posted a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear Jan. 18 at Derby Superior Court.

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.  

TEAM, Inc. in Ansonia, Derby, Waterbury is hiring teachers, office assistants, more

 

Griffin Health in Derby honors nurses with prestigious DAISY Award

                         Caitlyn Gaetani, RN

                            Elise Powell, RN

DERBY - Griffin Health recently honored Caitlyn Gaetani, RN, of Waterbury, and Elise Powell, RN, of Monroe, with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. 

Each was nominated by a patient or fellow caregivers for their exemplary care. 

Powell was nominated by a patient for her kind and supportive nature.

“Elise is by far the sweetest, most caring nurse that I have had the pleasure to have taken care of me, the nomination for Powell stated. “Elise advocated for me when the medications the doctors prescribed weren’t working for me. No matter how stressful her assignment, Elise never let it take away her smile. Her cheerful demeanor actually lessened my anxiety. I truly appreciate her, Elise is a wonderful nurse and anybody would be lucky to have them as their nurse.”

Gaetani was nominated by a fellow Griffin caregiver for her exceptional care and empathy.

“Caitlyn ensures her patients receive the best care that they can, taking into account the entire person and the whole patient experience,” the nomination for Gaetani stated. “She goes above and beyond for all of her patients and never takes the credit for it that she deserves. For example, one of her patients could no longer do anything for herself, and was struggling physically, emotionally, and mentally. Caitlyn took the time to acknowledge her concerns, support her and encourage her throughout her stay. One of the ways Caitlyn took into account her emotional and mental health by rolling her in a recliner out to the hospital balcony to get some fresh air, sunshine, and a sense of normalcy and comfort. The things we take advantage of, being of able body and mind, can go easily overlooked when taking care of our patients - but not when Caitlyn is your nurse.”

Information about the DAISY Award is included in Griffin Health patient information packets and nomination forms are available online and at all Griffin Health locations. The award recipients are chosen by a committee at Griffin and the award is presented throughout the year. 

For more information, visit griffinhealth.org/daisy.

About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. 

Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) 

The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Ansonia Police seek help finding 3 robbery suspects

Ansonia Police photos

ANSONIA - At about 11:10 a.m. today the Ansonia Police Department responded to the corner of Wakelee Avenue and Pork Hollow Road for a reported robbery, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a written release. 

Three suspects approached the victim after he parked on Pork Hollow Road, two were armed with handguns, and the suspects stole personal items from the victim. 

The suspects left the scene in a white 2020 Hyundai Genesis, which was stolen out of Waterbury, and previously used in a purse snatching and attempted car theft in Shelton. 

The Hyundai has since been found unoccupied in Waterbury. 

The first suspect was described as a black male, tall and thin wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black and white sneakers and carrying a handgun. 

The second suspect was a light-skinned male with dark curly hair wearing a blue/gray/white hooded zip up, gray pants, dark sneakers, and carrying a handgun. 

The third suspect was a white male, heavy set wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue T-shirt, blue shorts, and blue and white sneakers.

 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885 or information can be left anonymously on Tip411 at the link below.

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553

This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.