WVTK Local & State News September 3, 2010

Construction of the East half of the roundabout continues. All parking from Park St. to the Otter Creek Bakery driveway has been removed permanently. Please be aware of traffic pattern changes in the downtown construction zones, pay close attention to traffic controllers and do not use your cell phone while travelling in these areas.

Prep work for paving on Route 30 between Middlebury and Whiting continues. Be ready for some delays in one-way traffic zones. Be aware that the speed limit has been reduced to 40 MPH and fines are doubled for speeding in work zones.

Construction crews are preparing a temporary span on Route 125 for use during the upcoming replacement of the Lemon Fair Bridge in Cornwall. Work on the new bridge is expected to start within a couple of weeks.

With a new law in place offering more incentives for school districts to consolidate, Addison Northwest Supervisory Union officials have scheduled a series of public meetings this fall to explore the possibility of a Town Meeting Day 2011 unification vote. The meetings are all scheduled to run from 6:30 to 8PM and will be held on:

Tuesday, Sept. 14, in the Vergennes Union High School library.
Tuesday, Oct. 12, at Ferrisburgh Central School.
Tuesday, Oct. 26, at Addison Central School.
Tuesday, Nov. 9, at Vergennes Union Elementary School.

Throughout the country egg consumers have become more cautious in the wake of a salmonella outbreak that sickened some 1,000 people and that has helped local egg producers like Maple Meadow Farms in Salisbury. They’ve seen a huge increase in sales from people looking to by local eggs. Maple Meadow’s distribution ranges throughout Vermont and into Ticonderoga and Port Henry.

There’s new leadership this school year at Mary Hogan Elementary School. Longtime Principal Bonnie Bourne and Associate Principal Tom Buzzell are now listed as co-principals. The move is intended to better reflect the shared responsibilities at the school.

Killington’s Hay Festival has kicked off. The attraction is packed with 10 events over the next five weeks. Local business owners have built 35 hay sculptures to attract more visitors up the mountain, then offer them discount lodging packages and activities through Oct. 11. For more information on the 2010 Hay Festival and Grass Menagerie, go to www.discoverkillington.com.

The Vermont State Fair returns to Rutland today for its 165th year. From country rock to comical clowns and even a singing pig or two the Vermont State Fair once again offers something for everyone. The grandstand entertainment features something every night including Wynona Judd and Rick Springfield this year. The fair's agricultural exhibits and mid-way will be in full swing. The Vermont State Fair opens at the Rutland Fairgrounds at 5 p.m. this afternoon and runs through Sunday, Sept. 12. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.vermontstatefair.net.

The 120th annual Moriah Labor Day Weekend celebration promises to continue the tradition of a fun-filled community event. The two-day event this weekend, sponsored by the Moriah Chamber of Commerce, features a parade, fireworks, music, and plenty of activities for all ages. This year's celebration kicks off 6 PM Saturday with bands performing at the Port Henry Beach. Food vendors will be on hand at the pier, where spectators can view fireworks at 9PM. The Parade begins at 1 PM on Sunday along Broad Street and Main Street.

A new report ranks Vermont top in the country for low-income students. At the same time the report from the American Legislative Exchange Council put Vermont at the bottom in its efforts at education reform. The education performance ranking was based on test scores of fourth and eight-graders, and changes in them from 2003 to 2009.

A fatal explosion at a Massachusetts condominium project in July has prompted the state attorney general to investigate the delivery of faulty propane to locations across New England and New York. Attorney General Martha Coakley said Thursday the propane from a facility in Westfield lacks a key element - odorant added to the gas to alert homeowners of a possibly dangerous leak. The investigation involves deliveries made after May 1.

While a lot of Vermonters complain about the roads, there's now a report out to back that up. The Reason Foundation based its report on 2008 statistics, and found Vermont's roads were among the worst, at 42nd. V-Trans says with recent investments, Vermont should be going back up in the rankings when next year's report comes out.

There are more layoffs in Vermont state government. Budget cuts to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development mean three positions are being eliminated. Under the budget passed, the agency had to find half a million dollars in savings. Some came from unused money in different programs. The rest came from not filling one position and laying off the agency's Deputy Secretary and an administrative staff member.

Beginning next week, the city of Burlington will be paving Colchester Avenue. At the same time they will be testing a change in the traffic pattern. Instead of 4 lanes, the busy road will be changed to 3 lanes, but with a turning lane. The goal is to make it easier for everyone to travel between Prospect Street and East Avenue.

A Clinton County teen has been convicted in a triple fatal car crash. Jurors found 19-year-old Josh Bombardier guilty of manslaughter and cleared him of the more serious charge of vehicular homicide. Bombardier says he was not the driver, one of the victims was. He will be sentenced on December 6. Bombardier faces up to 15 years in prison.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is advising people that the border with Canada will be busy this weekend because of the long Labor Day holiday. Travelers planning trips across the border in either direction need to have the proper documentation, which includes a valid Passport, U.S. Passport card, Trusted Traveler card, or an Enhanced Driver License. Children under the age of 16 can present an original or copy of their birth certificate.