Josh Ellerbrock, St. Albans Daily Messenger Journalist Profile

Articles

UPDATE: Police ID man in Lake Champlain; No evidence of foul play

2 days ago | samessenger.com | Josh Ellerbrock

SOUTH HERO – Vermont State Police have identified the man who was found dead in Lake Champlain this past Sunday as Silas Smith, of Plattsburgh. Vermont State Police initially received reports Sunday, April 20, from a homeowner who saw a body off of Kibbe Point in South Hero. First responders subsequently recovered the deceased man and sent him to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause and manner of death.
Dead man found floating near South Hero; State police looking for ID

3 days ago | samessenger.com | Josh Ellerbrock

SOUTH HERO – After finding a dead man floating in Lake Champlain near South Hero, police are looking for more information about how it happened. Vermont State Police initially received reports Sunday, April 20, from a homeowner who saw the body off of Kibbe Point in South Hero. First responders subsequently recovered the deceased man and sent him to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause and manner of death.
New restaurant at the Ralston building? Council approves sales agreement

3 days ago | samessenger.com | Josh Ellerbrock

ST. ALBANS — The Ralston building in St. Albans has likely found a buyer. Following the approval of a new purchase/sales agreement during council’s April meeting, the City of St. Albans is on track to sell the building to four experienced restaurateurs to facilitate the creation of a new establishment focused on approachable and modern French cuisine.
Can housing be cheaper?; Some Vermonters are finding ways

6 days ago | samessenger.com | Josh Ellerbrock

VERMONT — The median residential sale price for a house in Franklin County hit almost $400,000 in March. Does anybody expect the cost to go down? Not really. Will the General Assembly pass a policy to reshuffle the housing market? Not this year. But work continues nonetheless. In 2025 so far, Vermont logged 30 new addresses built in Franklin County. “I’m amazed that we’re as busy as we are with the price of everything,” architect Laz Scangas said. “Since COVID, the price has gone through the roof.
Federal St. upgrades to come 2027/2028; Planners provide council update

1 week ago | samessenger.com | Josh Ellerbrock

ST. ALBANS CITY — Federal Street is still waiting for an upgrade years after the project received $7.7 million in federal grant dollars, although city planners had some good news Monday. Construction is expected to begin two to three years down the line. Planning director Chip Sawyer visited St. Albans City Council Monday night to go over the latest details of the federally-funded project. If all moves forward as expected, the city could get its first roundabout and an extended rail trail.
Former Swanton caregiver sentenced for neglect

1 week ago | samessenger.com | Josh Ellerbrock

SWANTON — A former caregiver who had been living in Swanton was sentenced for neglect, voyeurism and fraud of a severely-disabled person in Franklin County court last week. David Mumley, 32, formerly of Swanton, entered guilty pleas to the misdemeanor crimes, and was sentenced to five years probation in lieu of a suspended two-year sentence, a $5,000 fine, restitution to Medicaid and a bar from being a Medicaid service provider.
Swanton sets up for a new museum; Historical society acquires old bank building

1 week ago | samessenger.com | Josh Ellerbrock

SWANTON — The Swanton Historical Society has acquired a new space. Swanton Historical Society president Jason Barney and board member Heather Lavoie said the nonprofit recently received the Roy Insurance Agency building after owner David Horton donated it for use as a museum. “He understood how much we’re very passionate about preservation of history. He really wanted the building to be preserved and cared for,” Lavoie said.
Getting fit together; New FITCLUB arrives at Highgate Commons

1 week ago | samessenger.com | Josh Ellerbrock

ST. ALBANS — After opening up a new spot in Highgate Commons, business owner and wellness coach Heather O’Neill wants to help local residents get started on their personal fitness journeys. “A lot of my customers, or clients who come in, don’t typically go to a gym or have a gym membership. And their thing is, ‘I don’t know what to do. I don’t want people to look at me. I’m nervous,” O’Neill said Thursday morning at FITCLUB STA.
‘Once Upon a Mattress’ comes to MVU

2 weeks ago | samessenger.com | Josh Ellerbrock

SWANTON – With so many talented students looking for a part, the Missisquoi Valley Union drama department needed a show with the energy to match. It seems they found the right fit. “Once Upon a Mattress” is coming to Missisquoi Valley Union Middle/High School this weekend with shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. “This one is all just light-hearted fun,” MVU student Caleb Tropeano said.
Brewfest swapped for Bash at Bay; Town releases summer schedule

2 weeks ago | samessenger.com | Josh Ellerbrock

ST. ALBANS TOWN — The Town of St. Albans is updating and adding to its summer schedule of events to bring a few more crowds to St. Albans Bay. Here’s a review of what’s coming down the line. When: Every Thursday 4:30-7:30 p.m., starting May 29 thru Sept. 4Where: St. Albans Bay ParkReturning again this year, the weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer’s Market features a wide range of vendors and music for relaxing evenings at the town’s historic bay park.