Railroads of the past live on pg. 3
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December 14, 2019
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Gun shots, death in Bristol Greg West, 28, victim From Staff & News Reports THE EAGLE
BRISTOL | As the investigation continues into the Dec. 3 shooting that involved two state troopers, Vermont State Police officials are identifying the man who was shot as Greg West, 28, of Bristol. West is a resident of the Lower Notch Road home where the incident occurred. At about 9:50 p.m. on Dec. 3, a 911 call was placed from a relative of West’s at the Lower Notch Road home. The caller reported that West was intoxicated, threatening and had damaged the home, and that there were several children inside. The caller also indicated that West had a shotgun. Two state troopers and an officer with the Bristol Police Department responded to the residence (see below). They encountered West on the steep driveway between the home and Lower Notch Road. The troopers and the officer had several verbal exchanges with West, trying to deescalate the situation, offering to get help for West and encouraging him to put down the shotgun. West ultimately refused to drop the shotgun, and the two troopers fired multiple rounds from their patrol rifles, striking West multiple times. The troopers and the Bristol officer then immediately rendered first aid to West and called an ambulance to the scene. Rescue crews brought West to a medical helicopter, which airlifted him to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. West underwent surgery and was in critical but stable condition as of 9 a.m. on Dec. 4. See SHOOTING » pg. 5
Thirty-five years ago in December 1984, the first Messiah Sing took place. Nearly every year since then, the event has become a joyous community event, now attracting singers and orchestra players who arrive at Middlebury’s historic Congregational Church to make music together on the Sunday afternoon before Christmas each year. Photo by James P. Blair
Holiday “Messiah” returns to Middlebury Annual “Messiah Sing” at UCC, Dec. 22 MIDDL E BURY | T he M iddlebur y Congregational Church once again hosts the area’s annual “Messiah Sing” that each year attracts hundreds of singers and players from throughout Addison County and beyond. Jeff Rehbach, conductor of the Middlebury College Community Chorus, leads the singalong of this famous work by George Frederic Handel for choir and orchestra. Come join friends and neighbors for a joyous afternoon of community music-making at Middlebury’s Congregational Church, beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22. Singers, instrumentalists and all who enjoy
music are warmly welcomed to sing and play, or simply to watch and listen. Thirty-five years ago in December 1984, Middlebury’s first Messiah Sing took place. Nearly every year since then, the event has become a joyous community event, now attracting singers and orchestra players who arrive at the historic Congregational Church to make music together on the Sunday afternoon before Christmas each year. This year’s reading continues the tradition of featuring soloists drawn from Middlebury and other communities throughout Vermont, with Leila McVeigh, Jessica Allen, Erin Grainger, Adam Hall, Jack DesBois, and Jim Wright. Solo numbers will be accompanied by string players from our nearby towns, villages and family members, including Emily Sunderman, Molly Bidwell, Hilary Hatch,
and Robert Battey. Middlebury College Choir director Jeff Buettner will be at the keyboard. A listing of chorus works may be found on the community chorus web page at go.middlebury.edu/messiah-sing. Chorus music and orchestra parts (for strings and oboe/flute) are provided, as we read many of the finest choruses from this beloved oratorio. If you have your own copy of the Messiah, please bring it along. If you plan to play in the orchestra, please bring a music stand and arrive fifteen minutes early. The Middlebury Community Chorus provides refreshments for all to enjoy during intermission. A $5-10 contribution ($10-20/family) is requested at the door. For more information, email rehbach@middlebury.edu or leave a message at 802-989-7355. ■
THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL CHRISTMAS TREES
Werner family welcome Gov. Scott From Staff & News Reports THE EAGLE
MIDDLEBURY | Vermont Gov. Phil Scott and Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts visited the Werner Tree Farm in Middlebury last month to
celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season with the help of Vermont’s farmers. The trees cut during this visit will decorate the Pavilion Building in Montpelier, which houses the governor’s office. “As we enter the holiday season, Vermont and its people, including our farmers, offer so many reasons to celebrate,” said Scott. “This is a time of year to take note of the good and unite around the true meaning behind each of the season’s traditions: togetherness, community and hope.” See CHRISTMAS TREES » pg. 3
Many residents in Addison County, and elsewhere in Vermont, are homeowners. Census estimates show that owners live in 72.23% of the occupied housing units in the state. Pictured: Buttolph Acres neighborhood in Middlebury.
Photo by Lou Varricchio
Vermont in top-10 best Achieve the middle-class dream right here By Lou Varricchio EDITOR
Governor’s visit
Gov. Phil Scott was back in Middlebury after his recent Capitol for a Day visit to Addison County. This time, Scott was joined by Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts on a visit to the Werner Tree Farm, located on Painter Road, in Middlebury on the morning of Nov. 27 to celebrate the Christmas tree cutting tradition with the help of Vermont’s farmers. The trees cut during the visit now decorate the Pavilion Building in Montpelier, which houses the Governor’s Office. Pictured are David Werner, Amanda Werner, Governor Scott, Cheryl Werner, Will Werner, and Annie the dog. Photo provided
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MIDDLEBURY | In a new study, the national research firm SmartAsset placed Vermont at no. 7 in its annual 50-state survey of where best to live out the middle class “American dream”. At no. 7 in the “Best States for the Middle Class – 2019 Edition” study, Vermont bested its neighboring northeastern states, at least when it
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