Early Saturday, the Athens Fire Department and nearby crews responded to a fire, prompting an investigation by Vermont State Police. They linked the incident to 33-year-old Benjamin Stocker of Springfield, Vt., who faces 15 charges, including:
- Arson
- 1st degree aggravated domestic assault
- Violation of Conditions of Release
- Negligent Operation
- Violation of an Abuse Prevention Order
- Aggravated stalking
- Unlawful mischief
- Persons Prohibited from owning a firearm
- Unlawful restraint
- Possession of Stolen Property
- Larceny
- Cruelty to a Child
- Reckless Endangerment
- Disorderly Conduct
The Vermont State Police Tactical Services and Crisis Negotiation Units assisted in Stocker’s arrest. He received a criminal citation and is being held on $50,000 bail, with a court appearance scheduled for today in Vermont Superior Court in Windham.
A Bellows Falls man was arrested Friday night after allegedly assaulting two individuals in Newfane. Vermont State Police responded to a reported fight at 10:22 p.m. in the town of Newfane, Windham County. Investigation revealed that Colby Long, 26, of Bellows Falls, assaulted two people, including Aurora Messier, 41, of Brattleboro. Long was arrested and transported to the Westminster Barracks for processing. He was issued a criminal citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Windham Unit, Criminal Division later today to answer to two counts of simple assault.
Following a recount on March 5th regarding the merger of three local fire departments, the outcome remained unchanged: 191-102 in favor of consolidating the Bellows Falls, Rockingham, and Saxtons River fire departments. This merger, proposed by Rockingham development director Gary Fox and Bellows Falls Fire Chief Shaun McGinnis, stemmed from their research and a federal grant obtained for a feasibility study. The consolidation aims to enhance response times, allowing firefighters to serve in their local departments and access shared equipment at the nearest station, rather than passing by a station with equipment they cannot use.
A teenager from St. Albans faces attempted homicide charges for allegedly hitting another teen with his car. According to St. Albans Police, the incident occurred Saturday at approximately 4:55 p.m. at the intersection of Barlow Street and Upper Welden Street. Nathan Early, 19, reportedly had a confrontation with a 16-year-old, whose identity is withheld due to age. Investigators claim Early threatened the younger teen with a knife before deliberately striking him with his vehicle, resulting in serious injuries. Early fled the scene prior to police arrival. The 16-year-old was hospitalized and is currently in stable condition. Early is charged with 1st Degree Attempted Homicide and is being held without bail, with a court appearance scheduled for today (Monday 3/31/25) at the Franklin County Courthouse.
Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS), a non-profit community mental health agency in southeastern Vermont, has been named one of Vermont Business Magazine’s Best Places to Work for the fifth consecutive year in 2025. This recognition is based on a thorough evaluation, with anonymous staff feedback contributing about 80% of the score, while the rest comes from a detailed questionnaire assessing workplace policies, benefits, and culture.
A man from Winhall was arrested for suspected DUI after his vehicle hit a tree on Vermont Route 100 early Friday morning. At around 3:05 a.m., Vermont State Troopers responded to a report of a crash near 359 Vermont Route 100 North in Jamaica. Upon arrival, they found the vehicle off the road and against a tree. The driver, 29-year-old Benjamin A. Edes, showed signs of impairment and was arrested. He was later released with a citation to appear in court.
WTSA SPORTS FOR MONDAY MARCH 31st 2025
THE BRUINS ARE BACK ON THE ICE ON TUESDAY AT HOME AGAINST THE WASHINGTON CAPITALS THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 7:00PM ON TUESDAY.
THE CELTICS ARE IN MEMPHIS TONIGHT TO TAKE ON THE GRIZZLIES. TIP OFF AT 7:30PM
THE RANGERS BEAT THE REDSOX YESTERDAY 3 – 2. THE SOX START THEIR SEASON AT 1-3. REDSOX START A 3 GAME SERIES THIS AFTERNOON AGAINST THE ORIOLES FIRST PITCH AT 2:35PM
THE YANKEES DEFEATED THE BREWERS YESTERDAY 12 – 3. YANKEES ARE HOME TO START A 3 GAME SERIES ON TUESDAY AGAINST THE DIAMONDBACKS, FIRST PITCH AT 7:05PM ON TUESDAY.
NASCAR CUP SERIES YESTERDAY WITH THE COOK OUT 400 AT MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY IN VIRGINIA. RACE RESULTS, DENNY HAMLIN TOOK DOWN THE WIN, FOLLOWED BY CHRISTOPHER BELL WAS SECOND AND BUBBA WALLACE ENDED UP 3RD.