DERBY — Officials at the high school held a special graduation ceremony on June 9 to honor a senior entering the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
The rest of Ferdinando ‘Ferd’ Amartey’s classmates are scheduled to graduate Friday (June 13). However, Amartey’s schedule changed so that he had to report to the Marines’ 13-week boot camp earlier than planned. He’s not missing classes because classes for seniors ended last week.
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Press Release | Jun 9, 2025 4:04 pm
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Alyssa Saint-Vilien.
DERBY - Derby Public Schools is proud to announce that Alyssa Saint-Vilien, Paraeducator at Derby Middle School, has been selected as the 2026 District Paraeducator of the Year.
Alyssa is widely recognized by her colleagues as an exceptional paraeducator whose warmth and unwavering dedication extend well beyond the students she is assigned to support. Her daily presence at Derby Middle School radiates kindness, patience, and professionalism, making her an irreplaceable asset to the entire school community. Her positive energy inspires those around her, and she serves as a role model for fellow paraeducators and staff alike.
The Connecticut State Department of Education and the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council established the Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Program to recognize the critical role of paraeducators in supporting student achievement. The award is named in honor of Anne Marie Murphy, a paraeducator who tragically lost her life in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
Reflecting on her work, Alyssa shared one of her favorite quotes: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi.
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Jasmine Wright | Jun 9, 2025 3:33 pm
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The Commodore Hull Bridge on Route 8 connects Derby and Shelton.
DERBY/SHELTON – The state Department of Transportation said it will pay for additional officers and signage to help direct traffic near the Commodore Hull Bridge, following massive backups and traffic issues that elected officials say have gotten out of control.
“To help with traffic congestion, CTDOT is funding additional officers near the highway ramps and busy intersections. More police presence will help keep traffic flowing at crucial bottlenecks. We are also adding more signage along the corridor to divert traffic away from the area,” said Josh Morgan, a state DOT spokesman.
The Commodore Hull Bridge, which connects Derby and Shelton on Route 8, is currently undergoing emergency repairs that were announced May 30. On June 7, a truck swerved into the construction zone, striking a construction vehicle and sending the truck’s driver to the hospital.
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Press Release | Jun 9, 2025 11:55 am
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The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital will offer free prostate cancer screenings from 3-5 p.m. on Thurs., June 26.
DERBY – In recognition of Men’s Health Month, The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby, and the Health Initiative for Men (HiM) will host free prostate cancer screenings from 3 – 5 p.m. on Thurs., June 26.
The screening is sponsored by HiM, which encourages men to see their physician annually, and empower them to actively manage their health by being screened for various diseases that respond better to treatment if detected early. Ansonia businessman Frank Michaud and his wife, Judy, established the “Health Initiative for Men Fund” at the Valley Community Foundation to promote outreach efforts that would help raise awareness about men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer and colorectal cancer.
Every screening participant will also be entered into a raffle for a Yeti Cooler sponsored by HiM.
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Eugene Driscoll | Jun 8, 2025 9:16 pm
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A Derby Planning and Zoning Commission meeting from January. (Left to right) Commission chairman Gino DiGiovanni, Jr., city engineer Ryan McEvoy, commissioner David Kopjanski and commissioner Paul Denice.
DERBY – A lawyer on May 20 advised the Derby Planning & Zoning Commission to stop holding “informal discussions” about development proposals.
“I don’t think this board is in a position to give an informal opinion or informal advice. That’s just not something that is appropriate,” Brian Lema, a lawyer for the commission, said.
The Derby commission has allowed developers to appear in front of them for feedback on development applications before the applications are formally submitted. It’s not an uncommon practice in Connecticut, according to this 2002 legislative report.
The following info on detours was sent by state Rep. Mary Welander:
Ramp Closures on Route 8 in Shelton and Derby
6/04/2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that an Emergency Declaration has been declared for the Commodore Hull Bridge (Bridge No. 00571) which carries Route 8 over the Housatonic River and Route 110 in Shelton and Derby on May 30, 2025. As part of the Emergency Declaration Project, the Exit 12A Route 8 northbound on-ramp and Exit 12B Route 8 southbound on-ramp will be closed starting on June 4, 2025 until to further notice. These closures will allow the coordination of lane shifts in order to maintain two lanes of traffic on Route 8 when the contractor is not working. A bridge load restriction of 32 tons for all vehicles is also in effect.
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Eugene Driscoll | Jun 5, 2025 1:43 pm
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Police vehicles outside Derby Middle School on Thursday morning.
DERBY — Schools in the city were locked down Thursday morning after a bullet was found on a school bus, according to robocalls from Derby Middle School administrators.
No weapons were found.
The incident started while students were being dropped off at the middle school as classes were starting.
“The staff of bus 55 reported seeing a bullet on the bus floor after the students departed the bus,” according to a message from the administration.
The students from that bus were separated from the rest of the student population.
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Eugene Driscoll | Jun 4, 2025 7:14 pm
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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Scott Derby and his wife, Isa.
DERBY – A westside father of two said he is seeking the Republican nomination for mayor.
Scott Derby, 60, made his intention known last month during a fundraiser for the Derby Republican Town Committee.
“Scott Derby brings a fresh perspective with innovative skills and ideas and the public will see over the next five months he is the right man for the job at hand,” said Gino DiGiovanni, Jr., the city GOP chairman. “I am extremely excited to see Scott and the Mayor debate on what their visions are for Derby’s future.”
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SPONSORED POST | Jun 3, 2025 7:53 pm
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DERBY – State transportation officials announced Friday (May 30) that emergency repairs are needed on the Commodore Hull Bridge, the structure that carries traffic on Route 8 between Derby and Shelton.
A recent “special inspection” of the bridge found the bridge gusset plates had deteriorated and were in need of repair.
“These plates connect the truss members together to support the weight of the overall bridge structure and traffic load on the bridge,” according to a statement emailed to The Valley Indy by a state Department of Transportation spokesperson.
