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Ansonia Fire Department Holds Ceremony To Install Chiefs, Recognize Bravery

Photos Courtesy Eileen Krugel

Incoming Fire Chief Jay Fainer addresses the crowd.

ANSONIAAnsonia’s newest fire chief comes from a five-generation family of city firefighters.

Chief Jay Fainer took his oath, along with the department’s four assistant chiefs, at a ceremony Monday (July 7). He takes over from Chief Alex Horjatschun, who had served in the position since 2023.

Chief Fainer, who has volunteered the department for nearly 30 years, said his newest post is an honor.

It is truly the greatest honor of my life to be sworn in as chief of the Ansonia Fire Department,” he said to the crowd at the Charters Hose Co. firehouse. This moment is especially meaningful to me because nearly 100 years ago, on July 20, 1925, my great-grandfather Stephen Fainer was elected to this very fire house. Tonight, almost a century later, my children, Stephen and Gabby, were sworn in as junior members.”

Continue reading ‘Ansonia Fire Department Holds Ceremony To Install Chiefs, Recognize Bravery’

Derby Family Raises $3,000 For Shelton Animal Shelter

Jack Reese raising money for the Shelton Animal Shelter.

DERBY – The Reese family of Derby held a lemonade stand June 29 on the sidewalk near Derby High School on behalf of their best friend Ozzy, an Australian/dachshund mix who passed away in April. 

The idea came from Keri and Brad Reese’s young son, Jack, 4, who wanted to do something in his furry companion’s memory.

The family, which also includes one-year-old Benny and another rescue dog Rocco, was hoping to raise a few bucks for the Shelton Animal Shelter. 

They didn’t charge for the 20 gallons of lemonade they served but rather asked for donations to benefit shelter dogs and cats.

Continue reading ‘Derby Family Raises $3,000 For Shelton Animal Shelter’

Other Top Stories


Representatives for Cedar Village Development LLC/Midland Development & Contracting address the P&Z commission via Zoom.

Developer Wants To Build 30 Apartments On Division Street In Ansonia

ANSONIAA team of developers is asking the planning & zoning commission for a rule change, in order to build 30 studio and one-bedroom apartments between Pershing Drive and Clifton Avenue.

Developers from Midland Development & Contracting, along with Cedar Village Development LLC, asked the commission for a zone-text amendment at a meeting June 30. 

The land they want to build on is currently zoned for commercial use. The amendment, if approved, would allow them to submit an application for the apartments. 

The roughly .6‑acre complex would include the addresses 91 — 93 Division St., as well as 7 — 9 Cook St. Those addresses are zoned commercial, according to city land records, although three of the four addresses are currently occupied by houses (the last is vacant land).

Continue reading ‘Developer Wants To Build 30 Apartments On Division Street In Ansonia’

Obituaries »

Alan Dean Robert

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Ansonia Fire Department Holds Ceremony To Install Chiefs, Recognize Bravery

Photos Courtesy Eileen Krugel

Incoming Fire Chief Jay Fainer addresses the crowd.

ANSONIAAnsonia’s newest fire chief comes from a five-generation family of city firefighters.

Chief Jay Fainer took his oath, along with the department’s four assistant chiefs, at a ceremony Monday (July 7). He takes over from Chief Alex Horjatschun, who had served in the position since 2023.

Chief Fainer, who has volunteered the department for nearly 30 years, said his newest post is an honor.

It is truly the greatest honor of my life to be sworn in as chief of the Ansonia Fire Department,” he said to the crowd at the Charters Hose Co. firehouse. This moment is especially meaningful to me because nearly 100 years ago, on July 20, 1925, my great-grandfather Stephen Fainer was elected to this very fire house. Tonight, almost a century later, my children, Stephen and Gabby, were sworn in as junior members.”

Continue reading ‘Ansonia Fire Department Holds Ceremony To Install Chiefs, Recognize Bravery’

Derby Family Raises $3,000 For Shelton Animal Shelter

Jack Reese raising money for the Shelton Animal Shelter.

DERBY – The Reese family of Derby held a lemonade stand June 29 on the sidewalk near Derby High School on behalf of their best friend Ozzy, an Australian/dachshund mix who passed away in April. 

The idea came from Keri and Brad Reese’s young son, Jack, 4, who wanted to do something in his furry companion’s memory.

The family, which also includes one-year-old Benny and another rescue dog Rocco, was hoping to raise a few bucks for the Shelton Animal Shelter. 

They didn’t charge for the 20 gallons of lemonade they served but rather asked for donations to benefit shelter dogs and cats.

Continue reading ‘Derby Family Raises $3,000 For Shelton Animal Shelter’

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Obituaries »

Alan Dean Robert

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Extra Extra

PROJECT MANNA

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TRAVEL BACK

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Up for discussion in the Town of Seymour.

CITY OF DERBY

Issues drinking water update for the westside.

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SHELTON FD

Weekly calls for service.

ANSONIA SCOUTS

Use two VCF grants.

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To hold caucus July 16.

NOTICE OF RECORDS DESTRUCTION

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NEVER FORGET

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THIS WEEK

In Valley history!

2025 VALLEY COMMUNITY INDEX

To be unveiled Friday, July 18.

BOOK DISCUSSION SCHEDULED

At Seymour Public Library.

STRESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

From Griffin Health.

THIRD SUSPECT CHARGED

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PUBLIC HEARING

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Calls for service.

ANSONIA PD

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SHELTON FD

Calls for service.

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Map and details.

GRIFFIN HEALTH OFFERING

Free weight loss presentations.

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MASTER’S TABLE COMMUNITY MEALS

July 13 & 27.

UPCOMING ART DISPLAY

At Shelton’s Plumb Memorial Library.

HONOR ROLLS

Ansonia High School

THS WEEK

In history!

WOUND MANAGEMENT PRESENTATION

At Ansonia Senior Center.

LOWER VALLEY JOB FAIR

Is Wednesday, June 25.

ANSONIA ROCKET LIFTOFF

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