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Trooper exposed to Fentanyl during traffic stop in Derby

Published on in Derby/News

DERBY — A trooper on patrol in Derby was taken to the hospital after being exposed to fentanyl during a traffic stop on Sunday.

Police say the trooper stopped a vehicle for speeding on Pine Hill Road.

The driver was identified as 32-year-old Roland Souliere, Jr., of Orleans.

According to the report, Souliere was operating without a valid Vermont license, as well as using an invalid inspection sticker.

Police say during the stop, indicators of drug possession were observed and an investigation was conducted.

“A search of the vehicle yielded items of drug paraphernalia, as well as a substance suspected to be the narcotic Fentanyl,” Trooper Daniel Lynch wrote in his report.

During the incident, the trooper was exposed to an unlawfully possessed Fentanyl transdermal patch and was transported to North Country Hospital by Newport EMS for precautionary treatment.

Souliere was issued a criminal citation to appear in court to answer to the offense of unlawfully possessing a narcotic and released from the scene.

Unlawfully possessing a narcotic is punishable by not more than one-year imprisonment, or a $2,000.00 fine, or both.

Three-car crash on US-5 in Derby

Published on in Derby/News

DERBY — Police responded to a three-car crash in Derby on Monday.

The crash took place at the set of lights in front of the Dunkin’ Donuts on US Route 5, at around 4:30 p.m.

Police say Richard Ryan, 63, of Derby, and Kirsten Avery, 18, also of Derby, were stopped at the red light.

When the light turned green, Ryan was struck from behind by Katrina Carrier, 25, of Derby.

The momentum from the crash sent Ryan’s vehicle into the back of Avery.

According to the report, although none of the drivers or their passengers were transported to the hospital, minor injuries were reported.

Police say Carrier had no insurance and her license was criminally suspended.

She was ticketed for having no insurance and issued a citation to appear in court for operating a motor vehicle with a criminally suspended license.

East Main Auto towed Carrier’s vehicle from the scene.

Police chase ends in crash, vehicle fire in Charleston

Published on in Charleston/Derby/Newport/News

CHARLESTON — A 51-year-old man from Derby is facing charges after leading police on a high-speed chase that ended after he hit a utility pole in Charleston.

Today at around 12:40 a.m. police conducted a motor vehicle stop on Vermont Route 105 in Derby.

The driver, identified as Derick W. Blake, got out of his vehicle during the stop and began to approach the trooper’s cruiser.

After being ordered to get back into his car, police say Blake sped off traveling east at a high rate of speed.

The trooper engaged in a high-speed chase that lasted for approximately 8 miles before Blake lost control and collided with a utility pole near Twin Bridges Road in East Charleston.

Blake’s vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. Troopers tracked him down on foot as he attempted to flee the scene.

Charleston VFD arrived to put out the fire and provide traffic control as power lines were lying across the roadway.

Blake is facing felony attempting to elude charges, as well as driving with a criminally suspended license, DUI refusal, and violations of conditions of release.

Police: Mailboxes vandalized in Derby with an axe

Published on in Derby/Newport/News

DERBY — Police are looking for someone they say vandalized five mailboxes in Derby with an axe.

This morning, police took a report of multiple mailboxes that were vandalized along the length of Derby Pond Road.

They say the incident occurred sometime overnight.

The mailboxes had been either knocked over or damaged with a blunt object and an axe.

Police say the suspect left evidence at the scene indicating it was likely the work of a male who may be large or tall in stature.

Initially, police were looking for the operator of a 2005-2007 Ford Focus, but the vehicle was later ruled out and is no longer of interest to the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect is encouraged to call VSP-Derby at 334-8881.

Two men plead guilty to smuggling 14 illegal aliens in Derby

Published on in Derby/Derby Line/Newport/News

DERBY — Two men have pled guilty to the smuggling and transporting of fourteen illegal aliens who traveled on foot from Quebec to Derby in October 2017.

The two defendants are Alberto Alvarado-Castro, 30, a Mexican citizen, and Hector Perez-Alvarado, 25, a citizen of Honduras.

According to the complaint affidavit and the statements made at the recent hearings, late in the evening of October 7, 2017, Alberto Alvarado-Castro guided the fourteen aliens through the woods on the border to a van parked in Derby, which was driven by Hector Perez-Alvarado.

In multiple trips, Perez-Alvardo drove the aliens to a motel in Derby, where, on the last trip, they were all apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol.

Eleven of the smuggled illegal aliens were Guatemala citizens and three were Mexican citizens.

Alberto Alvarado-Castro pled guilty to smuggling aliens for financial gain, which carries a three-year mandatory minimum sentence and a ten-year maximum sentence.

The parties agreed that Alvardo-Castro’s sentence should be three years, which is still subject to the Court’s approval.

Hector Perez-Alvarado pled guilty to transporting aliens for financial gain, which carries a ten-year maximum sentence.

The parties have not agreed to a specific sentence for Perez-Alvarado.

United States Chief Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford will conduct both sentencings which are currently scheduled for September 27 in Rutland.

Both defendants are detained and in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Newport police officers graduate from Vermont Police Academy

Published on in Canaan/Derby/Newport/News

NEWPORT — Two Newport Police officers graduated from the Vermont Police Academy last week.

Officer Colin Sykes and Officer Cody Smith graduated from the Vermont Police Academy’s 105th Basic Training class on Friday, May 25.

They were recognized at a ceremony at the Vermont Police Academy headquarters in Pittsford.

Officer Sykes, a native of Derby, was nominated to be the class president and gave the graduating class’s commencement speech.

Officer Smith, of Canaan, was awarded the Academic Award. The award is given to the recruit who earned the highest GPA over the course of the training.

He also received the Top Driving Award.

“Both officers have demonstrated outstanding work ethic and achievement and should be proud of their accomplishments while in the academy,” said Newport Police Chief DiSanto. “The residents of Newport will be in good hands when Officer Sykes and Officer Smith are on-duty.”

In order to graduate, the two officers completed a 16-week basic training program.

Both will be working the night shift at the Newport Police Department.

Thirty-seven graduates from the 105th Basic Training Class will join police departments across the state.

Eleven of those graduates will join the ranks of the Vermont State Police and will be deployed to barracks throughout the state.

Police: Derby man fatally shot himself during traffic stop

Published on in Derby/Newport/News

NEWBURY — Police say a 20-year-old man from Derby fatally shot himself during a traffic stop in Newbury today.

It happened at around 11:00 a.m., on U.S. Route 5 near Moore Hill Road, when a trooper initiated a stop on a vehicle having an expired inspection sticker.

The driver was identified as Austin M. Durocher.

Police say as the trooper was running the information, Durocher, who was still sitting in his vehicle, shot himself with a firearm.

“The investigation into this matter is ongoing, but all indications are that Durocher took his own life,” a statement issued by police reads.

The trooper was not injured during the incident.

U.S. Route 5 between Snake Road and Newbury Crossing was shut down temporarily while this incident was being investigated.

Dandelion Run welcomes 10k record holder Aleksei Bingham of Derby

Published on in Derby/Newport/News/Outdoors

DERBY – The Dandelion Run is welcoming this year’s local celebrity runner, 18-year-old, Aleksei Bingham, of Derby.

Aleksei holds the Dandy’s 10km record of 0:35:48, which he set last year.

This year’s Dandy is scheduled to be run on Saturday, May 19, 2018, starting at the Derby Beach House on the 4 H Road in the town of Derby.

In 2015, at 15, Bingham came in fifth among the males with a time of 0:44:56, four minutes behind his coach, Chris Shaffer.

In 2016, he came in first with a time of 0:38:31, gunning down Shaffer without mercy.

Last year he set the course record becoming the king of the 10K.

This year Aleksei was named North Country Boys Indoor Track & Field Player of the Year by the Caledonian Record.

He won both the 1,500 and 3,000-meter events at the Division 1, Indoor State Championships.

Aleksei, like many youth in the area, has been running the Dandy for years.

Each year, many elementary schools field teams for the 2 mile, 4 mile, and 10k competitions, helping to teach kids a joy of running.

With some great coaching in junior high and high school, many continue their love of running.

The Northeast Kingdom produces some highly competitive cross-country runners like Aleksei.

For information and registration for the Dandy remains open at www.kingdomgames.co or contact Phil White at phw1948@gmail.com

Eight arrested for illegally entering U.S. near North Derby Road

Published on in Derby/Newport/News

NEWPORT – On Saturday, U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended eight individuals after they illegally crossed into the United States from Canada near the North Derby Road in Newport.

According to authorities, seven of the individuals are citizens of Romania and one is a citizen of Germany.

None of the individuals had immigration documents that would allow them to legally enter or remain in the United States.

Agents transported them to the Newport Station for processing.They were then turned over to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office for removal proceedings.

“The men and women of the United States Border Patrol work diligently to protect the border and keep our community safe,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia. “Our border security efforts and enforcement of our nation’s laws doesn’t stop on holidays, and this past Easter weekend resulted in the apprehension of several individuals attempting to enter the country illegally.”

Expect delays as I-91 bridge into Derby Line set to close

Published on in Derby/Derby Line/Holland/Newport/News

DERBY LINE — Work on the Caswell Avenue bridge connecting Derby Line and Holland over Interstate 91 is set to start April 2, and the state is warning motorists to expect delays.

Construction is scheduled to last until October. The bridge will remain closed during this time.

Traffic using Caswell Avenue to cross the Interstate will be directed down the I-91 on-ramps to a temporary traffic signal.

The signal will periodically stop north and southbound traffic on I-91 to allow cross traffic from Caswell Avenue to proceed.

The Vermont Agency of Transportation says during construction, left turns from I-91 entering the on-ramp toward Derby Line will not be allowed. Northbound I-91 traffic traveling to Derby Line will need to use exit 28 and follow detour signs along US Route 5.

Likewise, southbound traffic along I-91 traveling from Canada to Holland will also be detoured to exit 28 and I-91 north.

Uniformed traffic officers will be on hand to help motorists negotiate the detours during the first few days of construction.

The Caswell Avenue bridge project will replace the bearings, structural steel, deck, pavement, and railing on the existing bridge.

One of the supporting piers will be removed and the cap beams on the remaining three piers will be rebuilt. The existing abutments will be retained.

The current bridge was constructed in 1962.

The new bridge will be a paved concrete deck supported by un-painted steel girders. There will be two travel lanes and two wide shoulders for pedestrian and bicycle use.

The project is expected to cost over $5 million to complete.

Fire at the Border Motel

Published on in Albany/Derby/Derby Line/Fire/News

DERBY — A fire broke out at the Border Motel in Derby on Friday night.

At around 11:20 p.m. the Derby Line Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in an occupied room on the second floor at the hotel, located on Route 5.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames and keep the fire contained to the room.

There were no reported injuries from the fire, however, another tenant was transported to North Country Hospital for an unrelated medical emergency.

After his initial scene examination, Chief Craig Ellam requested the assistance of the Fire Investigation Unit.

Investigators say they were able to confirm that the fire originated on a couch in the room. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Police say the occupant of the room, Romuld Kuczek, 60, of Albany, was placed into protective custody due his level of intoxication.

The motel room sustained significant damage and is considered a total loss. Other nearby rooms sustained smoke and water damage and several tenants had to be relocated.

There are no criminal charges at this point, however, police say the case remains under investigation.

Stannard recognized for outstanding service

Published on in Derby/Newport/News/Northeast Kingdom

DERBY — Community National Bank’s (CNB) Marketing Assistant Anne Quirion recently had the honor of presenting Ann Stannard with the bank’s Community Service Award. This award was created to recognize remarkable people who give back to our communities making them better places to live, work and grow.

Ann has been a volunteer “Advocate” with Orleans County Citizen Advocacy (OCCA) for 30 years. OCCA is a non-profit organization that brings people with developmental disabilities “Partners” and unpaid community volunteers together. OCCA’s mission is to build and support one-to-one, long-term, independent relationships so all are heard, respected, included and empowered.

Ann’s dedication to OCCA and their mission is remarkable. Over the years, Ann has served as an OCCA Board member and as a one-to-one Advocate.

As an Advocate, Ann goes the extra mile to provide her Partner with guidance and friendship. She has helped him to be successful by overcoming obstacles which continues to help him thrive in the community.

Ann has spent countless hours coordinating interactive community activities and workshops. These events are designed to integrate OCCA Partners into the community, so they are not isolated in their homes. Ann’s longstanding service to OCCA has contributed greatly to the organization’s success. Her spirit to help those with developmental disabilities in Orleans County is immeasurable.

To celebrate Ann’s commitment and dedication to her community, the bank says they are proud to present her with this award for the fourth quarter of 2017.

The bank honors and recognizes our recipients by making a $500.00 contribution to a local, non-profit organization of the recipient’s choice. Ann has requested that her donation be made to Orleans County Citizen Advocacy.

To learn more about OCCA, please visit occavt.org.

For more information about Community National Bank’s Community Service Award and to nominate a deserving recipient visit communtiynationalbank.com.

Community National Bank, Vermont’s Community Bank, is an independent bank that has been serving Vermont communities since 1851. CNB has offices located in Derby, Barre, Barton, Derby Line, Enosburg Falls, Island Pond, Lyndonville, Montpelier, Morrisville, Newport, St. Johnsbury and Troy.

Fully loaded log truck runs off I-91 and into trees

Published on in Derby/Newport/News

NEWPORT — A log truck ran off the roadway on I-91 in Derby on Tuesday morning.

Traffic was down to one lane on the interstate at around 10:45 a.m. and the fully loaded log truck could be seen in the median smoking and badly damaged.

Police, along with members of the Newport City Fire Department and Ambulance arrived on scene.

The driver, identified as Pascal Rodrigue, 61, of Quebec, was transported to North Country Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

Police say the tractor-trailer drifted too far to the left in the passing lane and ran off of the roadway and into the trees in the interstate median.

Members from St. Onge Excavating arrived on the scene later in the day to assist with the removal of the tractor-trailer and are assisting with the removal of the logs this morning.

There were no other vehicles involved in the crash.

Driver injured in two-vehicle crash in Derby

Published on in Charleston/Derby/News

CHARLESTON — Police were called to the scene of a two-vehicle crash on Hayward Road in Derby on Tuesday.

At around 3:00 p.m. crews responded to the scene and met with both drivers.

Police say 72-year-old James Driver of Charleston was traveling west and 59-year-old Roderick Lyon, also of Charleston, was headed east.

According to the report, Driver crossed left of center, striking Lyon head-on in the eastbound lane.

According to operators statements, both vehicles were traveling approximately 25 mph, and road conditions at the time of the crash were icy.

Driver suffered from what police say were “non-life threatening injuries” and was transported to North Country Hospital.

Both vehicles sustained extensive front-end damage were towed from the scene.

Police: Driver failed to stop, pulled into garage and attempted to close door

Published on in Derby/News

DERBY — A driver will have to appear in court after police say he failed to stop when signaled, then pulled into his garage and attempted to close the door between himself and police.

At around 1:50 a.m. on Saturday, police say they were patrolling Route 111 in Derby when they observed a Land Rover traveling east at a high rate of speed.

The vehicle allegedly turned onto Bates Hill Road without signaling, then continued to travel at a high rate of speed in the posted 35 MPH zone.

The road conditions at the time were snowy and slick.

According to the report, the trooper activated his emergency lights to effect a stop, and the driver failed to yield.

Police say the driver, identified as Wilfred Tetreault, 55, of Derby, continued disregarding the signal to stop.

They say he pulled into a driveway at a high rate of speed, opened the garage door and attempted to close it between him and the trooper.

The trooper was able to pursue Tetreault into the garage and remove him from the vehicle.

He was detained and later issued a criminal citation to appear in court.

Civil violations were issued for speeding on a state roadway, speeding on a town roadway, unreasonable speed for weather conditions, failing to signal, and failing to stop when signaled.

Police looking for 17-year-old runaway from Derby

Published on in Derby/Newport/News

DERBY — Police are hoping the public can help locate a teenager from Derby who is missing.

According to a statement issued by police, sometime after 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Allison White, 17, of Derby, left her residence on Roy Street.

She is described as being 5’2″ and weighing 154 lbs. She has brown eyes and has recently dyed her hair brown, which she had braided and pulled back.

White was last seen wearing black spandex pants, black rubber knee-high boots, and a black jacket.

Police say she has no known access to a cell phone but does have access to the internet. They say she has friends in Newport, as well as the Barre and South Burlington area.

Anyone with any information about this incident or who may have seen White is asked to call the Vermont State Police at 802-334-8881.

Derby man charged after hit-and-run with train

Published on in coventry/Derby/Newport/News

COVENTRY — A Derby man will have to answer to charges after he allegedly hit a train today and fled the scene.

Police say 39-year-old Aaron Horner was cited for leaving the scene of a crash and driving with a criminally suspended license.

At around 11:00 a.m. police were notified of a crash at the railroad crossing on Coventry Station Road in Coventry.

It was reported that a truck failed to stop for a train that was preceding through the intersection.

While a trooper was responding, witnesses say the truck left the scene heading east on Coventry Station Road. Police say the truck was leaking fluids and smoking.

Vermont State Police, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, Border Patrol and Newport Fire Department all responded to the scene.

The train conductor and engineer were both uninjured during the incident.

Police say a trooper later located the truck involved in the crash on Moulton Road in Brownington, hiding behind large shrubbery, and identified Horner as the driver.

Police say Horner was not injured during the crash.

Newport man facing attempted murder charge

Published on in Derby/Lowell/Newport/News

NEWPORT — Three men are being held without bail after police say they were involved in the kidnapping and brutal assault of a 20-year-old Derby man.

In court last week, Tyler Glodgett, 22, of Newport, pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and unlawful restraint.

Joshua Bedard, 30, of Brattleboro, was charged with kidnapping, unlawful restraint, and aggravated assault relating to the incident.

The third man charged in the case is 28-year-old Justin Peters, of Coventry, who pled not guilty to a charge of aggravated assault.

Police say the incident took place last month in Lowell, at a white trailer on Route 58.

According to court records, the 20-year-old victim from Derby offered to give Bedard a ride, when he was led to the trailer in Lowell, where Glodgett and Peters were located.

After around ten minutes, police say Bedard punched the victim in the face, while he and Glodgett accused the victim of ratting them out to police. The attack continued with the victim being repeatedly kicked and punched, his hands tied behind his back, his cheek sliced with a box cutter, and his arm branded with a heated fork.

At one point during the assault, a trash bag was placed over his head, causing him to feel that he was going to suffocate.

Court records go on to detail how the victim was able to escape the assault by freeing his hands and making a break for the front door, while the other occupants of the trailer were doing drugs in the kitchen.

He eventually showed up at the State Police barracks in Derby, where he was transported to the hospital to be treated for his injuries.

The three men were arrested, and in court, Judge Robert Bent ordered them held without bail as charges are pending.

Two Mexican citizens arrested during smuggling attempt in Derby

Published on in Derby/Newport/News

DERBY — On Saturday, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Newport station say they arrested a man and woman, both citizens of Mexico, during a failed smuggling attempt.

Agents say they encountered two men driving a white Nissan Sentra near the international border.

According to authorities, both men claimed to be U.S. citizens from North Carolina and had rented a room at the Border Motel.

About a half hour later, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police observed two people with large backpacks enter the United States illegally just east of the town of Derby and notified the Swanton Sector.

While agents were attempting to locate the two that had entered illegally, they saw the two men driving the Nissan Sentra in the area also. The men allegedly drove the car slowly, flashing its lights, and turning around often.

Agents say the car remained in the area for about 20 minutes before they followed the Sentra back to the Border Motel.

The agents say they saw the two men exit their room with luggage, get in the Sentra, and head towards I-91. After noticing the Sentra now contained four people, agents performed a traffic stop.

Besides the two men, the Sentra contained a man and woman sitting in the rear seat.

During an immigration interview, the man claimed to be a citizen of Mexico, but the woman refused to state her citizenship.

Agents arrested the driver and front passenger for alien smuggling, a felony, and the two rear passengers for illegal entry, a misdemeanor.

Border Patrol agents brought the four to the Newport station for additional record checks and further processing. Those checks revealed that the Mexican man, age 36, had been previously removed from the United States in 2014, after an arrest in Buffalo, New York in 2008.

The checks also revealed that the woman, age 39, was also a citizen of Mexico. At the station, both Mexican citizens confessed to entering the United States illegally.

Authorities say both will be returned to Mexico.

The Swanton Border Patrol Sector is seizing the 2012 Nisan Sentra, and the two U.S. citizens from North Carolina were released.

“This case is an excellent example of the importance of information sharing between the United States Border Patrol and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,” said U.S. Border Patrol Swanton Sector Chief Patrol Agent John Pfeifer. “The Swanton Sector relies on its partners to secure the international border, and the quick sharing of information is a major part of the sector’s success.”

School bus rear-ended in Derby

Published on in Charleston/Derby/News

DERBY — A minor accident involving a school bus took place in Derby on Thursday.

At around 4:15 p.m. police were notified of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of VT Routes 111 and 105.

Police say Rachel Carter, 57, of West Charleston, was driving an empty school bus and had come to a complete stop at the stop sign on Route 111.

The bus was struck from behind by a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse, being operated by Rosanna Robinson, 24, of Derby.

According to the report, Derby Line EMT responded to check on Robinson.

Neither driver was hurt during the crash.

Both vehicles were able to be driven from the scene.

Stolen car found crashed in Newport

Published on in Bloomfield/Derby/Newport/News

NEWPORT — Police say an abandoned vehicle found crashed on Route 5 this morning was stolen.

At around 6:45 a.m. police were notified of a stolen car that was taken from a driveway on Vermont Route 102 in Bloomfield.

Police say the owner last saw the vehicle in the driveway at around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday. The owner discovered it missing just prior to calling the police.

The vehicle, a charcoal gray 2012 Ford Escape, was bearing a New Hampshire plate.

Police say the stolen vehicle was found abandoned, after being involved in a crash on the Derby/Newport Town line on US Route 5.

Newport police investigated the crash.

Anyone with information regarding the theft or the crash is being asked to contact VSP Derby Barracks, Corporal Amy LeClair at 802-334-8881.

Derby Green receives 12th quality award

Published on in Derby/Newport/News

DERBY — Derby Green is one of only three Vermont nursing homes to receive the VT Health Care Association Quality Award this year. On top of that accolade, it is the only facility to have received this prestigious award 12 times.

“It is an absolute honor to have represented not only the nursing home, but the amazing staff who made all of these honorary awards possible,” said previous administrator, Lisa Bohlman, who received the top honor on behalf of Derby Green.

Derby Green first won the award in 1999, 2000, 2002, 2007 – 2013, 2016, and then again this year.

A monetary award is attached to this honor, and Derby Green received $17,491.90 to continue serving its residents with the highest quality care and compassion.

“The criteria for earning this is very rigorous and it takes the dedication and commitment of every staff member in each department,” Bohlman added.

High resident and family satisfaction scores and cost containment are reviewed during the selection process. There must be fewer than five deficiencies noted during the inspection by the Vermont Agency of Human Services Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living.

“I am so proud of the staff and the quality care they give to each of our residents every day of the year,” Bohlman said. “Working at a nursing home is not for everyone, it takes someone who genuinely cares for the residents and with another honor received Derby Green is obviously doing it right.”

Dailey Christmas craft fair this Saturday

Published on in Arts and Entertainment/Derby/Newport

DERBY — The Dailey Memorial Library is gearing up for its annual Christmas craft fair and Christmas café luncheon.

The event will take place this Saturday, November 11, at North Country Union Junior High School in Derby.

The fair will run from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Lunch will be served between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Over 40 talented crafters from throughout the area will be set up throughout the day. There will also be several raffles, including a turkey basket door prize raffle, instant raffle, rug raffle, and crafter’s raffle.

The Christmas luncheon will feature soups, sandwiches, pastries, and beverages.

Get in the holiday spirit by shopping with seasonal music, the smells of evergreen, and delicious comfort food.

Call the library at 766-5063 for further information or questions.

Steve Mengel of Derby joins NEKLS board

Published on in Derby/Newport/News

NEWPORT — Steve Mengel of Derby has joined the Northeast Kingdom Learning Services (NEKLS) Board of Directors. Mengel brings with him a long and rich experience with accounting, specifically, experience with accounting for schools. He worked for the Caledonia North Supervisory Union as their accountant and eventually retired from CNSU.

Mengel’s idea of retirement is taking on more civic service as well as growing his private accounting business in Newport.

He is involved with Orleans County Citizen’s Advocacy, Trustee for Derby Center Village, serves on the Board of Directors for the United Christian Academy, teaches Adult Sunday School at the Derby Community Church, and is on the Board of Directors for the Life Center of the NEK.

He is also an alternate for the Town of Derby Zoning Board and is Assistant Treasurer for the town of Coventry.

One might wonder how Mengel had time to join another board or why he would. Mengel says it all started after chatting with a present NEKLS Board Member, Laura St. Onge.

“I was connected with NEKLS vaguely through Caledonia North Supervisory Union, but I had no idea until I spoke with Laura about all the things NEKLS does,” Mengel said. “It’s impressive.”

In January of 2017, Mengel attended an NEKLS board meeting. By late spring, he joined and says he is happy to stay on.

“I really enjoy the board, and I realized I know a number of NEKLS employees,” he said. “They’re fine people.”

When Mengel isn’t knee-deep in civic volunteerism, he enjoys continuing his 60 years of being an avid baseball fan, spending time hiking in the outdoors when he can, and caring for three rescue animals, a dog named Benji who spends days with him at the office, and two cats, Buttons and Sophie.

Police: Rollover crash in Derby, driver facing charges

Published on in Derby/Newport/News

DERBY — A 20-year-old Derby man walked away from a rollover crash on Wednesday, but police say he is facing charges.

Police, EMS, Derby Line and Newport Fire responded to a report of a single-vehicle rollover on Access Road near the interstate on-ramps, at around 6:00 p.m.

The driver was identified as Jacob Pennington.

Police say Pennington was out of the vehicle and denying injury. The vehicle, a gray Kia Soul, was on its roof in the westbound lane.

According to police, Pennington was traveling west when his vehicle left the roadway and rolled over. They say Pennington was found to have a suspended license.

“Indicators of impairment were observed about Pennington,” a statement issued by police reads. “He was screened for impairment and subsequently placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI. He was transported to the VSP-Derby Barracks and released to a sober party upon completion of processing.”

Police say civil violations were issued for operating under suspension, texting while driving, driver possessing open container, as well as a diversion notice for possessing alcohol under 21.

Police looking for Derby man they say is armed and dangerous

Published on in Derby/Newport/News

DERBY — State police issued a warning today that they are looking for a Derby man they say is armed and dangerous.

In a statement issued by police, they are requesting assistance in apprehending Daniel Greenwood, 41, of Derby.

“Greenwood is currently wanted for escape out of Orleans County,” the statement reads. “It has been reported that Greenwood carries a firearm on his person, and is considered to be armed and dangerous.”

Police say Greenwood is known to frequently wear a bandana to cover his head.

He is currently wanted by Probation and Parole in Orleans County for escape. His prior cases involve possession of cocaine, violation of conditions of release, sale of narcotics, accessory before the fact, and possession of regulated drugs.

He is also wanted in connection to a case from Orleans County involving burglary, resisting arrest, eluding a police officer, excessive speed, and gross negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

Police warn the public not to approach him if he is located, and to immediately call 802-334-8881.

Blood drives to support cancer patients to be held in Derby, Orleans

Published on in Derby/Orleans

DERBY — The American Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to give blood to support cancer patients and others during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Blood donation opportunities will be available at Lake Region Union High School on Friday, October 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be another drive at the Elks Club at 3736 Route 5 in Derby on Tuesday, October 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 1.7 million new cases of cancer are expected in the U.S. this year.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with nearly 253,000 women expected to be diagnosed in 2017.

Cancer patients may need blood products during chemotherapy, surgery, or treatment for complications.

Driver falls asleep on I-91 in Derby, engine thrown across the road

Published on in Derby/Newport/News

DERBY — A 21-year-old man from Montreal fell asleep at the wheel this morning on I-91 in Derby, totaling his car and causing the engine to be thrown about 100 feet.

The incident took place at around 8:00 a.m.

Police say William Owusu-Beateng was traveling at approximately 73 miles-per-hour in a 2005 Mazda, when he fell asleep and lost control of the vehicle.

The Mazda left the travel portion of the roadway onto the grass median.

Owusu-Beateng tried to gain control by steering toward the right, causing the vehicle to cross back over both travel lanes and into the ledge off the east side of the road.

The vehicle eventually came to an uncontrolled rest facing southbound.

The engine was thrown about 100 feet north from where the Mazda stopped.

Police say Owusu-Beateng was transported to the hospital with an injured wrist.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Delays on U.S. Route 5 this Saturday

Published on in Derby/News

DERBY — The Vermont Agency of Transportation is warning drivers of possible delays on U.S. Route 5 in Derby this Saturday.

Crews will be paving from the Cow Palace to Walt’s Sales and Service.

This is a high traffic zone and delays should be expected.

Motorists are advised to take alternate routes if possible.

Crews say they will try to return again next week to get the line stripping done.

Authorities bust 15-person smuggling attempt in Derby Line

Published on in Derby/Derby Line/Newport/News

DERBY LINE — Three individuals have been charged in connection with a fifteen-person human smuggling attempt in Derby.

Hector Ramon Perez-Alvarado, 25, a Honduran citizen, has been charged with transporting illegal aliens inside the United States.

As part of the investigation, the U.S. Border Patrol took into custody a total of sixteen illegal aliens, including Hector Ramon Perez-Alvarado, the alleged driver.

Eleven of the illegal aliens are Guatemalan citizens and four are Mexican.

On Saturday night, U.S. Border Patrol agents identified a Nissan van, with a license plate not affiliated with any state, making multiple trips from Beebe Road near the Canadian border to the Four Seasons Motel in Derby. Additional Border Patrol agents stationed in the vicinity spotted several male subjects on foot heading south from the border in the same area indicating a possible smuggling attempt.

Just after midnight on Sunday, Border Patrol agents pulled the van over in the motel parking lot and questioned the driver, Hector Ramon Perez-Alvarado, who had no legal status in the United States.

The van also contained six passengers, none of whom had legal status in the United States.

The driver, Hector Ramon Perez-Alvarado, gave the Border Patrol agents the key to his motel room at the Four Seasons and requested that the agents recover his personal items. When Border Patrol agents entered the motel room, they found nine additional persons, none of whom had legal status in the United States

If Hector Ramon Perez-Alvarado is convicted of transporting illegal aliens, he faces a maximum sentence of five years, potentially for each alien transported, and a $250,000 fine, potentially for each person smuggled.

According to court records, in addition to the smuggling charge against Hector Ramon Perez-Alvarado, two people were charged with re-entering the United States after previously being removed.

Authorities allege that Noe Perez-Ramirez, 33, of Mexico, and Alberto Alvarado-Castro, 29, of Mexico, both were removed from the United States on multiple prior occasions. Court records allege that Alvarado-Castro has multiple prior felony burglary convictions in the United States.

If Noe Perez-Ramirez and Alberto Alvarado-Castro are convicted of re-entry after removal from the United States, they each face a maximum sentence of two years and a $250,000 fine.

Hector Ramon Perez-Alvarado, Noe Perez-Ramirez and Alberto Alvarado-Castro all appeared in United States District Court in Burlington, on Tuesday for an initial appearance.

On the motion for pre-trial detention, the judge ordered that all three be detained pending trial and remanded them into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

This matter is being investigated by the United States Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations.

“This case is an excellent example of the dedication and hard work put forth by Border Patrol agents to keep our country and communities safe,” said U.S. Border Patrol Swanton Sector Chief Patrol Agent John Pfeifer. “Our agents did an outstanding job thwarting this smuggling attempt.”

Newport man leads police on pursuit

Published on in Derby/Newport/News

NEWPORT — A 43-year-old man from Newport is facing numerous charges after police say he attempted to run during a traffic stop.

At around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday the Vermont State Police attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on US Route 5 in Derby.

Police say the vehicle, operated by Jaime Prue, 43, of Newport, refused to yield and after a brief pursuit came to a stop on Community Avenue, where Prue fled on foot.

Troopers apprehended and arrested Prue.

He is facing charges of driving under the influence, criminal DLS, attempting to elude, criminal refusal, and multiple violations of conditions of release.

He was held for lack of $15,000 bail at Northern State Correctional Facility.

Morning crash on Shattuck Hill Road sends man to hospital

Published on in Derby/Newport/News

NEWPORT — A crash this morning in Derby sent a 37-year-old man to the hospital with minor injuries.

Police say at around 9:15 a.m. Clark Lombardi, of Derby, was headed east on Shattuck Hill Road, when Lee Spates, 53 of Newport, was traveling west.

According to police, Spates turned left into the parking lot of Kinney Drugs and the front driver’s side of his truck struck the front driver’s side of Lombardi’s car.

Both vehicles sustained contact damage.

Police say Lombardi was treated and released at North Country hospital for minor injuries.

Spates was not injured in the crash.

Louise Bonvechio honored with Outstanding Community Service Banker Award

Published on in Derby/Newport/News

DERBY — This week Community National Bank President and CEO Kathy Austin announced that Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Louise Bonvechio was presented with the Vermont Bankers Association’s Outstanding Community Service Banker Award at the Vermont and New Hampshire Bankers Annual Conference.

Each year, the Outstanding Community Service Banker Award is given to a banker from each state who exemplifies the best in the banking profession and in service to their communities.

Louise currently serves as a Trustee and Treasurer of the Goodrich Memorial Library, Board Chair of Rural Edge, a member of the Regional Advisory Board for the North Country Career Center, President of the Emory Hebard State Office Building Condo Association and a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s Member Advisory Panel.

“Louise has worked tirelessly on a number of non-profit boards, providing leadership and expertise, and she truly does exemplify the best in a community banker,” Austin said.

Bonvechio has been with Community National Bank for over 24 years.

She makes her home in Newport with her husband Brian.

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