"It dilutes American culture; it sucks up welfare; it creates crime and racial and ethnic animosity.". Tuesday the A.G. and the Rutland County State's Attorney announced they won't charge the four officers who returned fire: three from Rutland Both prosecutors praising police for facing a threat with bravery before anyone else was hurt. | Updated August 25, 2020 at 6:53 p.m. "The immigration and refugee agenda is one of their more malevolent issues," Simpson said. Yourcontribution will be matched! Last year, the city paid $975,000 to settle claims from a former African American Rutland police officer who said he was a victim of racial bias from fellow officers. Christopher G. Louras, 33, was killed Tuesday after exchanging gunfire in downtown Rutland on the morning of Oct. 8 following a short pursuit in the Rutland Shopping Plaza parking lot, police said. The Rutland City and Rutland Town police officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. But people who know the 58-year old say the transition out of public life has been difficult for him. "Lauzon just takes it and does it, and that's what I like about Thom," Louras said. Jasper Craven covers politics for VTDigger. 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. To criticize, correct or praise our reporting, please send us a letter to the editor. But the resettlement agency has long wanted to open up a second refugee hub in Vermont to be able to serve more people. improving the quality of life and addressing drug concerns in Rutland for years Louras was the son of Rutlands former longtime mayor, also The citys Project Vision program has been working on improving the quality of life and addressing drug concerns in Rutland for years now. But longtime alderman Dave Allaire, who had challenged Louras twice before and lost, harnessed anger over resettlement. police officers who shot and killed the son of Rutlands former mayor back in Even if he was clearly avoiding the microphone, Mayor Chris Louras wasn't hiding. Sen. Peg Flory (R-Rutland), who was then House minority leader, said Louras was "intense." Police are investigating the death as a possible homicide, along with potential links to the subsequent shooting at the Rutland Police Department and events occuring in a parking lot off Evelyn Street near the railroad tracks downtown. Don't Threaten. entrance of the Rutland City Police Department. "I think a lot of people thought they were voting for my uncle Pete," Louras said. "When these folks start coming into our community we'd love to work with them. He reports on criminal justice issues for VTDigger. In Vermont, A Town Is Divided Over Syrian Refugees - NPR Vermont Gov. 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. This is a whole different thing down here. Our environmental reporter is Mike Polhamus. named Chris Louras. An off-duty officer spotted the suspect car about an hour-and-a-half later, and a police chase ensued through the Rutland City Plaza. that is degrading to another person. Be Truthful. The Vermont State Police responded to the scene to continue the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Use the 'Report' link on PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. On this issue, what I was surprised at was not the level of the contention, but the fact that it didn't abate and just simply grew," he said. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. He is the son of former Rutland Mayor Christopher Louras who served five two-year terms as the citys top elected official. to oust the incumbent mayor in March 2017. get the three families we did into Rutland. 5, I'd be honored to hav own cousin, Nicholas Louras, before that shootout with police. I dont think thats too much to ask.. Police say the man they killed was Christopher Louras, 33, the son of former Rutland Mayor Chris Louras. Within six months, Louras decided to run for alderman, aka city councilor. Get him worked up, and his voice rises. Their names are expected to be released Wednesday, Oct. 9. The younger Louras, Vermonts attorney general said, was in Shooting Victim Found on Downtown Burlington Sidewalk, 3. Yeah, I get it. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WPTZ-TV. There were no injuries to police or other civilians. "They come with goals and dreams, and we're here to give them the tools. Like a nerdy sailor, he mixes in expressions like "gosh," "good golly" and "holy moly" with actual swear words. If you're looking for "ISpys," dating or LTRs, this is your scene. It's all based on relationships to get things done, and I felt it should be about policy and not personality.". homes for sale person will not be tolerated. 5, 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. Louras had cruised to reelection five times. Trapeni was incensed at what he called the secrecy of the way resettlement was rolled out. Cyclist Killed in Crash With Truck While Riding in Rasputitsa Race, 2. After getting stuck on railroad tracks, the driver gets out and can be seen shooting at officers, who return fire. 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. From Rutland High School, he went straight to the University of Vermont, where he graduated with a political science degree in 1982. Christopher Louras was mayor of Rutland for a decade, president of the citys board of aldermen, and served two years as a state representative. 219 likes. The family patriarch came to Rutland in search of all the same things the Syrians want today: justice, religious freedom, security and work. Chris Louras, former mayor of Rutland, Vermont One of three homes seized on Park Avenue in Rutland, Vermont. Chris Louras for Rutland. The former mayors late son is also suspected of killing his Alan J. Keays is the former longtime news editor of the Rutland Herald. Since 2014, Seven Days has allowed readers to comment on all stories posted on our website. It serves him well many times and gets in his way many times, and I think he knows it. "He's not by any means your standard slick politician. 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.". But at times, he has had little to say about what's gone wrong on his watch. 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. Its too early to draw that conclusion, he said. "I've got voters who invited that guy to come to Rutland!". Refugees are needy folks, said former Rutland City Treasurer Wendy Wilton. While weve appreciated the suggestions and insights, the time has come to shut them down at least temporarily. In the possible homicide in Salisbury case, the body of a man was discovered early Tuesday afternoon off Route 53, also known as Lake Dunmore Road. Former Rutland mayor Christopher Louras sits at home with his dog, Raye. home/garden The construction of Interstate 89 50 miles to the north contributed to the city's isolation. It didn't help when local, national and even international journalists descended on Rutland's blighted Northwest and Southwest neighborhoods, portraying the areas as ground zero in Vermont's "opiate crisis.". The cousins 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. health/wellness I see the positive any time I walk past Hussam and Hazars house, anytime I see [their son] Mohammad and his sister Layan. In a small Vermont city: heroin, bullets, and empathy deaths, as Gov. Final Reading: When will the legislative session wrap up? Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. That's where Louras excels, airbrush in hand. His paternal grandfather, Nicolaos, emigrated from Greece in 1906 to escape Ottoman Turks. "And we don't do that in America.". He got on the city's 11-member governing board but had bigger ambitions. Louras remembered sitting in his office with a former city attorney talking about what to do. Hello, 21st Century! Phil Scott, R-Vermont, said in October. More than 170 people turned out to a meeting at a Unitarian church, volunteering to help the refugees. Before he got into politics, he was in the Army. Will the State Pony Up? His cousin, Nicholas Louras, 34, of Rutland, suffered gunshot wounds to his head and neck and died within seconds, his death certificate filed Tuesday stated. Former Rutland Mayor's Son Killed in Gunfight With Police Need more info? And he succeeded. When he's encouraging fellow mayors to act decisively, Lauzon urges them to go "full-on Louras.". The man killed in the officer involved shooting has been identified as Christopher Louras, 33, of Rutland. According to a press release . Christopher George Louras | Obituaries | rutlandherald.com He came to Burlington for a three-hour meeting in December, and his pitch proved persuasive. If its that controversial an idea that you can't let anybody know what's going to happen until after it's happened, you're doing something wrong, Smathers said. Let's keep Rutland moving forward and build on the progress that we have made. After Alderwoman Sharon Davis slammed him and the crowd erupted in applause, he assured a reporter, "Nothing I haven't heard before.". VPRs Nina Keck wanted to see how the city and those most closely involved with the refugee debate have changed because of it. Nick Louras, 34, of Rutland, was found dead of gunshot wounds off Route 53 in Salisbury last October. VTDigger is now accepting letters to the editor. 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. 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. 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. Last November, after the Paris terrorist attacks, several Republican governors across the country declared they would not welcome refugees fleeing Syria into their states, citing concerns about possible terrorist infiltration. Contributions may be made to the Mentor Connector, 110 Merchants Row, Rutland, VT 05701. Christopher Louras death, obituary: 33 year old Christopher G. Louras was killed Tuesday in an early morning Rutland Vermont shooting with officers. Police have not said how the two deaths are linked, other than the familial relationship between the two. He was born in Rutland, Oct. 8, 1985 the son of Nicholas Constantinos and Julie Ann (Sharrow) Louras. 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. 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. If GE were to leave the city of Rutland, it would be solely due to a lack of workforce.. Rochester Grocery Store to Close, Leaving Residents in the Lurch, 6. He was born and raised in the city he has led for the past decade through multiple police scandals, record-setting blood drives, opiate-related urban blight and countless Rut-Vegas jokes. A complete obituary will appear in a later edition of the herald. Rutland City, one was from Rutland Town. With Bernie Looking On, Ben & Jerry's Scoopers Announce Progress in Union Talks, 1. My concern is: What's the plan?" There is no bigger advocate for the city of Rutland." But, if enough of his constituents disagree, Louras knows he may not be in office to see his vision come to fruition. Now that President Trump is expected to call . The plan took many city officials by surprise. ((MAYOR DAVE ALLAIRE / Rutland, VT: 12:49: life is fragile, and we need to hold our loved ones tight.)) Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, This year, there will be an estimated 60 million refugees and displaced people worldwide. "I think that was a fearless approach, and color Thom Lauzon a coward, but I would not have taken that approach," Lauzon said. As mayor, he definitely weathered his share of criticism. Thanks for reading. Newly-released footage from a police cruiser's dash cam showing a chase through a popular shopping area's parking lot in downtown Rutland in October 2019. However, Donovan Louras thinks some of those who have settled into Chittenden County might decide to move south, where housing is cheaper. Emails from a public records request show Louras and Merdzanovic considered announcing it but nixed the idea. Police have said the deaths are linked, but have stopped short of calling the younger Christopher Louras a suspect in his cousins death. 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. He told Notte and a few local business leaders about the refugees but left the rest of the board, along with the city's legislative delegation and his constituents, in the dark. October, after he led them on a chase and opened fire on the officers first. Louras own grandparents had been among them, settling in Rutland after fleeing Greece. WCAX News spoke with a witness who watched it all go down. No civilians or officers were injured in the gunfire. Other contributing factors to his death, the document stated, were gunshot wounds to his torso and extremities. 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. Particularly galling, Louras said, was the reaction of Republican colleagues when he cosponsored a 2005 bill that would have made companies that produced genetically modified seeds liable for inadvertent crop damage on neighboring farms. We'd love to hear eyewitness A few months later, during a crowded press conference at Rutland City Hall, Louras stood with dozens of high school students, refugee resettlement organizers and select local officials and announced his plan to resettle 100 Syrian refugees in the city, with more to follow. In 2007, he ran for mayor along with five other candidates. State Police have not confirmed that, saying only that both cases remain under investigation. In 1995, he left the military and moved back home to Rutland to work for the family business. But I'm not at the point where I'm willing to self-reflect, especially with a microphone., As to whether he regretted the way he handled the refugee resettlement issue, he was quick to say "no. It wouldn't be because of transportation infrastructure. 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. homes for sale Once you open that door, thats it, we're going to have to take hundreds of them, said Dave Trapeni, who had run against Louras in a previous mayoral race. Kelly Clarkson's Home Collection Is Up to 74% Off During Way Day Deals, The Best Wayfair Way Day Deals 2023 Starting at $30, Wayfair's Way Day Sale Includes Up to 60% Off Outdoor Furniture Here's What to Shop ASAP, Amazon Has So Many Good Mother's Day Gifts on Sale Right Now. "I don't like the process in place in the legislature. More than 30 languages are spoken in Winooski, and more than 40 percent of Winooski High School students were born outside the U.S. As the board of aldermen meeting crept into its fourth hour, Louras moved closer to the front, leaning against the wall, shuffling from side to side, occasionally shaking his head or curling his lips into a sarcastic smile. Chris Louras for Rutland - Facebook At 91, he still goes to work every day at Sam Frank Distributors in downtown Rutland. Technically, Louras was a maintenance pilot he oversaw repairs, then flew the choppers to make sure the work had been done right. "There's not a successful, vibrant and growing community in the country that hasn't embraced New Americans.". Ruth M. Nichols. He recalls a fellow Republican telling him, "You shouldn't be supportive of the bill because those people don't vote for us.'" "I discount that totally," said Allaire. The cousins death is still under investigation in Addison County, Donovan said.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.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.Separately, Chris Louras mother, Crystal King, told NBC5, that she and Chris grandmother, Mary, loved the young man dearly and miss him every day.Life is fragile, and we need to hold our loved ones tight, Allaire said at Tuesdays news conference.Allaire noted he is optimistic a focus on addressing substance use disorders and forming neighborhood partnerships in Rutland can help strengthen his community after the encounter many here say really rattled locals.The citys Project Vision program has been working on improving the quality of life and addressing drug concerns in Rutland for years now.Drugs are believed to be a factor in the Louras cousins deaths, as Gov. Louras and allies insist that the supporters outnumber the opponents. Bree Johnley death, obituary: Bree Isabel Johnley death what happened? ", Not a bit," Louras said. Victim in Salisbury Killing Is Cousin of Man Shot by Police in Rutland However, Donovan wouldnt discuss that while the murder investigation is still underway in Addison County. While we champion free speech, facts are a matter of life and death during the coronavirus pandemic, and right now Seven Days is prioritizing the production of responsible journalism over moderating online debates between readers. said State Rep. Peter Fagan (R-Rutland). After a one-time payment of $925, plus minimal language, housing and employment assistance, more than 80 percent of refugees meet the federal definition of "self-sufficient" within a year of arriving in Vermont. Im looking into how aging in Vermont impacts living essentials such as jobs, health care and housing. He's all over town," said Tom Huebner, president of Rutland Regional Medical Center a Rutland native who has known Louras for decades. "Agenda 21," Louras casually explained to a puzzled visitor. Louras' rifle was found with a total of 15 cartridges remaining in a 30-cartridge capacity magazine, and on the front seat of his vehicle investigators found two 30-cartridge capacity magazines,. It has long struggled with a stagnant economy and a declining population and has failed to attract the young families it needs to grow. The major wouldnt say if Chris Louras was a suspect in that homicide. However, through the surveillance cameras that the police department had, police was able to identify the vehicle and its registration. Smathers, who is now the director of the Rutland Free Library, said he fully supported the idea of bringing in refugees. Relatives of two Rutland mayors dead after officer-involved shooting Phil Scott, R-Vermont, said in October. Mayor Chris Louras Rutland and Burlington are the only two Vermont cities in which an elected mayor functions as the day-to-day chief executive officer. Be Proactive. Louras said he struggles to find solace in that. Nick was a 1945 graduate of Rutland High School. 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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Learn how Report for America and local philanthropists are contributing to the cause, Cyclist Killed in Crash With Truck While Riding in Rasputitsa Race, Shooting Victim Found on Downtown Burlington Sidewalk, The Tangled Tale Behind the Abrupt Resignation of Middlebury Union High Schools Principal. No one was injured. "Now should I be looking at the positive? Share with Us. Three are from He lost a reelection bid in a four-way Town Meeting Day race in March 2017 to David Allaire. She was born in Rutland October 31, 1921, the daughter of Nicholas and Amalia (Alex In prior years, Louras shaved his head, and rocked a Mohawk, for the same cause. But that didn't mean they understood why 55-year-old Louras would risk his reputation, and possibly his job, for this. Well check it out and report the results. And also how aging impacts the stuff of life: marriage, loss, dating and sex. Fairlee Developer Wants to Help Others Tackle Small-Town Housing Roadblocks, 4. RUTLAND, Vt (NEWS10) Police officers in Rutland, Vermont shot and killed a man they say fired shots at the Rutland City Police Department building Tuesday morning then drove off. People respect him for that," Notte said. I can't get past the recognition of how much more it could have impacted Rutland had it continued," Louras said. 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. bravery before anyone else was hurt. He can be reached at mpolhamus@vtdigger.org. Think outside the box this Mothers Day and opt for gifts other than flowers and chocolate. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. The mayor and father of four stated firmly, "Refugee resettlement should not be a political issue.". This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Right in Rutland: Will Mayor Chris Louras Fall on His Sword for 100 Syrians? Louras was the son of Rutland's former longtime mayor, also named Chris Louras. 255 So. anti-anything. Both men are supporting Phil Scott for governor. 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. NECN chose not to broadcast or publish the moment Vermont State Police on Tuesday confirmed that Christopher Louras was responsible for the murder of his cousin, Nicholas Louras. Louras brought this no-nonsense style to city hall, but not everyone loved it. health/wellness Don't knowingly lie about anyone Right in Rutland: Will Mayor Chris Louras Fall on His Sword for 100 Absolutely. Life can be cruel and there are many twists and turns we may never understand. Life is fragile, and we need to hold our loved ones tight, Allaire said at Tuesdays news conference. RUTLAND, Vt. . Theres no way we can possibly afford this.. Donovan and Rutland County States Attorney Rose Kennedy RUTLAND Police have identified the body of a man found on the edge of a road in Salisbury as Nicholas Louras, the nephew of former Rutland City Mayor Christopher Louras whose son,. Refugees, once they legally enter the country, can live wherever they want. Christopher Louras death, obituary: 33 year old Christopher G. Louras was killed Tuesday in an early morning Rutland Vermont shooting with officers. racist or sexually-oriented language. Many who know the former mayor say this was an especially tough blow, and one he took personally. Vermont State Police, the agency heading the investigation in both deaths, have not released any information in either case since Thursday. Our education reporter is Tiffany Pache. They want to give the best possible future to their children because they lost everything.". Huebner said he has 120 vacancies at Rutland Regional Medical Center, from entry-level housekeepers and cleaners to nurses and technicians. Obituaries | rutlandherald.com Christopher George Louras | Obituaries | rutlandherald.com Merdzanovic was evasive when asked at the meeting if a "no" vote would prompt her organization to look elsewhere. After the brief chase, the officers drew their own guns, striking Louras nine times, with a fatal wound to the head, according to prosecutors who discussed their probe of the case during a news conference Tuesday in Rutland. NBC5 chose not to broadcast or publish the moment 33-year-old Christopher Louras is struck by police bullets. Rutland has an unemployment rate of 3.3 percent, right around the statewide average of 3.2 and well below the national rate of 5 percent. They ask that anyone with information call the state police in Rutland at 802-773-9101. Police said Christopher Louras shot out the window at the police.
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