Monday, August 31, 2009

Woman Walks from New Orleans to Vermont

A Pennsylvania woman set out on a 1,100 mile journey that ended in our region, her goal was to raise awareness of global warming.

65-year-old Greta Browne spent the past five months walking the entire length of U.S. Route 11 which runs from New Orleans to Rouses Point, New York. As a lifelong activist, Browne began her Climate Walk to bring attention to what she believes is one of the most pressing challenges we face, but admits that it may take a while for others to catch on. Browne said quote--"I always consider myself just a drop in the bucket, change and awareness is very incremental, I know it takes me a long time to actually go with something sometimes. We're resistant so my goal was not to do too much, I didn't have a big goal, it was just to raise awareness and be one of those little dots in people's awareness."

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Shoreham School Opening Late

School is starting about two weeks later than Shoreham...


That's because there's mold and asbestos on the school that workers are trying to clean out. The Addison County Independent reports that on August 27th, Addison County Supervisory Union officials announced the school would open on Sept. 14, almost two weeks later than the original date of September 2nd. In a letter to Shoreham families, ACSU superintendent Lee Sease said that the delay is due to the need to remove mold and asbestos in the school. It was discovered during a routine carpet cleaning in early July. Officials said the mold is creating air quality issues throughout the building. When the ACSU consulted an expert about the problem, the expert recommended that the carpets be replaced in affected areas.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Firefighter killed returning from call

A volunteer firefighter was killed yesterday after he lost control of the fire truck he was driving and hit a telephone pole. State police say 55-year-old Kenneth Frizzell Jr. died as he was returning from a fire call. He was thrown from the truck and pronounced dead at the scene. Frizzell was a member of the Town of Charleston Volunteer Fire Department. State police say the truck was totaled.

State teachers start school without contracts

Vermont teachers start the school year this week, and many will be working without union contracts. The sagging economy has some unions scaling back their demands for pay hikes, settling instead for increases. Joel Cook of the Vermont-NEA says more districts than usual will be continuing negotations into the fall. Locally, Rutland City still has two union contracts awaiting approval.




Another Vermont inmate dead in cell

A Vermont prison inmate who surrendered to his probation officer after learning he was the target of a drug investigation was found dead in his cell. 49-year-old Michael Crosby appeared to be sleeping in his cell at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility but was unresponsive when guards tried to wake him up last Wednesday. Crosby is the second Vermont inmate to die in recent days. Twenty-three-year-old Ashley Ellis died August 16th at Northwest State Correctional Facility three days after she began a 30-day sentence stemming from a highway accident. An autopsy on Crosby is pending to see if drugs played a part in his death.

Schools preparing for swine flu

State health and education officials are advising school administrators and nurses on how to prepare for the upcoming flu season. Schools are opening this week and officials are taking the threat seriously. Rutland Superintendent Mary Moran posted information on the district's Web site. She said H1N1, or swine flu is still with us, even in the final weeks of summer. She added that the virus will be circulating during fall and winter along with the regular flu. A new vaccine being developed to prevent swine flu is expected soon, and the state may make students a priority for that vaccine.

Assistance for low income wood users

Low-income Vermonters who use wood for heating their homes can take advantage of the state's Wood Warms program. Those who meet income eligibility requirements are eligible for up to two cords of wood each heating season. About 400 cords of seasoned wood will be available starting September 15th. The wood will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested Vermonters can apply to local community action agencies starting tomorrow.



Who is Running for Gov?

Who's running for governor in Vermont next year now that Governor Jim Douglas has announced he's not? We still don't know for sure, but we do know that the Burlington Free Press reports that Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie says he'll make an announcement soon. Some of those who have declared their intentions to run are all Democrats so far like, Chittenden County Sen. Doug Racine, Lamoille County Senator Susan Bartlett, and Secretary of State Deb Markowitz. If he decides to go for it, Dubie would be the first Republican in the race in 2010.

Baiting Rabies

It may seem like fish sticks falling from the sky, but it's not, so don't try to eat them. The US Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services and the state of Vermont are dropping the baits to kill rabies in raccoons. The baits drop about 500 feet from an airplane into rural areas, but in areas that are more densely populated, the Burlington Free Press reports that the baits are placed by hand. Some of the areas that are being tacked right now are Crittenden, Orleans, Grand Isle, Franklin, Essex and Cadonia Counties. The baits are not harmful to humans or pets, but people should to keep their dogs and other pets away from the bait.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Same-sex weddings to begin Tuesday

Same-sex couples in Vermont will finally be able to marry beginning Tuesday, and it's looking to be a very busy time for ministers. Under the new law, churches aren't required to perform ceremonies for same-sex couples, so business is picking up for independent ministers. Newspaper ads, mailers and websites are showing up to publicize the availability of people who can perform marriages and are willing to do so for same-sex couples.

Transgendered ask for unisex restrooms

A transgendered former school athlete is asking the state to require unisex bathrooms in middle and high schools. 16-year-old Kyle Giard-Chase asked the Vermont Human Rights Commission to endorse the effort. He said that as a three-sport athlete at Burlington High School, he was verbally harassed and threatened by the members of the host school's football team for using the girls' restroom. Gender-neutral bathrooms can be converted from handicapped bathrooms. The commission expressed some sympathy toward the plight of young people whose struggles with gender identity make them uncomfortable using gender-specific bathrooms, but it didn't take any action. Vermont passed the Gender Identity Nondiscrimination Act of 2007.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Teen in custody on sex charges

An unidentified 17-year-old boy was arrested on multiple sex charges including lewd conduct with a child.
Police say the teenager abused two children, one male, one female, in Brookfield. Police said the suspect repeatedly forced himself on the girl, and threatened to kill the boy if he told.



Carjacking suspect sentenced

A Connecticut man has been sentenced in connection with a carjacking and a high-speed chase across Rutland County. 22-year-old Mark Hunter will spend more than three years in jail. Hunter is the first of four men accused in the case. Hunter was allowed to plead guilty to possession of stolen property because prosecutors said they didn't have enough evidence to prove that Hunter was involved in the carjacking. 24-year-old George Gaston and 22-year-old Rahe Autry have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
A fourth defendant pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.



Heroin convicts sentenced

A couple charged in a drug bust last spring have been sentenced on drug charges and one was sentenced on dozens of charges accumulated since the original arrest. 23-year-old Ronald Coble pleaded guilty to heroin trafficking. He'll spend two to five years in the Discovery Program for inmates with substance-abuse problems. Kasandra Cole received a suspended sentence of one to three years. She was also charged with 55 violations of her conditions of release. Cole had been released on bail and one of the conditions was that she stay away from Coble. Perkett refused, and later had his child.
The arrests came in September 2008 after a car stop in which police said an informant admitted to being en route to buy heroin from Coble.

Douglas: "I'm not running for President!"

So now that Governor Jim Douglas has said he won't run for governor again, what will the longtime Vermont Public servant do?

"I'm not running for the U.S. Senate,the U.S. House or any other statewide office in 2010. However, for the the next 16 months, I am running state government."

Douglas said he won't even go after the big office!

"I know there'll be some speulation as to what is next, so I want to lay a few questions to rest immediately. I am not running for President. Dorothy has a divorce lawyer on speed dial if I ever utter that crazy idea."

Douglas has been in Vermont politics since 1973, first representing Middlebury in the state legislature and winning the Governor's office eight years ago. He says he will continue to serve Vermonters in some capacity,just not a public one.

Douglas Won't Run for Another Term

The Vermont governor's office will be up for grabs next year.


After spending much of his life in public service...

"I will not seek another term as governor of Vermont."

Middlebury's favorite son, Governor Jim Douglas says eight years in the state's highest office is enough. He started his political life as a state rep from here in Middlebury and worked his way up to the governor's office. Douglas told a news conference yesterday that he will continue his work in the state.

"I'll continue to fight for Vermonters and small business owners who struggle to make ends meet by resisting efforts to raise taxes, to grow government and increase spending, as I always have, but now, let threre be no doubt: I'll fight to do what is best for Vermont and devote my full energy to guiding this great state to a more prosperous future."

He said it's time to turn a page in his life. Douglas and his wife Dorothy have two sons and one of them has a son of his own, to which Douglas said quote "a new generation has a way of putting things in perspective. Douglas said he won't ge running for another public office.

Phony DMV website is scam

There's another scam email circulating in Vermont. A phony Department of Motor Vehicles website asks motorists to renew their registrations and renew their driver's license using a credit card. The Vermont DMV is warning computer users not to visit these websites, and only visit the official Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles website to do their on-line transactions. The bogus websites look authentic, take you through a series of pages, then ask you for your credit card information. The DMV has reported the scam to the Attorney General's office.

Woman in crash pleads not guilty to parole violation

A Vermont woman involved in a car crash that caused a pregnant woman to lose her twin fetuses has pleaded not guilty to a parole violation charge. Police say 22-year-old Kelly Cook crossed the center line on a Bennington road and hit a minivan driven by Patricia Blair, who was pregnant. She was on probation at the time, after pleading guilty in 2007 to taking $80 from a register and tip jar from a beauty salon.
Police said after the accident, Cook admitted to taking a tranquilizer that she didn't have a prescription for. Part of her probation conditions were that she not take medication not prescribed by a doctor.

Car crash woman guilty of probation violation

A Vermont woman involved in a car crash that caused a pregnant woman to lose her twin fetuses has pleaded not guilty to a parole violation charge. Police say 22-year-old Kelly Cook crossed the center line on a Bennington road and hit a minivan driven by Patricia Blair, who was pregnant. She was on probation at the time, after pleading guilty in 2007 to taking $80 from a register and tip jar from a beauty salon.
Police said after the accident, Cook admitted to taking a tranquilizer that she didn't have a prescription for. Part of her probation conditions were that she not take medication not prescribed by a doctor.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Volunteer crime fighters hit by theft

Rutland's Volunteers in Police Services hit the streets earlier this year, patrolling neighborhoods and reporting suspicious activity to the police. But the volunteer crime fighting group was itself a victim of crime last month when someone broke into its office and stole about a thousand dollars worth of equipment. Police don't have evidence of forced entry and the door was found unlocked. But officer Timothy Tuttle and volunteer coordinator Jennifer Cavacas said the theft may have been in retirbution for the group's effort to fight the bad guys. Anyone with any information about the theft can call Officer Tuttle at 773-1816.

Displaced want back in after fire

The residents of 12 senior apartments, a day-care center and the Proctor Post Office who were displaced by a fire Friday night are wondering when they can move back in. Cynthia Thurston of the Postal Service say regular mail delivery will go on as always, but PO box customers will have to go to the Rutland Post Office post office for service. Seniors living in the apartment complex were assured by the building's owner that doing what they can. Simpson Development Corporation hadn't determined a dollar value for the damage when an insurance adjuster arrived at the building on Sunday. Butch Sutherland of the Vermont Division of Fire Safety, said the damage to the building boils down to electricity.

Clunkers Program has Good and Bad Sides

Now that cash for clunkers is over, how'd we do? Well, dealers did just fine. The program put cash in their pockets at a time when many car dealers across the country were struggling. The Rutland Herald reports that when the federal program ended on Monday it also presented dealers with little inventory and some big administrative headaches. Some dealers said they sold more vehicles than they ever expected, while others said they didn't like having to give up the 35 hundred to 45 hundred dollars rebates themselves and then wait for the government to reimburse them. The Department of Transportation said that by the time all the vouchers for reimbursement are submitted, about 700 thousand cars will have been junked under the program.

Paying for Education in Vermont

How is Vermont paying to educate it students? Just as school is starting for the 2009-2010 school year, state legislators and taxpayers are again looking at a 1997 Vermont Supreme Court case in which the state's high court ordered statewide education for students. Lawmakers and those who pay for the laws they make are trying to figure out how to pay for education. At the end of the 2009 session, the legislature called a 15-member committee to examine the potential improvements to the structure and funding of Vermont's educational system in light of the state's limited financial resources.

Cable install company fined by state

The state has issued one of its largest ever workplace safety fines against a company that used to do cable installations for Comcast. Vermont OSHA cited six violations by Advanced Digital Communications after an investigation of the company's vehicles, equipment and safety procedures. It issued fines totaling $217,000. The state cited vehicles with cracked windshields, burned out lights, broken windshield wipers and expired inspection stickers. It also found problems with the equipment provided to workers.

Vermont Yaknee undergoing fixes

The Vermont Yankee nuclear plant has reduced power by 15 percent to allow workers to do maintenance on the reactor's control rods and fix a leaky pump seal and other problems. Plant spokesman Robert Williams said the leak in the feed-water system had been discovered several weeks ago and was leaking about two cups of water a minute. The water is caught in a collection system. Williams couldn't say how long the repairs would take or how long the reactor would be at reduced power. Williams said an earlier leak this summer has been resolved.

Rutland utility company to review staff size

The state has ordered Central Vermont Public Service to hire a consultant to assess whether the Rutland-based utility has too many workers. CVPS has about 550 employees. The state Public Service Department suggested a staffing review last year. The department and CVPS agreed to hire a consulting group, which reported that both sides were in dispute over the scope and methodology of the review. According to the board, the utility has more employees than other Vermont utility companies in corporate services, human resources, information technology, finance and transportation. A CVPS spokesman said the utility doesn't believe it's overstaffed.

Fake cop arrested in Essex

Essex Police say they have arrested the man who posed as a cop to pull a woman over on the road. Investigators say 51-year-old Kevin Heffernan placed a blue light on his car and followed a woman home along Sand Hill Road. He reportedly tried to get the woman out of her car for driving erratically. She refused and Heffernan left. There was a similar incident on River Road last month, but police don't think Heffernan was responsible.

Statements given in Rutland domestic violence case

A Rutland woman was in court yesterday on charges she hit a man in the face with a piece of wood molding covered with exposed staples. 41-year-old Annette Rider pleaded innocent. 48-year-old
David Rider told Rutland police that Rider hit him during a family fight. He had a wound under his left eye and was bleeding. His wife told officers the fight escalated when she tried to break up a verbal fight between him and her daughter. She could face up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine if found guilty.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

State Wants Death Penalty for Jacques

The state's going for the death penalty against Michael Jacques. The announcement came in Montpelier yesterday when federal officials said Jacques allegedly raped and murdered his niece Brooke Bennett last summer. She was 12 and he is 43 and the feds say he's shown no remose for what they call an especially heinous, cruel and depraved crime. The Rutland Herald reports that Bennett's disappearance last year set off Vermont's first ever Amber Alert and set in motion the state's sex offender registry. While Jacques was arrested shortly after Bennett disappeared, officials say the investigation moved slowly as federal and county prosecutors decided on the death penalty for Jacques.

Lowe Pleads Not Guilty

Chief says he's not guilty. Vergennes Police Chief Michael Lowe pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned on Monday. The Burlington Free Press reports that in the five page affidavit, Lowe became so hooked on painkillers after back surgery in 2007 that he pressured officer to get him the drugs. Lowe was arraigned on five criminal counts including embezzlement by a public official that we told you about yesterday and two counts of obtaining prescriptions drugs by fraud or deceit. The chief is on unpaid leave and will face a disciplinary hearing on September 14th before the Vergennes City Council.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Free program to help bosses with breastfeeding law

Women with children under the age of three are the fastest-growing sector of Vermont's labor force. State law requires employers to provide a private, comfortable workspace for breastfeeding, and the Vermont Commission on Women and the Department of Health are offering free assistance to help companies comply with that law. Advocates say ensuring that new mothers have the freedom and space to pump breast milk at work will bolster the health of babies and improve the productivity of their mothers.

Cop hurt while arresting repeat offender

A Vermont State Police trooper was injured while arresting a local man with an extensive criminal record. Police said 43-year-old John Williams was found in a home on Pleasant Street in Arlington in violation of a restraining order obtained by a local woman. She told police Williams had forced his way into the home and verbally harassed her. Troopers Timothy Newton and Jesse Robson arrested Williams and tried to handcuff him but he broke free and fled. The troopers caught up with Williams and had to use pepper spray to restrain him. Trooper Robson suffered a knee injury and was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center where he was treated and released. Williams was held at the Rutland jail on charges of violating an abuse prevention order and assaulting a police officer.

Cops say man drove his kids while stoned

40-year-old Ted Free was anything but a free man last week. The Bennington man was arrested Thursday for driving under the influence of drugs after employees at Pownal Elementary School told police that a man with "slurred speech and very odd behavior" had just picked up his two children. Officers said Free was under the influence of prescribed narcotic drugs and unable to operate his vehicle safely. Pending results of a drug test, more charges may be filed because Free's young children were in the vehicle at the time of his arrest. Free was cited on a citation to appear in Bennington District Court later this week.


FairPoint may have used faked data in start up

Regulators in Vermont and two other states are looking into charges that FairPoint Communications misrepresented its ability to take over the region’s phone network from Verizon during a review by a consultant hired by the states. FairPoint took over the network in February and since then has had an unending stream of consumer complaints. An anonymous e-mail from someone claiming to be a FairPoint insider charged that during tests leading up to the changeover, FairPoint created a computer program to fake a demonstration of its readiness. There’s no immediate response from FairPoint.

Two missing cons back in jail

A pair of convicts who disappeared while on furlough are back behind bars. 26-year-old Thomas Conte turned himself Friday night. Conte was jailed last September for violating probation, assault and driving with a suspended license for the fourth time. He was reported missing from his furlough last week. 22-year-old Matthew Williams went missing late last month. Corrections officials said he was taken into custody Thursday by Rutland City Police. Williams was on furlough for a laundry list of offenses, including grand larceny, taking a car without the owner’s consent and running from police. Both men are under lock and key at the Rutland jail.


28th Annual Vergennes Day Kicks Off This Weekend!

It's been 28 years in the making, but it's time for the 28th annual Vergennes Day. The Vergennes Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the event, which is a celebration of the community and is for all ages. The fun stars at 7 p.m. on Friday with a street dance featuring "The Hitmen". The festivities continue on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting with a pancake breakfast at the fire station from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. At 9 a.m. its the Little City 5k and 10k run walk starting with registration at Stevens House at Main and North Green Streets. More info about the entire weekend is online at www.vergennesday.com




Sunday, August 23, 2009

Vermont jobless numbers in question

Vermont's July drop in unemployment rate is the biggest in the country, maybe. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics showed Vermont's unemployment rate dropping from 7.3 percent to 6.8 percent in July, but the Bureau now says it's checking its math. State officials said a calculation problem in Connecticut prompted them to hold off releasing the Vermont numbers until today.

Prescription assistance available to Vermonters

More and more people are turning to a Vermont assistance program for those who can't afford their medications. Fletcher Allen's Health Assistance Program is a free service that helps people obtain health insurance. It can also supply them with prescribed medications, eyeglasses, and dentures. About 700 patients have been helped so far this year, only about 100 fewer than in all of 2008. If you're interested in this program's services, the best way to get in touch is to call them for an appointment at 802-847-6984.

Another round of flooding hits Rutland

Rutland residents had to pump out water from their homes and businesses Friday for the second time in just over a year. The heavy downpour overwhelmed city storm drains, and ended up in basements and living rooms, soaking carpets and washing away driveways. The fire chief said low-lying areas are often affected by flooding. Friday's flooding was not as severe as in June but residents are frustrated and eager for a solution to the recurring problem. The Red Cross set up temporary shelter at Rutland Regional Medical Center for those who had to evacuate their homes.

Prescription drugs are most popular high in state

Vermont health officials say prescription medications are now the drugs of choice among young adults.
Barbara Cimaglio of the Vermont Department of Health, says in 2005, 719 were addicted to prescription drugs and by 2008, 1,602 were admitted for prescription drug addiction. The most commonly abused prescriptions are painkillers like Vicodin and OxyContin. Cimaglio said young people aren't going to the corner drug dealer anymore because the can simply grab their drugs from their parents' medicine cabinet. Cimaglio said many people share their medications with friends which is a serious crime in Vermont.

Tax-free day a hit

Parking lots were packed Saturday as shoppers grabbed big-ticket items on Vermont's one-day sales tax holiday. The hot items included home remodeling supplies, furniture and pellet stoves. Some merchants said sales down a bit from last year's no-tax day, perhaps because of downpour on Friday, but business was still brisk compared to a normal Saturday. The sales tax holiday was good on items of less than $2,000. There will be another tax-free day on March 6th.

Middlebury Economy Improving

Could Middlebury be bucking the economic downturn? It could, if the local option tax totals are any indication. The Addison County Independent reports that they were more than 165 thousand dollars during the second quarter of 2009. That means the town can afford its first debt obligation on the new Cross Street Bridge. The local option tax comes from the town's share of the one percent on sales, rooms and alcohol. The tax is supposed to raise more than 600 thousand dollars a year on the 16 million dollar Cross Street Bridge project. Middlebury College will also contribute to the bridge project to the tune of six hundred thousand dollars. The Cross Street Bridge extension will connect Main and Court Streets.

Clinics Could Be Set Up to Fight Flu

Vermont might set up clinics to vaccinate students against the flu. The state may set up clinics in schools starting in October to fight the H1N1 virus. The clinics would vaccinate children against the virus. Clinics would be optional at schools and Vermont's Health Commissioner Wendy Davis says they're voluntary. And as school resumes for the fall, schools in Vermont may ease attendance requirements to keep healthy students healthy. The Burlington Free Press reports that the state my not push for prefect attendance, but suggest that students who are sick stay home so they don't affect other students, faculty and staff.

Friday, August 21, 2009

New Vermont US attorney, Marshall sworn in

Two veteran law enforcement officials has been sworn in as Vermont's top federal cops. Tristram Coffin is now the top federal prosecutor in the state and David Demag is the state's U.S. Marshal. Senator Patrick Leahy administered the oath of office to the two at a ceremony yesterday. Coffin has worked as an assistant U.S. attorney and has been in private practice. Demag served in a variety of law enforcement posts in Vermont, most recently as chief in Essex. Both men were recommended by Senator Leahy and nominated by President Obama.

Vermont Yankee fund gap slowly closing

Vermont Yankee's decommissioning fund is still short of cash, but federal regulators say they see signs of improvement. The plant's owner, Entergy Nuclear, says the fund's shortfall has shrunk to $58 million. That's about $100 million less than the $513 million dollars the Nuclear Regulatory Commission says should be in the fund by the time the plant's license is set to expire in 2012. Entergy wants a 20-year extension of that license, and is hoping to have enough money in the fund to decommission the plant in the 2030s. NRC officials said yesterday they hope to resolve similar funding shortfalls with 26 plants around the country.

Feds say state hospital unsafe

Federal regulators have taken another shot at the Vermont State Hospital over what it calls a failure to provide a safe environment. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services criticized the hospital after it was disclosed that a patient hoarded medication and other items. Hospital officials found 52 Tylenol pills and 16 antacid tablets in a patient's room along with aluminum foil, tongue depressors, energy drinks and 30 boxes of cereal. Commissioner Michael Hartman of the Department of Mental Health, says the state is appealing the finding.

Middlebury College number three cool school

Middlebury College has come in as one of the country's "coolest" by the Sierra Club for its work to stop global warming. Middlebury came in third on the list, one notch ahead of the other top-ranked Vermont school, the University of Vermont. Earlier this year, Middlebury installed a wood-chip fired biomass steam heating plant. The plant will meet about half of the school's heating, cooling and hot water needs. Middlebury also has innovative programs like its the Campus Kitchens Project and the university's Sustainable Food Working Group.

State sales tax holiday tomorrow

Local retailers are looking forward to tomorrow's tax-free holiday hoping Vermonters will take advantage of the opportunity to keep the state's 6 percent tax in their pockets. Shoppers in Rutland Town will get an extra discount because the town's 1 percent local tax will also be waived for the day.
Vermont's one-day sales tax holiday affects purchases of personal items under $2,000, which makes big-ticket items like furniture and appliances the best deals of the day. Governor Douglas said he'll take advantage of the day to buy a new stove on orders from his wife.

Farmers Market expanding to two days weekly

The Middlebury Community Farmers Market will expand to Wednesday afternoons next week in addition to the usual Saturday morning market. The farmers market features produce, meats, poultry and locally made crafts. Vendors are required to sell only items that are locally grown or made. The resale of anything is prohibited. The farmers market will be open from 1 to 6 on Wednesday and 7:30 to noon Saturdays, at the old Smucker's Drug Store location on S. Main Street.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

CHA CHING! Time to Make Big Purchases During Tax Holiday

Vermont's tax holiday is this Saturday. Cha CHING! Get out your wallets kids and spend your money! While the economy may be down, its hoped that not having to pay state sales tax will raise the number of shoppers and their dollars in local stores. The Rutland Herald says some business owners expect about 20 times the number of customers this weekend as on a normal weekend. Vermont's one-day sales holiday gives shoppers a break on personal property items under $2,000, which is what makes jewelry, furniture and appliances the most sought-after purchases of the day. But stores that don't sell pricey goods also typically see a boost from the tax break.

Vermont Gets New US Attorney and US Marshal

Vermont has a new United States Attorney and U.S. Marshal. At a ceremony Thursday morning, Tristram Coffin was sworn-in as the top federal prosecutor in the state and David Demag as the U.S. Marshal. Sen. Patrick Leahy administered the oath of office. Coffin has worked as an assistant U.S. attorney and has been in private practice. Demag served in a variety of law enforcement posts in Vermont, most recently as chief in Essex. ABC 22 reports that both men were nominated by President Barack Obama after being recommended for the positions by U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy.

Sex suspect arrested a third time

A former Twinfield Union High School Teacher, accused of having sex with a student, has been arrested a third time. Police say 54-year-old John Buttura violated his conditions of release when he met with the same 16-year old girl for sex. Buttura was originally charged with sexually exploiting a minor in April and was released. He was picked up in May, for violating conditions of that release. This time, he's being held without bail.

Jailed woman had eating disorder

Court records show the 23-year-old woman who died at the state prison in St. Albans had sought treatment for an eating disorder. Ashley Ellis died Sunday, two days after she began a 30-day sentence stemming from a crash that resulted in a man being confined to a wheelchair. Rob Hofmann of the Human Services Agency told the Burlington Free Press that Ellis choked on food she was eating. A family friend said Ellis was on several medications for her eating disorder and for chest pains. An autopsy didn't identify a cause of death, pending the outcome of a toxicology report.

Groundbreaking for new crime lab

Officials held a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday for the state's new, $12 million crime lab expected to open just over a year from now. The state-of-the-art facility replaces one in the Department of Public Safety in Waterbury. The new center features a DNA lab with enough capacity to handle the anticipated increase in samples to be collected under Vermont's new sex offender law. A new firing range will be built with bulletproof walls for increased safety. Public Safety Commissioner Thomas Tremblay said the new facility will meet modern requirements for the management of evidence. The space next to the public safety building will be filled by the operations center for Vermont Emergency Management and the public safety commissioner's office.

Woman in hospital after Route7 crash

Police are asking witnesses to a Route 7 crash to come forward. A Mount Tabor woman was trapped in her car and had to be airlifted to a hospital. 25-year-old Robyn DePalma was transported after fire crews freed her out of what was left of her rolled over SUV. She was listed in fair condition Tuesday night. State police believe DePalma was traveling at a high rate of speed when she veered onto the right shoulder and hit a guardrail. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call state police at 773-9101.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Swine Flu Fears Prompt Pig Ban at Some County Fairs

Pigs won't be running a muck at all of Vermont's county fairs this year as in years past. And its all because of the swine flu. Yes, officials at some county fairs in Vermont say they're afraid kids and adults might get swine flu from touching pigs. But when the Caledonia County Fair kicks off next week in Lyndonville, kids won't be chasing pigs because there won't be any there. Fair officials say they know that pigs are not spreading the H1N1 virus but they banned them anyway. In Orleans County though, fair officials say they're afraid of pigs getting germs from kids. and parents alike, though said they have no worries. Dr. John Simons of Orleans Veterinary Service says quote -- "We want to show off our pigs." Parents say their kids like taking part in pig chases. So while you can go hog wild on pig chases in some counties, you get none in others.






Bushels of VT Apples Ready Around Labor Day

Most Vermont apple orchards are thriving... so say growers and state agriculture experts. Orchards are picking some early varieties, and the 2009 apple harvest is expected to begin in earnest around Labor Day, almost right on schedule. Celia Hackett is a co-owner of Hackett's Orchard and she says her apple crop is great this year because quote--"Things unfolded perfectly." She tells the Burlington Free Press that a spell of mild, sunny weather in mid-May allowed bees to invade her blooming orchard in South Hero and pollinate flowers. Hackett says that produced so many apples that workers had to thin developing fruit from some trees. Ag experts say Hackett is just a the crop and that there are bushels of apples waiting for a good set of choppers all over Vermont.


Police investigate car break-ins

State Police are investigating a string of car break-ins Friday night and Saturday morning in Bristol, Lincoln and Starksboro. About 15 vehicles were gone through in Addison County. Thieves stole coins and cash were stolen from unlocked cars. A laptop computer was taken from a car in Starksboro after someone smashed a window. Police ask anyone with information regarding the crimes to 388-4919.

Man who shot son while hunting accepts plea deal

A man who accidentally shot his 17-year-old son to death during a hunting trip has pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter and will avoid jail time under a plea agreement. 45-year-old Kevin Kadamus was charged in the May shooting death of his son Jacob. Police said the boy wandered into the area where his father was hunting when he was shot. Prosecutor Lisa Warren called the plea agreement a fair disposition under the circumstances.

Meeting to discuss Lowe's future on hold

The town of Vergennes has postponed indefinitely a meeting to discuss the future of its police chief.
The city manager was expected to address the board of aldermen last night with a recommendation about Chief Michael Lowe. Lowe has been on paid administrative leave since a June collision, in which he was accused of driving under the influence of drugs. Lowe denies the charges. Lowe is expected back in court next week to respond to embezzlement by a public official, neglect of duty, and several drug-related charges.

Bank robber gets jail term

A Bennington man will spend the next 3 1/2 to 7 years in prison for robbing a bank. Police said 49-year-old Michael Washington threatened tellers with a drill. He got away with more than $5,000 from the Key Bank in Brunswick, New York. Police caught up to Washington when he tried to spend the money. The cash was tinted red from a dye pack placed in the money bag by a teller.

Teacher claims innocence in teen booze party

A Vermont teacher accused of holding an underage drinking party in her home says she's innocent.
Thirty-eight-year-old Allyson Hoffman was cited Friday night in Sunderland. Police went to Hoffman's home Friday night on a tip about a party where teens were believed to be drinking. Police said several minors fled when they showed up, but others who had been drinking were found inside and outside the house. Hoffman works at Arlington Memorial High School and coaches the dance team.

Crack dealer sentecced in Rutland

A New York man convicted of selling crack cocaine in Vermont will spend nearly six years in prison. 21-year-old Adene Reid pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute. He was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge J. Garvan Murtha who also ordered four years of supervised release. Reid was indicted in 2008 in connection with Operation Marble Valley, a multi-agency probe into drug-related crime in the Rutland and Brandon areas between 2006 and 2008. Two co-defendants pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.



Rutland defendant dies after two days in jail

A woman serving a 30-day jail sentence for traffic-related convictions died at the jail on Sunday. 23-year-old Ashley Ellis was pronounced dead at Northwestern Medical Center, just two days after arriving at the state women's correctional facility. She was sentenced two weeks ago in Rutland District Court after conviction for negligent operation of a motor vehicle. Ellis was originally charged with a felony for causing an accident that disabled a Mount Tabor man. A Rutland jury acquitted her of the felony charge. At her most recent court appearance in Rutland, Ellis apologized to 44-year-old Scott Allen for the accident that left him confined to a wheelchair. A preliminary review by a medical director with the Department of Corrections found indications her death was from natural causes.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Habitat working in Middlebury

Habitat for Humanity has put a single mom and her four kids into their own house.
Jill Smith said she never expected to be able to own her own home, and now she has one - or soon will have. In April, Smith and her children will move from their current abode, a basement, to their own house. Not only is Habitat building the house, it's building it next to the new Otterview Park. The Addison County Independent reports that the raised-ranch, three-bedroom home will give 27-year old Smith and her children, ages 10 and younger, plenty of room to live, play and make memories. Smith said quote -- "It will be a major improvement. There's no way I would have been able to get a loan from a bank without help." She says she's grateful to a friend for letting her family live in the basement, but it's time to move up to their own home.

Dartmouth Dean Resigns

A new dean at Dartmouth College resigned suddenly.
Tom Crady joined the college less than 2 years ago but now plans to return to Iowa. The school gave no reason for the resignation. Sylvia Spears, the acting associate dean, will now serve as interim dean for 2 years, and then a search for a permanent replacement will begin.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Towns, cities slow to adopt social media

Millions of individuals and businesses consider Facebook and Twitter a must for communicating with friends and customers, but Vermont municipalities just haven't found a good enough reason yet to get on the bandwagon. Some towns, though are using a local social Web site known as Front Porch Forum to be very useful. With Front Porch Forum, people in specific towns or neighborhoods can communicate with each other, announce block parties, warn of car break-ins, ask questions about local services or comment on neighborhood issues. Colchester Town Manager Al Voegele said he uses the site to monitor for problems. Williston and South Burlington also monitor or post comments on Front Porch Forum. Progress seems to be moving slowly, but surely ahead. The Winooski Memorial Library now has both Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Couple marries on fire truck

It was a gown for her, a tuxedo for him and firefighter helmets for both. A local couple got married Saturday on a Rutland City fire truck. Tim Barrett and Lori Paolucci said their vows in a ladder truck basket about a hundred feet inthe air behind the fire house on Center Street. The groom said he wanted something very different from his traditional first wedding. His father Jack was a Rutland firefighter, so he asked Chief Robert Schlachter for his blessing to use the truck.

Manure Power is No Bull

What comes out of a dairy cow could one day be powering a dairy farm. Got manure?


Its eventually fuel oil, but it starts out as manure from dairy cows. Mark Hoffman is with Algepower in Bridport but based in Montpelier and says it's not just happening here in Vermont. He says quote -- "People are looking at algae all over the country. It's a really hot topic. Everybody's looking at algae, because it grows so fast and captures energy really well." The Addison County Independent reports that Algepower is working on developing a way to turn manure into oil using algae. Hoffman says by putting algae into liquid manure, the algae cells fill with oil that can be extracted and could one day power a dairy farm.

Green Mountain Coffee Expands To WA.

Now that Green Mountain Coffee has decided, keep its headquarters in Vermont, its looking at Washington State for its next plant.



Sumner, Washington that is, as the Boston Globe reports. That's the next place the local coffee producer is looking for a manufacturing and distribution facility. The company sells Tully's out there, and the new place will allow Green Mountain to expand other brands and its single cup business. It will also allow for continuation of the company's wholesale business and other national brands. Along with the two plants here in Vermont, Green Mountain also has one in Knoxville, Tennessee.

HS student pleads guilty to molest charge

A Mount Anthony Union High School student has pleaded guilty to lewd and lascivious conduct and admitted he touched another student inappropriately. The case against 17-year-old Brett Vlach of Bennington was transferred to family court under the youthful offender program. Vlach was charged after a 17-year-old classmate told them he had put his arms around her and touched her inappropriately. Public Defender Christopher Montgomery told the court Friday that Vlach had intended to taunt and intimidate the girl but not molest her.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Plans for Vermont Fallen Heroes Memorial Move Ahead

Plans to build a permanent memorial for all 35 of Vermont's fallen soldiers -- killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan -- are moving ahead.

Organizers say they still need to find a place for the memorial to soldiers who had ties to Vermont, and they're hoping it can be built at the Vermont Veterans Cemetery in Randalph Center. In just under two weeks, the members of Vermont Fallen Families will hold a motorcycle ride to raise money for the memorial. They're looking for 350 thousand dollars. WCAX TV reports that whoever raises the most in the fund raiser will win a Harley. The ride is on August 29th and ends at Lucky's off Route I-89, it's exit three. Anyone who wants to ride, or simply donate can go to WWW. Rideto remembervermont.org

PortaBrace Changes Gears

The recession has turned out to be a plus for a local company,


PortaBrace has been making gear bags for people like us: the media, but when the recession hit, marketing director Chris Miceli said orders for media bags slowed, but gave the company a chance to work on another project: EMT bags. Miceli says many of PortaBrace's employees are in fact, EMTs who pushed the company to make the bags. He says the EMTs helped design the bags since they knew what they needed. So now, MediBrace is making EMT backpacks, and bags for basic and advance life support, and will make several others in the future. And Miceli indicates they will continue making bags for reporter gear as well.

Coffee Roasters to stay in Vermont

Rumors that Green Mountain Coffee Roasters would leave the state have been put to rest. The company is moving its corporate headquarters out of Waterbury, but not out of Vermont. The company's Sandy Yusen told the Burlington Free Press Green Mountain plans to relocate some of it manufacturing to Williston. Yusen did not discuss how many of the 760 Waterbury employees might be affected.

Snowmobile driver gets DUI

Police arrested a Colchester man Saturday morning on charges of drunk driving in a most unusual manner. An officer saw a man driving erratically in a snowmobile. The officer followed it for a short distance before the driver got off the snowmobile in the yard of a home and ran off into the woods. It took a Police K9 to convince Joseph Quigley to stop. He was arrested for his fifth DUI offense. Quigley's blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit.

Doctor charged with overprescribing narcotics

A Ludlow doctor described as a liberal prescriber of drugs has had his physician’s license suspended after being accused of providing large quantities of powerful narcotic drugs to some of his private practice patients. The state Medical Practice Board alleged in April that Mitchell Miller regularly over-prescribed OxyContin, Percocet and other drugs to patients between 2000 and 2009. The Board quoted a pharmacist as saying Miller's office had a reputation as "the place to get your drugs." The allegations against Miller prompted Prison Health Services to drop him as a provider two weeks after his license suspension.

Sixth Resue from Camel's Hump

There have now been six resues from Camel's Hump. The Times Argus reports the Waterbury Backcountry Rescue Team brought a 65-year-old Londonderry woman to safety Thursday night after she fell and broke a leg. The team typically handles two to four rescues a year. Team leader Brian Lindner said that the high number of accidents thanks to the higher than average rainfall this season.

Town Hall meeting peaceful in Rutland

The debate over healthcare reform came to Rutland Saturday. More than 600 people attended the state's first town hall meeting on the topic hosted by Senator Bernie Sanders. Those in favor and opposed to President Obama's healthcare filled the room. The presence of about 20 police officers helped to keep the discussion civil, though passionate. The debate will no doubt grow, with lawmakers moving from city to city holding Town Hall meetings. Another forum is scheduled for August 23rd in Peacham.

Parent lose Fair Haven bullying suit

We told you last week about a lwasuit filed against a Fair Haven school claiming it didn't do enough to stop the bullying of two students. Friday a Superior Court jury said Fair Haven Grade School did what it was supposed to. Frank Venturella sued the school, saying administrators failed to deal with the bullying his sons faced when they arrived in 2003. He said the bullying drove his sons from the school, violating their rights under the Vermont Public Accommodations Act. Following the verdict, Venturella said parents in a similar situation should document each incident with the school by certified mail. Frank Jr. was 11 and his brother, Vincent, was in third grade when the family moved to Fair Haven from New York. The lawsuit claimed the boys' New York accents and Vincent's speech impediment set them apart, and they quickly became targets for other children. Venturella said he had to pull his sons out of Fair Haven and send them to private school.

Dam idea dropped by promoter

The man who proposed to build a dam on Middlebury's Otter Creek has dropped the plan, saying that delays have made the project cost prohibitive. Anders Holm said he he could resolve a dispute with the town over water rights, but an attorney for the town made it clear that was easier said than done. Holm said he's already spent nearly a half-million dollars of personal money trying to bring the project to fruition, and the cost of actually doing the project keeps going up.
Select Board Chairman John Tenny said communication between Holm and the town has been difficult throughout the process, and that it was imperative for the town to protect its rights at the falls. He said the town never reached any sort of formal agreement with Holm on use of the water.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Senator Holds Town Hall on Health Care in Rutland Saturday

We are not immune to those town hall meetings on health care reform. In fact, there will be one on Saturday in Rutland.


And its hoped that the one that Senator Bernie Sanders hosts will be quieter than many that have been held throughout the country. Sanders says he knows that he's up against opponents of the President's plan though and he's prepared for what could be a raucous crowd. The Rutland Herald reports that the meeting is scheduled to be a 9:30 a.m. breakfast at the Unitarian Universalist Church on West Street before beginning to field questions at 10 a.m.


Brewing CO Gives Land for Community Garden

Is there a better place than THIS for a community garden?




It's behind Otter Creek Brewing, and when the land in Middlebury was given for the garden last year, lots of folks were with the idea. Now, it's the Otter Creek Organic Community Garden and the Addison County Independent reports that from May to October, the garden is a hotbed of activity. The twenty plots measure four feet wide by 20 feet long and all sorts of people dig in to raise veggies during the summer and for the winter. Some of the plots are tended to by local agencies that give their produce to those in need. And the Vermont Master Gardeners has four demo plots in the garden where they help those with less of a green thumb. They even set aside some time each week to answer questions about better gardening.





New visitor center, museum to open in Brandon

The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce has opened a new visitor center at the Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace. The chamber closed the old information booth in front of the library, last week. The chamber sold it to National Bank of Middlebury in return for a $5,000 donation. The Chamber's executive director Janet Mondlak said her group will open a museum in the new building over the Labor Day Weekend. The historic building was the birthplace of Stephen Douglas, a friend political rival of Abraham Lincoln. Very few Vermonters voted for Douglas when he ran for President against Lincoln in 1860 because of Douglas's stand on slavery. He believed its abolition should be left to the states.

Shot relatives get million dollar plus award

Family members shot by a relative during a drunken rampage that also took the life of his father have been awarded $1.6 million dollars by a Vermont jury. Darcy Petit was convicted of murdering his father and shooting a cousin and an uncle, then holding other family members and friends hostage for hours in 2003. He is serving 20 years-to-life at Newport State Correctional Facility.
Because Petit is incarcerated, it's not known how much, if any of the award will ever be paid to the plaintiffs.

Donations to food shelves on the way

Local food shelves are about to get some assistance from the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link. The group will be donating produce from local farmers markets to help make up for reduced donations caused by the recession. Food from the farmers’ markets will be delivered to five agencies in Rutland and two in the Poultney/Castleton area. The organization needs volunteer drivers and will accept direct donations. For more information, contact the Farm and Food Link at 417-7331.

State sued over sex registry

A pair of convicted sex offenders are suing the state of Vermont, asking a court to prevent the state from posting their names on the Internet, as part of Vermont’s expanded sex offender registry. Beginning in October, the registry will include people who were convicted of sex crimes in other states. The lawsuit claims the posting violates the rights of offenders by punishing them again after they've served their time. State officials said they haven't yet seen the lawsuit yet but state Sen. Dick Sears, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, said legislators had expected a legal challenge and are ready to defend against the suit.



Reduced sentence on drug charges for local woman

A Rutland woman will avoid jail time for selling cocaine. Federal Judge J. Garvan Murtha sentenced Jennifer Leonard to time served with three years of supervision due to her cooperation with authorities and rehabilitation. Leonard was involved in drug trafficking with her uncle and her boyfriend. The two men were sentenced to jail for their roles in the trafficking operation. Leonard's attorney and prosecutors agreed that Leonard's decision to leave the operation before arrests were made and her decision to quit drugs warranted a reduced sentence.


Humane Society event this weekend

The Addison County Humane Society is overloaded with adoptable dogs, so it's hosting an open house and Adopt-A-Thon both days this weekend from 11 to 4. If you adopt an animal during the event you'll receive a bonus package that including free microchipping and a $25 gift card to the Middlebury Agway Farm and Garden. All animals adopted from the Society are spayed or neutered and have up-to-date vaccinations. There will be food for you and low-cost microchipping for any animal.

Humane Society event this weekend

The Addison County Humane Society is over capacity, so it's hosting an open house and Adopt-A-Thon both days this weekend from 11 to 4. If you adopt an animal during the event you'll receive a bonus package that including free microchipping and a $25 gift card to the Middlebury Agway Farm and Garden. All animals adopted from the Society are spayed or neutered and have up-to-date vaccinations. There will be food for you and low-cost microchipping for any animal.

Sanders Brings Health Care Reform Meeting to Rutland

We are not immune to those town hall meetings on health care reform. In fact, there will be one on Saturday in Rutland.


And its hoped that the one that Senator Bernie Sanders hosts will be quieter than many that have been held throughout the country. Sanders says he knows that he's up against opponents of the President's plan though and he's prepared for what could be a raucous crowd. The Rutland Herald reports that the meeting is scheduled to be a 9:30 a.m. breakfast at the Unitarian Universalist Church on West Street before beginning to field questions at 10 a.m.


All Kinds Dig into Community Garden

Is there a better place than THIS for a community garden?




It's behind Otter Creek Brewing, and when the land in Middlebury was given for the garden last year, lots of folks were with the idea. Now, it's the Otter Creek Organic Community Garden and the Addison County Independent reports that from May to October, the garden is a hotbed of activity. The twenty plots measure four feet wide by 20 feet long and all sorts of people dig in to raise veggies during the summer and for the winter. Some of the plots are tended to by local agencies that give their produce to those in need. And the Vermont Master Gardeners has four demo plots in the garden where they help those with less of a green thumb. They even set aside some time each week to answer questions about better gardening.





Wednesday, August 12, 2009

True Army Worm Threat Low This Year

State Agriculture officials say damage that the true army worm caused recently on cornfields at some farms in Rutland and Addison counties is diminishing and the worst effects may be over.



Heather Darby is an agronomist with UVM Extension Service and says most of the reports of army worm infestations she received were from Rutland County. She said on Tuesday that the worms are under control Recent sightings of the true army worm at some Rutland County cornfields reminded local farmers of past attacks as well as a sigh of relief that it hasn't hit harder this year. Timmouth dairy farmer Cris Carabeau tells the Rutland Herald that --quote "They can make a field of corn look like a field of bamboo (in an afternoon)." She was talking about the way the worm can strip leaves off corn stalks when they show up en masse. Carabeau said she was hoping the worm would pass her up this year.

Park bathrooms to go green

The bathrooms at Vermont State parks are going solar with the help of some Federal stimulus money. Washington provided $600,000 in stimulus money to install solar hot water systems at campgrounds around the state. It's hoped the project will keep more people employed and save the state money. State Parks Director Craig Whipple said the parks need the money to help repair what he called a failing infrastructure.

Funny money circulating in Vermont again

Know your money! State Police say fake $20 bills have been showing up at stores in Burlington and across Vermont. WCAX reported at least one man used the phony bills to buy drinks and other small items. Police have identified that man and are looking for more of the fake bills. All of the bills found so far had the same serial number. If you think you may have one, turn it in to police. It's a felony to try to spend phony money.

NRC says Yankee tests were not completed

The Federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission says mandatory testing was not performed on five casks holding radioactive fuel rods from the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. The casks are kept at the controversial Vernon plant. The NRC said the manufacturer of the casks was responsible for conducting the tests and added the failure by to do so those tests does not pose a threat to the public or plant workers. The NRC's Neil Sheehan said the information was released to the Vermont Public Service Board before a hearing about how Vermont Yankee is monitoring the casks. The NRC will ask the maker of the casks to take corrective action.



No bail for man held on threat charge

A Rutland jusge ordered a man held without bail after he allegedly threatened to use a shotgun against his mother, stepfather and police. 28-year-old William Mailhiot pleaded innocent last week to aggravated domestic assault with a weapon. Judge Thomas Zonay set bail at $25,000, but ordered him held for a probation violation on other charges.
Mailhiot was also arrested by Rutland police in June after police said they found him using drugs in a vacant apartment.
Mailhiot's mother told police that Mailhiot got into an argument with his stepfather, who left the house. She said that later, while she was talking to her son, he grabbed a loaded shotgun and said he would shoot anyone who threatened him.
If convicted of the felony charge, Mailhiot could face up to 15 years in jail.

Bullying trial underway against school district

Trial is under way in Rutland Superior Court in a suit climing the Fair Haven School District didn't do enough to stop bullying that forced a family to move so two of their children could attend school in peace. Frank and Vincent Venturella say they were singled out for abuse by other students when their family moved here from New York in 2003. Their New York accents and Vincent's speech impediment made the brothers targets for other kids who made derogatory remarks about everything from their sexual orientations to their ethnicity, according to attorney Pamela Marsh. She said the two were shoved into lockers, called names and had their books knocked out of their hands day after day. Marsh said the daily harassment got so bad that the children were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and spent the summer of 2004 inside to avoid other children. The boys' parents went to school administrators for relief but the bullying continued, Marsh said. An attorney representing the school district said instances of bullying took place, he said it the school district did respond to them.

State: Army worm threat diminishing

State Agriculture officials say damage that the true army worm caused recently on cornfields at some farms in Rutland and Addison counties is diminishing and the worst effects may be over.



Heather Darb is an agronomist with UVM Extension Service and says most of the reports of army worm infestations she received were from Rutland County. She said on Tuesday that the worms are under control Recent sightings of the true army worm at some Rutland County cornfields reminded local farmers of past attacks as well as a sigh of relief that it hasn't hit harder this year. Timmouth dairy farmer Cris Carabeau tells the Rutland Herald that --quote "They can make a field of corn look like a field of bamboo (in an afternoon)." She was talking about the way the worm can strip leaves off corn stalks when they show up en masse. Carabeau said she was hoping the worm would pass her up this year.

Affidavit Says Lowe Was Taking Drugs Before June 7 Crash

We now know more about the Vergennes police chief's DUI.




Police investigating Vergennes Police Chief Michael Lowe say he was taking a combination of prescription painkillers, anti-anxiety drugs and sleeping pills when he drove a city police cruiser into a parked car two months ago.The Burlington Free Press reports that the list of drugs came from an affidavit that was made public on Monday at Lowe's arraignment. The Chief was being arraigned on a DUI charge that was filed in connection to the June 7th crash. Lowe was not at the arraignment on Monday


Fired city employee files suit

A former city employee who was denied a hearing has filed a federal lawsuit against the city and Mayor Louras. Shawn Connolly was laid off in June from her position as administrative assistant in the Recreation Department. The city cited economic reasons. Connolly's suit claims the firing violated her constitutional and contractual rights. Connolly is seeking damages to cover her loss of income, emotional distress, and other damages. City Attorney Andrew Costello said the complaint will be referred to the city's insurance carrier.

Driver of submerged SUV cited for DUI

A man whose SUV was pulled out of the water at about 9 yesterday morning found his troubles were far from over. 53-year-old Emmentte Parker of Fairfax apparently drove into the drink near the fishing access area off of River Road. Police pulled the SUV out of the water, then cited Parker for driving under the influence. No one was injured.

More trouble for Chief Lowe

Vergennes police chief Michael Lowe missed his arraignment yesterday because he is in a Florida rehab facility. Attorney Richard Goldsborough entered a plea of not guilty to DUI for Lowe. Police said Lowe was driving an unmarked cruiser in Vergennes June seventh when he hit a parked car. According to court documents, a blood test showed Lowe had several anti-depression medications in his system at the time of the crash. The owner of the car Lowe hit told investigators the chief didn't want to report the crash because he was concerned for his driver's license and his career. Lowe is on paid administrative leave. He will return to court at the end of the month on other charges including embezzlement and neglect of duty.

Woman sought in pet store theft

Police are asking the public for help in their search for a woman who stole more than a hundred dollars worth of items from a pet supply store. She is seen on surveillance video looking for dog collars and being helped by staff members. Store owner Sylvia Spooner says the woman stole at least five collars along with other items, all in less than five minutes. It appeared the woman had two teenage girls with her to provide cover. Anyone with information should call Berlin Police at (802) 223-4401.

Police say man got 2-year-old stoned

An East Concord man is accused of holding a lit marijuana pipe to a toddler's mouth. Police say 22-year-old Jonathan Fuller is seen in a video holding the pipe up to the 2-year-old's mouth. The child inhaled the smoke and began coughing and laughing. Investigators said Fuller admitted he had held the pipe to the child's mouth in the past but the youngster inhaled before. Vermont State police and the Vermont Department of Children and Families are continuing an investigation. Fuller is due in court next month.

Democrats, progressives at odds

Election day is still more than a year away but democrats and members of the state's progressive party are at odds that may make things easier for Governor Douglas to win re-election. Democrats believe a progressive candidate will split the ticket and have asked progressives not to enter the race. The Vermont progressive party say they will run their own candidate if Democrats support a single payer healthcare system and labor issues, in addition to supporting opposition to Vermont Yankee's request for a license renewal. Three democrats have announced their intention to run for governor. So far, no progressives are in the race.

Man in custody for drugstore heist

A Bellows Falls man was arraigned yesterday on charges he robbed a pharmacy at knifepoint Sunday morning. According to police, 26-year-old Joel Goldsmith walked into the Rite Aid Pharmacy on Rockingham Street, jumped over the counter with a knife and told the clerk to open the register. After being identified by a clerk, Goldsmith was taken to Springfield prison where he is held on $50,000 bail.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Legislative leaders consider hiring a consultant

Vermont lawmakers are looking to spend money to save money.

Legislative leaders are considering up to 239-thousand dollars to help them find 30-million dollars in budget reductions for next year by hiring a consultant..
WCAX TV reports that Democrats over-rode Governor Jim Douglas on last year's budget -- and he is pressuring them to find solutions to continuing fiscal shortfalls. But lawmakers say they don't have the professional staff to sort through the four billion dollar budget.

Legislative Leaders Consider Hiring Consultant

Legislative leaders consider hiring a consultant


Vermont lawmakers are looking to spend money to save money.

Legislative leaders are considering up to 239-thousand dollars to help them find 30-million dollars in budget reductions for next year by hiring a consultant..
WCAX TV reports that Democrats over-rode Governor Jim Douglas on last year's budget -- and he is pressuring them to find solutions to continuing fiscal shortfalls. But lawmakers say they don't have the professional staff to sort through the four billion dollar budget.

Crash Killes Unborn Fetuses

Police say possibly drugs and possibly speed killed two unborn fetuses in a crash Monday night on Route 7 near the Apple Valley Inn in Bennington.



Five people, including a woman who was pregnant with twins, went to the hospital. Officials say neither of the fetuses survived the crash. Police say Patricia Blair, who was pregnant, her husband and two sons were heading south when her minivan collided head on with a Hyundai. Kelly Cook of Pownal was driving the Hyundai and police say Cook crossed the center line as she came around a corner and hit Blair's van. They say they also found a prescription bottle in a purse in Cook's vehicle when they did their investigation. And police say speed was a factor, as a witness told them that it looked like Cook took the corner at about 60 miles an hour. It's unclear what charges Cook could face.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Phony cop stops motorist in Essex

For the second time in two weeks a driver has reported being pulled over by a man impersonating a police officer, this time in Essex. Police said a woman reported that a man driving a light blue or green Honda pulled up behind her and followed her to her home. When she got home, the man got out of his car and told her to get out of her car, identifying himself as a cop. He complained about her driving, then left. Police said the latest incident does not appear to be related to a July incident in which a man with a red light and siren on his car pulled a woman over. Police have released a composite sketch of the man, who is described as white, about 5 feet 7, with a mustache. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Good news, bad news for unemployed

First, the good news. Vermont workers probably got fewer pink slips in July as the worst recession since World War II winds down. But, the reality is that jobs are still scarce. Nearly 15 million Americans are still out of work, and those number are likely to grow through next year. The government reported last week that the economy shrank at a pace of just 1 percent from April-to-June; that is the strongest signal yet that the recession may be ending. The good news, bad news situation probably means that employers are less eager to cut staff, but still aren't ready to ramp up hirings.

FairPoint given 30 days to prove itself to state

Vermont regulators have given FairPoint Communications 30 days to prove to the state that it can operate to the state's satisfaction. The state Public Service Board opened a probe yesterday into whether to revoke FairPoint Communications' right to operate in Vermont. FairPoint took over Verizon's operations Feb. 1 and its customers have been plagued with problems ever since. Similar problems have occurred in Maine and New Hampshire.

Jail inmate suing Springfield guards

An inmate at the Springfield jail is suing 18 prison guards claiming his civil rights were violated in the aftermath of a riot at the jail. Michael Myers, who was being held in the Rutland jail as a pretrial detainee at the time of the riot, complained to a U.S. District Court that he was beaten and denied medical care for injuries inflicted on him by Corrections officers. Myers remains in jail following conviction on numerous counts including felony aggravated assault, interfering with an officer and DUI. He has not been sentenced yet.

Vergennes Police Chief Scheduled To Appear In Court

Vergennes Police Chief Michael Lowe is facing several charges.


Lowe faces embezzlement, neglect of duty and drug charges, but he was scheduled in court yesterday to answer to a DUI charge. Lowe is scheduled to appear in Vermont District Court in Middlebury Aug. 24 to face the first charges. Vermont State Police charged Lowe last month with driving under the influence after a June incident in which he drove his cruiser into a parked car. In a June news conference, state police said Lowe was showing signs of impairment at the time of the crash and admitted to police he was taking prescription drugs that were prescribed to him. Police said they processed Lowe for DUI at the time, but did not charge him pending toxicology results. Police said Lowe was off duty and turning onto Park Street from Maple Street when his cruiser hit the left rear end of the parked car.

Quinn Leaves Office August 31st

An Addison County Prosecutor is stepping down.



John Quinn has been state's attorney for more than 30 years and WCAX TV reports that he and 299 other employees will opt for early retirement. The state has offered the incentive to help cut costs. Quinn leaves office on August 31st and the governor will appoint a successor to cover the rest of Quinn's term. Quinn isn't the first county prosecutor to take early retirement; Rutland County prosecutor James Mongeon will also retire early, which he made official last week.

Backward driver busted for DUI

A New Jersey man probably should have stayed in bed Friday. 46-year-old Troy Trombley was arrested by Vermont State Police after they found him driving erratically, as in backwards, on Interstate 89 in Berlin. You probably already guessed the next part - Police said Trombley's blood alcohol content was nearly three times the legal limit.

State - Nuke plant radiation within limits

The state Health Department released a report Friday that gives Vermont Yankee a clean bill of health.
The annual report on radiation releases said the nuclear power plant is within the limits for radiation levels at the facility's fence line. The report pointed out that the storage of spent nuclear fuel adjacent to the reactor did not increase radiation. The Health Deparment has received criticism recently for changing its methods for calculating emissions. Those critics say the changes resulted in higher radiation limits.

Beating suspects released after plea deal

Two of the three men who police say beat a Rutland man into unconsciousness outside a restaurant were released jail after pleading guilty to reduced charges. The men were facing felony charges for beating 41-year-old Chris Edwards. But as part of a plea agreement, the two entered guilty pleas to misdemeanor simple assault. A third man is still in jail. Rutland County Deputy State's Attorney Peter Neary would not say why prosecutors offered the deal.

Woman rolls car, cited for DUI

A 19-year-old Northfield woman was booked on DUI charges Friday after she rolled her car on Route 12 in Berlin. Officers found the car on its roof just before three a.m. Police were told the driver was driven to a hospital by a relative. Police said Jessica Touchette had a blood alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit. She was treated at a hospital and released.

Top cop facing drug, other charges

A Vermont police chief who was charged in June with driving while under the influence of prescription drugs is facing additional charges. Vergennes Chief Michael Lowe is accused of embezzlement by a public official, neglect of duty, drug possession and prescription fraud. State police said Lowe admitted to police he was taking prescribed drugs when his cruiser hit a parked car. He is set to appear in Middlebury District Court August 24th.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

GMCR Leaving VT?

Could Green Mountain Coffee be leaving Waterbury?


They could, if the rumors are true, but Ron Clausen tells the Burlington Free Press that he hopes they're not true. Clausen is the general manager of the Best western Waterbury-Stowe. He says Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. is thinking about moving its hq out of the state. That came from a statement released last week by the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development. They say job creation incentives are being worked up to try to get the company to stay. While Green Mountain Roasters said that it does not plan to move its headquarters, the agency's statement last week said it might move to Crittendon County. To keep Green Mountain here, the state has initially approved nearly 300 thousand dollars in incentives on top of one point eight million in Vermont gave the coffee roaster in 2007.

Lottery Winner Comes Forward

The big winner of last Saturday's Megabucks Plus jackpot has claimed their prize over the weekend.



The ticket was purchased at the Beverage Baron, on North Main Street in Barre. East Pick Trust, of Barre, Vermont claimed the prize money at the Lottery headquarters in Berlin on Saturday. Saturday's drawing was only the second since the Tri-State Lotto launched the game, Megabucks Plus!, on July 26.

Lottery Winner Fesses Up

The big winner of last Saturday's Megabucks Plus jackpot has claimed their prize over the weekend.



The ticket was purchased at the Beverage Baron, on North Main Street in Barre. East Pick Trust, of Barre, Vermont claimed the prize money at the Lottery headquarters in Berlin on Saturday. Saturday's drawing was only the second since the Tri-State Lotto launched the game, Megabucks Plus!, on July 26.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Leaving VT?

Could Green Mountain Coffee be leaving Waterbury?


They could, if the rumors are true, but Ron Clausen tells the Burlington Free Press that he hopes they're not true. Clausen is the general manager of the Best western Waterbury-Stowe. He says Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. is thinking about moving its hq out of the state. That came from a statement released last week by the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development. They say job creation incentives are being worked up to try to get the company to stay. While Green Mountain Roasters said that it does not plan to move its headquarters, the agency's statement last week said it might move to Crittendon County. To keep Green here, the state has initially approved nearly 300 thousand dollars in incentives on top of one point eight million in Vermont gave the coffee roaster in 2007





Thursday, August 6, 2009

Revenue down but tourism is up

More people are visiting Vermont this summer. A recent survey found that despite the recession, visits are up by 1 million. That's the good news, but with the economy still in a slump, those visitors are spending less than in previous years. Tax receipts are off 3 percent in Vermont. Steve Cook with the state Travel and Tourism Department says the state is literally in a good position; 80 million potential visitors within a five-hour drive of Vermont.

Rutland prosecutor to step down

Rutland County's state's attorney is retiring after thirty years. Jim Mongeon will step down at the end of this month. He is Vermont's longest serving prosecutor. He will be taking the state's early retirement offer. Mongeon said he won't go into criminal defense work like many before him have done, but will exploring other opportunities.

Peter Kohn Dies

Lacrosse Legend Peter Kohn Passed Away a few days ago.




Beloved lacrosse manager and longtime Middlebury College friend, Myron G. "Peter" Kohn passed away on Aug. 5 at University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. The lacrosse legend was not able to recover from a heart attack he suffered on a fishing trip near his home in Cape May, New Jersey, on August first. Middlebury College Director of Athletics Erin Quinn.said --quote-- "Our world just lost one of its kindest souls, leaving us with the responsibility of carrying on his legacy of kindness and humility." A news release goes on to say that Kohn was a unique figures in the lacrosse world. For more than 50 years he was connected to the sport. Kohn worked in the equipment room at Middlebury from 1981-1988, while serving as a manager of the men's lacrosse team. When time permitted, Kohn also enjoyed helping out with other spring teams at Middlebury as well as teams during his brief visits in the fall and winter. Kohn is well-known throughout the lacrosse world, having served as manager of the U.S. National Team several times at the World Games. Check the Middlebury College website for details on a memorial service for Peter Kohn.



Brattleboro police on Twitter.rtf

High-tech has come to the Brattleboro Police Department. The department has its own Twitter feed to help residents keep up on what's going on. Sgt. Robert Perkins says Twitter is a great way to get information out to the public, much like an Amber Alert. After only about a week, the department posted the name of a missing man. The man checked in with police the next day to say he was fine. You can follow the department at twitter-dot-com or brattleboropolice.org.

Speeding driver sentenced for accident

A judge has sentenced a woman who capped a string of driving incidents with an accident that put a man in a wheelchair for life. 23-year-old Ashley Lee Ellis apologized to her victim before Judge Thomas Zonay sentenced her to 30-days in jail, 100 hours of community service and permanent loss of her driver's license. 40-year-old Scott Allen was riding his motorcycle in Rutland Town the day Ellis hit him from behind. He was in the courtroom to hear the sentence handed down. The former electrician said his days of independence were over. Ellis's license had been suspended in the past for speeding, and got another speeding ticket less than a month after the accident.

Vt Dairy Farmers Gratfule for Price Supports

Vermont's dairy farmers are grateful for a coming boost in federal price supports, but it won't be enough to reverse the downward economic spiral gripping Vermont's farmers.



Tthat was the message farmers shared with the Vermont Milk Commission on Monday, a day after the U.S. Senate passed an amendment to an agriculture bill that will boost by 350 million dollars what the government can spend on dairy commodity purchases. Vermont farmers were getting nearly $20 per 100 pounds of milk a year ago. Now that price is down to about $11.50, and farmers say it costs $16 to $18 to make that much milk. Addison County dairy farmer Bob Foster says his business as a whole is in jeopardy since he's not making any money on the milk he produces. The office of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., began the day Thursday by relaying a Dow Jones story saying second-quarter profits for the nation's biggest dairy processor, Dean Foods Co., were up 31 percent. By day's end, it issued a news release lauding an announcement by Attorney General Eric Holder and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack that their agencies would conduct workshops on a possible retooling of antitrust regulation in agriculture.

Lacrosse Legend Peter Kohn Passes Away




Beloved lacrosse manager and longtime Middlebury College friend, Myron G. "Peter" Kohn passed away on Aug. 5 at University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. The lacrosse legend was not able to recover from a heart attack he suffered on a fishing trip near his home in Cape May, New Jersey, on August first. Middlebury College Director of Athletics Erin Quinn.said --quote-- "Our world just lost one of its kindest souls, leaving us with the responsibility of carrying on his legacy of kindness and humility." A news release goes on to say that Kohn was a unique figures in the lacrosse world. For more than 50 years he was connected to the sport. Kohn worked in the equipment room at Middlebury from 1981-1988, while serving as a manager of the men's lacrosse team. When time permitted, Kohn also enjoyed helping out with other spring teams at Middlebury as well as teams during his brief visits in the fall and winter. Kohn is well-known throughout the lacrosse world, having served as manager of the U.S. National Team several times at the World Games. Check the Middlebury College website for details on a memorial service for Peter Kohn.



Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Gov Douglas Laments budget shortfall



Vermont Governor James Douglas says the 2010 budget forecast is a somber one. He says there's an additional 28 million dollar shortfall in the state's general fund for the next fiscal year. Douglas, who was recently in Middlebury, says the state's Joint Fiscal Committee will try to clear up the red ink later this month. He says, quote --
“It’s disappointing, maybe not surprising, because I think most economists feel we haven’t bottomed out yet,” Douglas said. “But after an 8 percent drop in revenues between fiscal year 2008-2009 and another 2.5 percent now projected, it’s significant.” Douglas told the Addison County Independent that if there is an upside to the economic downturn, its that the bad news comes at the start of the fiscal year, giving the state some time to adjust.

70-year-old man killed in crash

A 70-year-old Bennington man was killed in a head-on crash yesterday afternoon. Police say Harry Bishop died after he suddenly swerved across the center line and into oncoming traffic on Route 9. The driver of the pickup was treated and released. Police are investigating.

Prison term for man in chemical attacks

A judge has sentenced a Bennington man to spend up to 20 years behind bars for two chemical attacks on women. 34-year-old Patrick Morse pleaded guilty to kidnapping, assault and robbery charges. Police say Morse sprayed a motel clerk with something similar to mace. He was also convicted of a similar attack against a woman outside a Bennington supermarket.

Child abuse group running short of funds

A group focused on raising awareness of child abuse is being hit by a drop in donations. Prevent Child Abuse Vermont is funded about equally by private funds and state money. Thanks to the sagging economy, the group is running a $40,000 deficit. The group's Linda Johnson says the organization has spent the past three decades working to stop abuse through education and public awareness. Fundraising walks are scheduled in at least two Vermont cities to raise money for Prevent Child Abuse.

State post offices to be spared budget ax

Vermont is one of just a few states that will keep all of its post offices after Postal Service budget cuts go into effect. More than 700 branches will be closed, including some in New England states. Vermont and New Hampshire will not be affected. The Postal Service faces a $7 billion loss this year despite a recent rate increase.


Tuesday, August 4, 2009

July rains may have set a record in Vermont.

July rains may have set a record in Vermont.



Meteorologist Roger Hill said the records may be statewide too. He said quote -- "We've been blowing the doors off the norm." Hill says that "norm" for July is just over three and a half inches of rain and last month, the state measured more than double that: seven point four! He says not only was the amount of rain more than normal, so was the time period in which it fell: 22 out of 31 days. It rained for 22 days in July. Hill calls it "brutal", but he says jokingly that he's a wanted man. Quote "people are really nice, but they joke constantly...Witness Protection Program for Roger!"







Band Busted at Border

The Chameleon Project, a trio out of Toronto didn't perform at the Downtown Rutland Sidewalk Sales and Ethnic Festival Saturday night as planned.



And why not? Because they were interrogated and fingerprinted at the U.S.-Canada border for not having proper paperwork to get into the United States. That's what the band's manager Jay Cleary said on Monday. Cleary said Border Patrol officers treated band members "like criminals" for not having a P2 Visa. It's required for alien entertainers to gain access to the United States to perform under an exchange program between the two countries. Band members Josh Laing, Snappy Homefry and Brad Park were not formally charged with any crime for trying to come to Rutland to play. Cleary says they were told not to try to get into the states again and he himself apologized to the people of Rutland for not making the show happen.




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Accused cocaine seller busted

Police have arrested a man for drug sales in Chittenden County after an investigation lasting seven months. Police say 21-year-old Kadeem Pell of Schenectady was transporting crack cocaine to the area when he was pulled over yesterday on Route 7 in Charlotte. Officers found a secret hidden compartment in the dashboard of Pell's SUV. Inside, they found one ounce of crack cocaine with a street value of $3,000. Pell held on $50,000 bail.

Local firefighters to battle Alaska blazes

Firefighters from the Green and White Mountain National Forests and and other departments are en route to Alaska to fight massive wildfires there. Forests and Parks crew leader Neil Monteith and seven others left yesterday, along with firefighters from the White Mountain National Forest. Alaskan fire officials say 477 fires have burned more than 3,400 square miles. up considerably from last year's fires.

High bail set for accused habitual offender

A Dorset man was ordered held on $100,000 bail on Friday, charged with six felony counts. 29-year-old
Benjamin Payne was arraigned last week for identity theft, possession of stolen property and misdemeanor theft counts. Payne was accused last month of stealing a wallet belonging to a Manchester business owner while he was in her store and using her credit card at businesses two states. Back in March, Payne was arraigned on multiple theft and drug charges. Payne is charged as a habitual offender, which could send him to prison for life. Judge John Wesley set bail Friday at $100,000 for all of the pending charges.

Rutland to WRJ bus may return soon

Rutland could once again be linked with White River Junction if the Vermont Agency of Transportation agrees to fund bus service. Vermont Transit abandoned the route last year, but it'll resume this fall, operated by Marble Valley Regional Transit and Stagecoach Transportation Services. The Route 4 East Connection will run four times a day midweek, with additional runs during the ski season.

Monday, August 3, 2009

More layoffs likely in next state budget

Key lawmakers will meet Wednesday with officials of Governor Douglas's administration to start chipping away at the state's $28 Million budget shortfall. The Administration's Neale Lunderville says more layoffs of state workers are likely and the impacts will be widespread. Last month, state economists told the joint fiscal committee the recovery will be a slow process with further drops in consumer spending and increased unemployment.

Night Out set for Tuesday





The National Night Out Against Crime is tonight and in towns across Vermont and the rest of the country, neighbors will turn on porch lights, make noise, party and offer information to observe what they say they hope will be the end of drugs and crime. The Rutland Herald reports that Rutland's event, sponsored by Rutland's United Neighborhoods and the Rutland Police Department, runs from 4:30 to 8 p.m. This year's event is at White's Pool in the belief that a free swim and barbecue would prove a good draw. Organizer Lynn Walsh says the event features 28 booths from BROC to the Community Emergency Response Team to consumer credit counseling services. Children's activities include a magic show starting at 7:15 p.m. Walsh said Rutland will also host a National Guard helicopter, weather permitting.

IRS email scam is back

Just when you thought it safe to open your email, here they come again - scammers. Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell warns an IRS email scam has resurfaced. The initial contact looks official enough with the IRS logo and the name of an IRS auditor. The message is almost too much to resist, that you are is eligible for a tax refund you didn't know was coming. All you have to do is click on a link that takes you to a form that asks for your personal information. Fill that out, and you could find yourself the victim of identity theft or financial loss. Sorrell says the IRS never initiates contact with taxpayers via e-mail.

Expert says recession is easing in state

A well-known economist says the worst of the recession may be behind us. David Hale the Council of State Governments Eastern Regional Conference that home prices in Vermont have leveled off and the mortgage default rate is the lowest in the country. Hale said the recovery will pick up if confidence in it builds and people begin to spend. He predicted that the recent gains in the stock market will spur that confidence. And economists say because Vermont was slow to go into the recession it may be slow to get out of it. However, the state was among the last to feel the effects of the poor economy, so it may take a bit longer before we see any positive changes.

Rutland Police caught a man red-handed as he tried to rob a local business.




Police say the 33-year-old was in court yesterday after they say they caught him trying to rob Mendoni's Piper's Pub. Police say they watched as Dennis Dunn climbed out of a window just after 6 p.m. Saturday, after he broke in through the same window. Police say when they got to the pub on Route 4, the back door was locked but a nearby window was broken. Local and state police set a perimeter around the place and caught Dunn as he was loading stuff from the pub outside the window. Police say Dunn then ran away when he spotted them watching him. He was taken into custody and jailed in Rutland for lack of $25,000 bail on burglary and unlawful mischief charges.


Two announce for Secretary of State job

The election is well over a year away, but Secretary of State Deborah Markowitz is running to replace Governor Douglas, and that means her job is up for grabs. So far, one candidate from each party has announced the will run to relace Markowitz, Democrat Charles Merriman and Republican Chris Roy. Merriman has raised just over $6,500 so far, about half that amount is his own money. Roy has about $2,200 in his campaign war chest, including about $1,500 from his own funds. Both candidates are attorneys. The secretary of state's office is a nonpartisan job, and both Roy and Merriman say they're aligned with political parties out of practicality.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Man Killed In Crash Saturday

A Bridport man was killed and three others injured in a head-on collision on Saturday. State Police say Timothy Maclachlan was driving south of Bridport Village just before 1 p.m. and crossed the center line, crashing into a minivan. Police say Tod Jones of Swanton was driving the minivan. First Responders from three departments pulled the drivers and two passengers in the minivan out Police say all four were taken to Porter hospital where Jones and his two passengers were treated for minor injuries and released. State police say Maclachlan died of massive internal injuries, but do not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash




Recession Taxi offers flexible fares

The recession has inspired some Vermonters to generate income in rather unconventional ways. For example, a man in Essex has started a service called Recession Ride Taxi. Eric Hagen doesn't have a meter ticking away or even a price list. What he does have is a sign on the back of his cab reading, "Pay What You Want!" He means it. Hagan tells his fares to pay what they can and gives a free ride after six paid fares. The service operates Thursday through Sundays and Hagan says no one has underpaid. Most people pay with cash, others use the time honored barter system paying with store gift cards, CDs and food. Just another part of the new recession-style economy.

Addison County Fair Starts Quietly on Tuesday and Ends on Saturday with Fireworks

The Addison County Fair and Field Days opens Tuesday, and it starts out tame enough...


Then by Friday. their's crashing and crunching -- it's the tradition of the Demolition Derby. But between now and then, its judging, prizes, rides and food at the 61st annual event. For instance, and hopefully there won't be much crunching...but there's arm wrestling on Friday. The Midway opens for the first time this year at noon on Tuesday...probably screams and screeches, but no worries, just kids and maybe some adults having a good time. The Field Days opening parade is Tuesday at 8 p.m. This year's theme is "Going Green". Friday is Youth Day and a ten dollar bracelet will get the youngsters all the thrills they want on the midway. Then the Champlain Valley Equipment closing fireworks display starts at dusk to end the fair.