WVTK Local & State News August 22, 2014

According to the Vermont Department of Health, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has been detected in two batches of bird-biting mosquitoes collected in Whiting earlier this week. This marks the first time EEE was detected in southern Addison County this year. The department says this is also the first detection of the virus in Vermont since it was found in mosquitoes in Grand Isle in the middle of June.

Two fires at Rutland Plywood Corporation Wednesday and Thursday have left 170 people out of work. The fire department responded to a fire in a building near the main building Wednesday afternoon. Then Thursday morning at 1 a.m., they were called back to a report that the main building was on fire. By the time they arrived, the plant was 90 percent involved. The 30-thousand square foot building was a total loss. Fire investigators say that arson has been ruled out, and that the two fires were unconnected.

In a related story, Green Mountain Credit Union announced they are offering free financial counseling to employees and families impacted by the Rutland Plywood fire. A press release says the credit union is also offering a special loan program to those affected.

The U.S. Department of Education has agreed to extend and agreement with the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC). Vermont's congressional delegation said they are pleased that the department is going to continuing its loan-servicing contract. The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation is a public, nonprofit agency established by the Vermont Legislature in 1965 to help Vermonters plan and pay for education or training beyond high school.

Three Mile Bridge Road will be closed to traffic between Route 7 and Halladay Road, from 7:30 p.m. on Sunday till just after midnight while a film crew is working in the area. Flagging personnel will be on scene for traffic control during this period.

Keurig Green Mountain says it struck a deal to make Kraft's branded coffees, such as Maxwell House and Gevalia, for its single-serve brewing systems in the U.S. The companies did not disclose financial terms of the deal. Kraft had also announced a deal to distribute packaged McDonald's coffee to supermarkets and other retailers. That deal will mean people will also be able to make McCafe drinks with Keurig machines.