By Guy Page

A Wednesday morning, Jan. 1 fire at a home in the Bennington County town of Sandgate killed two people and injured two others.

State police say the fire was reported at about 11:30 a.m. on Chunks Brook Road. Many fire departments from Vermont and New York responded and eventually were able to bring the fire under control. The two injured victims were transported to hospitals in New York for treatment; the extent of their injuries is unknown.

The two deceased victims were located at the scene. Their bodies will be transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington for autopsies that are expected to occur Thursday, Jan. 2, to determine the cause and manner of their deaths.

Names of the deceased people in this incident will be released following further investigation and notification of relatives.

Members of the Vermont Department of Public Safety Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit are investigating the origin and cause of the fire. Detectives with the Vermont State Police Criminal Division and troopers with the Field Force Division are assisting in the investigation. Anyone who might have information that could be relevant to this case is asked to call Detective Sgt. James Wright at VSP’s Shaftsbury Barracks at 802-442-5421.

Colchester fire fatality ID’d – The Colchester Police Department has identified 69-year-old Cynthia Haselton as the victim of the Christmas morning fire at her home. Haselton’s dog also perished in the fire. Officials announced the update Wednesday, stating that the cause and manner of Haselton’s death are still pending, awaiting results from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Child struck by school bus, driver cited – A 77-year-old school bus driver has been cited for grossly negligent operation after the Waterbury school bus he was driving struck a 12-year-old crossing into his path in May.

Bob Little Tree, of West Hartford, operated a 2022 Freightliner Bus in a manner considered to be Grossly Negligent, state police said January 1.  Little Tree’s operation on May 15 resulted in serious, but non-life-threatening injuri

About 11 other juveniles were present on the bus when this incident occurred. They were transferred to another school bus to complete the route.

This area of Blush Hill Rd. was completely closed to the flow of traffic for approximately 2.5 hours. Neither speed nor impairment are believed to be a factor in the collision.

Police nab one Jay burglary suspect, partner on the loose – Olivia Pelletier, 27, of Enosburgh Falls and Victor Velez, 41, of Saint Albans were identified by state police as the suspects who broke in and burglarized Jay Village Inn on Christmas Day. 

Police say that at about 10 AM, a man and a woman entered the Inn and forcefully broke through two doors gaining access to the closed bar and storage area. Once inside, the cashier box and countless bottles of liquor were stolen.

On New Year’s Eve, Velez was located by Saint Albans PD and transferred custody to the Vermont State Police. Velez was then transported to the Derby Barracks for processing. Pelletier has yet to be located by law enforcement and is also the subject of two unrelated arrest warrants for larceny and burglary. Investigation suggests she has been in both Franklin and Chittenden County. Anyone with knowledge of her location is asked to contact the Vermont State Police.