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DUI crash with injury in Barton

Published on in Barton/Newport/News/Orleans

BARTON — Police say that a 60-year-old man from Barton was charged with DUI after a two-vehicle crash on Sunday sent a man to the hospital.

At around 8:00 p.m. rescue workers were notified of the crash that occurred on US Route 5 near the intersection of Kinsey Road, in Barton.

Police say Ed Seadale exhibited signs of intoxication and was ultimately arrested and processed for DUI.

Roger Pray, 80, of Orleans, was the driver in the second vehicle and was immediately transported to North Country Hospital for treatment for minor injuries.

According to the police report, Seadale was traveling south and Pray was traveling northbound.

“Evidence at the scene indicated Seadale operated his vehicle left of the centerline and collided with Pray in the oncoming lane,” a statement issued by Sgt. Andrew Jensen reads.

Both vehicles were unable to be driven from the scene.

Barton/Orleans Fire Department, as well as Orleans EMS, assisted at the scene.

Police: Man arrested after firing shots at parked vehicle in Orleans

Published on in Newport/News/Orleans

ORLEANS — Police were called to Orleans this afternoon after a report that gunshots were fired into a parked vehicle.

At around 1:30 p.m. police arrived at the scene on First Avenue.

According to a statement issued by police, there was a family disturbance at the time of the incident.

Nobody was inside the vehicle, and nobody was harmed.

The suspect, Craig Daniels, 30, of Orleans, was not there when police arrived but he was located shortly afterward.

Police allege Daniels shot a firearm into the parked vehicle and in doing so recklessly engaged in conduct which placed another person in danger of death or serious bodily injury.

Daniels also damaged the vehicle which was not his.

He was placed under arrest for reckless endangerment and unlawful mischief and taken to Derby for processing.

Daniels was cited into court and released into the care of Northeast Kingdom Human Services.

Orleans man leads police on high-speed chase

Published on in Newport/News/Orleans

ORLEANS — A 24-year-old man from Orleans who was on escape status with the Department of Corrections, led police on a high-speed chase on Sunday.

Police say Christopher Conley is facing multiple charges following the incident.

At around 3:50 p.m., a trooper was monitoring traffic on I-91 north when he clocked a white Subaru doing 111 mph in the 65 mph zone.

The trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle failed to yield and got off the interstate at exit 27.

Police say Conley was identified as the driver, and he accelerated to 80 mph in the 35 mph zone, traveling west on Schuler Road towards Hinman Settler Road.

The pursuit continued down Hinman Settler Road through Brownington and ultimately into Barton.

According to police, Conley at times hit speeds of 100 mph on the dirt roadway.

He ultimately failed to negotiate a turn, leaving the road on Churchill Road just north of Route 58.

The vehicle overturned, striking a tree.

Conley had a passenger in the car with him and both were transported to North Country Hospital and treated for injuries.

Police say Conley was found to be on escape status and was transported to the Northern State Correctional Facility and returned to DOC custody.

He will face charges for felony eluding a police officer with gross negligence, grossly negligent operation, recklessly endangering another person, excessive speed, as well as DUI.

Two vehicles stolen overnight in Orleans

Published on in Newport/News/Orleans

ORLEANS — A pair of car thefts in Orleans has police warning residents to be on the lookout.

According to the report, a 26-year-old woman on High Street stated that sometime overnight yesterday her vehicle was taken without her consent.

The vehicle, a white, 2012 Ford Focus with Vermont plates, had been parked in her driveway when it was stolen.

Police say it was returned back prior to her leaving for work this morning, but was missing items inside and covered in mud.

The incident may be related to the theft of another vehicle that occurred this morning at around 1:40 a.m. on South Avenue in Orleans.

The vehicle was in a parking lot when it was stolen.

It is a green, 2001 GMC Yukon, and is still reported missing.

Police are reminding everyone to lock their vehicles and not to leave keys inside.

Orleans, Island Pond nonprofits awarded Vermont Community Foundation grants

Published on in Island Pond/Orleans

NEWPORT — The Vermont Community Foundation recently awarded a total of $37,720.39 through their “Spark! Connecting Community” grants to 15 nonprofit organizations.

Two of these organizations serve residents in Orleans and Essex County.

The Island Pond Historical Society received $3,000 to aid in the creation of an interactive museum and learning center to showcase the railroad, lumbering, and military culture of Island Pond and the surrounding towns.

The Jones Memorial Library in Orleans received $2,600 to support twice-monthly story readings and art-project sessions that will send children home with their own copies of the books, allowing them to start home libraries of quality children’s literature.

These grants go where a small amount can make a big difference, and are intended to light the spark that keeps Vermonters healthy and happy.

“Our work to close the opportunity gap in Vermont depends on building social capital in our communities and investing in projects that spark that social cohesion,” said Vermont Community Foundation President and CEO Dan Smith.

Minor injuries after attempted burglary in Orleans

Published on in News/Orleans

ORLEANS — Police say they have identified the suspects in an attempted burglary early Tuesday morning in Orleans.

At around 2:30 a.m. police responded to a burglary attempt at a residence on North Avenue.

The homeowners were present at the time of the incident, and police say minor injuries were reported.

According to the report, emergency services were declined by all parties.

The offenders had already fled the scene by the time police arrived.

Police say the suspects were identified and evidence was collected on scene.

The case remains ongoing, and police say more information will be released later.

Although police have not yet released the names of the suspects, they say they are facing charges of unlawful trespass, burglary, and aggravated assault

Photo from Facebook.

Swartz now faces federal charges in fraud scheme

Published on in News/Orleans

NEWPORT — A federal grand jury in Rutland indicted Randall Swartz, 58, of Orleans, on 11 counts of mail fraud.

According to this week’s indictment, until January 2017 when he was fired, Swartz was employed as the maintenance manager at Agri-Mark’s cheese-making plant in Cabot.

As the maintenance manager, he was responsible for maintaining, repairing and replacing all machinery and equipment at the Cabot site.

The maintenance budget amounted to several hundred thousand dollars each month.

Swartz also owned a side-business, Kingdom RO, which sold reverse osmosis systems that were used by producers of maple syrup to concentrate and purify maple sap.

Agri-Mark also employed reverse osmosis technology at its Cabot facility.

The indictment alleges that beginning no later than 2010 and continuing up to the time of his termination, Swartz defrauded Agri-Mark by causing the company to order hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of reverse osmosis equipment that was too small for Agri-Mark to use in its cheese-making processes.

Instead, he allegedly stole the equipment and installed it in smaller RO systems he sold to clients of Kingdom RO.

It is charged that Swartz further defrauded Agri-Mark by using company employees, on company time, to assemble and install these RO systems.

The indictment alleges he used the U.S. Postal Service and private commercial carriers to deliver this fraudulently-obtained RO equipment either to the Cabot plant or to his house.

Swartz will be arraigned on these charges in the near future in U.S. District Court in Burlington. No court date has been set.

If convicted, he faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.

Photo from Facebook.

Orleans man to face murder charge next week

Published on in Newport/News/Orleans

NEWPORT – Randall Swartz, the suspect in the May 15 homicide of his wife in the town of Orleans, was discharged Friday from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and is due to be arraigned next week in Newport.

Swartz, 58, was arraigned by video May 23 on a fugitive warrant and waived extradition to Vermont.

Upon discharge from the hospital, he was transported by the Windham County Sheriff’s Department to the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield.

He had been undergoing treatment at Dartmouth-Hitchcock for a gunshot wound to his torso.

He is scheduled to be arraigned at 1 p.m. Monday, June 4, in Vermont Superior Court, Criminal Division, in Newport.

He is scheduled to be arraigned at 1 p.m. Monday, June 4, in Vermont Superior Court, Criminal Division, in Newport on a charge of second-degree murder related to the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Thea Swartz at their residence in Orleans.

Orleans man charged with murder in wife’s death

Published on in Newport/News/Orleans

ORLEANS — A 58-year-old Orleans man is facing a murder charge following the death of his wife, 54-year-old Thea Swartz, on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, an arrest warrant was issued for Randall Swartz, 58, on suspicion of second-degree murder.

Following an autopsy Thursday morning on the body of Thea Swartz at the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington, the cause of death has been determined to be a single gunshot wound to the chest, and the manner of death has been classified as a homicide.

Randall Swartz was located by police at the crime scene lying on the floor with an apparent wound to his torso.

He is reported to be stable at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and is expected to survive.

Thea Swartz was located deceased on the floor in the same room.

The shootings took place at the couple’s home on Irasburg Street.

Police report getting a call from Thea Swartz prior to the shooting, claiming her husband was drinking and aiming a gun at her.

Police investigate death in Orleans

Published on in News/Orleans

ORLEANS — A 54-year-old woman from Orleans is dead and her husband is in the hospital following an incident that took place last night.

At around 9:27 p.m. police say they received a 911 call from a female who identified herself as Thea Swartz and reported that her husband was pointing a pistol at her and that he was drinking.

Troopers responded to the residence, located at 42 Irasburg Street.

Police say they saw an unresponsive man lying on the floor inside.

After receiving no response, police entered and located the man, identified as 58-year-old Randall Swartz, lying on the floor with an apparent wound to his torso.

He was alive but unresponsive.

Police then located a woman, identified as 54-year-old Thea Swartz, deceased on the floor in the same room.

Police say the exact location and nature of her injuries have not yet been determined.

Rescue personnel responded and transported Randall Swartz to North Country Hospital.

He was subsequently transported to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for treatment of an apparent gunshot wound.

The scene in Orleans has been secured, and authorities are collecting evidence.

Detectives say they are working closely with the Orleans County State’s Attorney’s Office at this time.

Police warn parents in Orleans following arrest

Published on in Newport/News/Orleans

ORLEANS — A 68-year-old man from Orleans was arrested after police say they received several complaints over the last month about his conduct around juvenile females in the area.

Raymond Benson was picked up on Sunday for violation of an order against stalking, and felony aggravated stalking/person under 16.

Police say for the past month they have received several complaints regarding Benson’s conduct around juvenile females in Orleans, particularly the area of School Street.

During this time a protection order against stalking was issued on behalf of one such juvenile female.

On Sunday troopers again received a complaint that Benson had approached a number of juvenile females, one being the protected person.

Police say an investigation led to the development of probable cause and the arrest of Benson for suspicion of aggravated stalking and the order violation.

Benson was processed in Derby, and upon order of a judge, released on personal recognizance with conditions of release.

Police are reminding parents and guardians to educate their children on how to respond if approached or solicited by a stranger, and are encouraged to supervise their children in the area of Orleans Village.

Anyone with information regarding this case or who may have observed a white camper van with green markings in the Orleans Village area around 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, is encouraged to call police at 802-334-8881.

Subway in Orleans robbed at knife-point

Published on in Newport/News/Orleans

ORLEANS — Police are looking for two suspects who robbed the Subway restaurant in Orleans at knife-point last night.

At around 7:30 p.m. two individuals entered the restaurant, located at 25 Railroad Avenue, and demanded money.

One of the individuals then displayed a knife.

Police say the two left the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

They were last seen traveling east towards the Ethan Allan Plant.

The suspects are described as being approximately six feet tall with a stocky build.

Police say no injuries to restaurant employees were reported during the robbery.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police at 748-3111.

Police: Bow and arrow shot at home in Orleans

Published on in News/Orleans

ORLEANS — Police say that someone shot a bow and arrow at a house in Orleans.

This morning at around 10:50 a.m. police were notified of the vandalism that occurred at a residence on Maple Street.

A trooper responded and met with the complainant who advised his residence had been shot by a bow and arrow and caused damage.

According to the report, the victim is listed as 39-year-old Brandon Bradley.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Vermont State Police at 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.

Moose poached in Westmore, dragged to Orleans

Published on in Orleans/Westmore

WESTMORE — Vermont state game wardens are seeking tips to help solve a case of a moose that was poached in Westmore.

The cow moose was shot from the road out of season and at night on Saturday, September 23.

After poachers shot the moose, they dragged the animal on the road behind their truck over 11 miles to the town of Orleans.

The animal was left to rot in the 80-degree heat by the side of Hollow Road off Route 58 in Orleans.

The cow moose was lactating, indicating she likely had a calf with her.

“These poachers demonstrated tremendous disrespect for the law and for this moose,” said Col. Jason Batchelder, Vermont’s chief game warden. “We’re asking for anyone with information about this incident to come forward so that we can hold the people that did this accountable.”

Vermont’s regulated moose hunting seasons are in October, and are limited to a small number of hunting permits that are allocated through a lottery system.

Anyone with information in this case is asked to call 1-800-752-5378.

Clan of the Hawk intertribal powwow this weekend in Evansville

Published on in Evansville/Orleans

EVANSVILLE — The Clan of the Hawk will host an intertribal powwow this Saturday and Sunday, on their tribal grounds on Route 58 in Evansville, three miles east of the village of Orleans.

Admission to the grounds and parking are both free.

All weekend the powwow will feature native dancers, drummers, storytellers, basket weaving, and dream-catcher classes.

The Koasek Band of Thetford will host a chicken barbecue on Saturday. Chief Nathan Pero will prepare a fish fry on Sunday. There will also be a naming ceremony on Sunday morning.

Sunday afternoon will feature Abenaki language presentations and the fourth annual pet parade.

There will be prizes for all, with reasonable rates for vendors and overnight campers.

If you bring a teepee, you can camp for free.

Police: Brownington man busted doing burnouts, drunk

Published on in Brownington/News/Orleans

ORLEANS — A 37-year-old man from Brownington was arrested today after police say he was caught doing burnouts in his truck while intoxicated.

Just before 1:00 p.m. police say they received complaints of a vehicle seen driving recklessly in Orleans.

One caller reported seeing a silver GMC pickup truck driving down the roadway and doing burnouts in the intersection of Main Street and Railroad Street.

When police arrived in the area, witnesses pointed to the truck which was parked on the corner of Main Street and North Ave.

Troopers spoke with the operator, who was identified as Michael Riendeau, 37, of Brownington.

Police say Riendeau was intoxicated and placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI and careless and negligent operation.

Lake Region track team eyes state championships this weekend

Published on in News/Orleans

ORLEANS — The Lake Region Union High School track and field team’s regular season wrapped up last week with a list of impressive performances as they prepare for the state championship meet this weekend.

Catherine Close placed fourth in the javelin at the Burlington Invitational and eighth in the discus, against many Division One schools.

Riley Urie finished fourth in the 100-meter dash and fifth in the 200m dash at the South Burlington Coaches v. Cancer Twilight Meet. Urie also tied the Lake Region school record in the 400m with a time of 53.7 At Lyndon Institute, in only his first ever attempt at the event.

The team had several top-six finishers at the Northeast Kingdom freshmen meet.

Andrew Hicks placed third in the 100m and long jump, and second in the 400m dash. Cole Royer, Josh Kelley, and Jorden Prue finish in fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively, in the 800m run. Kaitlyn Verge was third in the 800m run and Brezee Lalime was fourth in the shot put and fifth in the long jump.

Lake Region had more top-six results at the Freshman Sophomore Championship held at U-32.

Mason Svayg won the high jump outright, and finished second in the 400m. Joslyn Hinton was second in the shot put and teamed up with Autumn Walsh, Annie Doucet, and Kaitlyn Verge to place second in the 4-by-100m relay. Verge was also sixth in the 800m run.

Coach Liz Chichester said the team is looking forward to the Division Three state championship meet this Saturday at Green Mountain Union High School in South Chester.

Police identify body discovered in Westmore

Published on in Newport/News/Orleans/Westmore

NEWPORT — The body recovered in Westmore on Friday has been identified as Tyler Robinson, 23, of Orleans.

Investigators say there is no evidence or information to suspect foul play in this incident.

Robinson was last seen at his residence on Water Street in Orleans on May 12, 2017, at approximately 10:45 a.m.

His body was located on Monday, May 15, in the southern area of Lake Willoughby, in a wooded area at the bottom of a steep drop-off.

Because of the difficult and technical nature of the terrain, rescue crews had to postpone recovery efforts throughout the week.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 19, crews were able to retrieve Robinson’s body from the cliff’s edge.

Body recovered in Westmore

Published on in Newport/News/Orleans/Westmore

WESTMORE — Authorities say that the body of a man discovered on a rock shelf on Mount Pisgah, has been recovered. At approximately 4:30 p.m. crews were able to retrieve the body from the cliff’s edge.

At this time rescue crews say they moved the body to Long Pond Road in the town of Westmore.

The family of Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old man from Orleans who has been missing since last Friday, have been notified, and police say operations will culminate this evening.

The body will be transferred to the Medical Examiner’s office for examination and identification.

The investigation into this death continues to be handled by the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

Police say there have been no reported injuries to anyone involved in the recovery, and the operation was carried out as planned.

Tomorrow, the trails on Mount Pisgah will be open to the public.

I-91 South of Orleans exit closed after tractor-trailer rollover

Published on in Barton/News/Orleans

BARTON — Interstate 91 South, below exit 26 in Orleans, was closed after a tractor-trailer crashed this afternoon.

At around 1:00 p.m. police responded to the crash scene in the vicinity of mile marker 161 in the town of Barton.

The tractor-trailer was on its side in the roadway.

The driver, identified as Kyle Dalpe, 22, of Barton, was seen by emergency workers but refused treatment.

The southbound lanes of the interstate were closed at the exit 26 entrance ramp.

Vehicles were able to exit the interstate in Orleans, as the roadway was cleared.

Police say the investigation is on-going and that speed appears to be a factor in the crash.

Mount Pisgah body recovery mission pushed back until Saturday

Published on in Newport/News/Orleans/Westmore

WESTMORE — Officials are saying that recovery efforts for the body discovered on Mount Pisgah have been pushed back until Saturday.

On Tuesday, search and rescue officials surveyed the terrain where the deceased individual was discovered the day before.

Recovery officials now say they have determined the best course of action is to begin staging for the effort on Friday and complete the recovery on Saturday, utilizing technical rescue teams.

“The difficulty of the terrain on Mt. Pisgah, weather, and safety concerns require careful planning and precise techniques be utilized in the recovery operation,” a statement issued today by police reads.

On Friday, Stowe Mountain Rescue, the Vermont National Guard, the Vermont State Police and Colchester Technical Rescue will be preparing for the recovery.

On Saturday, the recovery attempt will begin at 8 a.m.

While positive ID has not occurred, the family of Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old man from Orleans who has been missing since last Friday, have been notified of the discovery.

Police: Body recovery in Westmore possibly delayed until Thursday

Published on in Newport/News/Orleans/Westmore

WESTMORE — Officials involved in the Orleans missing person search effort are advising that the recovery process of the deceased individual discovered yesterday will be delayed, perhaps until Thursday.

According to a statement issued by police, the extreme nature of the terrain, the equipment, and expertise needed to access the area in which the individual is located will require other agencies to assist in the recovery.

“The individual is located approximately 300’ feet down a precipice, and 200’ feet up from the bottom of the drop-off, resting on a rock shelf,” Public Information Officer Scott Waterman said in his statement.

The Vermont State Police has requested officials with the Vermont National Guard and other technical experts to advise on the best process for recovery.

While positive ID has not yet occurred, the family of Tyler Robinson has been advised of the process underway to recover the individual.

Investigators have again said that they have no evidence or information to suspect foul play in this incident.

Police postpone recovery of body found in Westmore

Published on in Newport/News/Orleans/Vermont/Westmore

WESTMORE — Search and rescue teams have located a dead body in Westmore, but say they are unable to retrieve it at this time.

The body of the dead man was located in the southern area of Lake Willoughby, in a wooded area at the bottom of a steep drop-off.

Police say the body was discovered visually, but because of the difficult and technical nature of the terrain, searchers have been unable to reach the individual to confirm the identity.

At this time the scene has been secured, and technical rescue equipment is being brought to the area for the recovery.

“Because the finding was made this afternoon with only a small number of daylight hours left, it was decided to wait until at least tomorrow to conduct the recovery,” a statement issued by police reads.

They say it’s unclear exactly when this effort will begin.

While positive ID has not occurred, the family of Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old man from Orleans who has been missing since Friday, have been notified of the discovery.

Investigators say they have no evidence or information to suspect foul play in this incident.

Search continues for missing Orleans man

Published on in Newport/News/Orleans

ORLEANS — There is an ongoing search for a 23-year-old Orleans man who has been missing for a few days.

Police are requesting assistance in locating Tyler Robinson, who was last seen at his residence on Water Street in Orleans, on May 12, 2017, at approximately 10:45 a.m.

Authorities say they will be continuing their search efforts and will be expanding the area of search.

Anyone with information as to Robinson’s whereabouts is asked to contact State Police in Derby.

Steelhead runs happening now in Orleans, Coventry

Published on in coventry/Orleans/Outdoors

ORLEANS — One of the state’s premier wildlife watching opportunities is happening right now in Orleans. The steelhead rainbow trout have started their upstream migration, leaping up waterfalls in a spectacular display of determination on their way to their spawning grounds.

The best place to spot steelhead is at Willoughby Falls just outside downtown Orleans. Another great place to see migrating steelhead is Coventry Falls on the Black River in Coventry.

“When people think of wildlife watching, they typically think of moose or birds, but I would guess that most people don’t think of fish,” said Jud Kratzer, fisheries biologist for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. “This is a rare opportunity to watch fish in nature. Images of salmon or trout hurling themselves up scenic waterfalls are typical from places like Alaska, but many people may not realize we have these same wildlife viewing opportunities right here in Vermont.”

Steelhead can be spotted moving up the falls during warmer days in mid to late April and sometimes into early May during years with late winters. The best times to spot the fish leaping the falls are in the late morning and early afternoon as the sun is hitting the waters.

Willoughby Falls and a section of river upstream are closed to fishing until June 1 to protect the fish while they are spawning, although there are great fishing opportunities a short way downstream from the falls.

Registration open for PGA Junior League Golf in greater Newport

Published on in Newport/News/Orleans

NEWPORT — PGA Professionals in the greater Newport area are offering PGA Junior League Golf, a fun and social opportunity that gives boys and girls ages 13 and under of all abilities the opportunity to learn, play and enjoy the game of golf.

PGA Junior League Golf takes a team approach to the game. Much like other recreational youth sports, kids wear numbered jerseys, and play on teams with friends, utilizing a popular scramble format for competition.

Facilities hosting PGA Junior League Golf in the greater Newport area include the Newport Country Club and the Orleans Country Club.

Recognizing the tremendous growth potential of the region, the PGA of America and the New England PGA Section have partnered to support an open enrollment initiative, with the aim of creating new golfers and introducing them to a game they can play for a lifetime.

The plan is for the New England open registration model to serve markets across the country next year.

“PGA Junior League Golf presents a welcoming and engaging way for kids to play and learn golf in a fun, engaging and encouraging team environment,” said Mike Higgins, Executive Director of the New England PGA Section. “Kids are learning more than just a game they can enjoy for a lifetime. And PGA Junior League Golf is an excellent option for parents looking for a sport that develops character skills and life lessons for their children.”

PGA and LPGA Professionals serve exclusively as captains for PGA Junior League Golf teams, ensuring kids are given the opportunity to learn from the experts in the game.

With parents and family members encouraged to serve as coaches, volunteers and spectators, PGA Junior League Golf involves the entire family and introduces them to an all-ages sport they can play and enjoy together.

Derby man facing charges after hit-and-run

Published on in Derby/News/Orleans

DERBY — Police say they took a 79-year-old Derby man into custody last night after he crashed into another vehicle, and then fled the scene.

At around 7:00 p.m. police were notified that a 2000 Jeep Cherokee had been involved in a rear-end collision on Route 5 in Derby, near the I-91 on-ramps.

The Jeep took off after the crash.

The complainant, Jonathan Hinton, 21, of Orleans, told police his 2016 Chevrolet Colorado had been struck from behind while he was waiting at the red light.

His truck sustained rear-end damage, but he was not injured during the incident.

Troopers located the Jeep parked behind a home in Derby. The suspect was identified as 79-year-old Floyd Ellis.

Police say the Jeep had front-end damage consistent with the reported collision.

“Subsequent interview and investigation revealed Ellis had been impaired at the time of operation,” a statement issued by police reads.

Ellis declined to provide a PBT.

He was placed under arrest and transported to the Derby barracks where he was processed and transported to the Northern State Correctional Facility as what police describe as an “incapacitated person.”

Ellis was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of an accident.

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    Aude Girin, an AmeriCorps farm-to-school coordinator with Green Mountain Farm-to-School, worked with middle school students at Glover Elementary School to teach them about vermicomposting and to help them set up their own system in the classroom.

Local elementary schools dive into composting

Published on in Glover/Newport/Orleans

GLOVER — School cafeterias across Northern Vermont are closing the food cycle as they lead the way in diverting food scraps from landfills through composting.

More than ten Northeast Kingdom elementary schools that work with Green Mountain Farm-to-School (GMFTS), a nonprofit in Newport that works with schools to plant schools gardens, provide nutrition and agriculture education, and teach students about the importance of good food and the environment, have implemented a composting system for their cafeteria’s food waste.

Some schools, such as Lowell Graded School and Orleans Elementary School, are housing their own composting systems on-site and use the finished compost in their gardens.

“Composting can be an incredibly powerful teaching tool because there are so many connections to science, nutrient cycling, soil health, and environmental stewardship,” says Maire Folan, farm-to-school program manager for GMFTS. “Students can explore all of these topics in a hands-on way while teaching them important life skills to be responsible citizens in the future, which is an important part of our mission at GMFTS.”

For schools that are still working to implement composting systems, GMFTS offers a wide-range of support such as coordinating and teaching lessons on the subject, working with teachers to integrate composting into their math and science lessons, and helping to organize, construct, and carry-out composting systems.

Aude Girin, an AmeriCorps farm-to-school coordinator with GMFTS, began working with middle school students at Glover Elementary School in January to begin a vermicomposting program, or composting using worms.

Over the course of a day, she introduced the middle school students to the basics of composting, its benefits, how it works, and why its done, taught them about worm anatomy, and helped them figure out a timeline for their composting.

“By implementing composting into the school culture, students will learn from a young age the importance of composting and its benefit to the community,” says Girin. “While Glover may be starting small by adding a vermicompost bin into the classroom, it is a step in the right direction.”

Heather Burt, the math and science teacher at Glover Elementary School and farm-to-school advocate, she will be hosting a worm bin in her classroom. Her seventh-grade students will be responsible for feeding them, prepping the bin, calculating the amount of food and water they need, and observing how long it takes the worms to turn food scraps into compost. She will also be taking the opportunity to use the worm bin in math and science lessons.

In addition to all the classroom lesson opportunities, the finished compost will also be used on the seventh grade’s experimental garden bed in the spring.

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    Photo by Raven Campbell.
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Orleans man loses truck, four-wheeler in garage fire

Published on in Fire/Orleans

ORLEANS — A fire broke out at a garage on Water Street in Orleans on Tuesday.

At around 12:30 p.m. firefighters were notified of the blaze. The garage belonged to Tony Mason.

Mason lost a truck, tools, and an off-road vehicle in the fire.

Crews from Orleans and Barton worked to contain the fire, keeping it from spreading to a nearby home.

Mason’s home sustained minor damge to the vinyl siding.

The fire is currently under investigation, but authorities say that they do not believe the cause to be suspicious in nature.

Nobody was injured in the incident, and firefighters were able to leave the scene at around 3:30 p.m.

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Police release surveillance images of Orleans One Stop robbery

Published on in Orleans

NEWPORT — Police are continuing to investigate the armed robbery that took place on Monday night at the Orleans One Stop.

The images above were released by police on Tuesday afternoon.

Police say there are no suspects at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Vermont State Police, Derby barracks at 802-334-8881.

Orleans One Stop robbed at gunpoint

Published on in Orleans

ORLEANS — An armed robbery took place at around the Orleans One Stop Monday night.

The incident took place at around 10:00 p.m. The suspect entered the store waving a handgun and demanded that the store clerk turn over the money from the cash register.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5’6” with a slender to medium build and possibly in his early to mid-20s.

He was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, mask, and blue jeans.

After receiving an undisclosed amount of money the man fled the scene on foot.

Police say a 27-year-old woman from Derby was working at the store at the time of the robbery.

The investigation is being continued by the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and anyone with information is being asked to contact the Vermont State Police, Derby barracks at 802-334-8881.

Dental center coming to Orleans in December

Published on in Health/Newport/News/Orleans

ORLEANS — Northern Counties Health Care recently announced the expansion of their dental program in collaborative partnership with North Country Hospital and the Village of Orleans.

Once operational, the new Orleans Dental Center will employ a dentist, hygienist, dental assistant, receptionist and office supervisor.

The practice will have two Operatories and two hygiene rooms, and they expect to serve at least 500 new patients within the first year of operations.

In January 2015, North Country Hospital completed a community needs assessment, which identified access to dental care as one of the biggest challenges facing people living in Orleans County.

This data about the oral health treatment needs and prevention strategies in the NEK area painted a grim picture.

In Orleans County, 65 percent of adults aged 45-64 have had tooth extractions compared to the state average of 52 percent. Nearly 10 percent of adult residents have lost all permanent teeth due to decay or disease.

In 2014, of the Medicaid-eligible Vermonters in the Newport area aged 19-64, only 23 percent received preventative dental services.

In January, Northern Counties Health Care identified a grant opportunity to help address these challenges.

“Our Goal,” said Shawn Tester, CEO of NCHC, “is to expand access to affordable dental services for people living in the Barton and Orleans area in order to improve their quality of life.”

Working together with North Country Hospital and the Village of Orleans, the three organizations applied for grant funding which will cover the cost of operations for a new dental center for up to two years.

Even with the grant funds, a site for the new dental center was needed, and this is where the partnership developed.

The village of Orleans owns the site of a former medical office building on Union Street, and offered it as part of the solution.

North Country hospital pledged $100,000 in financial support toward constructing the new facility at that location. NCHC is covering the balance of the construction costs.

“Northern Counties Health Care has a strong track record of providing essential primary and preventative care services to the citizens of the Northeast Kingdom,” said North Country Hospital President Claudio Fort. “We are pleased to be a part of this important initiative to bring critically needed dental services to the Orleans/Barton community.”

With an identified acute need and an innovative collaborative approach to solving the communities’ challenges, NCHC was awarded the grant in June 2016, and construction began immediately.

“Our Grant stipulates a very narrow window to become operational and see our first patient,” says Tester. “John Morley and the village of Orleans have really bent over backwards to help us meet our deadlines, they are a great partner to work with.”

As a Federally Qualified Health Center, NCHC is committed to providing services to all members or our communities, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

They say they will accept Medicaid insurance as well as offer a sliding fee scale to make dental services more affordable.

The Orleans Dental Center expects to be operational by December 2016.

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