December 7, 2013
Police searching for missing Ripton man By Lou Varricchio newmarketpress@denpubs.com
RIPTON Ñ Vermont State Police officials in New Haven are requesting the public’s help in locating James Daignault, born March 25, 1959. Daignault was reported missing in Ripton on Nov. 25, according to the VSP. Daignault was last seen Nov. 23, at approximately 10 a.m., leaving his residence in Ripton. Daignault was enroute to the food shelf in Burlington and never returned, according to friends. Police said that Daignault was last seen at the Middlesex Park and Ride where he had met friends to go to the food shelf. They later returned him to his vehicle at the park and ride area Nov. 24, at approximately 2:30 p.m. Daignault was driving a 2001 maroon Plymouth Neon with Vermont registration FMM551. He was wearing camouflage suspenders, a hunter (dayglow) orange “zombie” tshirt and grey sneakers. Anyone with any information is requested to call the Vermont State Police New Haven barracks at 802388-4919.
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Alternates ite suggested for new Town Hall
PROJECT DICTIONARY
By Lou Varricchio
newmarketpress@denpubs.com MIDDLEBURY — At a recent Middlebury Select Board meeting, Creek Road resident Alpine Bingham presented an alternative proposal for relocating the Middlebury Town Offices and Recreation facilities—as a single facility—on the Sabourin property located across U.S. Route 7 from the Shea Motors Chevrolet dealership. Bingham’s preferred site appears to be both more open and more accessible than the proposed downtown site with less traffic congestion. Parking for residents conducting business with the town as well as during election voting would be easier at the Sabourin compared to the “official” downtown site. Bingham’s presentation was part of a grassroots alternative site recommendation for the Town Offices and Recreation Center Facilities CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Third graders at Barstow Memorial School in Chittenden joined teacher Jennifer Buzzell to display their new dictionaries donated by Rutland South Rotary Club through Project Dictionary. For 12 years, Rutland South Rotary has participated in the project, a non-profit charitable organization founded by Mary French. Other local schools receiving books were Barstow, Christ the King, Clarendon, Proctor, Rutland Christian, Rutland Intermediate, Rutland Town, and West Rutland schools.
Tree farm owner puts robbery behind him By Lou Varricchio
No IHOP for Rutland By Elicia Mailhiot newmarketpress@denpubs.com
RUTLAND — Rutland residents who have been anticipating an IHOP will have to continue traveling to South Burlington to fill their franchise pancake cravings. The property will now be home to the area’s newest gastropub. A new application with the Rutland City Zoning Office indicates that the facility will become the second location for the Vermont Tap House. The Williston-based restaurant is owned by the Handy Family, the same family who owns IHOP and planned to originally move into the property.
Pete Guendel owner of Pete’s Pines and Needles in Waltham, Vt. After the December 2012 robbery of his Christmas tree farm, he’s finally able to put his personal year-long battle for justice behind him. Photo by Lou Varricchio
newmarketpress@denpubs.com WALTHAM — Pete Guendel, owner of Pete’s Pines and Needles located on Plank Road in Waltham, has a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. After the December 2012 robbery of his Christmas tree farm, the part-time small business owner is finally able to put his personal, year-long battle for justice behind him. On Nov. 18, Guendel’s friend and former coworker, Neil Scichitano of Colchester, was sentenced during a morning session in Addison County Court. Scichitano had pleaded guilty to felony burglary in the same court on Sept. 16. “According to Debra James, Addison County’s victim advocate in a letter to me in September, the state agreed to be capped at arguing for a sentence of four months to four years to serve in jail,” Guendel said. “It was more like three months.” Guendel’s ordeal began in the early 2000s, when he befriended Scichitano. The men were employees of Belden Wire and Cable in Essex. But when Belden closed its doors in 2005, both men lost their jobs, however, they kept up a casual friendship. Scichitano would occasionally drop by Pete’s Pines and Needles during the intervening time. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2