It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone. As we say goodbye to 2024, it’s time to announce my personal top five picks for The Valley Indy stories of the year.
From the devastating flash flooding in August that claimed two Valley lives to a triumphant tale of a Valley swimmer who nabbed his second Olympic Bronze medal, there was no shortage of news that happened in the Valley over the last 365 days.
5. Retail Marijuana Store Opens In Seymour
The staff at Rejoice dispensary in Seymour poses for a picture at their grand opening on Oct. 9.
Who would’ve ever believed you could buy pot in the Valley, legally?
That’s exactly what happened in October, when the lower Naugatuck Valley’s first-ever retail marijuana store (recreational, not medical) opened in the Seybridge Plaza in Seymour. Rejoice, a cannabis retailer, offers walk-in and online sales of everything from pre-rolled joints to gummies.
Don’t show up there, however, unless you’re at least 21 years old with a valid ID. The store manager estimated monthly sales to hit about $300,000, with Seymour standing to collect about $9,000 in revenue per month.
Connecticut legalized recreational marijuana in Jan. 2023. Many customers I talked to during the grand opening of Rejoice, said it was high time for a store like this in the Valley. Nearby Derby is expected to welcome its first cannabis retail shop in late December or January – “Hi! People” – in the Italian Pavilion building on Pershing Drive.
4. Ansonia Police Dog Kane Remembered In Memorial Service
This was a heartbreaking story of the loss of Ansonia Police Department’s four-legged crimefighter, Kane. The 10-year-old German Shepherd, who was the faithful partner serving alongside Officer Paul Smith, had to be euthanized after it was discovered he was suffering from cancer. A memorial service in August drew more than 125 people and some two dozen K‑9 units from across the state.
You could hear a pin drop on Nolan Field as these magnificent canines stood silent alongside their handlers, paying homage to a fallen hero. Kane was remembered as more than just a crime-fighting canine, putting his skills to work in tracking down suspects and recovering evidence. He was also Officer Smith’s (and his family’s) best friend. R.I.P. Kane.
3. Readers Donate More Than $10,000 To The Valley Indy
Once again, I am humbled by the generous outpouring of support from the Valley Indy readers during the annual Great Give give-a-thon. Our readers opened their hearts and wallets and donated more than $10,000 to keep our lights on and keep local journalism in the Valley alive and well.
Our fearless leader, Eugene Driscoll and fellow reporter Jasmine Wright kept the midnight oil burning for a 36-hour livestream with limited breaks. They interviewed dozens of fellow Valley nonprofits, like the Spooner House and newcomer Seymour Food 2 Kids, giving them a platform to share their good works and mission.
A big‘thank you’ to all who donated to this year’s Great Give, especially to us, which helps keep me around!
2. Ansonia Swimmer Brings Home The Bronze
Matt Torres celebrates his Olympic win at a reception.
I loved writing this story about how Ansonia’s own Matthew Torres, despite his physical challenges, brought glory and honor to not only his hometown, but to the entire country – for a second time! Matt, 23, was born with amniotic band syndrome, missing half his right leg, with deformities on both hands and some hearing loss.
The 2023 Fairfield University graduate never allowed his handicap to get in the way of his goals. Matt scored his second bronze medal in the mixed 4x100-meter freestyle relay during the 2024 Paralympic Games, held this past summer in Paris. Matt is no stranger to racking up awards and medals. He scored his first bronze medal at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo in the men’s 400-meter freestyle race.
Could Matt have his sights set on the 2028 Games in Los Angeles? Stay tuned …
1. Storm Stories August 2024 Floods
Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Beacon Falls contractor and firefighter Doug Bousquet cleans mud and loads debris onto a payloader outside Route 67 Diner.
Nothing could’ve prepared anyone for what happened in the Valley on Aug. 18, 2024.
Without warning, a freak flash flood, brought on by upwards of 15 inches of rain that fell in a short period of time, deluged parts of the Valley, especially Seymour and Oxford.
Mother Nature’s fury claimed the lives of three people, including two Oxford women, devastated local businesses and caused millions of dollars in damage.
However, with determination, grit and spirit, the Valley rose above the flood waters, with life finally returning back to almost normal for many businesses – including those in Klarides Village in Seymour, who have all pretty much reopened.
The Valley Indy reached out to those who survived and wrote numerous stories about the losses, the comebacks and just what it means to be Valley Strong!
