WVTK Local & State News September 14, 2010

Weather Channel Meteorologist Ray Stagich says we have a slight chance of Showers today with a High around 65.

The Addison Northwest Supervisory Union has scheduled a series of public meetings this fall to explore the possibility of a Town Meeting Day 2011 unification vote. The first meeting will take place tonight at the Vergennes Union High School library from 6:30 – 8:00PM.

It's Primary Day across New York today. A hotly contested race for Ticonderoga highway superintendent is 1 of only 2 local contests in Essex County today. Clinton County has only 2 local primaries as well. Voters will also decide who will face Bill Owens in the general election for the 23rd Congressional District Seat. The polls are open today from noon to 9 PM.

A freeze that destroyed a large number of apple crops in our area last May caused the U.S. Department of Agriculture to designate Addison County as a natural disaster area. The designation makes area farmers eligible for low-interest loans and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program. That is a federal program that provides grants to farmers who have had substantial crop losses due to weather and natural disasters.

Last Wednesday a number of people gathered here in Middlebury for a forum on the local dairy industry. Many issues were identified that seem to be holding back the industry but not many solutions were offered. The group was comprised of dairy farmers, community members, politicians and government employees. The primary reason for the gathering was to discuss the struggles Addison County dairy farmers face. Future meetings are expected to focus on specific dairy issues and local solutions.

The Hub teen center in Bristol has been working all summer to expand the skate park. Skateboarders, inline skaters, and riders of scooters and bikes use the park. Thanks to the donation of many ramps and features from the town of Hinesburg and the donation of time and services from many local businesses and organizations, the skate park has doubled in size.

The state is considering closing the downtown parking deck in Rutland earlier on weeknights and entirely on weekends. The commissioner of the state Buildings and General Services, said he was looking at decreased hours as an option if the state cannot reach an agreement with the city to lease the bottom four levels of the deck. He said lack of users and vandalism were driving the consideration. Mayor Christopher Louras said the city and the state have been talking for some time and the question of the city leasing the deck will go before the Community and Economic Development Committee on Sept. 22.

Now officially the Democrats' nominee, Peter Shumlin is launching his fall campaign for governor of Vermont, taking aim at Republican opponent Brian Dubie. On Monday, Shumlin outlined his plans in an appearance in Burlington. He says he'll stress the economy and jobs and contrast himself with Dubie's record as lieutenant governor under Gov. Jim Douglas.

A contingent of Vermont National Guard air ambulance company members is headed for Iraq. They left yesterday from South Burlington on a chartered jet. The group's helicopters were flown south on Saturday, headed to the mobilization station at Fort Hood, Texas. The soldiers are headed to Iraq for a 1-year deployment.

The Vermont State Police are offering a $5,000 reward in hopes of cracking the case of a missing Northeast Kingdom woman. Seventy-8-year-old Mary Pat O'Hagan, of Sheffield, has been missing since Friday. State Police say they'll pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the resolution of the case.

Boston has reclaimed its blood collection title from Rutland. Rutland set the record last December for the biggest one-day blood drive, collecting 1,024 pints at the Paramount Theatre. But Boston now has the record after pulling in 1,177 pints Saturday at Fenway Park. Rutland will try to regain the title at this year's Gift of Life Marathon, scheduled for December 21st.

Scores are up for Vermont students taking the SAT and ACT tests. On the SAT exam, math scores increased the most, up 3 points from a year ago. Critical reading scores rose 1 point and writing scores remained the same. On the ACT's, Vermont students turned in the 5th best scores in the nation.

A business that helps fire crews around the state needed firefighters yesterday. Charbonneau's Body Shop in Highgate suffered severe structural damage in a fire. Highgate's Fire Chief says it appears the shop was hit by lightning during a quick storm. He says crews got the blaze out quickly. Charbonneau's works on fire trucks from departments across the state.

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe has been awarded a $10.5-Million-Dollar grant to bring broadband capabilities to the Akwesasne reservation. The grant will help 3,750 people, 200 businesses and 42 institutions on the reservation obtain high-speed Internet connections. Officials say more than 780 jobs could be created.