Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Deputies investigating church donation box burglary, Flooding closes multiple roads in Canajoharie, 98.3 TRY Social Dilemma: Neighbors swimming, 05/01/2023: Exercise for your umbrella and wipers, Surprise your mom with one of these Mothers Day. Other communities, large and small,. "It dilutes American culture; it sucks up welfare; it creates crime and racial and ethnic animosity.". Don't just lay it on everybody and say, 'I know better, and that's it.'". Whether its a short vacation or theyre jetting off to begin their career, show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift. Chris Louras shot up the police station on Wales Street around 5:30 a.m., firing multiple times into the buildings front entrance and then fleeing the scene. Keeps a lot of information and ideas close to the vest, except for a close-knit group he has around him," said Alderman David Allaire, a longtime Louras rival, in an interview. This has been a tragic event for our community, and of course, personally for my family, said Mayor Dave Allaire, Rutlands current mayor, who is related by marriage to his predecessor at city hall and to both of the Louras cousins who died, Nick and Chris. Louras wielded an "AR-15-style" gun, Trudeau said. "The immigration and refugee agenda is one of their more malevolent issues," Simpson said. homes for sale The United States has agreed to take in 85,000, including 10,000 Syrians, though the country has fallen behind on its schedule to fulfill that pledge. Keep it Clean. Vermont State Police have said they are not looking for any other suspects in Nicholas Louras death at this time, though the killing has called a homicide. Obituary | Nicholas N. Louras | CLIFFORD FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATION SERVICE Get him worked up, and his voice rises. NECN chose not to broadcast or publish the moment If I had been brought in on the front end of this and had been given the information that apparently a select few of the elites had been given, I would have guaranteed the vetting process was thorough and there would be a program laid out about how these people would assimilate; I would have been at the front of the line welcoming them with open arms. "We feel really confident in being able to get folks placed on the ground down there," Vermont Department of Labor Commissioner Annie Noonan said. With the crisis in war-torn Syria, which has prompted millions of displaced people to flee to Europe, the VRRP is upping that number to 400. I choose to remember the good times with young Chris back in our "hockey family" days. 2023 I can't get past the recognition of how much more it could have impacted Rutland had it continued," Louras said. Louras grew up three blocks from Rutland City Hall in a Greek Orthodox family with deep roots in the city. Four officers, including three from Rutland City and one from neighboring Rutland Town, fired shots at Louras. There will be no criminal charges filed against four Vermont Christopher Louras is the son of former Rutland mayor Christopher C. Louras. If we dont get a say in this, this will be used in March.. Final Reading: When will the legislative session wrap up? Louras died to be the way the totality of his life should be judged. The mayor and father of four stated firmly, "Refugee resettlement should not be a political issue.". Phil Scott, R-Vermont, said in October. All the while, the man responsible for the controversy stood silently in the back of the room, his wife and young son by his side for moral support. Cloudy with showers. Dave Allaire is Rutland's current mayor - who's related by marriage to his predecessor at city hall and to both of the Louras cousins who lost their lives - Nick and Chris. Nicholas attended Mount Saint Joseph Academy and graduated from Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, MA, class of 2005. 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RUTLAND, Vt. . She can be reached at emansfield@vtdigger.org. home/garden Everyone in the room knew who he was. Despina N. Louras, 91, of Rutland, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, January 27, 2013, at Mountain View Center. He said hes grateful to have the job. Rutland Obituaries | Local Obits for Rutland, VT - Legacy.com Nina Keck/VPR. We've chosen to freeze the video before it shows 33- year-old Christopher Louras fall after getting struck by police bullets. The cousins death is still under investigation in Addison County, Donovan said. Thanks for reading. Louras own grandparents had been among them, settling in Rutland after fleeing Greece. Chris Louras inside the Speak Easy Cafe in Rutland, Vt. Corey Hendrickson for the Boston Globe Kilcullen steeled himself, then read it, with rising gratitude and not a little amazement. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Dalton Beitel death, obituary: Florida Southern college student death cause. Contributions may be made to the Mentor Connector, 110 Merchants Row, Rutland, VT 05701. I got smoked, Louras admitted the day after the election. Refugees are needy folks, said former Rutland City Treasurer Wendy Wilton. "And we don't do that in America.". Mayor Allaire voiced his full support for the men and women of the Rutland Police Department, and thanked them for their work in a high-stress and highly dangerous situation to prevent further loss of life. 5, More than 30 languages are spoken in Winooski, and more than 40 percent of Winooski High School students were born outside the U.S. Trudeau said he wouldnt say why investigators believe the Rutland shooting is connected to the Salisbury homicide. Louras has given very few interviews since he left office in 2017. Smathers, who is now the director of the Rutland Free Library, said he fully supported the idea of bringing in refugees. "And there's ample housing," she added, in contrast to the real estate markets in Burlington and Winooski. Last week, the first two of an expected 25 Syrian refugee families arrived in Rutland, Vt., a scenic, blue-collar town of 16,000 people. The plan took many city officials by surprise. When asked if he had any plans to re-enter politics, the former mayors answer came fast: Hell no. It's all based on relationships to get things done, and I felt it should be about policy and not personality.". The name of the man found in Salisbury will be released following notification of his family and further investigation. person will not be tolerated. He then attended the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA. But it wasnt until late 2015, when former Governor Peter Shumlin announced Vermont would open its doors to Syrian refugees, that Louras saw an opportunity to act on his idea. "He is very blunt. He also owns the adjacent tobacco shop at 15 Center Street. Vermont State Police, the agency heading the investigation in both deaths, have not released any information in either case since Thursday. Chance of rain 60%.. Goodbye, Off Message Blog. However, Donovan wouldnt discuss that while the murder investigation is still underway in Addison County. Footage from a police cruisers dashboard camera, obtained by NECN Tuesday, shows a chase through a popular shopping areas parking lot in downtown Rutland on Oct. 8. But, if enough of his constituents disagree, Louras knows he may not be in office to see his vision come to fruition. Employees at Ben & Jerrys Burlington store celebrate companys commitment to fair union negotiations, Rachel Smolker: PUC snuffs out a chance to weigh in on a flawed pipeline, Kelsey Wentling: What FirstLight wont be doing for the next 10 years, Jennifer Durgin: Climate activists and evangelicals can be allies. It has quietly funneled most refugees who arrived in Vermont Bosnians, Somalians, Bhutanese, Congolese, Burmese and Iraqis to Burlington and Winooski. Louras, the son of former Rutland mayor Christopher Louras, died within seconds or minutes of suffering a gunshot wound to his head in the shootout, a death certificate filed Tuesday with. The man killed in the officer involved shooting has been identified as Christopher Louras, 33, of Rutland. According to Major Tradeau, Chris Louras, armed with an AR-15-style rifle exchanged some fire towards the officers. The major wouldnt say if Chris Louras was a suspect in that homicide. Chris Louras for Rutland. The idea of bringing immigrants to Rutland was something Louras said he had been thinking about long before the world was focused on Donald Trump or the war in Syria. Many who know the former mayor say this was an especially tough blow, and one he took personally. Four officers fired at him. Some questioned whether the immigrants would carry communicable diseases. Either safety track, where all the grumpy guys go; instructor pilot track, where all the prima donnas go; or maintenance, where the people who want to just work and get [stuff] done go. With Bernie Looking On, Ben & Jerry's Scoopers Announce Progress in Union Talks. When he first left city hall, Louras worked briefly as a union representative, then for his family business, a tobacco and candy wholesaler in Rutland that the family recently sold after 75 years. Nicholas Louras body was found by a passerby early on the afternoon of Oct. 8 on the edge of Route 53, also known as Lake Dunmore Road, in the Addison County town of Salisbury, about a 40-minute drive to Rutland. anti-anything. These days, however, politics are notably absent from his private sector job managing a local distribution business. "He's a highly active, sometimes hyperactive guy who cares deeply, deeply for the Rutland community. "Not a lot I can learn from that guy!" Jack Thurston. 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As he sat in his messy office, Louras joked about making an appearance a few hours later at a local forum hosted by right-wing author Jim Simpson, who travels the country speaking out against refugees. We'll see what skills they bring, but even if they don't have English yet and don't have health care skills, we would still work with them.". Louras said that despite his city's reputation for economic woe, it had plenty of cheap housing, employers struggling to fill entry-level jobs, and a willingness to welcome the refugees. Louras relationship with the board had always been contentious, and this wasnt the first time he had gone around them to get something done. As interpreted by Simpson and the segment of the populace that insists President Barack Obama is a Muslim, it's a conspiracy between the UN and liberals to create one world government. And he said his conviction has grown even stronger after watching the backlash and the level of acrimony that he says still exists three years later. "Rutland has been addressing our issues, and, having turned our community around, this is the next logical step to embrace New Americans and enjoy the economic and cultural benefits that level of diversity will provide," Louras said in an earlier interview. Now Louras is a general manager for Foley Distributing. Maj. Dan Trudeau, head of the state police criminal division, said at a press conference late Tuesday afternoon that authorities are investigating a link between the shooting in downtown Rutland and a possible homicide in Salisbury. Three are from Rutland City, one was from Rutland Town.Donovan and Kennedy said the officers actions were legally justified under the states self-defense rules, which consider someone guiltless if they hurt or kill another person while trying to protect their own life or someone elses.Both prosecutors praised police for facing a threat with bravery before anyone else was hurt.For that, I am eternally grateful to these officers and thank them for their actions, Kennedy said.The former mayors late son is also suspected of killing his own cousin, Nicholas Louras, before that shootout with police. Chris Louras for Rutland - Facebook There will be no criminal charges filed against four Vermont police officers who shot and killed the son of Rutland's former mayor back in October, after he led them on a chase . Gov Phil Scott, speaking at his weekly press conference last Wednesday, said the deaths may be tied to drugs. All rights reserved, Flood Warnings and Watches in Parts of New England, Man Fatally Shot After Firing at Vt. Police Station Is Ex-Mayor's Son, Vt. State Police Continue Probe Into Officer-Involved Shooting, Homicide, Man Arrested After $3M Worth of Drugs Shipped to Maine Restaurant, Tens of Thousands of New Englanders Wake Up Monday to No Power, Aerosmith Announces Farewell Tour Starting in September, Historic Season Comes to an End as Bruins Lose in Overtime of Game 7, Mild Start to the Work Week as Rain Showers Begin to Move Out. Chris works his ass off. Get up to speed on the news Vermont is talking about, delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. This has been a tragic event for our community, and of course, personally for my family, said Mayor Dave Allaire, Rutlands current mayor, who is related by marriage to his predecessor at city hall and to both of the Louras cousins who died, Nick and Chris. It has long struggled with a stagnant economy and a declining population and has failed to attract the young families it needs to grow. Christopher Louras was mayor of Rutland for a decade, president of the citys board of aldermen, and served two years as a state representative. "It was an itch I had to scratch," he said. He was born in Rutland, Vermont April 4, 1934, the son of Christopher and Esther (Ladue) Webber, Sr. John married his wife of 35 years Kathleen (Kurdeka) Webber in 1966. Vermont State Police say Louras drove by the police station around 5:30 a.m. and fired several shots into the front entrance and drove away. Bets are in. If all goes well, backers say, this will not be a one-off event: Rutland will take its place alongside Burlington and Winooski and welcome a new batch of refugees every year. Low 42F. Soon afterward, officials from Middlebury, Woodstock, Warren, Waitsfield, Brattleboro, Bennington and other communities reached out to VRRP, offering to help. From Rutland High School, he went straight to the University of Vermont, where he graduated with a political science degree in 1982. All content No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism The Rutland City and Rutland Town police officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave. Published June 8, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. If you want a pest-free patio this spring, the most important thing you can do is take away those elements that bugs find desirable. They'd say their greatest problem is finding enough workers," Huebner said. In 2010, Vermont State Police charged a Rutland police sergeant for viewing pornography on his work computer and removing a pornographic video from the police evidence locker. 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She can be reached at tpache@vtdigger.org. To criticize, correct or praise our reporting, please send us a letter to the editor. It wouldn't be because of taxes. ", Although Louras said the planning "maybe could have been handled a little better," he insisted that if he could do it all over again, he wouldn't change anything. Officers won't be charged in shooting of former Rutland mayor's son - WPTZ A graveside service will be held in the spring of 2017 in Evergreen Cemetery.Donations in Mr. Louras memory may be made to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 8 Cottage St., Rutland VT 05701.Arrangements are by the Clifford Funeral Home. Erin Mansfield is VTDiggers health care reporter. In 1998, Louras ran for a seat in the Vermont House of Representatives as a Republican and lost by 115 votes to Democrat Diane Carrol. home/garden The citys Project Vision program has been working on improving the quality of life and addressing drug concerns in Rutland for years now. . They want to give the best possible future to their children because they lost everything.". Footage from a police cruisers dashboard camera, obtained Tuesday, shows a chase through a popular shopping areas parking lot in downtown Rutland on Oct. 8. Although he opposes marijuana legalization and other lefty causes, Louras has endorsed high-profile Democrats, including Gov. Now that President Trump is expected to call . To criticize, correct or praise our reporting, please send us a letter to the editor or send us a tip. You have permission to edit this article. People take that for what it is genuine.". The younger Louras, Vermonts attorney general said, was in Donovan and Kennedy said the officers actions were legally justified under the states self-defense rules, which consider someone guiltless if they hurt or kill another person while trying to protect their own life or someone elses. In prior years, Louras shaved his head, and rocked a Mohawk, for the same cause. "Ask any employer in town. Even if he was clearly avoiding the microphone, Mayor Chris Louras wasn't hiding. Nick was a 1945 graduate of Rutland High School. Commissioners refused; Bossi resigned in 2012. He reports on criminal justice issues for VTDigger. It's a moving message, but Louras didn't think it would play well with the public. "I've got voters who invited that guy to come to Rutland!". "I would like to be considered before outside people, Leonard said at a board of aldermen meeting. post your service, apartments thank them for their actions, Kennedy said. Our environmental reporter is Mike Polhamus. We consider this matter now closed, announced Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan, who added that he does not consider the way Louras died to be the way the totality of his life should be judged. That's where Louras excels, airbrush in hand. State Police have not confirmed that, saying only that both cases remain under investigation. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Former Rutland Mayor's Son Killed in Gunfight With Police Da Capo Publishing, Inc. But the resettlement agency has long wanted to open up a second refugee hub in Vermont to be able to serve more people. He's loved by his girl friend, Lauren Stacey; mother Crystal King; sister Hannah Lamarche; father and stepmother Chris and Judy Louras; brothers Augie, Ian and Justin Louras; and grandparents Ruth and Gus Louras and Mary King. Vermont State Police on Tuesday confirmed that Christopher Louras was responsible for the murder of his cousin, Nicholas Louras. ", Not a bit," Louras said. John attended The Millbrook S It was standing room only at the Godnick Adult Center, where more than 120 local Rutlanders were hammering officials from the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program about a plan to bring 100 Syrians to their city. Like his predecessors dating back to the 1970s, Louras has focused on Rutland's economy, which started declining when local industries mills, quarries and a railroad shut down.