WVTK Local & State News September 8, 2010

Weather Channel Meteorologist Ray Stagich says we have a chance for showers throughout the day with a High in the Low 70’s.

Prep work for paving on Route 30 between Middlebury and Whiting continues. Sections from Cornwall village north will also be widened to accommodate bikers and runners. Be ready for some delays throughout the construction zone and be aware that the speed limit has been reduced to 40 MPH with fines doubled for speeding in work zones.

Construction continues on the Cross Street Bridge. Grand opening day of the bridge is Saturday October 30th! Vehicles are not allowed on the bridge at this time and it’s very important that you NOT walk on the bridge either. The temporary wooden railings are not designed to protect pedestrians especially children. Your patience and understanding is much appreciated by the town!

A planned retirement home here in Middlebury got a $1 million boost yesterday. Gov. James Douglas announced a community development block grant for the 99-unit nonprofit Eastview at Middlebury facility. The project is expected to employ up to 100 people during construction and will create between 29 and 45 permanent jobs once it opens. They plan to break ground in October, completing some units in fall 2011 and others the following spring.

An Addison County man hit in the head by a stray bullet has been released from the hospital. Three weeks ago Peter Damone was on the back porch of his home in Bridport when a bullet struck him. Police say the shot was fired by Tracy Stone who was target shooting with a .45-caliber handgun in his backyard a half mile away. Police have not decided if Stone will be charged.

Rutland City parks will go smokeless later this month. The Board of Aldermen voted yesterday to ban use of tobacco products in the parks. The new rule takes effect in 20 days and violations will be punishable by a $100 fine.

Winooski teachers are working without a contract, and now have set a strike date of September 15th. This is the third consecutive year the Winooski Education Association members have started a school year without a contract. Teachers say they will not walk out until next Wednesday, but hope a deal can be reached before it comes to that.

General election season is officially under way. Both the Republican and Democrats for governor kicked off their campaigns yesterday morning. Both sides employed unique ways to spread their message. Republican Brian Dubie kicked off his 26.2-hour marathon tour of the state with an appearance on the radio. In the meantime, the Democrats arrived in St. Albans, kicking off their unity tour at the Cosmic Bakery.

Central Vermont Public Service will begin to clean up and restore a former gas-production and utility site on Cleveland Avenue in Rutland this week. Access to the property will be restricted during remedial activities. Adjoining property owners have been notified by mail. The property was used to produce gas from coal between 1901 and 1947 before CVPS existed and later used for operations and equipment storage. They hope to complete the entire project by mid-October.

After a spectacular summer, what could be a better way to follow it up than with a dazzling fall? Vermont's Chief of Forest Management says they're very optimistic for a colorful autumn, after getting the right amount of rain this summer, but some cold nighttime temperatures are needed to make it a showstopper. The season is a big moneymaker for B & B's and hotels, especially here in the smaller Vermont towns.

If the 1981 hit “Jessie’s Girl” is the last you heard of Rick Springfield, you might want to play catch-up. 

That iconic ‘80s tune was just one of 17 Top 40 hits recorded by the Australian-born rocker. Ever since, he’s been cutting albums on a regular basis and performing 100 plus shows a year. His next stop is the Vermont State Fairgrounds in Rutland at 7 tonight.

The Child Care Coordinating Council is offering Safe Schools Healthy Students Play groups beginning Monday September 13th from 9-11:30AM at the Moriah Elementary School. The group will meet every Monday. Playgroups at Ticonderoga Armory gym are under way between 9AM to noon every Thursday. Playgroups provide opportunities for social learning, art exploration, and circle time. Call 561-4999 for more information on parenting programs and play groups.