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Windham County Lead Hazard Control Program Marks First Year with 388 Lead-Safe Certifications

Contact:
Elisha Underwood
Program Manager
eunderwood@windhamcountyvt.gov
(802) 212-1548

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2026

Free lead-based paint training and certification drives workforce growth, marking a successful first year and setting the stage for future lead hazard reduction grants.

WINDHAM COUNTY, Vt. — The Windham County Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Capacity Building Program has provided 388 free lead-based paint safety certifications since launching in 2024. Participants, including contractors, property owners and property managers, are helping expand lead-safe work across Vermont. Administered through the Windham County Sheriff's Office, the program lays the groundwork for future lead hazard reduction grants in the county.

Training is available to Vermonters and those who work in Vermont through accredited providers. Available certifications include Renovation, Repair, Painting, and Maintenance (RRPM) and Lead Abatement Worker and Supervisor. Through partnerships with Lead-EDU and Evergreen Environmental Health & Safety, eligible participants can have their training cost fully covered at checkout using code LeadSafeVT while grant funds are available.

The Vermont Department of Health Asbestos and Lead Regulatory Program credited the program with driving interest in lead-safe licensing across the state.

"In the first year of this grant, the program's outreach and free trainings have helped increase interest in several Vermont licenses, including RRPM, lead abatement, and lead consulting. The program has also helped us connect with New Hampshire contractors and explore ways to reduce barriers to working in Vermont. We look forward to continuing this collaboration with Windham County," said Amy Danielson, Manager, Vermont Department of Health Asbestos and Lead Regulatory Program.

Sheriff Mark Anderson, who directs the program, said addressing lead hazards aligns directly with his office's commitment to community safety.

"Lead exposure is a serious public health issue that directly impacts community safety, making this work a natural fit for the Sheriff's Office. This initiative develops a workforce that creates jobs and keeps Vermont families safe from the harmful effects of lead. We are proud of our first year but recognize there is real need in our communities. This work sets the stage for future lead hazard reduction grants that will create a stronger, healthier Windham County and a stronger Vermont," said Anderson.

Vermonters can access free lead training and certification through Lead-EDU or Evergreen Environmental Health & Safety by using code LeadSafeVT at checkout.

For more information about the program and upcoming training opportunities, visit https://lead.windhamcountyvt.gov/about/ or contact Elisha Underwood at eunderwood@windhamcountyvt.gov or call (802) 212-1548.

Media Contact:
Emily Gibbs
Outreach and Intake Coordinator
Egibbs@windhamcountyvt.gov
(802) 212-1549

About the Windham County Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Capacity Building Program
The Windham County Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Capacity Building Program is dedicated to improving health and safety conditions in homes throughout Windham County, Vermont. Through funding from HUD, the program aims to reduce childhood lead poisoning, support property owners in managing lead hazards, and strengthen the local workforce through specialized training and certification programs. For training information, visit https://lead.windhamcountyvt.gov/training/ .
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DUI #1 Arrest - Westminster

Incident: 26WHC001188
Date: March 28th, 2026
Location: I-91 Access Road
Investigating Deputy: Deputy Thomas Raymond, Detective Sergeant Mario Checchi

Accused: Bryan Kortick
Age: 29
City & State of Residence: Smithfield, Rhode Island

Charges:

1) Driving under the influence of Alcohol first offense

Description: On March 28th, 2026 at approximately 0026 hours a Deputy with the Windham County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on the I-91 Access Road after observing a vehicle traveling 58 miles per hour in the posted 35 mile per hour speed zone near Allen Brothers on U.S Route 5.

Subsequent investigation revealed the operator identified as Bryan Kortick was showing signs of impairment and a DUI investigation was initiated. At the conclusion of the investigation Kortick was placed under arrest and transported to the Windham County Sheriff's Office.

Kortick was then transported to Southern State Correctional Facility and held in lieu of $200 bail. Kortick was also issued a flash citation to appear before the Windham Superior Court, Criminal Division at a later date.

Court Date: 03/30/2026
Bail: $200

Multiple Arrests - Vernon

Incident: 26WHC001052, 26WHC001053
Date: March 19th, 2026
Location: Route 142
Investigating Deputy: Deputy Thomas Raymond

Accused: Tyson Hazelton
Age: 47
City & State of Residence: Vernon, Vermont

Charges: Criminal DLS

Accused: Shenandoah Gilbert
Age: 49
City & State of Residence: Vernon, Vermont

Charges: Ignition Interlock Required

Description: On March 19th, 2026 a Deputy with the Windham County Sheriff's office assigned to the Town of Vernon observed a vehicle traveling south on Route 142 with defective equipment. The Deputy initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and the operator identified as Tyson Hazelton of Vernon was subsequently arrested for driving with a criminally suspended license. While on scene the deputy identified the operator of a second vehicle that had also pulled over and subsequently arrested Shenandoah Gilbert also of Vernon for operating a motor vehicle without a ignition interlock device as required.

Both Gilbert and Hazelton were arrested at the scene and transported to the Windham County Sheriff's Office for processing. At the conclusion of processing both Gilbert and Hazelton were issued criminal citations to appear before the Windham Superior Court, Criminal Division at a later date. Haselton and Gilbert were then released.

Court Date: 05/26/2026
Bail: Released

Criminal DLS in Saxtons River

Incident:26WHC001150
Date:03/25/26
Location:Rte 121 Saxtons River VT
Investigating Deputy:David S. Gaillardetz

Accused:Crystal A. Losee
Age:43
City & State of Residence: Bellows Falls Vermont

Charges: Driving While Suspended- Criminal

Description: On 03/25/2026 at approximately 1123 hours, Crystal A. Losee, was stopped operating a vehicle on Rte. 121 in the Village of Saxtons River. Investigation revealed that Losee privilege to drive in Vermont was suspended criminally. Losee was issued a Criminal Citation to appear into the Windham Superior Court, Criminal Division at a later Date. Losee was also issued a traffic ticket for vehicle not inspected.

Court Date:05/05/2026
Bail:N/A

Putney Arrest On Warrant

Incident: 26WHC001158
Date: 03/25/2026
Location: Putney, VT
Investigating Deputies: Deputy Richard Levesque, Det.Sgt. Mario Checchi

Accused:Billie Jo Wilder
Age:50
City & State of Residence:Putney, VT

Charges:Failure to appear to serve sentence.

Description: On March 25, 2026 Deputies with the Windham County Sheriff's Office located Billie Jo Wilder at a residence in the town of Putney. Wilder had an active hold without bail warrant and was taken into custody without incident. Wilder was transported to Southern State Correctional Facility where she was held without bail.

Court Date:03/26/2026
Bail: None

Excessive Speed in Dummerston

Incident: 26WHC001140
Date: 03/24/26
Location: W. River Rd, Dummerston
Investigating Deputy: Sgt. Norton #166

Accused: Lynn M. Andreen
Age: 78
City & State of Residence: Winhall, VT

Charges:
1) Excessive Speed

Description: On the above date and time, the Windham County Sheriff's Office stopped a vehicle being operated by Lynn Andreen after it was observed to be traveling 81 mph in the legally posted 50 mph speed zone on W. River Rd in Dummerston. Marisa was released from the scene with a citation to appear in the Windham Superior Court, Criminal Division at a later date. She was also issued a traffic ticket for the civil speeding violation.

Court Date: 05/26/26
Bail: N/A

Excessive Speed in Dummerston

Incident: 26WHC001137
Date: 03/24/26
Location: W. River Rd, Dummerston
Investigating Deputy: Sgt. Norton #166

Accused: Marisa A. Birri
Age: 46
City & State of Residence: S. Newfane, VT

Charges:
1) Excessive Speed

Description: On the above date and time, the Windham County Sheriff's Office stopped a vehicle being operated by Marisa Birri after it was observed to be traveling 85 mph in the legally posted 50 mph speed zone on W. River Rd in Dummerston. Marisa was released from the scene with a citation to appear in the Windham Superior Court, Criminal Division at a later date. She was also issued a traffic ticket for the civil speeding violation.

Court Date: 05/26/26
Bail: N/A

Negligent Operation and Excessive Speed in Westminster

Incident: 26WHC001126
Date: 03/24/26
Location: I-91 S in Westminster
Investigating Deputy: Sgt. Norton #166

Accused: Samuel W. Buckman
Age: 27
City & State of Residence: Lebanon, NH

Charges:
1) Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
2) Excessive Speed

Description: On the above date and time, the Windham County Sheriff's Office stopped a vehicle being operated by Samuel Buckman after it was observed to be traveling 100 mph in the legally posted 65 mph speed zone on I-91 in Westminster. Samuel was released from the scene with a citation to appear in the Windham Superior Court, Criminal Division at a later date. He was also issued a traffic ticket for the civil speeding violation.

Court Date: 05/26/26
Bail: N/A

DUI Arrest in Londonderry

Incident:26WHC000998
Date: 03/13/26
Location:Winhall Hollow Rd @ Rte 100
Investigating Deputy: Deputy David S. Gaillardetz

Accused:Carolina J. Harris
Age: 28
City & State of Residence:Londonderry VT

Charges:
1) Driving Under the Influence First Offense

Description: On the aforementioned date and time, a Deputy with the Windham County Sheriff's Office received a call for a vehicle down over an embankment near the river in the area of VT Route 100 and Winhall Hollow Road.

Upon making contact with the operator, clues of impairment were observed. The Operator Carolina J Harris was arrested after investigation. Harris was then transported to the Windham County Sheriff's Office for processing. Harris was later released on a citation to appear at the Windham Superior Court Criminal Division at a later date.

Court Date: 03/31/2026
Bail:N/A

Driving While Suspended in Newfane

Incident: 26WHC000958
Date: 03/11/2026
Location: Route 30, Newfane
Investigating Deputy: Ashley Pinger

Accused: Brian A. Betit
Age: 27
City & State of Residence: Whitingham, Vt

Charges: Driving while suspended

Description: On 03/11/2026 at approximately 1605 hours, Brian Betit was arrested by the Windham County Sheriff's Office after the vehicle he was driving was observed speeding 52 MPH in a posted 40 MPH zone. During the stop, it was discovered Brian's privilege to drive in the state was suspended. He was released on a citation to appear in the Windham Superior Court, Criminal Division at a later date. He was also issued a speeding violation traffic ticket.

Court Date: 04/28/2026
Bail: N/A