Woodstock Early Bird Because the early bird gets the worm! email: EARLYBIRDTIPS@yahoo.com

Woodstock Early Bird has learned that those who lost property from their cars as a result of a vehicle break-in and theft spree in Woodstock earlier this summer have been informed the primary suspect in the case was a no-show in court.

According to a letter sent by the State of Vermont Windsor County State’s Attorney’s Office to victims of the thefts, a warrant has now been issued for Richard Hurd’s arrest. The letter was dated September 13, 2011 and signed by Victims’ Advocate Meghan Place.

It reads:

Re: State v. Richard Hurd Docket No: 1067-9-11

Dear X,

I wanted to let you know that the above referenced defendant failed to appear at the arraignment and an arrest warrant has been issued. I will be in touch when the status of this case changes.

Sincerely,

Meghan L. Place

Victims’ Advocate

(Please refer to earlier Woodstock Early Bird posts for references to this crime spree)

Woodstock Early Bird is experiencing some formatting issues with regards to posting a flood footwear review. So, we now post Flood Footwear Part Deux.

Suffice it to say that our pick winner for “Appropriate Flood Footwear” goes to Vermont Standard Editor “Miss Blue Boots”  Gwen Stanley, who stayed appropriately clothed while maintaining  her professional duties and her fashion sensibility throughout the crisis:

It’s a mystery. Town officials say they have no  concrete information about why this post has emerged  in the middle of the post-Irene flood debris in the Ottauquechee River.

One source says it may be related to a property line posted by an Elm Street homeowner. We searched today for someone in authority (a homeowner) to help us decipher the meaning of our new obelisk. Town Planners most in the position to know the story aren’t offering any details.

So, until someone comes forward to clear up the mystery…we are sticking with our conjecture that this is actually a long-forgotten Celtic rune that lines up every summer solstice with the rising sun. We know there are runes in South Woodstock, so why not here? Who knows,  maybe this altered obelisk  could become Woodstock’s  newest post-flood  tourist attraction?

We’ve just heard from Village Trustee Bob Pear who has been working with Woodstock Aqueduct’s Eric Wegner. He informs us that there are several significant leaks in the water system that are being worked on today. In addition, the Aqueduct water tanks are getting low overnight and we are requested to continue limiting our showers, washing, laundry to essential use only.

WEB

Good Morning Early Birds,

Awaiting a read-out from Rep. Alison Clarkson on the Riverside Park meeting last night. In the meantime, we’ve just come from the Town of Woodstock Flood Response meeting and note there is less to report. Which is a good thing.

Still, questions about burning. Fire Chief L.D. Sutherland says requests for burn permits have now been bumped up to the State of Vermont Division of Air Quality. He said that frankly, it may be tough to get one immediately, as some burn piles are likely to be deemed too large or potentially too smoky and/or toxic for burning. Again, as the Town of Woodstock has been saying, homeowners may need to arrange for their own debris removal. Town Manager Phil Swanson says there is no vehicle through FEMA, the State of Vermont or Town of Woodstock to pay for this service.

Woodstock Early Bird is returning to the “only as needed” reporting. News if it seems newsworthy.
If you wake up in the morning and there is nothing from WEB, it only means that from our standpoint there is nothing new to report. Or that we enjoyed a lovely evening at a local eating establishment such as Prince and Pauper under the fine care and management of John the Bartender and Vinnie the Always Affable M’aitre D (Just kidding Vin, we know what you’re REALLY like!). We can report that the P&P was hopping, full, busy and the pasta and meatballs with garlic bread were out of this world! We hear that the P&P has had some Fall foliage bike tour cancellations so local business is always appreciated.

And now, a headline which would not normally be a headline. Under the circumstances, it indicates a return to the run-of-mill duties of the Village Trustees: Last night they approved the permit for Wassail Festivities on the Green. In December. An always fun and big event for the Village as part of it’s holiday activities.

Little to report new on water or water pressure.The Aqueduct Water Company was immediately responsivle to requests to cover up lines in front of some homeowner’s driveways so they could re-gain access. That according to Fire Chief Sutherland.

Port-A-Potties will be “demobilized” soon from the Village Green, probably by Monday.

The Volunteer Command Center will most likely be going to weekend operation only (Rep. Alison Clarkson will provide details on this for us).

Town Manager Phil Swanson wanted to publically thank the Grange Hill Community for use of their building as FEMA’s and The Small Business Administration’s Disaster Recovery Center.

BTW, FEMA does provide assistance for RENTERs. If you lost your car, your belongings, your home when the place you lived succumbed to flooding, you may be eligible for assistance. Check it out!

ALSO, The State of Vermont is offering Disaster Unemployment Insurance to those who are without jobs due to the shuttering of the business at which they worked. Again, check it out to see if you are eligible.

We’re expecting the sewer system issues to be resolved by the end of the week.

Bottled drinking water is being offered for FREE at the Woodstock Emergency Services building. Please take it away, says Chief Sutherland.

We’re also hearing some good news about roads…more on this later this afternoon.

WEB