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Missing hikers found safe in Jay

Published on in Jay/Newport/News/North Troy

NEWPORT — Local emergency workers rescued five lost hikers in the North Troy/Jay area on Sunday.

Police were notified of the incident at around 8:30 p.m. when a friend of the hiking group reported that they were due to meet him at a Long Trail crossing in Richford, at approximately 4:00 p.m.

He told police he checked in with the hikers at noon, and everything was fine, but then was unable to reach them via cell phone afterward.

All five hikers ranged in age from 60 to 75 years of age.

They began their hike from the Journey’s End trailhead in North Troy at 10:00 a.m.

One of the hikers was eventually able to contact 911 and GPS coordinates were obtained by police.

Based off of their location, a State Police cruiser was able to patrol the roadways near Journey’s End Road and blare the cruiser siren, which the lost hikers were able to faintly hear.

With the assistance of members from the North Troy Fire Department, who, with all-terrain vehicles and intimate knowledge of the wooded area, police were able to locate the lost hikers in a densely wooded area approximately 3/4 of a mile southwest of the Journey’s End Road/North Jay Road intersection.

All five hikers were physically fine, minus insect bites.

They were identified as John Boutin,66, of Fairlee, Elizabeth Boutin, 70, of Vaschon, WA, Linda Boutin, 75, of West Fairlee, Mary Bombard, 64 of Fairlee, and Kathleen Herrington, 71, of Montpelier, VT

Police looking for suspect after Dollar General in North Troy broken into

Published on in Newport/News/North Troy

NORTH TROY — Police responded to an alarm at the Dollar General in North Troy early this morning.

The call came in at around 1:00 a.m.

When they arrived at the location on East Main Street, police say they discovered that the store had been forcefully entered and items inside were scattered around.

The store was cleared by troopers.

Video surveillance footage indicated a single male, wearing a red jacket, gloves, and a face covering, forcefully entered the store, placed items in a bag, and left the store through the same place he entered.

A state police canine was used in an attempt to track the suspect but he was not located.

Anyone with information about this incident is being asked to contact State police at 334-8881.

Jay man allegedly admits to local burglaries

Published on in Jay/Newport/News/North Troy

NEWPORT — Police say a 21-year-old man from Jay was arrested in connection to a series of burglaries in the area, including one at the Jay Country Store.

Joshua Furlow was arrested this week following an investigation into a burglary in North Troy.

On Thursday, police responded to investigate the burglary at a residence on N. Pleasant Street.

The victim told police someone had been in their home and taken cash, jewelry, and other personal property.

According to police, after several interviews and an investigation, Furlow was arrested.

During the investigation, police also say Furlow admitted to a retail theft at the Derby Walmart and to being one of two individuals who burglarized the Jay Country Store on July 27.

He was lodged on $15,000 bail at the Northern State Correctional Facility and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

Police looking for driver after stolen car crashes in North Troy

Published on in News/North Troy

NORTH TROY — Police are looking for the driver of a stolen car that crashed in North Troy on Wednesday night.

At around 10:40 p.m. police responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on East Main Street.

Police say the vehicle was headed east when it traveled left of center before going off the road and colliding with a stone wall.

It then rolled back onto the road.

The vehicle was reported stolen out of the Hardwick area.

The driver fled the scene on foot prior to the arrival of first responders and was unable to be located, police say.

Anyone with information in regards to this matter is asked to contact the Vermont State Police Derby Barracks at 802-334-8881.

Police: Troy man facing numerous charges

Published on in News/North Troy/Troy

TROY — A 32-year-old man is facing numerous charges after an incident that took place in North Troy on Friday morning.

Police say at around 9:40 a.m. they received a report of a suspicious vehicle with an unconscious operator parked in the caller’s driveway.

The driver left when confronted and was followed to a vacant building in the area of Main Street in North Troy.

He was confronted by residents again, before allegedly fleeing the scene in an unsafe manner, striking and damaging a telephone pole and nearly striking the witnesses.

The vehicle was located shortly after by a trooper on Kennison Road in Westfield, where the driver was stopped and identified as Adam Gallant, 32, of Troy.

While speaking with Gallant, police say they observed indicators of drug activity and drug impairment.

“Subsequent investigation and DUI screening indicated Gallant was operating a vehicle while under the influence of depressant drugs,” the report reads.

A K9 was deployed and the vehicle was seized pending a search warrant application.

Gallant was placed under arrest and processed in Derby, where he was released with a citation to answer to the charges of DUI drugs, leaving the scene of an accident, negligent operation, reckless endangerment, as well as numerous moving violations.

Hit-and-run takes down utility pole in North Troy

Published on in News/North Troy

NORTH TROY — A driver from Connecticut was cited today after police say he snapped a utility pole in half during a hit-and-run in North Troy.

At around 11:00 a.m. police received a report of a crash on VT Route 105.

The Vermont Electric Company reported someone struck a utility pole, snapping it in half before leaving the scene.

A trooper who responded found a Connecticut license plate in the debris. The plate belonged to a blue, 2018 Ford F-150 rental vehicle.

Several hours after, the trooper spotted a blue F-150 with damage consistent with the crash in a parking lot down the street.

The driver was identified as Artur Kapusicnski, 51, of Newington, CT.

Kapusicnski told police he had not been injured in the crash.

He was issued a citation for leaving the scene of a crash.

Troy couple find purpose and spirit in restorative justice

Published on in News/North Troy/Northeast Kingdom/Troy

TROY — Annie and Irv Fellows of Troy have long sought to make a difference in the world. For more than 30 years, Irv and Annie worked for the government, attempting to bring their passion for helping people through that venue.

“When I retired, Annie and I made a commitment that we would seek other ways to help people in need,” Irv said.

Then, about 4 years ago, Irv met Orleans County Restorative Justice Center’s Executive Director, Barbara Morrow during an effort to set up a Newport area warming shelter.

“She asked me if I would like to be on a ‘Circles of Support and Accountability’, called CoSA for short,” he said. “I initially had no idea what that was, but I found the concept challenging and well aligned with my spiritual principles. At first, I had little confidence that I could contribute anything, but, as time went by, I realized my perspective and life experiences could be supportive. Annie saw that I was finding CoSAs rewarding, and she decided to do volunteer as well.”

A CoSA is a team of usually three volunteers who, with a trained facilitator, work with someone called a “core member,” a person reentering the community from incarceration, for a year.

The team works with the person to figure out what problems they face and how they might address those problems. The team and the core member come up with a plan for the future and identify skills the core member has or could develop that will help them overcome present or future barriers. The CoSA group also acts as a source of accountability and a sounding board.

The Fellows said there are many rewards and frustrations to volunteering as a CoSA team member, but that the rewards are worth it.

“I’ve become aware of many bureaucratic barriers a person faces when they are trying to successfully reenter the local work environment,” Irv said. “For instance, a person needs to have their social security card to get a job. Seems like a simple thing, unless their card has been lost and they have no transportation. Obtaining a new copy of that card often involves seeking a copy of a long-misplaced birth certificate and a long bus ride to Montpelier. The lack of a driver’s license can also be a barrier. Without public transportation in the area, a person trying to get back on his or her feet often has to settle for a minimum wage job within walking distance. They often end up living on a financial knife’s edge, and even a small unexpected expense can make them vulnerable to frustration and depression, and the temptation to return to old ways.”

With that said, Irv Fellows said there are beautiful successes, often helped along by a core member with a good attitude about the process and support their receiving.

It can happen, the Fellows say, that amazing things take place in a person’s life through the process.

“My first CoSA involved a person who had alcohol and anger issues. When he started, he was adrift. He did not know how to handle money, he was isolated and he had very few prospects for employment. He worked very hard to avoid alcohol and completed training to control his anger. We taught him how to handle his money, and he listened to our advice. Soon, he began to bloom. He gained confidence in himself and his ability to control his own life. We sought people willing to give him a chance as an employee, and his work ethic soon convinced them he was a valuable worker. It has been more than a year since his CoSA ended, and his hard work continues to bring him success.”

Irv and Annie have served on a number of CoSA teams, and they say each one is a very different experience. What isn’t different, they said, is the caliber of volunteers they share this work with.

“There is a real reward in getting to know other CoSA volunteers,” Irv Fellows said. “I find them to be remarkable people.”

The Orleans County Restorative Justice Center’s Executive Director, Barbara Morrow, shares Fellow’s outlook on the volunteers, and welcomes interested people to find out how they can take part too.

“We will have a Circles of Support and Accountability training in Lyndonville May 3rd and 4th,” Morrow said.

This is required of all CoSA volunteers, has received rave reviews, and is a great orientation to work with our clients. We invite people to attend even if they’re not sure yet that they would volunteer, but are thinking about it.”

To learn more about OCRJC services, visit their website at www.kingdomjustice.org, email bmorrow@kingdomjustice.org or call 802-487-9327.

Police looking for missing North Troy woman

Published on in Newport/News/North Troy

NORTH TROY — Police say they are looking for a 28-year-old woman from North Troy.

On Tuesday, the Vermont State Police were advised by family members that Kayla Delzio had not made contact with friends or family since December 21.

Police responded to her residence and attempted to contact her by phone.

As of 5:30 p.m. today, she has not been located.

Police say she is believed to be in Caledonia or Orleans counties, and may aslo be in New Hampshire.

Local and State law enforcement agencies have been notified.

Anyone with any information regarding Delzio’s whereabouts should call (802) 334-8881.

Christmas Home Alone dinner tradition continues in North Troy

Published on in Lowell/Newport/News/North Troy/Westfield

NORTH TROY — Nobody wants to be alone on Christmas Day, and thanks to Donald St. Onge of North Troy, if you live around here, you don’t have to be.

Donald started this great tradition many years ago to fill a void in the community. He is no longer able to take on an active role, but we would like to continue the tradition that he started and turned into such a success.

The annual Christmas Home Alone meal will be served at the St. Vincent de Paul Church, located at 18 North Pleasant Street in North Troy, on Christmas Day.

The gathering starts at 11:30 a.m. with a meal to follow at 12:00 p.m.

All who find themselves alone on Christmas Day from the surrounding areas of North Troy, Troy, Lowell, Westfield, Newport Center, and Newport City are welcome.

The dinner will consist of turkey and ham, with many side dishes and desserts. The dinner is under the auspices of the Missisquoi Valley Historical Society.

If you would like to make a donation, checks can be made out and mailed to:

Christmas Home Alone
C/O Becky Therrien
71 Church St
Newport Center, VT 05857

Anyone who would like to make any other donation or volunteer their time please contact Becky Therrien by calling (802) 487-9225.

If you would like a meal delivered on Christmas Day, home delivery is available, but only in North Troy by calling (802)487-9225.

Police: DUI crashes in Troy and Coventry

Published on in coventry/Newport/News/North Troy/Troy

NEWPORT — Police say two drivers are facing DUI charges after separate single-vehicle crashes that took place last night in Orleans County.

At around 9:15 p.m. police received a call of a crash in the town of Troy.

While speaking with the operator, Gilles Desjarlais, 71, of Troy, police say an odor of intoxicants was detected.

Desjarlais willingly completed standardized field sobriety exercises and was placed under arrest for DUI. He was transported to Newport Police Department where he was processed and released.

Later in the evening, just before midnight, police received another call of a single-vehicle crash in the town of Coventry.

Police say an odor of intoxicants was detected emitting from the driver, Gaetan Corderre, 25, of North Troy.

According to the report, Corderre also willingly completed standardized field sobriety exercises and was subsequently placed under arrest for DUI.

He was transported to the Vermont State Police Derby barracks, where he was processed and released.

Woman re-sentenced for fatal North Troy crash that killed Jay couple

Published on in Jay/Newport/News/North Troy

NEWPORT — A 32-year-old woman from St. Albans was in court on Tuesday to be sentenced again on two counts of gross negligence operation with death resulting, after a 2013 crash that claimed the lives of an elderly couple from Jay.

The tragic accident took place in North Troy on Aug. 5, 2012. Art Moran, 82, and his wife Peggy, 75, were on their way home from church when they were struck by Alexis Gabree.

Gabree told police after the accident that she was a recovering drug addict who had recently relapsed. Test results showed she had 11 different substances in her bloodstream at the time of the accident.

She was driving without a valid license.

At a contested sentencing hearing in April of 2014, Gabree pled guilty to the two charges, and Judge VanBenthuysen sentenced her to two concurrent sentences of 6 to 15 years to serve.

She filed a Post-Conviction Relief Complaint alleging that she had ineffective counsel and challenged the sentence she received. Her complaint was denied.

In September of 2015, she appealed her case to the Vermont Supreme Court, and in September 2017, they reversed the lower Court’s decision and remanded the case, thereby allowing Gabree to withdraw her plea.

On Tuesday, Gabree appeared in Vermont Superior Court where she reaffirmed her guilty plea to both counts and was re-sentenced to the original 6 to 15 years to serve.

Seventh DUI for North Troy man lands him 6-11 years behind bars

Published on in Newport/News/North Troy

NEWPORT — On Tuesday, a 49-year-old man from North Troy was sentenced for his seventh DUI.

Desmond Durivage was sentenced to serve 6-11 years for the charges of DUI, violation of conditions of release, false information to a police officer, and driving with a suspended license.

Durivage had six prior convictions, going back to 1990 for DUI. He also had a previous arrest for DUI that was amended to a gross negligent operation in 1996.

The most recent charges he faced stem from an investigation by the Vermont State Police.

“Durivage was stopped for driving 16 mph in excess of the posted speed limit on August 11, 2015,” a statement issued by the Orleans County State’s Attorney’s office reads. “Durivage was found to be under the influence of alcohol and admitted to drinking.”

In a statement, Orleans County State’s Attorney Jennifer Barrett says she takes the prosecution of DUI cases seriously and encourages members of the community to call 911 if they suspect drunk or drugged driving.

Barrett commented at sentencing that Durivage’s conduct was jeopardizing the lives of the Orleans County community members.

Newport police looking for suspect after break-in at West Side Deli

Published on in coventry/Newport/News/North Troy

NEWPORT — The Newport Police Department has obtained an arrest warrant for a man who allegedly broke into a business early this morning.

Police say they are actively seeking Daniel Greenwood, 41, whose most recent known addresses are in Troy and Coventry.

At approximately 4:42 a.m. an officer was dispatched to the West Side Deli on Highland Avenue for a report of a person inside the store.

The officer began searching the area and was joined by an off-duty officer who was passing through the area.

The officers located a man, later identified as Greenwood, on one side of the building and attempted to establish a perimeter.

Greenwood then allegedly emerged from a bush where he had been hiding and ran toward a gold SUV parked nearby.

One of the officers attempted to subdue Greenwood and ordered him to stop, but he allegedly revved the SUV’s engine and eventually accelerated onto Highland Avenue, reaching a speed of approximately 70 mph in a 25 mph zone.

The officer retreated to his cruiser and began pursuing him, but ultimately lost sight of his vehicle.

A short time later, officers located a piece of the vehicle’s front end, including a license plate registered to another vehicle owned by Greenwood.

A search of his two previous known addresses proved unsuccessful.

Anyone with information about Greenwood’s whereabouts is asked to immediately contact Newport Police at 802-334-6733.

He is wanted on charges of attempted burglary, unlawful mischief, attempting to elude, gross negligent operation, excessive speed, and resisting arrest.

Two injured during Thursday afternoon car crash in Derby

Published on in Brownington/Derby/News/North Troy

DERBY — Two women from Orleans County were injured in a car crash that took place in Derby on Thursday.

At around 4:30 p.m. police responded to the incident on Vermont Route 191 at the intersection of Crawford Road in the town of Derby.

Dawn Perry, 52 of Brownington, and Karen Rinner, 55, of North Troy were identified as the drivers.

Derby Line Fire Department and Newport Ambulance were dispatched to the scene to assist.

According to police, both women sustained injuries and were transported to North Country Hospital for treatment.

The crash investigation is still ongoing, but at this time police say it does not appear as though speed or impairment were factors in the collision.

Canadian men accused of smuggling 30 pounds of marijuana into U.S. through North Troy

Published on in News/North Troy/Quebec

NORTH TROY — Two men from Canada were picked up by Border Patrol trying to cross illegally into the United States with 30 pounds of marijuana.

Robert Eldridge, 67, and James Gauthier, 56, both residents of Quebec, appeared in United States District Court in Burlington following their arrest for possessing marijuana with intent to distribute.

According to the criminal complaint, the defendants were arrested in the evening on April 2 in North Troy, just south of the international boundary.

Agents observed Gauthier hiking through the woods south from Canada, then saw him put two duffle bags into a car being driven by Eldridge.

Agents detained both defendants, searched the bags and discovered about 30 pounds of marijuana.

If convicted, the defendants face up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy released Eldridge on conditions pending his next hearing but ordered that Gauthier be temporarily detained until another hearing.

North Troy dog catcher pleads not guilty to felony marijuana cultivation charge

Published on in News/North Troy

NEWPORT — A 51-year-old man from North Troy who was arrested back in September after police say they found 118 full grown marijuana plants in his backyard, pleaded not guilty to a felony charge on Tuesday.

Christopher Kinkade, who police say was the North Troy dog catcher, was busted on September 16 after a raid was carried out on his property at 116 North Pleasant Street.

Interestingly enough, Kinkade is listed on the state marijuana registry, which allows him to have seven immature marijuana plants or two mature plants in his possession, so long as they are grown in a locked room on the second floor of his home.

Police say there were no plants growing inside Kinkade’s home, and that 118 plants were growing in his backyard, behind a locked fence.

According to court documents, two people tipped police off about the plants, stating that they were clearly visible from the bottom of the fence.

Police used a helicopter to gather evidence to obtain the search warrant, which was issued by Orleans County Judge Howard Vanbenthuysen.

Kinkade is facing a felony cultivation of marijuana charge and faces a possible sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

He was released Tuesday on conditions.

VSP: 118 marijuana plants seized in North Troy

Published on in North Troy

NORTH TROY — A 51-year-old man from North Troy was arrested on Friday for cultivation of marijuana.

At around 7:30 p.m. police executed a search warrant at 116 North Pleasant Street in North Troy.

Police say they located and seized approximately 118 marijuana plants.

Christopher Kinkade, 51, of North Troy was subsequently placed under arrest for the cultivation of marijuana.

He will have to appear in court on November 11 to answer to the charges.

Canadian caught smuggling 281,307 Xanax near North Troy gets 1 year in prison

Published on in News/North Troy

NEWPORT — Cedrick Bourgault-Morin, 22, of Quebec, Canada was sentenced this week for smuggling 281,307 pills Xanax into the United States.

The judge sentenced Bourgault-Morin to 12 months and 1 day of imprisonment, to be followed by one year of supervised release.

According to court records, at approximately 1:00 a.m. on January 13, 2016, three United States Border Patrol agents responded to the area of the international border near the village of North Troy.

Agents observed Bourgault-Morin wearing white camouflage clothing, and walking on the tracks. He was pulling a plastic sled behind him, loaded with a large object wrapped in white camouflage.

As he started to conceal the sled and its contents with snow, agents approached him, apprehended him, and seized the sled.

The agents discovered a large duffle bag on the sled.

A search of Bourgault-Morin’s person revealed he did not possess a wallet or any identification documents, no cellular telephone, or other common items.

Other than his clothing, the only item on him was a silver folding lock-blade knife.

Upon further inspection in Newport, agents discovered the duffle to contain 300 vacuum-sealed plastic bags, containing a total of 281,307 pills.

Each pill bore markings consistent with those used to identify Xanax, which is a brand name for Aprazolam.

Aprazolam is a benzodiazepine class of psychoactive drug typically prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication and a Schedule IV drug.

The 300 bags of pills weighed approximately 182.82 pounds and had a value of approximately $1.6 million.

Officials warn of phone scams in Newport, Jay, North Troy

Published on in Jay/Newport/North Troy

NEWPORT — Vermont business owners in Newport, Jay, and North Troy have reported receiving a call from a person claiming to be from the Vermont Electric Cooperative, the businesses’ electric utility, demanding immediate payment of an alleged delinquent bill.

The caller threatens that electric power will be disconnected unless immediate payment is made.

The caller had account numbers for some of the businesses.

Authorities say these calls are not from the electric utility, and that this is a scam call. They say scammers have also used the names of other electric utilities when making these phony calls in past years.

If you receive a call from someone claiming your power is about to be disconnected, hang up.

If you want to verify the claim, call the customer service number on your utility bill.

Vermont Electric Cooperative customers may call 1-800-832-2667 or 1-802-635-2331 with any questions.

If you need assistance in resolving an actual disconnection issue with your utility, you may contact the Vermont Department of Public Service at 800-622-4496.

Scam callers frequently use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone services to place calls over an internet connection. This allows the scammers to mask the callers’ location. They are also using software that allows the callers to “spoof” the Caller ID system.

The majority of these calls come from overseas. Consumers should not respond to the calls or call the numbers provided by the scammers.

Consumers who have sent funds should contact their financial institution, the Consumer Assistance Program, and their electric utility immediately to protect their accounts.

Receipt of these kinds of calls, along with any other scams consumers receive, can be reported to the Consumer Assistance Program by filing a complaint on-line at www.uvm.edu/consumer or by calling 800-649-2424.

For more information on financial frauds, identity theft and other scams, visit the Consumer Assistance Program website at www.uvm.edu/consumer.

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    Photos of the missing items issued by the Vermont State Police.

84-year old North Troy woman has sterling silver collection taken in burglary

Published on in News/North Troy

NORTH TROY — An 84-year-old woman from North Troy told police on Thursday that for the second time her home has been burglarized, and this time her collection of sterling silver is missing.

Anne McKay, of North Troy, left her home on River Road at around 9 a.m. on Thursday, police say, and when she arrived back at around 3 p.m., she noticed some of her items were out of place and all of her sterling silver serving sets were missing.

Police say the missing silver consists of:

60 piece set with a modern pattern, some with Mother of Pearl handles.

54 piece set of Towle sterling silver.

An assortment of 30 coin silver teaspoons by various 19th-century makers.

7 large serving spoons.

1 shell shaped bowl spoon.

3 serving spoons.

3 assorted ladles.

1 cheese knife.

Anyone with any information about the missing silver is asked to call the Vermont State Police.

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    Jennifer Daigle (L) and Tracy Roberts (R) were recently promoted at Community National Bank.

Local businesswomen promoted at Community National Bank

Published on in North Troy/Troy

DERBY — Community National Bank announced the recent promotions of Jennifer Daigle, of Troy, to Vice President and Credit Administration Officer, and Tracy Roberts, of North Troy, to Vice President and Marketing Director.

Daigle joined the bank in February 2005 as a Commercial Credit Analyst, and in 2006 became Supervisor of the Commercial Credit department. In 2009, she was promoted to Credit Administration Officer, and in 2012, to Assistant Vice President.

She is responsible for analyzing commercial loan activity and oversees the Credit Administration department.

Successfully continuing her education, Daigle has completed the Principles of Banking course through the Northern New England Center for Financial Training. She has attended the Northern New England School of Banking and has taken several financial statement analysis and risk management courses through the Risk Management Association (RMA) and National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the Vermont Bankers Association (VBA).

She is an active member of the Vermont Chapter of RMA serving as the organization’s board chair, and resides in Troy with her husband Rene, daughter Ashley and son Travis Letourneau.

Roberts was hired by Community National Bank in March 1993 to fill the Newport Office Supervisor position, and in January 2000, she was chosen to be the bank’s Marketing Coordinator.

In 2001, Roberts was promoted to the position of Marketing Director and Bank Officer.

Throughout her career, Roberts has worked diligently to build her knowledge of banking, marketing and communication. She holds diplomas from the American Bankers Association (ABA), and the American Institute of Banking for General Banking and Consumer Credit.

She is a graduate of the Northern New England School of Banking and the ABA School of Bank Marketing and Management. Roberts also received an Associate of Science degree from Community College of Vermont.

As the Bank’s Marketing Director, she gets involved with many community-oriented events and initiatives.

She currently serves as a trustee of the William H. and Lucy F. Rand Memorial Library and teaches Zumba classes.

Roberts and her husband Dennis reside in North Troy.

Tractor-trailer fire in North Troy Wednesday night deemed suspicious

Published on in Fire/News/North Troy

NORTH TROY — Investigators say the tractor-trailer that caught fire in North Troy on Wednesday has been deemed suspicious.

At around 10:20 p.m. Wednesday, the Troy Fire Department responded to 53 Vermont Route 105, for a report of a tractor-trailer on fire.

The fire was contained to the box trailer, which contained household items such as furniture and clothing.

There were no reported injuries or other property damage as a result of the fire.

On Thursday afternoon, investigators arrived and examined the scene.

“Based on evidence located at the scene, along with witness statements, the fire was deemed suspicious,” said Detective Sergeant Larry Smith, with the Fire Investigation Unit.

The case is under investigation and the State Police are continuing to follow leads at this time.

Police say if anyone saw any suspicious activity in this area at the time of the fire, they should contact State Police.

Lyndonville skateboarder in critical condition after being hit by car

Published on in Lyndonville/North Troy

LYNDONVILLE — A 25-year-old man from Lyndonville is in critical condition after being hit by a car while skateboarding on High Street in Lyndonville, early this morning.

Police say Brandon Villeneuve was stuck underneath a vehicle when they arrived on the scene at around 1:15 a.m.

Ricardo Millien, 22, of Massachusetts was traveling north on High Street as Villeneuve was traveling south on a skateboard in the travel portion of the roadway, investigators say.

The 2004 Toyota Solara struck Villeneuve and he became pinned under the vehicle.

He was transported by Lyndon Rescue to the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, where he was later transported to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

Police say he is listed in critical condition.

The investigation into this incident is still ongoing at this time.

Police: North Troy man reached speeds over 100 m.p.h. before arrest

Published on in News/North Troy

MILTON — A North Troy man had a run-in with police over the weekend, after being clocked traveling in excess of 100 miles-per-hour in Milton.

Police conducted a motor vehicle stop on Saturday evening after receiving multiple calls reporting that an erratic driver was swerving between lanes at a dangerous rate of speed on I-89 N. in Milton.

Police say they caught up to the speeding vehicle on the exit 19 off ramp in Saint Albans at approximately 7:07 p.m.

The driver was identified as Robert Carter, age 42, of North Troy.

Carter offered to give a breath test, which resulted in a BAC of .217, more than two times the legal limit.

He was arrested and faces DUI, gross careless, and negligent operation charges.

He was lodged at the NWCC on $5,000 bail and was due in court today to answer the charges.

Camouflaged Canadian caught smuggling 182 pounds of Xanax on sled in North Troy

Published on in Newport/News/North Troy

NORTH TROY — Authorities say Cedrick Bourgault-Morin, 21, of Quebec, Canada has been charged by a criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute 182 pounds of Aprazolam, commonly known as Xanax.

According to the affidavit filed with the complaint, at approximately 1:00 a.m. on January 13, 2016, U.S. Border Patrol received notification of activity on the railroad tracks which lead from the international border into the village of North Troy.

This area is known to be used by smuggling organizations to smuggle people and goods into the United States. Three agents responded to the area. One agent tracked footprints in the snow from the border, while two others positioned themselves south of the suspected smuggler.

The southern agents observed Bourgault-Morin wearing white camouflage clothing, and walking on the tracks.

Bourgault-Morin was pulling a sled behind him, loaded with a large object wrapped in white camouflage. As Bourgault-Morin began to conceal the sled and its contents with snow, all three agents approached him, apprehended him, and seized the contents of the sled.

The agents discovered a large duffle bag on the sled. Upon further inspection at the Newport Station, the agents discovered the duffle to contain approximately 300 vacuum-sealed plastic bags containing pills. The pills bear markings consistent with those used to identify Xanax, which is a brand name for Aprazolam.

Aprazolam is a benzodiazepine class of psychoactive drug typically prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication. The 300 bags of pills weighed approximately 182 pounds, and have a value of approximately $1.6 million.

If convicted, Bourgault-Morin faces a maximum of five years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charge in the complaint is merely an accusation, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.

“This is a great example of some of the training and unique skills our agents use to perform their border security mission,” said U.S. Border Patrol Agent-in-Charge Fernando Beltran. “I commend these agents for their continued vigilance in tracking criminals, and for seizing harmful drugs before they get into our communities.”

Single-vehicle crash in Newport Tuesday morning

Published on in Newport/News/North Troy

NEWPORT — Police say a 19-year-old man from North Troy is okay after a bad car crash that happened yesterday morning in Newport.

The single-vehicle accident took place on Tuesday at around 10 a.m., on Vermont Route 100 near Wheeler Corner Road.

Police say Cody Putvain, 19, of North Troy, was alone in his vehicle headed south when he traveled off the roadway down a steep embankment. He struck a tree, and continued on.

The vehicle traveled about another 300 feet through a property that is located at the end of Wheeler Corner Road, and into the trees before it finally stopped.

Because of the pitch of the embankment, the passenger’s side of the vehicle, including the roof, hit the tree and caused major damage, totaling the 2001 Chevy Impala.

Putvain was transported to North Country Hospital.

They also say that there were several witnesses, and the crash is still under investigation.

Arrest made following police pursuit in North Troy

Published on in News/North Troy

NORTH TROY — A police chase through the Village of North Troy on Friday ended with an 18-year-old man facing charges.

Police say that Noah Stemarie, 18, of North Troy, will face charges for attempting to elude, and resisting arrest, following an incident that started at around 7:30 p.m.

Police say they attempted to stop Stemarie’s vehicle for a defective vehicle violation on North Pleasant Street.

He did not stop and led police on pursuit through the area. The chase ended at a residence on Vincent Road in North Troy.

Police say Stemarie fled on foot into the residence. He eventually came out and was informed he was under arrest, at which time police say he lunged away and went back into the residence.

He was ultimately arrested, taken into custody and brought to the Derby Barracks.

Stemarie was lodged at Northern State Correctional Facility and is scheduled to appear in Orleans County Court on Tuesday to answer to the charges. 

Deadly batch of “Hollywood” heroin seized from unresponsive motorist in North Troy

Published on in Derby/News/North Troy

NEWPORT — Police say they were called to assist ambulance services after a 20-year-old man from Albany was found unresponsive in a car that was stopped partially in the travel lane on Vermont Route 105 in North Troy on Christmas Eve.

The man was found at the time in possession of white glassine packets stamped “Hollywood.”

The incident happened at around 10:45 a.m., when Jesse Breault, 20, was found unresponsive seated in the driver’s seat of his vehicle when emergency services arrived. He was transported to North Country Hospital by ambulance.

Newport Police Officer Richard Wells also responded to the hospital to assist in the investigation. 

On Friday, police say Breault was cited for DUI and possession of narcotics after test results from the packets came back positive for Fentanyl.

Officials have said that heroin laced with Fentanyl, specifically that labeled as “Hollywood,” has caused numerous overdose deaths across New England.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic painkiller, and the discovery of this batch of heroin has officials in northern Vermont concerned.

Separate Heroin Arrest in Derby

In a separate and unrelated incident that took place the day after Christmas, U.S Border Patrol stopped a suspicious vehicle on the Crawford Road in Derby. They requested the Vermont State Police to assist, and a search of the vehicle found heroin and Suboxone.

The two occupants in the vehicle, Shawn Gardner, 30, and Laura Brasseur, 28, were cited for possession of narcotics.

Police say that Gardner was also issued a civil violation for possession of marijuana.

Texas fugitive found in North Troy

Published on in News/North Troy

NEWPORT — A man from North Troy was picked up by police last week as a wanted fugitive from Texas.

Police say that Hector Chavez, 41, is facing extradition to Texas for a burglary conviction back in 1993. Police were alerted that he was in the area after investigating a report of a car that was taken without the owner’s permission on December 27.

During the short investigation, authorities believed that Chavez was the one who had taken the vehicle, and learned that he was wanted in Texas.

The owner of the vehicle later called police and told them that the car had been returned.

When authorities arrived back at the scene of the reported theft, located on Pine Street, they found Chavez. He was then placed under arrest.

According to court records, he was working on a farm in Coventry before being caught by police.

Chavez is facing time in prison back in Texas, and was held last week on $75,000 bail.

$3 million winning lottery ticket sold at Main Street Grocery in North Troy

Published on in News/North Troy

NORTH TROY — If you bought a lottery ticket at Main Street Grocery in North Troy between Wednesday and Saturday, you might just be a millionaire. Vermont Lottery officials announced today that a winning TriState Megabucks jackpot ticket was sold at Main Street Grocery in North Troy.

The lone winning ticket matched five out of five numbers plus the Megaball in the December 19, 2015 drawing. The winning numbers for the estimated annuitized jackpot of $3,000,000 were:

15-18-22-31-38 and 03 for the Megaball.

Store personnel were elated and in disbelief when they had found out the winning ticket was purchased at their location.

“You’re kidding.” exclaimed Angie who had opened the store Sunday morning. “That’s unbelievable; it’s really going to make somebody’s holiday.” 

The ticket holder has yet to come forward to claim the prize.

Main Street Grocery has been in business for 8 years and, as a Vermont Lottery agent, will receive an extra bonus for selling the winning ticket.

“We always enjoy sharing the winning experience with our players and to have it be a Megabucks jackpot win makes it special,” said Jeff Cavender, Director of Marketing and Sales for the Vermont Lottery.

This is Vermont’s first Megabucks jackpot win since a Megabucks subscription holder won $3.45M in May.

Christmas Day Alone dinner to be held in North Troy

Published on in News/North Troy

NORTH TROY — Nobody wants to be alone on Christmas Day, and thanks to Donald St. Onge of North Troy, if you live around here, you don’t have to be.

The annual Christmas Day Alone meal will be served at the St. Vincent de Paul Church, located at 77 North Pleasant Street in North Troy, on Christmas Day at 11:30 a.m. All who find themselves alone on Christmas Day from the surrounding areas of North Troy, Troy, Lowell, Westfield, Newport Center, and Newport City, are welcome.

The dinner will consist of turkey and ham, with many side dishes. The dinner is under the auspices of the Missisquoi Valley Historical Society.

If you would like to help out, donations can be made to:

The Christmas Alone accounts, care of Donald St. Onge
77 North Pleasant Street
P.O. Box 621
North Troy, Vermont 05859

Anyone who wants to make a food contribution, or is interested in delivering the food, please contact Mr. St. Onge by calling (802) 988-2560.

If you want a meal delivered on Christmas Day, home delivery is available, but only in North Troy.

Police: Fight over loud music ends in North Troy man being stabbed

Published on in News/North Troy

NORTH TROY — A 26-year-old man from North Troy is being charged with aggravated assault after a heated dispute with his neighbor turned violent.

Police say that Damian Inglish was taken into custody at around 9 p.m. on Sunday evening, after they responded to a call of a fight involving multiple people.

The incident took place at a residence on Main Street in North Troy. When police arrived the individuals involved were separated.

According to police, after speaking with several witnesses, their investigation revealed that Inglish and Robert West Jr., 29, of North Troy, who are neighbors, had a heated verbal exchange over loud music and threats.

The argument turned into a physical altercation on the lawn of the residence.

Police say during the course of the fight, West sustained a non-life threatening stab wound to the back. He was transported to North Country Hospital for his injuries and was later released.

Inglish was lodged at Northern State Correctional Facility for lack of $1,200.00 bail.

Local dairy farmers awarded at Organic Valley banquet in Wisconsin

Published on in News/North Troy/Westfield

NEWPORT — Organic Valley, the nation’s largest cooperative of organic farmers and a leading organic brand, conducted its annual meeting, which drew nearly 400 farmer-owners to La Crosse, Wisconsin. Several of the farmers hailed from Vermont.

As consumers continue to pay premiums for quality, Organic Valley farmers remain committed to producing the industry’s highest-quality products. As a testament to this commitment, the co-op presented Quality Awards to farmer-owners at the Annual Meeting awards banquet.

For milk quality for the Northeast, the “Cream of the CROPP” award went to Allan and Karen Bathalon of Paddlebridge Holsteins, from North Troy.

In addition to being recognized by Organic Valley, the Bathalons received Vermont’s highest quality award earlier this year and was named best organic milk in the state.

DSC_2593 Annual Meeting

The co-op also gave this year’s new Organic Heroes Award to dairy farmers Jack and Anne Lazor of Westfield.

The Lazors founded Butterworks Farm in 1979. Thirty years and three generations later, Butterworks continues to produce excellent yogurt and care for the earth through organic farming. Although the Lazors are not co-op members, Organic Valley recognized their pioneering contributions to organic food and farming.

Key topics at the meeting centered around 2014 as a year of resiliency and growth in the rapidly expanding organic marketplace. In 2014, the farmer-owned co-op implemented a record increase in farmer pay price, which went up in most regions by 10 percent, on average. The co-op also issued a “thirteenth check” (a bonus check) at the end of 2014, paying back profits directly to the farmers.

_DSC6140 Annual Meeting

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