New York Troopers, Rangers Search Adirondacks for Missing Westporter (Times Union) UPDATE
Update:
After nearly one week missing, New York State Police and Park Rangers report that the body of Westporter Thomas Howard was recovered at around 10:30 this morning from the Adirondack High Peaks. “The Howard family wishes to express their gratitude to the community and the searchers for their support” read a State release published by NCPR, “"The family asks for privacy as they grieve the loss of their loved one."
. . .
Conn. hiker reported missing after Adirondack hike
“NORTH ELBA [NY] — State Police at Ray Brook are assisting state forest rangers with a missing hiker from Connecticut.
On March 11, Thomas A. Howard of Westport went hiking in on Mt. Colden in the town of North Elba. On March 16, he was reported missing after failing to return from his trip.
Howard is approximately 6-foot-1, 170 pounds, has gray hair, and was last known to be wearing a long red jacket, gray boots and snow shoes. His last known location was at the Marcy Dam lean-to.
State Police and forest rangers are asking anyone who may have seen Howard to contact Troop B at 518-891-2000, or the DEC in Ray Brook at 518-891-0235.”
The search for the missing Westporter - a Yale alum with a doctorate in economics and experience hiking - has been elevated to an intense multi-agency response, according to NCPR:
According to the DEC, Howard said he planned to return to the trailhead by Sunday, March 13.
Three days after his anticipated return, DEC Dispatch was notified that Howard was overdue. His car was found at the Adirondack Loj parking lot.
Adirondack Forest Rangers have searched the area on foot, on snowmobile and by air with the help of the New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation helicopter.
Hikers in the High Peaks have reportedly been seeing the state helicopter flying low over the Mt. Colden and Trap Dike area in recent days.
Forest Rangers have been assisted in their search by NYSP Investigators, DEC Emergency Management Unit, and Trained Rescue Climbers and plan to continue their search for Howard on Friday
Morning Weather Report
Today
Areas of fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 69. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight
A chance of drizzle or light rain after 2am. Areas of fog after 2am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 45. Light south wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tomorrow
A chance of drizzle before 8am, then showers between 8am and 2pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Areas of fog before 11am. High near 57. South wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tomorrow Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. South wind 5 to 7 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Westport Seeks next Poet Laureate as Diane Lowman’s Term Comes to an End
Westport Arts Advisory Committee: The Westport Arts Advisory Committee (WAAC), has announced a search for the town’s second Poet Laureate, whose 2-year term will begin on July 1.
WAAC initiated the Town Poet Laureate position in 2019. The inaugural Laureate, Diane Lowman, will have served a 3-year term on June 30, extended a year due to the pandemic. During her tenure, Diane recited and curated poetry at Town ceremonies and events, the schools, the Center for Senior Activities, the Library and arts events. Early in the pandemic, she launched a lawn sign campaign with original haikus and images, to help raise spirits in town.
The Town of Westport Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for both the town and the literary form, helping to celebrate and continue the town’s vibrant literary history. The First Selectwoman’s office appoints the Poet Laureate; WAAC administers the program.
The Poet Laureate’s objectives are, but are not limited, to:
· Promote poetry as a form of communication, inspiration, and entertainment for local residents.
· Participate in the Connecticut Poet Laureate group to create and participate in programs throughout the state.
· Expand access to and create connection through poetry.
· Elevate awareness of and appreciation for all forms of poetry.
· Advocate for poetry, literature, and the arts.
· Contribute to the town’s literary legacy through public readings and participation in civic events.
Candidates should be 21 years of age or older, live in Westport, and have a wide range of relevant knowledge and experience. They must be comfortable with public speaking, and willing to work collaboratively with the town school district, library, and other cultural organizations to develop and present poetry-related activities and events. The candidate must have adequate time and flexibility to complete these and other requirements of the position. The Town of Westport Poet Laureate is an honorary, non-compensated two-year position.
For more information and the application packet, please visit: https://www.westportarts.org. Direct inquiries to waac@westportct.gov with the subject line POET.
The deadline for submitting applications and supporting materials is Friday, April 15. A committee made up of representatives from the Westport Schools, the Westport Library, and WAAC will review the applications and interview finalists as part of the selection process. The new Poet Laureate, whose term begins July 1, will be announced on June 1.
Westport Arts Advisory Committee was established by the RTM in 1997; its members are appointed by the First Selectwoman. WAAC is committed to increasing public awareness of all of Westport’s artists, arts organizations and cultural resources.
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 22; State Positivity Rate 2.40%
The State Department of Public Health reported 22 more cases in Westport over the past day. The State’s daily test positivity rate was up to 2.40% while hospitalizations were up by 02 patients, with 100 patients total currently hospitalized for COVID-19 throughout the State.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 3,955 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 36 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 2.40% [up from 2.31%]
State Hospitalizations: 100 patients [+02]