Westmore Archives - Page 2 of 2

Brownington man dead after apparent drowning at Lake Willoughby

Published on August 21, 2015August 21, 2015 in Brownington/News/Westmore by Dispatch Media

WESTMORE — A 29-year-old Brownington man was pronounced dead shortly before 6 p.m. on Thursday, after an apparent drowning at Lake Willoughby.

Police say that at approximately 4:41 p.m. they responded to a call at the North Beach at Lake Willoughby in Westmore, after a report of a possible drowning. When they arrived, local EMS crews were in the process of treating Lance Tabor, 29, of Brownington.

Tabor was transported to North Country Hospital. Tragically, life saving efforts were unsuccessful and Tabor was pronounced dead shortly before 6:00 p.m.

Police say he was found floating face down in knee-deep water at the beach before being pulled out by bystanders, at which time they began CPR.

The beach was heavily populated on Thursday given the warm weather at the time, and police interviewed several witnesses. More interviews are expected.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Burlington will be conducting an autopsy on Friday, in an effort to determine the cause and manner of death.

Police say that at this time, based on the investigation, no foul play is expected, and the investigation is being treated as a possible drowning as it continues.

Your guide to Fourth of July fireworks, events in Orleans County

Published on June 30, 2015July 2, 2015 in Barton/Derby/Island Pond/Newport/News/Westmore by Dispatch Media

NEWPORT — The Fourth of July falls on a Saturday this year, which seems extra conducive to a celebration. Pack the family, the lawn chairs and blankets, and head out to watch some fireworks, hear some live music, or take in a boat parade on this annual rite of summer.

Here are some of the events in Orleans County you won’t want to miss on Independence Day:

NEWPORT

Gardner Park will feature an afternoon and evening of music, bed races, hula hooping competition, vendors and more. Classic rock band The Hitmen will be one of the featured bands at this year’s festivities, with fireworks starting at 9:45 p.m.

The Farmers’ Market will even be open from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m, featuring music, vegetables, and fresh grass fed beef for those burgers.

DERBY

A parade on Main Street will start at 10 a.m.

NORTH TROY

A parade will start at 11 a.m., followed by a chicken barbecue.

ISLAND POND

The 4th of July celebration in Island Pond will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 3rd – 5th. Fireworks will be on Friday night at dusk. There will be events held throughout the weekend. The annual parade will be on Saturday at 11 a.m.

WESTMORE

The annual 4th of July Boat Parade will line up off Crescent Beach on Lake Willoughby at 3:45 p.m. Come out and relax on the beach and enjoy the show.

BARTON

The Barton fire Department and Orleans County Fair Association, in partnership with community sponsors, will bring the July 4th parade to Barton once again. The parade will start at 2 p.m. and will proceed from Main Street to Glover Street, Elm Street, Park Street, Roaring Brook Road and end at the fairgrounds.

The fireworks will be held at the fairgrounds at dusk.

ORLEANS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

An Independence Day Celebration will take place at Orleans County Fairgrounds in Barton during the day on Friday, July 4th. Activities will include antique/farm tractor pull, horse & pony pull, gymkhana, horseshoe competition, games, food and more.

GREENSBORO

Friday July 3rd – FIREWORKS – at dusk off Lake Shore Road. A good place to watch is the baseball field or public beach.

Saturday July 4th – PARADE – line up starts at 9:15 a.m. – walkers and antique cars will line up at the new fire station, everyone else on Lake Shore Road – all are welcome to be in the Parade.

The Parade starts promptly at 10 a.m. and ends at the Town Hall Green where there will be music and activities for children.

You can purchase a Chicken BBQ lunch including coleslaw, roll, beverage and dessert from the UCC for $10.00, please call 802-533-2223 to reserve your meal.

Saturday July 4th – SQUARE DANCE – in the Tent on the Town Hall Green, from 7 – 9 p.m. The Caller is Robin Russell with music by Pete’s Posse.

Admission is $5.00, children under 12 free. Sponsored by Greensboro Arts Alliance and Residency

Reward offered after 70-year-old cyclist hit by car in Westmore

Published on September 29, 2014 in News/Westmore by Dispatch Media

WESTMORE — A 70-year-old cyclist was struck by a car on Saturday during a bike race in Westmore. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene, and now Kingdom Games, who organized the race, is offering a $1,000 reward to whoever can help identify the driver in this hit-and-run case.

The incident happen on Saturday, September 27, during the Fall Foliage Tour de Kingdom. The victim, Edward McMenamy, is a Florida resident who was in town for the event.

McMenamy was riding his bicycle southbound along Vermont Route 16 in Westmore when his handlebars were struck by the passenger side mirror of a passing vehicle, forcing him to be flung from his bike and onto the side of the roadway.

He sustained injuries to his left hip, leg, and foot. The vehicle that struck him continued traveling south and did not stop to render assistance. The vehicle was described by witnesses in the area as being a small grey or silver sedan with unknown registration.

The passenger side mirror of the sedan came off of the vehicle upon colliding with McMenamy and was recovered by Vermont State Police.

In a statement issued by Phil White, Director of Kingdom Games, the organization is offering a cash reward to anyone who can help identify the driver.

“Kingdom Games is offering $1,000 to the person who first provides information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the motorist who hit one of our cyclists and then fled the scene,” White wrote.

White went on to say that motorists have been extremely respectful of bicyclists on the roads this year.

“I would like to note my observation during recent years of our Tour de Kingdom rides is that motorists have generally been extremely respectful of bicyclists out on the road, passing them wide, whenever possible. This accident does not appear to be part of any intentional harassment of the cyclist. Instead, it involved the motorist trying to “thread the needle” between the bike and oncoming traffic.”

Anyone with information about the possible identity of the vehicle or the owner is asked to contact Sgt A. Jensen at VSP Derby 334-8881.

For more information on the cash reward in this case, contact:

Phil White, Director
Kingdom Games
802-249-9100

Motorcycle crash in Westmore sends 75-year-old man to hospital

Published on September 3, 2014September 3, 2014 in Barton/News/Westmore by Dispatch Media

WESTMORE — Roy Gero, a 75-year-old man from Barton, was tossed from his motorcycle after traveling down an embankment in Westmore on Tuesday.

The motorcycle accident took place at around 4 p.m., on Route 16.

Orleans County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene and found Gero sitting near his motorcycle which had severe damage.

Gero suffered multiple lacerations as well as bumps and bruises from the crash, and was taken to North Country Hospital by Orleans Ambulance.

After an investigation of the accident, it is believed that Gero was traveling north when his motorcycle traveled off the right shoulder of the roadway and down an embankment. The motorcycle overturned, ejecting Gero from the drivers seat.

Currently there is no information available as to Gero’s condition.

Perron picks up another award

Published on July 31, 2014 in Barton/Glover/Westmore by Dispatch Media

NEWPORT — Darren Perron, the WCAX anchorman with local roots, received another award this week, this time being voted the “Best Local TV Journalist,” by Seven Days Vermont readers.

By now Perron is probably used to winning awards. Throughout his career, he has already picked up an Emmy Award, and been nominated for an Emmy Award nine times. He has recieved ten Edward R. Murrow Awards, and a dozen Associated Press Awards. He is also the only non-network reporter in the U.S. to be nominated for a GLAAD Award.

This most recent award is part of the Seven Days Vermont best of Vermont awards called “the Daysies,” where readers cast their votes in categories ranging from best shoe store, to best new restaurant, to best meteorologist.

More than 10,000 Vermonters weighed in on the state’s 2014 awards, with 650,000-plus individual votes in 177 categories. This was the 12th year that Seven Days has organized the awards.

Darren anchors the Channel 3 News at 6 p.m. on WCAX. He attended Lake Region Union High School, and has family in Barton and Glover. He responded to the good news through Twitter.

Westmore town garage burglarized

Published on July 30, 2014 in News/Westmore by Dispatch Media

WESTMORE — Police are reporting that the Westmore town garage and the Vermont Agency of Transportation District 9 Garage were broken into on Monday.

On Tuesday, Vermont State Police responded to the burglary, located at 5712 Vermont Route 16, in the town of Westmore.

Authorities say that numerous items were taken, including a 500 watt generator. Also missing were:

Hand tools
Impact wrenches
Chipping hammers
Hammer drills
Sump pumps

The crime is still being investigated, but police are saying that the incident took place between 3 p.m. on 7/28/14 and 7 a.m. on 7/29/14.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Vermont State Police in Derby at (802)-334-8881.

All photos courtesy of Phil White, Director of Kingdom Games.

First ever Willoughby Triathlon a success

Published on July 29, 2014July 29, 2014 in Arts and Entertainment/Westmore by Dispatch Media

WESTMORE — The inaugural Willoughby Triathlon is now in the books. Nine adventurous solo triathletes and two relay teams took on the challenge on Saturday under sunny skies and light winds. The overall winner was Daniel Porier, 42, of Magog, Quebec.

Daniel took down the 7 mile bike on the CCC and Bartlett Mountain Roads, the 1.2 swim from South Beach to Devil’s Rock and back, and the 2.5 mile run from the beach and up the South Trail to the finish at the summit of Mount Pisgah, with a time of 1:34:22.

Not far behind was Martin Ladouceur, 44, also from Magog. Win Whitcomb, 51, of Northhampton, Mass, took third.

Leading the ladies was Rebecca Ryan, 57, of Huntington, with a time of 2:06:12, followed closely by Jill Mathers, 48, of Newark, and Hayley Joseph, 52, of Newport.

Fastest time of the day was posted by the Relay Team of Carter Stowell, 42, Peter Hirschfeld, 36, and Eileen Hee, all from Worcester, with a time of 1:32:30. It made for a great race to the finish between the boys of Magog versus the fresh legs from Worcester.

Daniel Poirier said he knew he would like the race when one of the safety warnings was to watch for falling children jumping off Devil’s Rock.

All the reviews following the finish and the walk back down the mountain were overwhelmingly positive.

In the afternoon’s Willoughby Youth Tri, three children took on the 100 yard swim, the 0.6 mile bike, and the 1 mile run up to Pulpit Rock with impressive times.

Anna Betz, 11, of Jericho, finished in time of 0:27:40. Taylor Carlson, 8, also from Jericho won the boy’s division, just one minute behind Anna. The youngest contestant of the day, walk-on 6-year-old Aubriella Holden, was just 4 minutes behind Taylor.

Organizers intentionally kept the numbers low this year, to try out the course, and to make sure it worked for the athletes. During the days leading up to the event and during race day itself, a wonderful relationship evolved with the owners at White Caps Campground, whose support Organizers said made all the difference.

Westmore Fire and Rescue helped with coverage as did volunteers, Gordon and Cindy Chafee, Karin Doane, Laura Dolgin.

With the first race such a success, organizers have already declared that the race next year will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2015. The event next year will be capped at 50 adults and 25 kids to see how things go with those numbers, before organizers consider opening things up to a larger field of contestants.

Twenty percent of all US adult registration fees from the event were split between Memphremagog Ski Touring Foundation and Northwoods Stewardship Center, and twenty percent of Canadian registrations are dedicated to the Christian Vachon Foundation.

CBP expands Trusted Traveler Enrollment Center in Derby Line

Published on July 25, 2014 in Derby Line/News/Quebec/Stanstead/Westmore by Dispatch Media

DERBY LINE — On July 15, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials expanded the programs and hours offered at the Trusted Traveler Enrollment Center located at Interstate 91, in Derby Line. The CBP center will offer travelers in the Vermont area the option to choose a program that best fits their individual travel needs and accommodates their busy schedules.

New hours of operation will be on Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon and 7 to 9 p.m. The Enrollment Center is for processing applicants for CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs for Global Entry, NEXUS and FAST.

“Expanding the Enrollment Center in Derby Line not only provides a convenient, easy-access location for new applicants to complete their interview and finalize their membership,” said Derby Line Port Director Daniel Mattina. “This location also expedites the Trusted Traveler process and is proof of CBPs continuing commitment to improve processing and wait times and the traveler’s experience.”

The Trusted Traveler Programs provide expedited clearance for pre-approved low-risk international travelers and members of these programs can expect expedited processing when entering the United States through dedicated vehicle lanes at many land borders or by using automated kiosks at airports.

Members are also eligible to expedite their domestic travels by using TSA’s pre-check trusted traveler security screening lines.

Travelers interested in enrolling in one of CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs can learn more about the programs and apply online using the CBP Global Online Enrollment System (GOES).

Fourth of July guide for Orleans County

Published on July 2, 2014July 2, 2014 in Arts and Entertainment/Barton/Island Pond/Newport/Westmore by Dispatch Media

NEWPORT — The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and unless you’re planning to wow your neighbors with a massive display of sparklers and drop pops this year, you better have a permit. Just about all fireworks are illegal in Vermont. Don’t worry, snakes and sparklers are still okay, but, if you want to see some real fireworks, head out to one of the local displays.

First, if you plan to set off your own, here is a quick reference:

Illegal fireworks:

Toy cannons, toy canes, or toy guns in which explosives are used; balloons that are propelled by explosives; firecrackers; torpedoes; sky rockets; Roman candles; cherry bombs; or other fireworks of like construction are all prohibited in Vermont unless a permit has been obtained from the local municipality (Fire Chief, Police Chief, Select Board or City Council) depending on the governing body.

Legal fireworks:

Novelty items such as; sparklers, snakes, party poppers, glow worms, smoke devices, string poppers, snappers, or drop pops with no more than 0.25 grains of explosive mixture do not require a permit and can be purchased in many stores throughout the State.

If you want to see the real fireworks, head over to Newport, Barton, or Island Pond.

NEWPORT

The Independence Day Celebration in Newport will feature an afternoon of music and fun competitions including the Bed Races and Hula Hoop competition. There will be tons of food and family fun. The fireworks will begin at 9:45 p.m.

BARTON

The Barton fire Department and Orleans County Fair Association will bring the July 4th parade to Barton once again this year. The parade will start at 2 p.m. and will proceed from Main Street to Glover Street, Elm Street, Park Street, Roaring Brook Road, and end at the fairgrounds. The fireworks will be held at the fairgrounds at dusk.

ISLAND POND

The 4th of July Celebration in Island Pond will start Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 4 – 6. The annual parade will be on Saturday at 11 a.m. with fireworks Saturday night at dusk. There will be events throughout the weekend.

WESTMORE

Or, head over to Westmore for the annual 4th of July Boat Parade. There will be a line up off Crescent Beach at Lake Willoughby at 3:45 p.m.