The Danbury City Council has approved Mayor Roberto Alves’ $311.65 million budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This budget includes a tax rate increase and cuts to the school district’s request, with funding falling short by over $20 million. While a one-time injection of state funding is expected to alleviate some of the shortfall, the budget passed by an 18 to 2 vote.

Authorities in New Fairfield are investigating a tragic incident that occurred last month, where a house fire on Wood Creek Road claimed a life. The state medical examiner’s office confirmed the examination of the body found at the scene, though the person’s identity remains unknown. Firefighters responded swiftly to the blaze, but details about the incident remain scarce as the investigation continues. With the assistance of the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit, officials are working now to uncover the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the fatality.

Danbury is gearing up for the largest one-day food drive in the U.S. this Saturday, organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers. Postal workers will collect non-perishable food donations from mailboxes, benefiting local food pantries. Linda Hutchings of Danbury Community Food Rescue says last year, over 14,000 pounds of food were collected, but missed notifications hindered participation. To boost donations, Hutchings plans to use reminder bags. Residents can easily participate by leaving donations near their mailboxes, while volunteers can assist with unloading and sorting at the 23 Backus Avenue Post Office.

A New Milford man is facing charges after being accused of sexual abuse involving a minor. 51-year-old Daniel Restituto Valerio faces charges including fourth-degree sexual assault and two counts of risk of injury to a minor following an investigation triggered by a complaint regarding an incident that is said to have taken place in March. The age of the victim and other details have not been disclosed. Valerio was released on a $35,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on June 6.

Ridgefield residents have approved over 30 capital items totaling $1.5 million for various town departments, including the highway department, Parks & Recreation, fire department, schools, and the Ridgefield Library. The annual town and budget meeting also set a referendum date for next week to vote on the remaining capital items, along with the operating and school budgets, with a proposed mill rate increase of 2.09 percent.

The Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce is offering a unique opportunity to participate in a conversation that inspires and empowers women. It’s called “Conversations With Extraordinary Women” and it will be held on Wednesday, May 22 from 5 to 7:30Pm at the Amber Room Colonnade. There will be appetizers, a cash bar, vendor booths, and a lot of opportunities to network. To register CLICK HERE

Despite the absence of state funding, a Danbury charter group is forging ahead with a $2 million investment in a new classroom site. Construction is underway at the former Paul Mitchell School, where 11 classrooms are being prepared for 225 students scheduled to start in August. Joseph DaSilva Jr., the property manager leasing the building to the Danbury Charter School, remains optimistic about meeting the deadline. However, the school’s fate hinges on securing funding from the state budget, with hopes resting on proving readiness to open.

Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves has announced that the city is set to receive an additional $12 million in municipal aid along with a $250,000 Working Cities Grant from the State of Connecticut. This windfall follows months of advocacy efforts by Mayor Alves and his administration, who have been tirelessly championing Danbury’s needs with state leadership. On Monday, Mayor Alves expressed gratitude towards legislative partners for their support in securing these funds, which he believes are crucial for steering the city’s operations on the right track, and hopefully will avoid any layoffs.

Jennifer Powers has been appointed as the new assistant principal of the Middle School in New Milford. She replaces former assistant principal Frank Jawidzik and will start her tenure on July 1st. Powers is seen as a seasoned educator with experience in humanities instruction.

In recent years, Wilton has seen a surge in apartment development, with over 1,000 units either built, approved, or proposed. This growth aligns with the town’s goals outlined in the 2019 Plan of Conservation and Development, aiming to boost local retail by increasing residential development, particularly around downtown areas. Despite challenges and delays, several projects are underway, with the largest cluster now centered around Wilton Center. That project however, now awaits the outcome of ongoing reviews and necessary approvals.