News 2008-06-02 Andanh.com

Reappointment day for City Council Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
Burlington mayor makes no changes to administrative team

Where will all the toys go? Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
After 7 years, Essex Toy Library faces closure

WiFi use soars along interstate Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
Tourists drawn by service to Vermont Information Centers

More people boarding the bus Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:38:00 EST
High cost of gas fuels public transit ridership

Raising a pint for peace Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:11:00 EST
Vermonter's efforts with SPA recognized by Ben & Jerry's

Heating oil prices go through the roof Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
Sticker shock' predicted for New England

CCV graduates record class Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:16:00 EST
458 students receive diplomas at Norwich University ceremony | CCV graduates

Horoscope Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
Today's predictions

Roses or Rubber Trees? How does your garden grow? Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
Mom to Mom

Senior shows graduation not just for kids Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
SIXTY PLUS

My Turn: Planned Parenthood offers wrong choices Mon, 02 Jun 2008 06:15:00 EST
As a community we need to promote life-saving choices rather than to have state-funded murder.

Which kind of conservative? Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
Are these the types of conservatives who want to promote traditional values or those who think government shouldn't intrude into people's personal lives?

Letters to the editor Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
Each year, the Free Press receives thousands of letters. Here are today's letters.

My Turn: Farm Bill fights childhood hunger Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
With rising food and fuel prices, help cannot come soon enough for the 65,000 Vermonters, including 19,000 children, who struggle to get enough nutritious food.

Vermont scores Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
Sunday's results and Monday's schedule

Hamlin, Krug win VSSA honor Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
Named Vermont's Athletes of the Year at banquet

Smith, BHS duo collect tennis titles Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
Kaplan and Labracio claim doubles crown

Lessons from Mars Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:17:00 EST
The recent landing on Mars by the Phoenix rover is a reminder of how little we know about the cosmos, and of how fragile life is, here or elsewhere. ...

Chaos ensues after high-speed chase Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
A high-speed chase through downtown Rutland Saturday night ended with a fight, a dog bite and television cameras rolling on Crescent Street in the city. ... - By BRENT CURTIS Herald Staff

Transient allegedly causes store ruckus Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
A transient man is being held on $500 bail after allegedly pushing a shopping cart into a child and being disorderly in a downtown grocery store. ... - By DAWSON RASPUZZI Herald Staff

Aldermen to begin budget review today Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
The start of what Rutland officials have predicted to be a tough budget review begins today when Mayor Christopher Louras hands over his proposed 2009 spending plan to the city aldermen. ...

PACE presentation today in Castleton Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
CASTLETON -- A new health care program for frail elders, called PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly), is now open in the new addition to the Maples Senior Living Community off Stratton Road in Rutland and accepting applications for enrollment. ...

Victim's family settles lawsuit Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:11:00 EST
The daughters of Stewart Dickson reached a $104,500 settlement with the man they believe killed their father and a number of other parties named in a wrongful death lawsuit. ... - By BRENT CURTIS Herald Staff

Equinox reveals $20M renovations Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
MANCHESTER -- The Equinox Resort and Spa is putting the finishing touches on $20 million in renovations which are designed to both modernize the hotel and bring it back to its roots. General Manager Robert J. Morgan, showing the remodeled guest rooms, pointed out a good example of the new approach. Each guest room will have a large-screen, flat-panel, high-definition television but each also has a print of one of the historic photos of the almost 240-year-old Equinox. Area rugs in the hotel are now decorated with "EH," which Morgan said stands for Equinox House, the name by which the hotel was traditionally known. HEI Hospitality, of Connecticut, purchased the Equinox in March 2007 from Oly-Equinox Holding LLC. HEI owns hotels across the United States with properties in California, Florida and Texas but the Equinox is their only Vermont property. Morgan, who has spent more than 25 years in the hospitality industry and took over at the Equinox in January, said last week the renovations were about 90 percent complete. Construction work was expected to be complete last week although some new furniture and other touches will be coming for about two more weeks. One of the most noticeable improvements for guests or visitors to the hotel in warm weather will be the enlarged deck in the back which Morgan estimated was about triple the size of the previous deck. The deck will provide seating for one of the new features at the hotel, the Falcon Bar, which Morgan said will focus on top-end wines, liquors, chocolates and Vermont cheeses. The deck, which has a fire pit as its center piece, also connects the library on the hotel's first floor, with the Falcon bar and the front desk. Morgan said the library already had the doors that will allow visitors to exit to the desk but they were usually kept closed because they didn't really lead to anything. The Equinox is adding a steak house, called the Chophouse, just beyond the existing Marsh Tavern. The Chophouse will offer high-end New York steaks while the Marsh Tavern will serve more than 60 beers, some brewed in Vermont, and pretzels with mustard produced by the last American company that still grinds the seed by a stone press. The hotel has hired a new head chef, Jeff Russell, a native of nearby Pittsfield, Mass., who has been at the Equinox for about three months. Russell has created or will be creating new menus for all the hotel's restaurants. Morgan said the Equinox complex, which has 195 guest rooms in the main hotel, the Orvis Inn, the 1811 House and other properties, has added seven new handicapped-accessible rooms in the upgrade. Some of the work done at the hotel would not be easily noticed by most guests, like the replacement of much of the roof or what Morgan said was several million dollars investment into mechanicals like heating and air conditioning and the building's structure. According to Morgan, long-term plans call for replacing the golf course's clubhouse but the hotel has invested about $350,000 in the existing structure including such infrastructure changes as drainage and cosmetic improvements to lighting, paint and carpets. The hotel has also purchased 75 new golf carts. The Dormy Grill at the clubhouse will be staying open later, Morgan said, as a way of attracting Manchester-area residents to enjoy its view of the greens and Mount Equinox. The grill used to close around 3 p.m. With the addition of so much new furniture to rooms, restaurants and lobbies, Morgan said the hotel had a surplus of old furniture. Many of the pieces were donated to the Manchester Lions Club which will auction off the furniture this summer to pay for local programs. Morgan said there were no plans for any kind of "grand reopening," partially because the summer months are the Equinox's busiest season but said locals were welcome to come in and see the changes for themselves anytime. The current renovations involved the hotel's main building and the Orvis Inn. The 1811 House, which like the Orvis Inn is across Route 7A from the main building, is likely to be renovated in the late fall and the meeting rooms and colonnade restaurants on the grounds are scheduled to be upgraded in 2009. Contact Patrick McArdle at patrick.mcardle@rutlandherald.com. ... - By PATRICK McARDLE Herald Staff

Windsor man killed in I-91 rollover Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
HARTLAND -- Alcohol was a contributing factor in a motor-vehicle rollover on Interstate 91 that killed a Windsor man who was returning home from a nightclub during the pre-dawn hours Sunday, Vermont State Police said. Thomas L. Caves, 31, of Windsor, the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene from massive head trauma shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday, according to police. Caves and his passenger, Chad LaFlamme, 38, of Windsor, were traveling south on Interstate 91 in Hartland at the time of the crash, police said. Caves lost control of his 2001 Dodge Caravan near mile marker 66 and rolled it off the western edge of the interstate where it struck rock ledges and threw him from the vehicle, according to police. "He was ejected onto the ground and the vehicle ran over him," Trooper Gary Salvatore said. "LaFlamme got himself out and he was up on the side of the road and waving for help." Several passersby stopped to assist and the Hartland Volunteer Fire Department and Hartford Ambulance responded to the scene and transported LaFlamme to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., where he was treated and then released later Sunday. LaFlamme was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash but Caves was not, Salvatore said, noting, "Alcohol was a contributing factor, also the fog and the wet road." The Windsor County State's Attorney's Office declined to request an autopsy so the accident investigation will be quickly concluded, Salvatore said. ... - By ERIC FRANCIS Herald Correspondent

Alleged release violator jailed Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
BENNINGTON -- A Shaftsbury man is in prison after police said his blood alcohol content was found to be more than twice the legal limit for driving in Vermont just one week after he was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol for the third time. David E. Mears, 30, of Route 67A, was not driving when police cited him on Wednesday but police said Mears violated the conditions of his release from custody in four other ways besides the prohibition from having or drinking alcohol. In an affidavit, Bennington Police Officer Robert Zink said he stopped a car going almost 75 mph in a 55-mph zone on Route 279 in Bennington on Wednesday around 4:40 p.m. Zink said Mears, who he recognized from past law enforcement experience, was in the back seat of the car. Mears was arraigned for driving under the influence with two or more previous convictions for the same offense in Bennington District Court on May 22. He was released from custody but required to obey conditions imposed by Judge David Howard. Zink said he was also aware that Mears had not obeyed a requirement that he check in daily with the Bennington Police Department because Mears had not stopped at the station on May 27. According to Zink, Mears had not checked in on the day of the traffic stop, either. Another passenger in the car said Mears had spent the night at his house on May 27. Zink said that violated the curfew condition that Mears be at his home every night from 9:30 p.m. until 6 a.m. The driver of the car said they were on their way to Hoosick Falls, N.Y., which violated a condition that Mears not leave Bennington County without permission. Mears pleaded not guilty to all the charges on Thursday in Bennington District Court. He was taken to Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility in Rutland after failing to post $10,000 in bail set by Judge Katherine Hayes. On May 23, Mears was arraigned after police said he crashed his car in Sunderland on Sunderland Hill Road on May 22. According to police, Mears ran off after the one-car collision and when found by officers, denied driving the car although he owns the car and had its keys in his pocket. Mears was charged with felony counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with blood alcohol content above the legal limit on May 23. Both charges were modified because Mears has convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol in 1996 and 1997. Mears was also charged on May 23 with three misdemeanor counts of providing false information to police in order to implicate another person and two counts of violating the conditions of his release. Police said for various reasons, Mears' blood alcohol content could not be tested on May 22 until more than three hours after the accident. According to police, Mears' blood alcohol content was 0.194 percent at the time. Police said on Wednesday, Mears' blood alcohol content was tested at 0.183 percent. Before the five most recent charges were filed, Mears faced more than 10 years in prison. The five charges of violation of conditions of release could add another two and a half years. Contact Patrick McArdle at Patrick.mcardle@rutlandhearld.com. ... - By PATRICK McARDLE Herald Staff

Police seek Hartford High School vandals Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
Police are looking for the vandals who smashed out windows at Hartford High School over the weekend. Hartford Police said sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning vandals got up on the roof of the school and throw rocks through two windows on the second story of the building. Police said the vandals also smashed two large windows in the entry area between the gym and school buildings by using rocks and a baseball bat. Anyone with information is asked to call Hartford Police at 295-9425. -- Staff reports ...

Innocent plea filed in motorcycle theft Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION -- A Springfield man denied charges that he stole a motorcycle from a man who had given him a place to live. On Tuesday, Dwight D. Bundy, 24, pleaded innocent in White River Junction District Court to a misdemeanor charge of petty larceny, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison. According to an affidavit filed with the court, on April 7, Springfield Police received a call from Verne L. Grochowik that someone had stolen his 1995 Yamaha PW80G motorcycle from his garage. Police said that Grochowik suspected Bundy had taken the motorcycle because Bundy had stayed at Grochowik's house earlier this year. Grochowik told Bundy to move out because he suspected Bundy had been eating his food without permission, court records stated. Police spoke with Grochowik's neighbor, who said he had seen Bundy carrying a small motorcycle out of Grochowik's driveway the week before. The Yamaha PW80G is a small model of motorcycle. Court records stated that according to the National Automobile Dealer's Association, the approximate value of the bike is $260. Police said Bundy declined to speak with them about the alleged theft and was issued a citation to appear in court. After pleading innocent, Bundy was released without posting bail on the conditions that he not harass Grochowik or enter his property. ...

Perry wins again Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
DUBLIN, Ohio -- Kenny Perry joined Tiger Woods as the only three-time winner of the Memorial on Sunday, taking a big step toward joining the No. 1 player in the world on the Ryder Cup team this fall. ... - The Associated Press

Djokovic: More work to do before Nadal Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
PARIS -- Novak Djokovic will leave the looking ahead to others. If he's to be believed, the No. 3-ranked Djokovic has more immediate concerns than a possible French Open semifinal against No. 2 Rafael Nadal or final against No. 1 Roger Federer. ... - By HOWARD FENDRICH The Associated Press

Busch wins fourth Cup race at Dover Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
DOVER, Del. -- Kyle Busch revels in his role as NASCAR's villain. He enjoys his role as the top driver so much more. ... - By DAN GELSTON The Associated Press

Wings core a win away from Cup No. 4 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
DETROIT -- Nicklas Lidstrom's feet rested inches away from the winged wheel logo on the floor of the Detroit dressing room, a veritable shrine to the storied history of the Original Six franchise. ... - By IRA PODELL The Associated Press

Rutland boys rugby champs Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
In Colchester, the Rutland U19 boys rugby team claimed the Vermont state championship on Sunday with a 5-0 victory over Adirondack. ... - Staff Reports

Ortiz out with a wrist injury Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
BALTIMORE -- David Ortiz sat in front of his locker, his ailing left wrist heavily bandaged. Ortiz wasn't in the starting lineup for the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, and the designated hitter could only hope his injury was a minor setback. ... - By DAVID GINSBURG The Associated Press

Manny celebrates homer No. 500 by jacking No. 501 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
BALTIMORE -- Manny Ramirez hit his 501st home run, Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew also connected, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 9-4 Sunday. ... - The Associated Press

Wheating 1st from state to break 4-minute barrier Sun, 01 Jun 2008 08:33:00 EST
A big Vermonter from a small town is making waves in national track circles. ... - By ROB MITCHELL Staff Writer

Worry, hope fuels talks on Vt. future Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:12:00 EST
The Council on the Future of Vermont, three-quarters of the way through a yearlong tour of the state, has received public comment on everything from the economy to the environment to one particularly driving concern: The skyrocketing cost of fuel. ... - By KEVIN O'CONNOR Herald Staff

Council to Begin Deciding McQueen's Fate
The Winooski City Council today will begin deciding the fate of city police chief Steve McQueen.

Essex Rescue Gets In Shape
Emergency responders in Essex are heeding the call to get in shape.

Search for Missing Boy Continues in Merck National Forest
The search from a missing boy from New York moved to Vermont this weekend.

Boy remains in coma 2 months after N.H. forklift accident
Associated Press - June 2, 2008 7:25 AM ET GREENFIELD, N.H. (AP) - A 12-year-old boy who was run over by a forklift in Claremont, N.H., two months ago remains in a coma.

Study: Kids' cancer rates highest in Northeast
Associated Press - June 2, 2008 7:05 AM ET CHICAGO (AP) - A new study is surprising some experts by suggesting that childhood cancer rates are higher in the Northeast than anywhere else in the...

NH Police chase driver, find him under bed near station
Associated Press - June 2, 2008 6:45 AM ET CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Police in Concord, N.H., say a man who led them on a chase through downtown ended up hiding in an apartment directly across the...

Driver killed in crash in Derry
Associated Press - June 2, 2008 6:15 AM ET DERRY, N.H. (AP) - One person was killed and two others were injured in an early morning crash in Derry (New Hampshire).

Albany church offers reward for ID of person who killed 10-year-old
Associated Press - June 2, 2008 3:15 AM ET ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Police in Albany are still looking for information that will lead them to the person who fired the bullet that struck down a...

More Buffalo churches to merge, link or close for weekend services
Associated Press - June 2, 2008 3:15 AM ET BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - Twenty-five Buffalo area Catholic parishes will feel the pinch in a final round of church mergers.

Bills RB Lynch investigated following hit & run
Associated Press - June 2, 2008 3:15 AM ET BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - Police in Buffalo are trying to determine who was behind the wheel of a vehicle registered to Bills running back Marshawn Lynch...

Brooklyn man stabbed in Sullivan County street brawl
Associated Press - June 2, 2008 3:15 AM ET ROCK HILL, N.Y. (AP) - Police in Sullivan County say a 21-year-old Brooklyn man was stabbed four times in a gang-related brawl outside a...

Man charged in fatal hit & run settles civil lawsuit
Associated Press - June 2, 2008 8:05 AM ET RUTLAND, Vt. (AP) - The daughters of a man killed by an alleged hit & run driver last year in Rutland have agreed to a $104,500 settlement that...

Weekend search for missing boy comes up empty
Associated Press - June 2, 2008 7:35 AM ET RUPERT, Vt. (AP) - Volunteers are vowing to try again after a weekend search for a missing 12-year-old boy from Greenwich, N.Y.

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