Cornish/Windsor Covered Bridge Closed, 12A Flooded

Hartford Emergency Communications Center

2 hrs · 

*****UPDATED INFORMATION THE CORNISH / WINDSOR COVERED BRIDGE IS CLOSED AT THIS TIME TO TRAFFIC****

**Flooding Cornish Route 12a North of the Cornish / Windsor Covered Bridge. It's being reported to us that water is over both lanes of 12a in this area and rising please find alternate routes **

Windsor Price Chopper Closing Immediately Due to Flooding

I was just informed that Price Chopper in Windsor is closing immediately due to flooding...

Winter Warm Up Concerns

Vermont Alert

January 10 at 3:40pm · 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:

Release Date:

January 9th, 2018

Time: 12:30 p.m.

CONTACTS:

Michael Desrochers, Executive Director – 802-479-7561

Division of Fire Safety - 1-800-640-2106 – or firesafety.vermont.gov

Winter Warm Up Concerns

The National Weather has forecast a considerable warm-up through the first part of this weekend.

Recent extreme cold temperatures with snow accumulation has contributed to ice and snow buildup on roofs. With warmer temperatures and rain in the forecast- falling ice and heavy snow loads on roofs may present a hazard.

Please follow the safety tips below:

1.Keep all chimneys and fuel fired appliance vents clear to prevent carbon monoxide from backing up into the building. Some vents, such as gas, oil, and pellet stove vents, may vent directly out of the building through a wall and are susceptible to being blocked by excessive snow buildup on the outside of the building.

2.Keep all exits clear of snow, so that occupants can escape quickly if a fire, or other emergency should occur. Keep in mind windows should be cleared to allow a secondary means of escape in case the primary means of escape is blocked by fire. Keeping exits clear also allows emergency workers quick and easy access to your building.

3.Be alert when approaching buildings for overhanging ice and snow, with the warming weather and forecast of rain, the ice and snow could fall from the roofs at any time.

4.Monitor your roof drainage systems for blockage to ensure that your roofs are displacing the water as designed. Clear any ice, snow or debris as needed to assist with proper drainage.

5.Please check on your neighbors and assist them when you can, especially our most vulnerable, the elderly and those with restricted mobility.

6.Ensure your home is equipped with working smoke and CO alarms.

About Vermont Division of Fire Safety

Vermont Division of Fire Safety’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders with coordinated efforts in code enforcement, fire service training, public education, hazardous materials and incident investigation to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the devastating effects of fires and other disasters and emergencies in the state.

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Wilbur K "Cricket" Williams II, 53

Wilbur K. “Cricket” Williams II, 53, a longtime resident of Ascutney, passed away unexpectedly Friday afternoon, Jan. 5, 2018, at the Valley Regional Hospital Emergency Room in Claremont. 

He was born June 30, 1964 in Leyden, Massachusetts, the son of Wilbur K. and Marilyn (Straw) Williams. He received his schooling in Ascutney and Springfield, Vermont, and graduated from Springfield High School in 1982. He married Frances Lord in Ascutney on Feb. 19, 1984.

Wilbur was employed at the former Top Hat Restaurant in Ascutney and later at the former Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Windsor until the plant closed in 1984. He was currently employed as a lead man at Sturm Ruger in Newport for the past 30 years.

He was fond of car racing, riding motorcycles, playing guitar, hunting, fishing and tinkering on his many projects. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and animals. He also enjoyed his adopted family and numerous friends. 

He was predeceased by his parents and one brother, Delmore Fairbrother. 

Survivors include his wife, Frances Williams of Ascutney; one daughter, Alicia M. Aldridge and her husband, Shaun of Ascutney; two sons, Charles “Chaz” Lord and his wife, Dawn of Newport, and Wilbur K. “CJ” Williams III of West Windsor; four brothers, Larry Williams of Ascutney, Lonnie Fairbrother of Vershire, Vermont, and Gary Fairbrother and Kent Fairbrother, both of Weathersfield Bow; three sisters, Pattie Eglintine of Newbury, New Hampshire and Cindy Austin and Stacey Hussey, both of Windsor; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson, and many nieces and nephews. 

At his request, a celebration of his life will be held in the spring. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Parkinson’s Disease Association, Vermont Chapter, 1 South Prospect St., Arnold Suite 2, Burlington, VT 05401. 

The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor is entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to his family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com. 

Elizabeth Josephine Augustinovich, 92

Elizabeth Josephine Augustinovich 92 died Sunday January 7, 2018 at Springfield Health & Rehab. Center in Springfield, Vt. She was born December 1, 1925 in Weathersfield, Vt. the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth S. Kamel. She attended Springfield Schools and graduated from Springfield High School. 

On June 14, 1947 she was married to John P. Augustinovich, He predeceased her on June 2, 2014. 

John and Elizabeth owned and operated a second generation dairy farm well into their eighties on Elm Hill in Springfield. 

In addition to working the farm she enjoyed gardening and raised 7 children. 

She is survived by her 6 daughters – Sandy Miller and her husband Robert of Walpole, N.H. , Nancy Salo of Frederica, Delaware, Sherry Brosseau of Clifton Park, N.Y., Patty Augustinovich of Bethel, Vt., Joanne Greene of Springfield and Susan Ballard of Springfield. 1 son Peter Augustinovich of Springfield, 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her parents, 5 brothers – John, Mike, Floyd, Frank and Joe Kamel, and by 4 sisters – Helen Kamel, Ida Lavoie, Lee Lavoie and Mary Wilson. 

Per her wishes there will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held in the spring at the Elm Hill Farm. 

Contributions may be made in her memory to the Springfield Health & Rehab. Center 105 Chester Road Springfield, Vt. 05156. 

Davis Memorial Chapel is assisting with arrangements. 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Looking for Employees

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Claremont man held without bail for allegedly assaulting, kidnapping girlfriend

 January 09, 2018

By TIMOTHY LAROCHE
tlaroche@eagletimes.com

https://www.eagletimes.com/articles/claremont-man-held-without-bail-for-allegedly-assaulting-kidnapping-girlfriend/

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — A Claremont man is being held without bail following his arraignment on Monday following accusations that he strangled and kidnapped his girlfriend.

Nicholas Cabral, 26, was charged in Windsor County Superior Court with first degree aggravated domestic assault, assault of a protected professional, domestic assault, driving under the influence and kidnapping after a series of events allegedly occurred early Sunday morning that resulted in Cabral allegedly assaulting his girlfriend and kicking a car door into a police officer.

According to court documents, police responded to a call from Cabral’s girlfriend just after 2 a.m. on Sunday that Cabral had allegedly threatened to “kill her with his hands.” The victim reported fleeing from Cavendish into Weathersfield to escape from Cabral before losing control of her vehicle and sliding into a snowbank. The victim continued to run onto Route 131 in fear that Cabral would come after her.

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https://www.eagletimes.com/articles/claremont-man-held-without-bail-for-allegedly-assaulting-kidnapping-girlfriend/

Susan Marie Watkins, 56

Susan Marie Watkins, 56 of Springfield, Vermont passed away unexpectedly Friday, January 5, 2018 at Dartmouth Hitchcock in Lebanon New Hampshire.

She was born March 14, 1961 in Springfield Vermont to John and Colleen (Burke) Watkins.

Susan was a resident of Springfield Vermont where she graduated Springfield high school in 1979. She took much pride in her years of employment at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Some of her best memories include her car pooling days in which she formed some of her closest friendships. Susan was best known for her tardiness, sick sense of humor, her love for life and family, her kindness and generosity and her passion for music and dancing.

She is survived by her companion of 12 years John Batchelder; her daughter Stacey Boyle and granddaughter Brinley Boyle. She also leaves behind a slightly dysfunctional family that she was very proud of: her five brothers, Michael Watkins, Thomas Watkins, Ronald Watkins, Jeffrey Watkins, Rodney Watkins; one sister Jean Handley; three stepsisters Linda, Carol and Chris Fisk, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is predeceased by her parents John G Watkins and Colleen B Fisk as well as her stepfather Lindel Fisk, all of Springfield Vermont.

A ‘celebration of life’ will be held in lieu of a service at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield Vermont on Friday, January 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Humane Society in remembrance of Susan’s love for animals at 401 Skitchewaug Trail Springfield, Vt. 05156.

Suzy's Little Peanuts Looking for a Teacher

Suzy's Little Peanuts

January 8 at 10:54am · 

Suzy's Little Peanuts is hiring at both centers! We are looking for individuals of all experience and education levels...If you know someone who is interested in starting a career in early childhood education or is already working as an ECE teacher and is looking for a change of pace... please have them contact a member of our admin team! We can be reached via Facebook or e-mail slpprek@gmail.com

We offer competitive salary scales, paid holidays and vacation days, sick time and paid trainings!

Winter Storm Watch - Friday Evening through Saturday Evening

Weathersfield Police Department

10 hrs · 

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING

* WHAT...HEAVY SNOW AND MIXED PRECIPITATION POSSIBLE. PLAN ON
DIFFICULT TRAVEL CONDITIONS AND THE POTENTIAL FOR POWER OUTAGES.

* WHERE...ALL OF NORTHERN NEW YORK AND VERMONT.

* WHEN...FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...ALL OF NORTHERN NEW YORK AND THE NORTHERN
TIER OF VERMONT WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO RECEIVE 4 TO 8 INCHES
OF SNOW WITH LOCALIZED AMOUNTS UP TO 10 INCHES.

》》》BEFORE THE SNOW A LIGHT COATING OF ICE WILL BE POSSIBLE. OVER CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN VERMONT MORE SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN IS EXPECTED WITH A
TENTH TO A QUARTER INCH OF ICE ACCUMULATION POSSIBLE BEFORE
CHANGING TO SNOW SATURDAY MORNING. ONE TO THREE INCHES OF SNOW
IS EXPECTED OVER CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN VERMONT LATE SATURDAY
MORNING INTO SATURDAY AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS 
A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW, SLEET OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL AND CAUSE
POWER OUTAGES. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

Issuing Office: Burlington

Source: National Weather Service

Issued: Thu, Jan 11, 04:08 EST

Winter Warm Up Concerns - VT Public Safety

Hartford Fire Department

3 hrs · 

PRESS RELEASE - VERMONT PUBLIC SAFETY - 1-11-18

Springfield VT Warming Shelter in Need of Volunteers

Springfield VT Warming Shelter

· 

The last few weeks have been rough with the Holidays, the crud that was going around, subzero frigid temps, and the "bomb" snowstorm!

Through all this our awesome volunteers ensure our guests who had no other option had a warm meal and warm safe place to stay! Thank you all who have helped in a multitude of ways!

We still have an ongoing need for volunteers to help cover upcoming shifts. Call us to schedule an orientation or to find out more!

Springfield VT Warming Shelter
(888) 264-3001

on Facebook

Heating Safety from Vermont.Gov

http://firesafety.vermont.gov/pubed/media/heatingsafety

Heating and cooking fires in Vermont continue to be the leading causes of home structure fires. The last US Census Showed that Vermont lead the nation in the use of wood heating per capita. The leading factor contributing to home heating fires was failure to clean creosote from solid-fueled heating equipment chimneys. All home heating systems require regular maintenance to function safely and efficiently.

The long cold Vermont winters put added stress on heating systems. Furthermore, fluctuating fuel prices can force people to use alternative heating sources that may not be safe.  An improperly installed and maintained heating appliance is dangerous and can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or be the source of a fire.  Many of these fires can be prevented through proper maintenance and proper use of heating equipment.

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http://firesafety.vermont.gov/pubed/media/heatingsafety

Tips for Cold and Snowy Weather

Hartford Fire Department

January 6 at 11:04am · 

Due to the recent snow fall and cold weather, the Hartford Fire Department would like to pass along some tips for the cold and snowy weather.

As we all know we have received several inches of snow and plummeting temperatures over the last few days. After all of the plowing of streets and cleaning out of driveways most of our fire hydrants have become nearly invisible and buried in snow. As fire personnel work to clear our fire hydrants we would like to encourage our residents to adopt a near by hydrant and keep it clear for emergency responders. For those choosing to adopt a hydrant to clear please remember these safety tips: Be aware of traffic while shoveling, and be careful not to slip and fall, especially into or near the roadway. Feel free to share pictures of your adopted hydrant to our Facebook page.

Due to the sudden drop and long duration of extremely cold temperatures people within the community may choose to use space heaters for various reasons, for example, extra heat in a room, keep pipes from freezing, or in case of a power outage. Please be sure if you choose to use an electric space heater that it is UL rated and try to avoid the use of light weight extension cords. If you choose to use a space heater powered by gasoline or diesel be sure they are not used where carbon monoxide can be introduced into a living space. In the event you have to used a gas/diesel powered space heater or generator we advise these devices to be placed at least 10 feet from the residence.

Finally, if you heat your homes with devices such as pellet stoves or small supplemental heating devices that are directly vented outside please be sure to keep the vents clear of all snow. Also please remember to check exterior vents often as snow falling from roof tops can accumulate and impede ventilation.

In closing thank you for your cooperation and caring for your community, stay safe and look forward to next weeks rising temperatures.

https://www.facebook.com/Hartford-Fire-Department-190562870987552/?hc_ref=ARRQwtEaq_ptiyaDZREGfJk5EYjuiqKsOclWMm8kxMlo_DyBUfPseoyCY0OGDmkEz4o&fref=nf&pnref=story

Five Ways Parents Can Help Prevent Teen Depression

New research is revealing how to protect teens' mental health during a challenging part of life.

BY JILL SUTTIE | JUNE 14, 2016
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_ways_parents_can_help_prevent_teen_depression

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Parents are understandably worried about their teens. Last year’s spate of teen suicides in Palo Alto, coupled with high rates of teen depression, make parents wonder what they could be doing to better help their kids navigate the sometimes-treacherous waters of their adolescent years.

Fortunately, scientists who study teen depression have some preliminary advice. By looking at new findings in neuroscience, as well as other psychological research and longitudinal data, scientists are zeroing in on a better understanding of what impacts teen depression and how to prevent it. Here are some of the suggestions coming out of the science.

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https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_ways_parents_can_help_prevent_teen_depression