President, Governor Lowers Flags to Respect California Shooting Victims
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that – in accordance with a proclamation from President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. directing flags to be lowered throughout the country as a mark of solemn respect for victims of the mass shooting last night in Monterey Park, California – he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut to fly at half-staff beginning immediately until sunset on Thursday, January 26, 2023.
Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this same duration of time.
“My heart breaks for those who were killed and injured in last night’s mass shooting in Monterey Park,” Governor Lamont said. “This tragedy at the hands of an individual with a gun is a sad and terrible reminder that more action is needed to prevent deadly shootings like this.”
Gretchen Hoeltzel, 56, Died; Former Westporter
Gretchen Hoeltzel, 56, of West Stockbridge MA, passed away on December 13, 2022 at Berkshire Medical Center with her husband and mother by her side.
Born in Elkhart, Indiana on July 2, 1966, she was the daughter of Rudolph L. and Mary Ball Hoeltzel. She grew up in Indiana and Westport, Connecticut, and graduated with honors from the University of Massachusetts.
She married Alan Champney of Dennis, Massachusetts in September 1994 and spent most of her married life on the Cape, where she and Alan owned and operated L'Alouette Bistro in Harwichport. She enjoyed days off at the outer beach and long walks with the many dogs she adopted. Along with Alan, she loved hosting and feasting with family and friends. She is remembered by all who knew her for her loving kindness, gentleness, and free spirit.
Gretchen is survived by her husband Alan, her mother Mary of Stockbridge, her brother Lloyd Hoeltzel and his wife Angela and daughter Sylvie (Gretchen's niece) of Secaucus New Jersey, along with several cousins and extended family.
SERVICES - There will be a Celebration of Life for Gretchen on the Cape in April. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family please go to www.finnertyandstevens.com
Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Jan. 21, 2023.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. North wind 7 to 9 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 28. Light and variable wind.
Tomorrow
A 50 percent chance of rain after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Light southwest wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tomorrow Night
Rain. Low around 36. South wind 7 to 14 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Westport Property Transfers: December 26-30th; One Property Sells for $1.2 Million
Westport Town Clerk’s Office:
Total Conveyance Tax: $3,045.00.
Total Sales: $1,218,000
Transfer:
31 Ellery Lane: $1,218,000