John M. Lorentz

Rutland Herald

• 12 hrs ago

John M. Lorentz SHREWSBURY — John M. Lorentz, of Shrewsbury, died on July 12, 2019, at Rutland Regional Medical Center, after a yearlong battle with cancer. His loving family was by his side. Born in New Jersey to Fred and Marie Lorentz, John graduated from New Providence High School as valedictorian and summa cum laude from Dickinson College. He earned a law degree from Rutgers Law School and a Ph.D. from Rutgers University. He taught political science and law courses as an adjunct professor and practiced law for 44 years, 35 of them in Killington. John grew up loving rock’n’roll. During his teens and 20s, he played saxophone and sang in a band that won a Cousin Brucie talent contest, covered the Beatles, opened for the Drifters, and rocked bars and clubs throughout New Jersey. John married his wife, Karen, in 1968 and as a devoted husband, supported her work as a writer. He was a loving and proud father of sons Jason, Jonathan and James. His work as an attorney enabled the family to live on a mountaintop, where they enjoyed cross-country skiing, tennis and stacking endless cords of wood. In his spare time, John could be found engaged in deep discussions of politics and law, snowplowing, brushcutting, exploring Cape Cod and attending Jonathan’s jazz gigs or Karen’s ski writer functions. He adored his grandchildren. He was involved in many community activities and served on several boards, including the Title Standards Committee of the Vermont Bar Association. In the Shrewsbury Community Church, he served as a trustee, board chairman or a committee member for almost 40 years. John was preceded in death by his parents; sisters-in-law Sandra Lorentz and Mona Duch; and father-in-law Robert J. Duch. He is survived by his wife, Karen; sons Jason (Dayna), Jonathan (Carmen) and James (Erin); five grandchildren; brother Robert Lorentz; sisters-in-law Anita Duch, Roberta Ballou (Don), Carolyn Urgonski (Gary); brother-in-law Robert Duch; mother-in-law Ruth Duch; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. The family extends sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff who took care of John at RRMC and at the Foley Cancer Center. John was most grateful to the visiting nurses and therapists of the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, especially to Jamie and Jennie for their nine months of extraordinary care. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, at 2 p.m. at the Shrewsbury Community Church. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org) or Foley Cancer Center (RRMC.org/ways-to-give). Arrangements are by Tossing Funeral Home.

Killington man accused in drug case

Rutland Herald

By Patrick Mcardle Staff Writer
July 17, 2019 

KILLINGTON — A local man could be sentenced to up to 24 years in jail if convicted of the several drug-related charges he faced at a Monday arraignment, based on an accusation by police that he possessed marijuana, cocaine and LSD as recently as the end of May.
Nicholas W. Roucoulet, 36, pleaded not guilty Monday in Rutland criminal court to a felony count of possessing more than 2.5 grams of cocaine, a felony count of cultivating more than 25 marijuana plants, a misdemeanor charge of selling marijuana and a misdemeanor charge of possession of lysergic diethylamide acid, or LSD.
Roucoulet was released without bail.

In an affidavit, Officer Michael Hoffman, of the Killington Police Department, said he learned May 30 from Chief Whit Montgomery, of the same department, of what he believed was a marijuana growing operation on East Mountain Road at the Whiffletree Condominiums.
A photo of 24 plants believed to be marijuana was provided to the police by a property manager at Whiffletree.
On May 31, the affidavit said, the property manager spoke with Hoffman. He said he had seen the plants, which he believed were marijuana, around May 27.
Hoffman said his application for a search warrant was approved by Judge Cortland Corsones on May 31.
At the condominium, Hoffman said Roucoulet told him that he and two roommates moved in at Whiffletree on May 24.
Hoffman said three blue bags were visible on the dining room table. Roucoulet told police the bags contained cocaine, the affidavit said.
Roucoulet told police where to find the alleged marijuana plants, Hoffman said. He denied that either of his roommates were involved in the marijuana growing operation or the drugs.
The affidavit said police eventually found 19 blue bags containing what police believe was cocaine. The total weight was estimated to 13.3 grams.
Police also seized more than 150 bags of marijuana edibles. Roucoulet allegedly admitted to receiving the edibles from California under the agreement that he would sell the bags.

Several cartridges that could be used with e-cigarette or vaping equipment and dispense THC were also found, Hoffman said. The cartridges were labeled to indicate they were flavored with names like “Wedding Cake,” “Blueberry Cherry” and “Gelato.”
The affidavit said six doses of LSD were found on the dresser in Roucoulet's room.
Hoffman said Roucoulet admitted he sold cocaine, marijuana edibles, butane hash oil and the THC-infused cartridges but said the LSD was for his own use. Hoffman said Roucoulet declined to identify his source for the drugs “stating he didn't want to get any of his friends in trouble.”
A field test of one bag of the suspected cocaine was conducted at the Rutland barracks of the Vermont State Police. The test was positive, Hoffman said.
During questioning at the barracks, Roucoulet allegedly repeated that his two roommates had no involvement with the drugs or the marijuana plants, and said he was selling drugs to support his own drug habit.

patrick.mcardle@rutlandherald.com

Judge sides with ski resort over condo appeals

Rutland Herald
By Keith Whitcomb Jr. Staff Writer
15 hrs ago

KILLINGTON — An Environmental Court Judge has agreed to extend the life of a housing development permit granted to the owner of the Killington Ski Resort several years ago.
According to a decision by Superior Court Judge Thomas D. Durkin, released June 6 in the Environmental Division, Killington/Pico Ski Resort Partners LLC owns the development rights for the unbuilt portions of the Highridge and Ridgetop developments, both of which are near the Killington Ski Resort.
Durkin writes that a previous developer was granted a planned unit development (PUD) by the town for the two developments in 1988. The PUD expired before the developments could be fully built, and while it has a long history of litigation and extensions, the Resort Partners have more recently requested from the town a four-year extension. The Town Planning Commission granted it, but this was appealed by the Highridge Condominium Owners’ Association.

In his conclusion, Durkin writes that the PUD will be valid for another four years after a final decision is made.
Attorney Andrew H. Maass, who represents the ski resort owners, said in a phone interview Friday that the Highridge Condominium Owners’ Association has asked for clarification on some technical aspects of Durkin’s decision. Once those are addressed, the decision would then be final and the PUD in place for the following four years.
Durkin also wrote that conditions imposed by previous versions of the PUD not changed by this order will remain in effect. Regarding Highridge, a site plan review will need to be submitted and approved before the town of Killington can issue any zoning permits. This will include any changes to landscaping, traffic or parking plans. Highridge will also need updated versions of its water supply and wastewater treatment permits from the Agency of Natural Resources before any new units can be built. Before submitting a site plan review for a new Highridge development, the Resort Partners must confer with Killington Fire and Rescue over the parking lot and where fire hydrants will be located.

According to Durkin’s decision, the original plan for Ridgetop was for nine single-family homes while Highridge was planned for several multi-unit buildings and three single-family dwellings. What’s built there now was completed in the late 1980s and early 1990s. An economic recession led to development there stalling, leaving six of the nine planned Ridgetop buildings and 36 units of the Highridge development completed.
Durkin wrote that a trial was held in November. Parties were given time to respond with follow-up materials, and this matter came under the court’s consideration in February.
keith.whitcomb
@rutlandherald.com

Killington Resort announces new bike programs

Vermont Standard

5/31/19

New Mountain Bike Camps and daily lesson programs offer opportunities for progression

KILLINGTON — Vermont’s Killington Resort, the largest mountain resort in Eastern North America and a POWDR company, announces a full lineup of instructional programs that will solidify Killington as the go-to destination for mountain bike skill progression. New intermediate and advanced level group and private lessons will be available daily and camps for all ages are available during select dates all taught on Killington’s trails, which are designed for easy progression.

“Not only was our Bike Park built with progression in mind, but our new instructional programs will give riders of all abilities the skills and support they need to level up,” says Joey Carey, youth sports manager at Killington
Resort. “Bringing the community together with events like the Bike Bum series and programs like Divas of Dirt has been vital in progressing the sport and participation here at The Beast.”

The lineup of camps and programs for 2019 offers something for everyone to get on-hill coaching with programs just for ladies, an adult only weekend camp and four weeks of youth camp which feature an overnight option too. Three key events are also scheduled for the Bike Park with Vermont Bike and Brew returning June 21-23 featuring organized rides, live music and local Vermont brews while racers will get their chance to podium at the Maxxis Eastern States Cup East Coast Box Showdown August 3-4. The popular Killington Mountain Bike Club Bike Bum Series is slated to return with races taking place Wednesdays June 19-August 28.

Adult Downhill Mountain Biking Camps and Programs

Divas of Dirt Gravity Bike Camp — July 12-14 Divas of Dirt, led by Pro Downhill/Enduro Racer Amy Alton, developed a women-only camp focused on strengthening fundamentals, improving skills and boosting confidence. The Divas of Dirt have been fostering a vibrant community of female mountain bikers since 2016 with Friday night free group rides.

“I’m thrilled to build off the popular Divas of Dirt Friday rides and offer this new ladies-only camp,” says Amy Alton, professional downhill/enduro mountain bike racer. “It’s my goal to nurture a progressive atmosphere for women to enjoy all the bike park has to offer. Whether looking to hone skills, explore new terrain, or just chill with like-minded women, riders will enjoy this camp regardless of ability level.”

Divas of Dirt Gravity

Camp is for female riders ages 16+ and includes coach Ali Zimmer, with 15 years of experience; Ella Skalwold, 2017 Canadian Cup winner; and Clarissa Finks, pro Enduro racer.

Divas of Dirt Friday Sessions — Bi-weekly July 12-October 4 The female mountain bike community comes together with group rides and happy hour sessions every other Friday all summer long. Participation is free with your own bike and a valid bike park ticket or pass. Discounted tickets and rentals are available.

Adult Downhill Mountain Bike Camp — August 9-11 The adult camp (18+) in August is perfect for all ability levels, including first time downhill riders. Coaches will cover the fundamentals including position, balance, pressure control, direction and more.

Youth Downhill Mountain Biking Camps

For kids, three and five day camps are offered midweek throughout July with overnight options available for ages 7-17. In addition to mountain bike related activities, camps also feature time at our Adventure Center including the WreckTangle, high ropes course and more. “Mountain Bike camp at Killington will be an opportunity for young riders to come and progress their skills from any starting point,” says Joey Carey, youth sports manager at Killington Resort. “Whether you’re a top end competitor, or new to our sport, camp is going to be a blast.”

Youth Bike Park Camp

Session 1: July 8-12 Session 2: July 15-19 Session 3: July 22-26 Session 4: July 29-August 2 For more information about mountain biking programs, rentals and lift tickets, please visitkillington. com/bikepark.

Moguls owner buys Killington Mall at auction

May 22, 2019

Mountain Times

By Katy Savage

The Killington Mall has a new owner.

Robert “Sal” Salmeri, the owner of Moguls Sports Pub and Restaurant, bought the building on Killington Road for $475,00 at an auction on Tuesday, May 21.

“Call it a pet project of mine,” Salmeri said. “I’ve liked that building for years. It’s part of Killington history.”

Salmeri, who was the only bidder on Tuesday, says he plans to bring three new businesses to the mall.

The 22,500 square foot building with four aces has four residential tenants, and houses four businesses – two restaurants and two retail spaces, including Outback Pizza, the Killington Diner, and the former Killington Art Garage and Darkside Snowboard Shop.

Salmeri declined to say how the businesses would change until he closes on the sale. “Right now I’m mulling over what I’m going to do,”  Salmeri said.

The building was owned by Rodney Viccari who purchased it in 1981 out of bankruptcy. “I’ve had enough,” Viccari said. “I’ve owned it for such a long period of time. It was a toy for me. It was a place to escape on the weekends. It got to a point where I was tired of it.”

Viccari said Salmeri has tried to buy the building in the past. “He’s been itching to buy it for a long time,” Viccari said. “He has some good ideas. I think it will be a breath of fresh air up there.”

Salmeri, who has owned Moguls for 25 years, said he’s not afraid to work hard. “It needs someone to care for it,” Salmeri said of the mall building.”I think businesses being open helps the community more.”

Nathan Auction and Real Estaten handled the auction. The sale will close in 45 days.

Killington economy grows, needs more Bus service

Rutland Herald

5/13/19

• By Keith Whitcomb Jr. Staff Writer

KILLINGTON — The town economy is growing, according to local business owners, and with that growth comes a greater need for bus service to ferry workers between their jobs and Rutland.

The Select Board plans to discuss asking The Bus to extend its service throughout the summer. Selectman Jim Haff said at a board meeting on May 7 that he recently met with several business owners, people from the Killington Pico Area Association, Killington Mountain Resort and The Bus to talk about extending service.

Haff said The Bus doesn’t run past 6 p.m. between Easter and Thanksgiving. Haff asked the board to schedule the matter for a full discussion at its next regular meeting on May 21, to which it agreed.

Haff said the Agency of Transportation (AOT) has a grant available to cover the cost. With no assistance, the price would be about $53,000, Haff said. With the AOT grant, only approximately $11,000 would be needed for the match.

Mike Coppinger, executive director of the Killington Pico Area Association, said Tuesday he believes the town, ski resort and potentially local business owners will figure out a way to come up with the $11,000 needed to extend The Bus service, as all would benefit from it.

“Lots of business owners have been talking about it,” he said. “It’s difficult to get workers up here, lots of them live in Rutland.”

Christopher Karr, a member of the town Planning Commission who owns The Foundry, Jax Food and Games, Charity’s Tavern & Restaurant and Pickle Barrel Nightclub, said Tuesday in an interview the town’s economy has changed in the past 10 years, thanks in large part to the development of Killington Ski Resort as a year-round operation.

He said fall and winter workers take The Bus without issue, for the most part, but now restaurants and the like are keeping their doors open in the summer, which is a problem when The Bus stops at 6 p.m. and people’s shifts are ending hours later. Some businesses, like his, have their own vans, but some workers clock out later than others, making this a less-than-ideal option.

Karr said he’s confident some arrangement will be made to cover the $11,000 match. Killington’s infrastructure needs have been increasing steadily, owing to the growth of the resort.

In the past several years, Killington Mountain Ski Resort has made several announcements about multi-million dollar investments in its infrastructure.

Many have involved snowmaking and things that cater to skiers and snowboarders, but it’s also made investments in bicycling and other warm-weather activities.

Karr said in the past few years the town has moved from relying on elected constables to having a full-time police chief. It’s also working on building a new public safety building to house the fire department and police. In terms of transportation, the Planning Commission has looked at bus pull-offs and bus shelters.

keith.whitcomb

Rental appeals consolidated in Environmental Court

Rutland Herald

• By Keith Whitcomb Jr. Staff Writer
• May 9, 2019

KILLINGTON — A rental vacation homeowner’s appeals of town zoning violations have been consolidated in Environmental Court, according to the attorney representing him.
Brooke Dingledine, of the Barre firm Valsangiacomo, Detora & McQuesten P.C., attorney for Vincent Connolly, said in a Wednesday email that Connolly’s appeals are being treated as one case by the court and are in the discovery phase, meaning written questions and answers are being exchanged.
Connolly owns 287 Estabrook Road, which he rents out through the website Vacation Rentals by Owner (www.vrbo.com), a service similar to Airbnb.

Connolly, of Morrisville, does business through Killington Mountain House LLC. The company was issued a violation notice in August by then-Zoning Administrator Richard Horner. The town claimed Connolly was renting the place out to far more people than town zoning regulations allow. According to the town, given the number of beds in the home, it could sleep six. Connolly’s vrbo.com listing, for a time, had it listed as sleeping 28 people.
According to a notice of appeal, filed by Dingledine in February, Killington Mountain House was issued a violation in November. The appeal to the town Zoning Board of Adjustment was denied in January. The second violation accused Killington Mountain House of changing its use from a residential home to a commercial facility, which would require a permit it didn’t get. The town cited short-term rental agreements made by Killington Mountain House, the fact that the secretary of state lists as a “member-managed LLC” and other documents as evidence that the Estabrook Road property is being used for commercial purposes.
In a past interview, Dingledine said the property doesn’t meet the Killington zoning bylaws’ definition of a commercial property, at least as far as they went when her client began using the property. According to ZBA documents, she made this argument before the ZBA in January in appealing Horner’s violation notice.