The body of a man believed to be Russell Matheson, 52, of Lunenburg, was discovered in the Connecticut River in Dalton, New Hampshire, Wednesday, April 3.

Matheson had been reported missing last month, and the Vermont State Police is now conducting a death investigation. Initial findings suggest that the incident does not appear to be suspicious.

At approximately 9:40 a.m. on Wednesday, members of the New Hampshire Dive Team located the body in the river. It was transported to the New Hampshire Chief Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to confirm the identity and determine the cause and manner of death.

The Essex County Sheriff’s Department first became aware of Matheson’s possible disappearance on March 18 and verified the information with family members. It was believed that Matheson may have entered the Connecticut River in the early morning hours of March 16.

On March 19, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Search and Rescue Team began searching the river but were unable to locate Matheson at the time.

The Vermont State Police continues to ask anyone with information that could assist investigators to call the St. Johnsbury Barracks at 802-748-3111. – Newport Dispatch

Tree branch falls on moving Cadillac – Operator #1 (Ken Blanchard, 70, of Rutland was driving his 2010 Cadillac north on  RT 7 in Wallingford when a large branch from a nearby tree crashed into his car, causing him to lose control of the vehicle and travel off the northbound shoulder, where it came to a position of uncontrolled rest, state police say. Injuries were sustained in the crash.

Fire destroys Highgate barn – a Rte. 78 barn belonging to Luke Rainville, 35 of Highgate was destroyed by fire April 2. There were no injuries associated with this fire, its suppression, or the investigation. The barn was not used for livestock by the owners.  The barn and its contents were completely destroyed with damage estimates in excess of $200,000. 

Fire strikes SoRo home – On March 30 at 9:30 AM, the South Royalton Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at a single-family home on Broad Brook Road in South Royalton.  When fire fighters arrived, they found the family had safely exited the home.  Fire crews from several area departments worked to extinguish the fire, which is not believed to be suspicious. The home belongs to Evan and Meghan Burnham.