Headlines - The Vermont Standard

Small businessman Scott Milne announced on Thursday that he will seek the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in 2020. Milne nearly upset then-Governor Peter Shumlin in 2014 when he came within 2,500 votes of becoming governor.

Milne, 61, is president of Milne Travel, founded as a one-person woman-owned business by Marion Milne in the 1970s. During his 33 years leading the company, Milne Travel has grown and is now a network of community-based offices stretching from Westchester County, N.Y. to northern Maine, with three offices in Vermont.

Milne grew up on an old farm in Orange County, has two grown children, and lives in Windsor County today.

“As someone whose business was profoundly impacted by coronavirus, I know how difficult this time has been for so many Vermonters whose lives and livelihoods have been upended,” said Milne. “Now more than ever, we need more leaders in Montpelier who understand the challenge of running a small business, and creating and protecting good jobs. Governor Scott needs a partner, not an adversary, in the lieutenant governor’s office in order to move Vermont through our economic recovery and toward a more prosperous future.”

May 28
9:20 am

Board committee to recommend fixing Pomfret school

Following a tour of The Prosper Valley School in Pomfret, the Windsor Central Modified Unified Union School District’s Buildings & Grounds Committee will be making a recommendation that the school district spend $130,000 to install an dehumidifier and do remediation to make it possible to reopen the school.

Building & Grounds Manager Joe Rigoli gave a tour to the committee as well as other school board members and the public, pointing out all the work that has been done to address the humidity issues in the school. The recommendation from Rigoli was to install the dehumidifier, which would take a few weeks, and do the remediation, then the district could open the building to students again.

The recommendation was concurred by the committee and will be brought to the full board at the June 8 meeting. If approved, it would move to the finance committee to find the funding for the project.

Read more in the May 29 issue of the Vermont Standard.

May 28
9:13 am

Rabies clinic in Bridgewater planned

The Vermont Volunteer Services for Animals (VVSA) Humane Society is offering a Drive Up & Poke Rabies Clinic will be held on Saturday, May 30, rain or shine, in the parking lot of the Bridgewater Mill Mall, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. The cost is $12 per shot.

Animals will stay in the car. Check in will be by the post office entrance. You’ll be given a number to put on your car for the next in line. A single line of cars will be formed in order of number.

Everyone must wear gloves and a mask or covering for your nose and mouth. Without one, you’ll be asked to leave, no exceptions. Be sure to stand six-feet away from others. We’re all in this together.

The VVSA Humane Society would like to extend a very big thanks to Dr. Philippa Richards from the Kedron Valley Veterinary Clinic for her time and generosity.

For questions or to register in advance, please call Sue at 802-672-5302 or email skaskiw@vermontel.net.

May 28
9:06 am

Plymouth man pleads not guilty to internet threats, assault charges

A Windsor County man pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court on Friday afternoon to charges he threatened the lives of top YouTube company officials and knocked out a Vermont deputy sheriff with a head butt when confronted at his Plymouth home.

Kevin Spear, 31, of Birch Landing Road was named in a two-count federal indictment returned by a grand jury on Thursday, court records show.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy also heard a motion to reconsider an earlier order requiring Spear’s detention. After the 50-minute hearing, Conroy said he would take the legal arguments under consideration and issue a written ruling later.

Spear has been detained on a federal criminal complaint since the FBI, Windsor County Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement conducted a raid at his residence on April 28.

The FBI said investigators found a .556 caliber AR-type rifle with three 30-round magazines at the condominium that he shares with his mother. Also during the court-ordered search another 270 rounds of .556-caliber ammunition also were found in a gym bag at the foot of Spear’s bed, records show. A cell phone seized from Spear had the name “I kill police for fun,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher told the court.

Sgt. James Beraldi of the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department remains out of work due to the head injuries sustained in the attack, Drescher told the court on Friday. As Spear was told he was being taken into custody, he resisted and struck Beraldi, FBI Agent Antoine Waite of Rutland wrote in court papers.

Beraldi reported he lost consciousness due to the head butt and later received medical treatment, Waite wrote. He said Beraldi also sustained an abrasion to his knee and finger and will be on medical leave for several days. Waite said the deputy also had bruising and swelling to his face.

The U.S. Marshals Service has jailed Spear at the Cheshire County Department of Corrections in Keene, N.H.

Read more in the May 29 issue of the Vermont Standard.

May 28
1:45 am

Last day of school moves to June 9

Windsor Central Supervisory Union Superintendent Mary Beth Banios announced that the Windsor Central Modified Unified Union School District had applied for and been granted a waiver for the three snow days that took place this winter.

“This means the district is able to end the school year three days earlier than planned, moving the last day of school from Friday, June 12 to Tuesday, June 9,” Banios said in a newsletter. “There will be a small group of students at Woodstock Union High School Middle School who will continue to finish work through June 12.

“Our faculty and staff will be on site until June 12, reflecting on lessons learned in the remote environment, engaging in professional development and preparing classrooms for the 20-21 school year,” she continued.

Graduation is scheduled for Friday, June 12.

Coronavirus

May 28
9:02 am

Hair salons, barbers can reopen May 29

Governor Phil Scott on Friday, May 22 the resumption of additional business operations, including hair salons and barber shops as well as some additional health services.

“I believe these steps forward will be welcome news for many and because Vermonters are being smart to stay safe, our data continues to show we’re still moving in the right direction,” said Scott. “As more Vermonters get back to work and there are more places to visit and meet with others, it is more important than ever to stay vigilant about your health and the health of others.”

Effective May 29, hair salons and barber shops may reopen by appointment with limits on occupancy. In addition to existing health and safety requirements for all businesses, ACCD has issued safety measures for hair salons and barbershops, including strict distance between customers, cashless or touchless transactions and curbside pickup for retail sales. As with other businesses, salons and barbershops must maintain a customer log in case contact tracing is required. To view the ACCD’s specific safety guidelines and protocols for all newly opened operations businesses, as well as additional resources, visit accd.vermont.gov.

The Governor also authorized additional medical procedures and health services to resume, under the guidance of the Health Department. This includes inpatient surgeries and procedures; outpatient services, including clinic visits, diagnostic imaging and limited outpatient surgeries and procedures; and elective dental services. Each service area must follow stringent mitigation strategies and a phased implementation timeline, developed in consultation with industry associations and experts.

To view the Health Department’s specific safety guidance and protocols for the restarted health services, visit https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/infectious-disease/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-health-care-professionals.

Features

May 28
9:18 am

Killington Elementary salutes Memorial Day

The students from Killington Elementary School created a short video for Memorial Day.

May 28
8:50 am

Newspapers Are In a Race Against the Clock

Woodstock

Throughout the country newspapers are in a fight for their lives. Here too.

Read Full Article

Photo Contest

May 28
9:13 am

Enter our “Pictures in the Pandemic” Photo Competition — win $100

We want to document and share how this coronavirus pandemic is being experienced by people in our own audience, in our own communities. Through their own lenses.

In the weeks to come we invite our readers and all residents of the communities we serve to submit a photograph that illustrates what life is like for you right now — to let each other know how you are feeling as we all go through this together. Or perhaps share something that gives you hope for better times ahead.

Each week we’ll be accepting photo entries for our Vermont Standard Pictures in the Pandemic Photo Competition. Use your camera or phone (and your creativity of course) to snap a photo that depicts how it’s going for you right now and/or what gives you hope. It can be sentimental or snarky, humorous or inspiring, symbolic or literal, or whatever you like! And please add a short caption or description that lets viewers know how YOU are coping with the effects of the pandemic and “Stay Home, Stay Safe” guidelines.

During the following week, all photos submitted during the previous 7 days will be displayed for all to see in our contest picture gallery here on thevermontstandard.com, and the public is invited to vote for their favorites (be sure to tell all your friends to vote for you!). Each week, the top vote-getter in each category will be deemed the weekly winner and receive a $100 prize! Plus, Vermont Standard editors will choose a selection of the photos submitted each week to be published in the paper.

The two categories for submission are:

How I’m Feeling Today
What Makes Me Feel Hopeful

This is your chance to share your experience in these bewildering times with your neighbors while you show off your creativity! Feel free to enter as often as you wish. Good Luck!

VIEW ENTRIES AND VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE HERE

ENTER YOUR PHOTO HERE

Sports

May 28
9:00 am

Tee up! Golf courses are now open

Governor Phil Scott’s announcement on May 7 that golf courses in Vermont could start to operate under certain guidelines, saw the area’s two major golf courses, the Woodstock Inn & Resort’s Country Club and the Quechee Club’s links, back in action with their “raison d’etre” — golf.

For the foreseeable future, golfing at both these clubs and other clubs in Vermont will be a different experience So, before grabbing your clubs and heading over to play a round, here’s an outline of the restrictions adopted by the Vermont Golf Association in collaboration with the State of Vermont.

The courses can only permit players currently living in Vermont.
Walking is encouraged, golf carts must be sanitized after use and must be limited to single riders, unless they are members of the same household.
Practice areas can open if staffed to enforce social distance guidelines and hitting areas must be spaced to exceed social distancing requirements.
Remote reservation, payment and check-in procedures are required.
No touch points on the course such as ball washers, rakes, and flag poles.
Tee times must be spaced 15 minutes apart.
Clubhouses, locker rooms and retail facilities are to be closed, but online, prepaid items may be available for curb-side pickup. And, restaurant and bar facilities may do takeout only.
No youth activities, organized club events or rental equipment will be permitted.

Sure, there will be restrictions for the time being, like no ball washers on the course, and styrofoam in the bottom of the cup to make it easy to pick up the ball with your putter or other club in order to avoid touching the flagpole. And yes, your partner will not be able to hold the flag to help you line up that putt. But yet, the battle to hold par and avoid bogies remains, and though the “19th hole” and your favorite post-game libation will not be available for now, it’s still great to be able to hit the links and enjoy the warmer weather and the beautiful surroundings.

Read more in the May 21 issue of the Vermont Standard.

Obituaries

May 28
9:14 am

Dr. Robert “Bob” W. McFadden

Barnard

Dr. Robert “Bob” W. McFadden, died early Sunday morning May 24^th at Woodstock Terrace in Woodstock, Vermont

Bob was born on July 24, 1934 in Massillon Ohio the son of Robert, Sr. and Janice Reeder McFadden.

Growing up in Orrville, Ohio Bob graduated from Orrville High school where he played football, baseball, and track. He then graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1956 and the college of Dentistry Ohio State University in 1960.

Bob interned in Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee, FL and South Florida Hospital in West Hollywood, FL before opening and operating his own dental practice in Altamonte Springs, FL for 38 years. He then retired to Vermont to enjoy life to its fullest.

Bob was a member of Rotary International for 45 years. He belonged and was an active member of three clubs; Seminole County South in Altamonte Springs, FL, Longwood Fl, and Woodstock, VT. He loved Rotary and the many friendships he enjoyed over the years. He also enjoyed baseball, cycling, jogging and canoe trips down the Suwannee River.

Bob is predeceased by two brothers; Louis and Bruce. He is survived by his four children; Jeff of Orlando, FL, Tom (Jill) of Cocoa, FL, Mike (Sue) of Cumming, GA, and Bobbi of Orlando, FL, his nine grandchildren; Anna, Mac, Nick, Jake, Haley, Matthew, Maddie, Skylar, and Maya as well as the love of his life Barbara Butler of Barnard, Vermont.

A celebration of Bob’s life is being planned for a later date.

The Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, VT is assisting in arrangements. An on line guest book can be found at cabotfh.com

May 28
9:12 am

Patricia Kane McCosker

Boca Raton, FL formerly Barnard, VT

Patricia Kane McCosker, 90, died peacefully in her home on May 10^th, 2020 in Boca Raton, Florida surrounded by her children. She was born May 27, 1929 in Sheboygan WI, the daughter of George Jacob Kane and Carrie (Hillyer) Kane. Pat sustained a 9 year struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Pat attended both Ripon College and the University of Wisconsin where she met her husband John Henry McCosker (Jack) who passed away in 2008. They were married on July 22, 1950 in Sheboygan WI following Jack’s return as a WWII veteran of the Marine Corps.

Pat was employed by Eastman Kodak in Rochester NY and Trinity Presbyterian Church in Rochester prior to having children. In 1978 she graduated with great enthusiasm and pride from University of Amherst with a degree in Art History.

Pat was a devoted corporate wife, evidenced by her many moves with Jack for his career. From Rochester NY where they first moved to join Aetna Life and Casualty, they moved to Madison NJ, Bethesda MD, Chappaqua NY, Longmeadow MA, and Somers CT. In 1974 they ventured into Vermont, purchasing a home on Silver Lake in Barnard where great memories were made with family gatherings during summer and winter vacations. When jack retired from Aetna in 1988 they moved permanently to Barnard VT.

Pat’s greatest joys were her family, making her home a sanctuary, international travel, gardening, the arts, and St James Episcopal Church in Woodstock VT. She was an active member in the PEO Sisterhood, Woodstock Garden Club, Vermont Children’s Aid Society, the altar guild at St James, and loved serving with Jack in preparation for the annual St James Fair.

Pat is survived by her children: Melinda Weschler of Woodstock VT, Mary Burnside of Boca Raton FL, John K McCosker and his wife Debbie of Vero Beach FL, and Patricia Lucas and her husband Richard of Longboat Key FL. Pat has 6 grandchildren: Ian, Connor, and Hillyer Burnside; Katherine and Caroline Weschler and David Cook.

Services are being planned for July 8^th with details to be announced.

Memorial donations may be made to St James Church, 2 St James Place, Woodstock VT

Arrangements by Cabot Funeral Home, Woodstock VT. An on line guest book can be found at cabotfh.com

May 28
9:10 am

Denise F. Schulz

Woodstock

Denise F. Schulz, 56, died Sunday afternoon May 23rd at her home
surrounded by family and close friends.

Arrangements for a celebration of her life are being planned and will
be announced along with a complete obituary at a later date.

The Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock is assisting in arrangements.

May 28
9:08 am

Thompson Eddy

Plymouth

Thompson Eddy died on May 16, 2020. He was 76.

Following his retirement from the health care industry, he resided in Plymouth, Vermont.

He was the son of Bernard Heald Eddy (deceased) and Laura Thompson Eddy (deceased).

Mr. Eddy was born in Rutland, Vermont on May 13, 1944. His early years were spent in Woodstock and Proctorsville, Vermont. Following his graduation from the University of Vermont (BA ’66) and the University of Oklahoma Medical Center (MPH’69), he worked throughout the United States as a health care strategic planner and health care systems consultant.

He will be buried in the family plot at the Riverside Cemetery in Woodstock, Vermont.

May 28
9:04 am

Bill Elberty

Woodstock

Bill Elberty passed away unexpectedly on May 18th, 2020. He made the transition from this world to what’s next while at home in the deeply loving presence of his dear wife, Megan Elberty.

Bill has been a beacon in this world, a guiding light for so many people. His life’s mission was to nurture and unleash the genius that exists in every individual. Bill lived in selfless service to everyone around him.

He was a teacher, a coach, a listener, a mentor, a teammate, a life partner, a lifeline. His (mediocre?) jokes, joy and boundless inspiration helped us through the hardest times and brightened the best of times.

The great sadness that his passing brings is accompanied by a hope that is even greater, for the deep impact he has made across communities will always be rooted in our hearts. The kind, loving and safe space he held for each of us has helped us become the best of ourselves. Everything he has given will continue to live within us and through us.

He is survived by his wife Megan Elberty, his son Liam Elberty, and his brother Dan Elberty and his wife Cindy and their children: Cati Hartz and Max Elberty, and his brother Mike Elberty and his children: Chloe Hundelt and Jack Elberty.

Please celebrate Bill by taking a moment to give to the world around you in some way. Whether that’s donating to a charity, making a loved one a special meal, or calling up a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Whatever is right for you and your world is right for him.

A virtual service will be held on Saturday, June 6th. Please visit this Cabot Funeral Home website (cabotfh.com) for updates.