WVTK Local & State News August 25, 2010

There will be no parking on the east side of College Street here in Middlebury starting today. Parking will re-open when line painting is complete. Base course paving of the roundabout east side and bridge approach will mean increased truck traffic and possible lane changes. You are reminded to pay close attention to traffic controllers and do not use cell phones in construction areas.

Primary day came and went in Vermont without a winner in the Democratic race for governor. The five-way race was too close to call early this morning. Secretary of State Deb Markowitz, state Sen. Doug Racine and state Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin all had earned about 25% of the vote, while Google executive Matt Dunne had just more than 20%. State Sen. Susan Bartlett trailed the group with about 5%. The margin was easily within the 2% range to be eligible for a recount if requested. When there is a winner, he or she will face Republican Brian Dubie in the Nov. 2 election.

The three major party candidates in the Vermont lieutenant governor race have been set. Rep. Steve Howard has won the Democratic primary, defeating Rep. Christopher Bray in Tuesday's election. He now faces Republican Sen. Phil Scott and Progressive Montpelier City Councilor Marjorie Power in the race for the open seat vacated by Republican Brian Dubie, who is running for governor.

Former Vermont parks commissioner Jason Gibbs has won the Republican primary for Vermont secretary of state. The 33-year-old Gibbs, who resigned as commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation to run, defeated Williston lawyer Chris Roy in Tuesday's primary election. Gibbs will now face former state Sen. Jim Condos, who defeated Montpelier attorney Charles Merriman in the Democratic primary.

Policy analyst Doug Hoffer has won the Democratic nomination in his bid to unseat state Auditor Thomas Salmon. Hoffer outpolled state Sen. Edward Flanagan in the Democratic primary Tuesday.

In some of the other primary races from yesterday ... Incumbent U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy has been declared the winner over Daniel Freilich. Paul Beaudry won the GOP nomination to face Representative Peter Welch in November.

By 14 votes, Proctor residents approved a $6.4 million water system enhancement project, expected to improve water pressure and reduce the amount of potentially harmful chlorine byproducts in the system. As a result of the bond passage, current water rates of about $380 a year will likely jump to anywhere from $400 to $540 a year.

Vermont revenues fell more than 4% short of the forecast for July, a sign that the state's economy may not be rebounding as well as had been hoped. The missed target had just been set on the 15th of July, as state officials adjusted the revenue forecasts used by budget writers in the administration and the Legislature.

Two Vermont Guard Members have been killed in Afghanistan. Major General Michael Dubie made the announcement yesterday about 21-year-old Sergeant Tristan Southworth of Walden and 25-year-old Sergeant Steven Deluzio of South Glastonbury, Connecticut. Without releasing too many details, Dubie said the 2 were killed by insurgents while on patrol Sunday morning.

The City of Plattsburgh is seeking candidates for the 2nd season of the North Country's Biggest Loser weight-loss program. The Recreation Department program, which begins October 4, needs 40 participants. You can pick up an application at the City Recreation Center. It must be turned in by September 12. For more information, visit PlattsburghRecreation.com.

With another school just around the corner, police are once again asking drivers to be extra cautious behind the wheel. It may seem like common sense but, officials are also reminding parents to encourage their children to always look before crossing streets, to cross only at corners, watch for turning cars and be especially cautious in bad weather.

There is a new addition to the Elizabethtown Community Hospital, a pediatrician. Until now, parents have been driving to Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake, or even Glens Falls to see a pediatrician. Parents will now have a closer option in getting their children the proper care they need. Dr. Michael Celotti is one of 2 pediatricians serving all of Essex County.

When it comes to food being sold in Burlington school cafeterias, district officials are making a healthy shift. Chefs from the New England Culinary Institute spent time yesterday training staff from 12 different schools. Training included instruction on how to prepare nutritious meals; adding more fruits, vegetables, and non-fried foods to the menu.