Kara Rochelle

Griffin Hospital awarded over $1M by the state to replace old generator
CT Post | July 31, 2022
State officials announced Friday that Griffin Hospital will receive more than $1.3 million from the State Bond Commission.

Ansonia set to receive $2.9 million for SHW demolition
CT Post | July 22, 2022
The city is set to receive an additional $2.9 million in order to demolish the remaining structures at the former SHW Casting plant.

The Valley Remembers The Life And Legacy of Former State Representative Vin Tonucci
Valley Independent Sentinel | July 20, 2022
They broke the mold when it came to one of the Valley’s most beloved sons, Vincent J. Tonucci.

That’s what many of Tonucci’s friends and former colleagues said about the 72-year-old Derby native who passed away Tuesday (July 19) after a brief battle with cancer.

Lower Valley Job Fair Scheduled For Thursday, June 30 At Ansonia High School
Valley Independent Sentinel | June 10, 2022
State Representative Kara Rochelle (D — Ansonia/Derby) and Senator Jorge Cabrera (D — Hamden) are partnering with The WorkPlace, Career Resources, and the American Job Center to host the Lower Valley Job Fair on Thursday, June 30 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Ansonia High School. The event will feature nearly 40 employers from a variety of industries for various skillsets, pay scales, and hours.

Ansonia to receive federal funds for special education
CT Post | May 2, 2022
Students at a Prendergast Elementary School classroom had their hands raised, but it wasn’t their teacher asking questions.

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro stopped by the school on May 2, touring classrooms and announcing the federal government will provide $17.5 billion to Title 1 grants which provide financial assistance to school districts across the country. An additional $14.5 billion will be provided to special education, the largest increase in a decade according to DeLauro.

Derby to receive $12 million for train station improvements
CT Post | December 26, 2021
The city and state were all aboard on Dec. 21 when the state bond commission approved $12 million to fix up the Derby/Shelton train station.

Local and state officials were ecstatic about the approval of the funds as a necessary booster for the city’s economic redevelopment. The money will be used to upgrade services at the train station and to make the station ADA compliant.

Ansonia residents share experiences, questions at domestic violence webinar
CT Post | December 1, 2021
In the wake of Grace Zielinska’s death in an apparent domestic homicide, advocates for victims of such violence are stepping up their efforts to educate residents on the resources available to help people out of potentially abusive relationships.

Ansonia domestic murder suspect quarantined, case continued
New Haven Register | November 24, 2021
The man accused of stabbing 34-year-old Grace Zielinska to death inside an Ansonia apartment was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday but didn’t end up making the trip from prison.

Federal $12.6 Million Grant For Derby-Shelton Train Station Upgrade
Valley Independent Sentinel | November 19, 2021
State transportation officials said they’ll use a $12.6 million federal grant to start a major overhaul of the dilapidated Derby-Shelton train station.

Federal funding to add track, new stations on Waterbury branch
CT Post | November 8, 2021
State, local and federal officials are optimistic that a series of upgrades to the Waterbury branch of the Metro-North New Haven Line will have lasting and far-reaching benefits throughout the Naugatuck Valley.

Cassetti, residents at odds over Ansonia's proposed moratorium on recreational marijuana sales
CT Post | September 21, 2021
Second Ward Alderman Bill Phipps said he’s heard stories of well-dressed people with nice cars over the border in Massachusetts, willing to wait in line to buy recreational marijuana at dispensaries.

State Firefighters Association Honor Rep. Rochelle
Valley Independent Sentinel | September 16, 2021
State Rep. Kara Rochelle, a Democrat from Ansonia who represents Ansonia and Derby, will be awarded the Connecticut State Firefighters Association’s (CSFA) 2021 Legislative Award during the association’s 138th Annual Statewide Convention on Sept. 18 at the Labella Vista Pavilion in Waterbury.

Lawmakers unanimously approve community block grant plan
CT Examiner | August 11, 2021
In a joint public hearing followed by Appropriations, Commerce and Housing committee meetings, Connecticut legislators voted unanimously to approve the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Allocation Plan on Wednesday, paving the way for cities and towns across the state with populations of less than 50,000 to access funding for local projects.

More funding expected for Ansonia Copper and Brass
CT Post | July 20, 2021
Mayor David Cassetti has called his economic revitalization initiative ‘Ansonia Recharged’ since 2013, when he originally ran for office.

A Million Bucks For Ansonia To Clean Up Industrial Site
Valley Independent Sentinel | July 8, 2021
Connecticut’s governor and a cadre of elected officials were in the city Thursday to celebrate the city receiving $1 million from the state to go toward the environmental assessment, demolition, and remediation of the former Farrel Foundry and Machine Co. site at the corner of Main Street and North Main Street.

State allocates $1 million for Farrel demolition
CT Post | June 27, 2021
The Farrel Foundry and Machine Co. site, located on 35 North Main St., is a step closer to being demolished and remediated with news that the city will receive $1 million from the state Brownfield Remediation Program.

Derby, Ansonia eye funding from regional economic development pilot program bill
CT Post | June 8, 2021
Ansonia and Derby may be in line for funds from the state for ongoing economic revitalization projects that help the Valley in general.

Ansonia and Derby ramp up COVID-19 vaccine outreach
CT Post | April 16, 2021
Tuesday’s pause of the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine has acted as a spur to the ongoing vaccination efforts in Ansonia and Derby.

State Rep. Kara Rochelle (opinion): Better rail service will boost Valley economy
CT Post | February 18, 2021
The Valley is a special place. The history is rich, the hills, rivers, ponds and forests are beautiful, and the people are salt of the earth and hold a deep sense of community. We’re a big-hearted, resilient bunch — a middle and working-class community full of grit and grace. We’re tough, and we look out for our neighbors.

Ansonia receives $400,000 housing rehab grant
Valley Independent Sentinel | December 7, 2020
State Rep. Kara Rochelle, a Democrat who lives in Ansonia, said Ansonia is among 12 municipalities in Connecticut awarded a total of $13 million in small cities grants through the state’s Community Development Block Grant to modernize and rehabilitate housing.

Large development could be on the horizon for Ansonia
Fox 61 | July 17, 2020
Friday afternoon brought potentially encouraging news for downtown Ansonia and the entire Naugatuck Valley.

Ansonia to get $500,000 grant to demo N. Main St. eyesore
Valley Independent Sentinel | July 14, 2020
The City of Ansonia is scheduled to receive a $500,000 state grant to demolish an old, partially-collapsed industrial building at 35 N. Main St. the former SHW Casting Company.

Group discusses everyday racism in the Valley
Valley Independent Sentinel | July 3, 2020
Ominous storm clouds and a driving rain didn’t stop about 18 Shelton residents and community officials from gathering at the Veterans Memorial Park last Saturday to share personal stories of racism.

Valley lawmaker, Team look to recruit volunteers for nonprofits
New Haven Register | March 19, 2020
State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia, is rallying Valley folks to volunteer their time to help their most vulnerable neighbors, such as the elderly, during these uncertain and challenging times.

Advanced manufacturing teaching center opens in Derby High School
CT Post | May 6, 2019
On Monday, officials cut the ribbon on a $1.2 million Advanced Manufacturing Learning Center in the basement of Derby High School.