You can expect traffic delays for the rest of the week in Middlebury. Crews are paving Stewart Lane and North Pleasant Street. During the work, Southbound Route 7 will be detoured onto Exchange Street, then Seymour Street to Main Street. Traffic Control will be there to help you get though the construction zone.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency extended the deadline for individuals and municipalities to apply for federal disaster assistance. The new deadline for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance is now November 15. With the cold weather approaching, FEMA officials want to make sure any Vermonters who may have been distracted with storm cleanup, get a chance to seek federal assistance.
The VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation has canceled the personal firewood lottery for the 2012 season. The program allows Vermonters to cut up to 3 cords of designated standing trees for personal use firewood from state lands for $10 a cord. Officials say the areas scheduled for firewood cutting are not safe due to damage from Tropical Storm Irene to roads, trails, and bridges. The department will however continue to supply firewood for needy Vermonters through the “Wood Warms” program.
The City of Vergennes and the Addison County Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring two family-friendly events. The 4th Annual Haunted Warehouse, previously known as Haunted Forest, will be held on Saturday, October 22nd at the former Kennedy Brothers Marketplace. The 5th Annual Pumpkins in the Park will be held on Saturday, October 29th in City Park. The Haunted Warehouse is designed for older children, although kids under 10 will be admitted with parents’ permission, and Pumpkins in the Park is an event for all ages.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters will be adding 400 new jobs in Essex. Green Mountain Coffee is adding a new addition to its production facility is Essex. The expansion will accommodate new roasting, grinding and packaging work. Green Mountain Coffee expects to be moved in and staffed at the expanded Essex location by next fall.
Social Security recipients will get their first raise in nearly 3 years. In January, recipients will see a Cost of Living Increase of about 3.5 percent. The increase will effect about 125,000 Vermonters. The average recipient will receive about $38 more per month.
The state is seeking volunteers to help clean up from Tropical Storm Irene. Governor Peter Shumlin has named this Saturday as Vermont Clean Up Day. Some victims of Irene are still cleaning up and need help. To find out how you can help, visit VTCleanUp.org.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
WVTK Local & State News October 19, 2011
Here in Middlebury Stewart Lane and North Pleasant Street paving is expected to take place through Friday. Today base paving will take place in small sections of Stewart Lane. Tomorrow and Friday base and top paving will take place. Southbound Route 7 will be detoured onto Exchange Street, then Seymour Street to Main Street. Traffic Control will be posted at Exchange. Work is expected to begin around 7AM. Meanwhile Northbound North Pleasant Street will have lane shifting as the pavers complete areas at Stewart and Elm.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended the deadline for Vermonters and communities to seek disaster assistance following Tropical Storm Irene. Gov. Peter Shumlin says Vermonters now have until November 15th, an additional two weeks to apply. The governor said that the deadline extension would allow more Vermonters who have been distracted by storm cleanup to seek help. Officials say homeowners, renters, businesses, or others who suffered losses during flooding from Irene are eligible for assistance to repair their homes or recover other losses.
Two men charged with a beating that hospitalized a Castleton man and left him with permanent injuries are facing felony assault charges. Christopher M. Washburn of Castleton, and Dylan Owens of Brandon, have both pleaded innocent to charges of aggravated assault, which carries a potential jail sentence of 15 years. The two men are charged with assaulting Frank Foster during a fight outside Foster’s home last summer.
The City of Vergennes and the Addison County Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring two family-friendly events. The 4th Annual Haunted Warehouse, previously known as Haunted Forest, will be held on Saturday, October 22nd at the former Kennedy Brothers Marketplace. The 5th Annual Pumpkins in the Park will be held on Saturday, October 29th in City Park. The Haunted Warehouse is designed for older children, although kids under 10 will be admitted with parents’ permission, and Pumpkins in the Park is an event for all ages. For more information on either event, call 802-388-7951 x1 or email marguerite@addisoncounty.com.
Vermont State Police at the New Haven Barracks are investigating the vandalism to a motor vehicle that was parked for sale on Route 7 in the town of Leicester. The vandalism occurred between 5PM on October 17th and 7AM on the 18th. Anyone with information is urged to contact the State Police in New Haven. (802-388-4919)
According to Town Administrator Joe Colangelo it was a busy summer of construction in Hinesburg but residents can breathe a sigh of relief this autumn as two large, local construction projects wrap up. The Silver Street Bridge project finished October 17th. Footings were put in place last summer and paving was completed this week. And he said Kinney Drugs is planning its grand opening for this Saturday at 10AM. The new pharmacy is located at the intersection of Farmall Drive and Route 116.
Student filmmakers in Vermont are competing to produce the best films they can in 24 hours. The competition is called “Sleepless in Burlington” and will showcase the efforts of students from the University of Vermont, Middlebury College, St. Michael’s College, and Burlington College. Each team includes five students. They are given a set of “elements” to include in their film, such as some lines of dialogue, a Burlington location, and items identified with the city. The teams will cast actors for their films on October 29th then they will be given 24 hours to shoot, edit and deliver the films. Their creations will be showcased as part of the closing event of the 2011 festival on October 30th at the Palace 9 Cinema.
A Burlington lawmaker plans to enter the race for the city's mayor, hoping to pull support from both Democrats and Progressives. State Sen. Tim Ashe, a Democrat and Progressive representing Chittenden County, says he's the only credible threat to Republican candidate Kurt Wright, a city counselor and state representative. The Burlington Free Press reports Mayor Bob Kiss, a Progressive, is waiting until next month to say whether he's seeking a third term.
More than 200 teachers in southern Vermont are on strike as of today. After 15 hours of closed doors negotiations, teachers in the Southwestern Vermont Education Association hit the picket lines. School Boards imposed working conditions on more than 200 hundred teachers in the Supervisory Union two years ago, meaning a 30 percent hike in health insurance premiums, a cut in starting teacher salary, and longer work days, with less time to consult with coworkers before and after the school day. That is a crucial sticking point for the teachers according to union representatives.
A prominent Vermont Republican is thinking about running against current Governor Peter Shumlin. It is the Chair of the Vermont GOP, Pat McDonald. She is no stranger to public office. She worked in the administrations of three different governors and served two terms in the Legislature and one term as the House Minority Leader. McDonald joins the ranks of other possible candidates including former Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie, State Senator Randy Brock, and Mark Snelling.
Vermont Congressman Peter Welch wants to help flooded farmers get back on their feet. Floodwaters from Tropical Storm Irene swamped farm fields around Vermont, destroying produce and feed crops. Welch has introduced three new bills aimed at assisting farmers. Two of the bills would funnel additional funding into existing USDA emergency programs. The third bill would allow the state to buy food for schools directly from Vermont farmers. Federal law currently requires those purchases to come through a regional distribution center in Rhode Island.
New York farmers who lost equipment or other infrastructure to this year's back-to-back tropical storms may be able to tap a $5 million fund set up by the state. The program will be run by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to help farmers recover from Irene and Lee. It will provide money for replacing electric and natural gas systems and equipment for milk processing, cooling, heating, and other farm systems. Applications are available at NYSERDA's website and will be processed on a first-come, first served basis until December 15 or funding runs out. The maximum assistance will be $100,000 per farm.
Faced with a soaring budget, Essex County lawmakers are preparing a local law that would override the state's 2-percent tax cap. More work on the 2012 spending plan and a public hearing would come before a vote on that law, however. A week of budget sessions with department heads only got the increase down from about $16 million to $13.3 million.
Denise Woodward isn’t charged with killing her niece, Brooke Bennett. But in a civil lawsuit the former wife of the man charged with kidnapping, assaulting and killing the 12-year-old Braintree girl is being sued for failing to protect her niece from her husband. In the case, Bennett’s parents argue that Woodward knew about his criminal past and his history of sexual assaults and violence toward women.
Gov. Peter Shumlin has announced the appointment of Beth Robinson to serve on the Vermont Supreme Court. An attorney with nearly two decades of experience practicing law in Vermont, Robinson is also a widely respected civil rights advocate whose work to secure marriage equality rights in Vermont earned wide national recognition. Robinson will replace Justice Denise Johnson, who is retiring.
The highly disputed Lowell Wind Project is now under way. Green Mountain Power began blasting near where protestors have camped out. Roughly 20 protestors camped out Tuesday on the mountain. The hike takes roughly one hour straight up from behind the Nelson's property. The protestors are fighting Green Mountain Power's $156 million project planned to build 21 wind turbines each more than 400-feet tall. GMP officials say the turbines would power more than 24,000 homes.
A defense attorney says a Burlington man accused of killing a neighbor whose body was found under a railroad bridge is mentally fit for court. Daniel Whalon had pleaded not guilty in August to charges he stabbed Ralph Bell. But he had not yet undergone a mental health evaluation, which was postponed by Tropical Storm Irene. The Burlington Free Press reports that his defense lawyer said that there were no concerns about Whalon's competency and withdrew the defense request for the evaluation.
The Ticonderoga Food Pantry is preparing for its peak season. With holidays and cold weather approaching, the demand for food increases. Some area food pantries, like the Moriah Food Pantry, are struggling to meet demand. The Ticonderoga Food Pantry got a boost October 14th when the Ti Elks hosted a pancake supper to benefit the local food shelf. The Ti pantry is operated by a group of about 25 volunteers. A member of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, the local pantry depends on local food drives and donations.
The Moriah Central School Parent-Teacher Association held a membership drive, raffle and food giveaway during the annual school open house. A total of 20 members signed up during open house. The next meeting of the PTA is Monday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m. in the high school library. New members and those wishing to join are encouraged to attend. Membership dues are $5 annually. For additional information or to become a member of the PTA contact Rose Rice at 546-3623 or Email rm_rice@yahoo.com.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended the deadline for Vermonters and communities to seek disaster assistance following Tropical Storm Irene. Gov. Peter Shumlin says Vermonters now have until November 15th, an additional two weeks to apply. The governor said that the deadline extension would allow more Vermonters who have been distracted by storm cleanup to seek help. Officials say homeowners, renters, businesses, or others who suffered losses during flooding from Irene are eligible for assistance to repair their homes or recover other losses.
Two men charged with a beating that hospitalized a Castleton man and left him with permanent injuries are facing felony assault charges. Christopher M. Washburn of Castleton, and Dylan Owens of Brandon, have both pleaded innocent to charges of aggravated assault, which carries a potential jail sentence of 15 years. The two men are charged with assaulting Frank Foster during a fight outside Foster’s home last summer.
The City of Vergennes and the Addison County Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring two family-friendly events. The 4th Annual Haunted Warehouse, previously known as Haunted Forest, will be held on Saturday, October 22nd at the former Kennedy Brothers Marketplace. The 5th Annual Pumpkins in the Park will be held on Saturday, October 29th in City Park. The Haunted Warehouse is designed for older children, although kids under 10 will be admitted with parents’ permission, and Pumpkins in the Park is an event for all ages. For more information on either event, call 802-388-7951 x1 or email marguerite@addisoncounty.com.
Vermont State Police at the New Haven Barracks are investigating the vandalism to a motor vehicle that was parked for sale on Route 7 in the town of Leicester. The vandalism occurred between 5PM on October 17th and 7AM on the 18th. Anyone with information is urged to contact the State Police in New Haven. (802-388-4919)
According to Town Administrator Joe Colangelo it was a busy summer of construction in Hinesburg but residents can breathe a sigh of relief this autumn as two large, local construction projects wrap up. The Silver Street Bridge project finished October 17th. Footings were put in place last summer and paving was completed this week. And he said Kinney Drugs is planning its grand opening for this Saturday at 10AM. The new pharmacy is located at the intersection of Farmall Drive and Route 116.
Student filmmakers in Vermont are competing to produce the best films they can in 24 hours. The competition is called “Sleepless in Burlington” and will showcase the efforts of students from the University of Vermont, Middlebury College, St. Michael’s College, and Burlington College. Each team includes five students. They are given a set of “elements” to include in their film, such as some lines of dialogue, a Burlington location, and items identified with the city. The teams will cast actors for their films on October 29th then they will be given 24 hours to shoot, edit and deliver the films. Their creations will be showcased as part of the closing event of the 2011 festival on October 30th at the Palace 9 Cinema.
A Burlington lawmaker plans to enter the race for the city's mayor, hoping to pull support from both Democrats and Progressives. State Sen. Tim Ashe, a Democrat and Progressive representing Chittenden County, says he's the only credible threat to Republican candidate Kurt Wright, a city counselor and state representative. The Burlington Free Press reports Mayor Bob Kiss, a Progressive, is waiting until next month to say whether he's seeking a third term.
More than 200 teachers in southern Vermont are on strike as of today. After 15 hours of closed doors negotiations, teachers in the Southwestern Vermont Education Association hit the picket lines. School Boards imposed working conditions on more than 200 hundred teachers in the Supervisory Union two years ago, meaning a 30 percent hike in health insurance premiums, a cut in starting teacher salary, and longer work days, with less time to consult with coworkers before and after the school day. That is a crucial sticking point for the teachers according to union representatives.
A prominent Vermont Republican is thinking about running against current Governor Peter Shumlin. It is the Chair of the Vermont GOP, Pat McDonald. She is no stranger to public office. She worked in the administrations of three different governors and served two terms in the Legislature and one term as the House Minority Leader. McDonald joins the ranks of other possible candidates including former Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie, State Senator Randy Brock, and Mark Snelling.
Vermont Congressman Peter Welch wants to help flooded farmers get back on their feet. Floodwaters from Tropical Storm Irene swamped farm fields around Vermont, destroying produce and feed crops. Welch has introduced three new bills aimed at assisting farmers. Two of the bills would funnel additional funding into existing USDA emergency programs. The third bill would allow the state to buy food for schools directly from Vermont farmers. Federal law currently requires those purchases to come through a regional distribution center in Rhode Island.
New York farmers who lost equipment or other infrastructure to this year's back-to-back tropical storms may be able to tap a $5 million fund set up by the state. The program will be run by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to help farmers recover from Irene and Lee. It will provide money for replacing electric and natural gas systems and equipment for milk processing, cooling, heating, and other farm systems. Applications are available at NYSERDA's website and will be processed on a first-come, first served basis until December 15 or funding runs out. The maximum assistance will be $100,000 per farm.
Faced with a soaring budget, Essex County lawmakers are preparing a local law that would override the state's 2-percent tax cap. More work on the 2012 spending plan and a public hearing would come before a vote on that law, however. A week of budget sessions with department heads only got the increase down from about $16 million to $13.3 million.
Denise Woodward isn’t charged with killing her niece, Brooke Bennett. But in a civil lawsuit the former wife of the man charged with kidnapping, assaulting and killing the 12-year-old Braintree girl is being sued for failing to protect her niece from her husband. In the case, Bennett’s parents argue that Woodward knew about his criminal past and his history of sexual assaults and violence toward women.
Gov. Peter Shumlin has announced the appointment of Beth Robinson to serve on the Vermont Supreme Court. An attorney with nearly two decades of experience practicing law in Vermont, Robinson is also a widely respected civil rights advocate whose work to secure marriage equality rights in Vermont earned wide national recognition. Robinson will replace Justice Denise Johnson, who is retiring.
The highly disputed Lowell Wind Project is now under way. Green Mountain Power began blasting near where protestors have camped out. Roughly 20 protestors camped out Tuesday on the mountain. The hike takes roughly one hour straight up from behind the Nelson's property. The protestors are fighting Green Mountain Power's $156 million project planned to build 21 wind turbines each more than 400-feet tall. GMP officials say the turbines would power more than 24,000 homes.
A defense attorney says a Burlington man accused of killing a neighbor whose body was found under a railroad bridge is mentally fit for court. Daniel Whalon had pleaded not guilty in August to charges he stabbed Ralph Bell. But he had not yet undergone a mental health evaluation, which was postponed by Tropical Storm Irene. The Burlington Free Press reports that his defense lawyer said that there were no concerns about Whalon's competency and withdrew the defense request for the evaluation.
The Ticonderoga Food Pantry is preparing for its peak season. With holidays and cold weather approaching, the demand for food increases. Some area food pantries, like the Moriah Food Pantry, are struggling to meet demand. The Ticonderoga Food Pantry got a boost October 14th when the Ti Elks hosted a pancake supper to benefit the local food shelf. The Ti pantry is operated by a group of about 25 volunteers. A member of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, the local pantry depends on local food drives and donations.
The Moriah Central School Parent-Teacher Association held a membership drive, raffle and food giveaway during the annual school open house. A total of 20 members signed up during open house. The next meeting of the PTA is Monday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m. in the high school library. New members and those wishing to join are encouraged to attend. Membership dues are $5 annually. For additional information or to become a member of the PTA contact Rose Rice at 546-3623 or Email rm_rice@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
WVTK Local & State News October 18, 2011 (Afternoon Update)
Governor Peter Shumlin has named his first appointment to the Vermont Supreme Court. He has chosen his own legal counsel, Beth Robinson, for the job. Robinson has no experience as a judge. She is best known for leading the legal battle to legalize same-sex marriage in Vermont. If confirmed by the Legislature, she will replace Justice Denise Johnson who retired from the bench back in August.
Addison County Superior Court is being asked to resolve a property assessment grievance filed by the owners of the Lodge at Otter Creek. Town officials said as much as a penny on the local tax rate could be riding on the outcome of the case. The town assessed the Lodge property at $18.9 million at the beginning of the 2009-2010 tax year. After undergoing so improvements to the property, the assessment was boosted to $21 million. They have appealed the $21 million figure, citing a shortfall of projected occupancy and income.
Vergennes City Manager Mel Hawley is talking with two existing Vergennes businesses that may be interested in a loan from a $79,000 city fund to help them expand. He would not yet identify the firms, but said both businesses are growing businesses.
The Supreme Court heard arguments this morning in a civil case related to the murder of Brooke Bennett. The Supreme Court is trying to determine if Michael Jacques ex-wife, Denise Woodard's home insurer is liable to cover any damages that might be awarded in the case.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced that it is closing the disaster recovery center in Rutland at the close of business Thursday. This will leave two recovery centers in the state, in Dover and Waterbury. FEMA officials say those centers will remain open “until further notice.” People can also continue to register for individual assistance till the end of the month by calling (800) 621-3362.
A state senator is calling for an independent counsel to review the sale of the state's largest utility to a Canadian company. Essex-Orleans Senator Vince Illuzzi says the Shumlin administration is biased in favor of the deal, so an independent review is needed to protect the public interest.
Addison County Superior Court is being asked to resolve a property assessment grievance filed by the owners of the Lodge at Otter Creek. Town officials said as much as a penny on the local tax rate could be riding on the outcome of the case. The town assessed the Lodge property at $18.9 million at the beginning of the 2009-2010 tax year. After undergoing so improvements to the property, the assessment was boosted to $21 million. They have appealed the $21 million figure, citing a shortfall of projected occupancy and income.
Vergennes City Manager Mel Hawley is talking with two existing Vergennes businesses that may be interested in a loan from a $79,000 city fund to help them expand. He would not yet identify the firms, but said both businesses are growing businesses.
The Supreme Court heard arguments this morning in a civil case related to the murder of Brooke Bennett. The Supreme Court is trying to determine if Michael Jacques ex-wife, Denise Woodard's home insurer is liable to cover any damages that might be awarded in the case.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced that it is closing the disaster recovery center in Rutland at the close of business Thursday. This will leave two recovery centers in the state, in Dover and Waterbury. FEMA officials say those centers will remain open “until further notice.” People can also continue to register for individual assistance till the end of the month by calling (800) 621-3362.
A state senator is calling for an independent counsel to review the sale of the state's largest utility to a Canadian company. Essex-Orleans Senator Vince Illuzzi says the Shumlin administration is biased in favor of the deal, so an independent review is needed to protect the public interest.
WVTK Local & State News October 18, 2011
Vermont State Police are investigating the report of a theft complaint from Champlain Valley Motorsports in Cornwall. Unknown individuals stole personal property that included a Battery, Rod and Reels, and Jumper Cables from a boat at the property. The estimated value of the property is approximately $550. Anyone with information is asked to contact Vermont State Police New Haven barracks. (802-388-4919)
The Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration approved Porter Hospital’s proposed fiscal year 2012 operating budget of $65.9 million last month, essentially as presented. The Porter budget falls within the middle of the pack when compared to fiscal year 2012 spending increases pitched by 13 other hospitals throughout the state. It’s a spending plan that requires less than a 2-percent increase in net revenues but necessitates a 10.3-percent rise in the rates the hospital needs to charge for procedures.
Addison County Superior Court is being asked to resolve a property assessment grievance filed by the owners of one of the most valuable properties in Middlebury. Town officials said as much as a penny on the local tax rate could be riding on the outcome of the case. At issue is the Lodge at Otter Creek. The town assessed the Lodge property at $18.9 million at the beginning of the 2009-2010 tax year. Following a year of improvements to the property, the assessment was boosted to $21 million for the 2010-2011 tax year. They have appealed the $21 million figure, citing a shortfall of projected occupancy and income. Superior Court has requested that the Lodge and town consider mediation to resolve the appeal.
While the town might lose some property tax revenue from the Lodge, it will be gaining some from the former Addison County Courthouse. That’s because the property will be subject to property taxes this year for the first time in history. The old brick courthouse was built in 1883 on land originally owned by one of Middlebury’s founders. The old courthouse became the property of Middlebury College once the current Courthouse replaced the structure.
Vergennes City Manager Mel Hawley is talking with two existing Vergennes businesses that may be interested in a loan from a $79,000 city fund to help them expand. He could not yet identify the firms, but said both businesses are growing businesses.
Gov. Peter Shumlin wants to ease the tax burden on Vermont flood victims. A plan announced Monday would allow towns to forgive school taxes on flood-damaged properties. Tropical Storm Irene damaged hundreds of homes and businesses around the state. Some towns have taken action to abate or defer municipal tax obligations on flood victims, but school taxes are collected as part of a statewide school funding system, so state approval is needed to relieve those taxes. Yesterday, Shumlin announced a plan to do just that. Under the plan, towns would be given the authority to abate school taxes and would be reimbursed by the state. The plan will require approval from lawmakers, but legislative leaders have endorsed the plan. The state anticipates the reimbursed abatements will total about $2 million to $4 million, money that will come from the Education Fund.
Rutland has spent more than $300,000 recovering from Tropical Storm Irene as of September 30th. The treasurer’s report for the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 puts storm-related expenditures at $319,136. City Treasurer Wendy Wilton said that 31 percent of the general fund had been spent at the close of the quarter, but that the storm expenses inflated that number and most departments were near the 25 percent benchmark expected at this time of year.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Monday that it would close the disaster recovery center in Rutland at the close of business Thursday. This leaves two recovery centers in the state, in Dover and Waterbury. FEMA said those centers would remain open “until further notice.” People can continue to register for individual assistance through October 31st by calling (800) 621-3362.
Contractors for the proposed wind project along the Grandpa’s Knob ridgeline said they are working on finalizing data collection for the project and are hopeful they will have a complete application to present to the Vermont Public Service Board sometime next year. The managing director of Reunion Power out of Manchester said it will depend on the results of the data collection and studies on the viability of the project.
This year's lamprey-control treatments on Lake Champlain had to battle wild weather, but officials were able to successfully treat three important contributors to the lake's lamprey infestation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working with agencies from New York and Vermont, had scheduled five treatments for the fall season but have put Putnam Creek and Mt. Hope Brook in southern Vermont on hold because of high water levels.
Senate President Pro Tem John Campbell says he wants to set up a special task force to study unique legal issues raised by the destruction of real estate property during Tropical Storm Irene. Flooding triggered by Tropical Storm Irene destroyed hundreds of homes and changed the size, shape and conditions of numerous property parcels, especially in southern and central Vermont.
Vermont musician Grace Potter is going to tell the world about fair trade, a way to provide farmers across the world fair prices for their product. Potter and musician Michael Franti will be performing live from 8 – 9PM Thursday on Green Mountain Coffee's Facebook page. In their concert, Potter and Franti will share how choices as small as the coffee people drink can help make big changes. Potter says working with Green Mountain Coffee is a great way to encourage people to make the switch and look for the Fair Trade Certified label on the products they buy.
The New England Culinary Institute may soon face a funding crisis. The school has failed an annual financial responsibility test conducted by the U.S. Department of Education. According to the Burlington Free Press, it will now likely be asked to provide a letter of credit to maintain eligibility for federal student aid. Green Mountain College in Poultney and O'Briens Aveda Institute, a cosmetology school in South Burlington also received low scores but are still considered financially responsible.
It’s been more than a decade since Vermont had a comprehensive plan that lays out an energy policy for the coming decades. Now a draft plan has been written and once its revised, it will be presented to the legislature. Everyone agrees that our future energy sources should be reliable, affordable and clean - and that conservation and efficiency are important goals. A number of concerns were raised at a recently concluded series of public meetings on the plan. Some feel it doesn't move quickly enough toward renewable sources, others think it relies too much on wind development. There are also concerns that the plan places too much emphasis on small-scale renewable projects.
The Vermont Department of Corrections has announced that the number of prisoners re-committing crimes in the Green Mountain State is far lower than the national average. It is a step forward for the Shumlin administrations goal of cutting prison costs. Governor Peter Shumlin and his administration took a close look at the number of inmates who commit crimes once they are released from prison. Originally, that number was near 50 percent. But State leaders found that number is actually closer to 30 percent.
A state senator is calling for an independent counsel to review the sale of the state's largest utility to a Canadian company. Essex-Orleans Senator Vince Illuzzi says the Shumlin administration is biased in favor of the deal, so an independent review is needed to protect the public interest. Illuzzi says the sale of Central Vermont Public Service represents a huge realignment in the state's utility business. If the deal goes through, Gaz-Metro will serve about 70 percent of the state's ratepayers. The merged company will also have a big stake in VELCO. Illuzzi says VELCO is the real prize in the CVPS sale. He'd like the public to control it.
Vermont's largest hospital is joining forces with the hospital that serves the central Vermont area as a way to help develop a coordinated health care system in the state. The affiliation between Burlington's Fletcher Allen Health Care and the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin was announced yesterday in Berlin. The affiliation will enable the two sides to plan joint quality and clinical initiatives and conduct joint purchasing and tax exempt borrowing and develop a common electronic records system. Both hospitals will remain freestanding, with separate identities, medical staffs and workforces.
A University of Vermont alumnus and Goldman Sachs analyst who planned to return to campus and talk to students about careers in the financial services industry canceled his appearance after backers of the Occupy Wall Street movement threatened protests. The cancellation came after several Facebook postings indicated that some non-business students might try to attend the appearance and disrupt it. The group Occupy Vermont urged supporters to attend the talk and make their voices heard about what it called the corruption of Goldman Sachs and to urge business students to pursue ethical careers.
Administrators from the Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union say schools will close and all extracurricular activities will be suspended if teachers go on strike. Meanwhile, teachers in the district tell The Bennington Banner they're planning to open a strike headquarters in case the two sides are unable to make progress during a final negotiation session today.
A small group of Vermont farm-workers and their supporters say they had a good meeting with Governor Peter Shumlin and his lawyer to discuss immigration issues and ways to modify policing policies when it comes to the workers. Natalia Fajardo of the Vermont Migrant Farm-worker Solidarity Project tells The Burlington Free Press workers are looking forward to "keeping the conversation open."
New York state's Education Department has recommended several measures to crack down cheating on the high-stakes Regents exams that influence not only the futures of students, but ratings of public schools and teachers' careers. The report to the state Board of Regents Monday is aimed at cheating not just by students, but by teachers and administrators during exams and in scoring. The report says spot checks using "erasure analysis" of answers led to the investigation of seven unnamed schools.
Ticonderoga eateries will vie for supremacy this Sunday during the inaugural “Wing War.” The Knights of Columbus will host the competition at 2PM to determine which Ti establishment makes the best chicken wings. People will be asked to make a $5 donation at the door, which will be given to the Ticonderoga Food Pantry. Once inside people can sample wings from Ti restaurants and vote on their choice for best wings.
The Tiny Tim Christmas Wish program in Ticonderoga enters a new decade with new leadership. Nancy Quesnel now directs the program. She replaced Helen Gibbs, who stepped down after the 2010 holiday season following 20 years with the program. Tiny Tim officials are already preparing for this Christmas. Tiny Tim Christmas Wish Program applications for needy children of the Ticonderoga Central School District, including Putnam and St. Mary’s schools, may be picked up at the Ticonderoga town offices in the Community Building on Montcalm Street. Completed forms should be mailed back to Quesnel by Saturday, November 5th. (151 Shore Airport Road, Ticonderoga 12883)
The Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration approved Porter Hospital’s proposed fiscal year 2012 operating budget of $65.9 million last month, essentially as presented. The Porter budget falls within the middle of the pack when compared to fiscal year 2012 spending increases pitched by 13 other hospitals throughout the state. It’s a spending plan that requires less than a 2-percent increase in net revenues but necessitates a 10.3-percent rise in the rates the hospital needs to charge for procedures.
Addison County Superior Court is being asked to resolve a property assessment grievance filed by the owners of one of the most valuable properties in Middlebury. Town officials said as much as a penny on the local tax rate could be riding on the outcome of the case. At issue is the Lodge at Otter Creek. The town assessed the Lodge property at $18.9 million at the beginning of the 2009-2010 tax year. Following a year of improvements to the property, the assessment was boosted to $21 million for the 2010-2011 tax year. They have appealed the $21 million figure, citing a shortfall of projected occupancy and income. Superior Court has requested that the Lodge and town consider mediation to resolve the appeal.
While the town might lose some property tax revenue from the Lodge, it will be gaining some from the former Addison County Courthouse. That’s because the property will be subject to property taxes this year for the first time in history. The old brick courthouse was built in 1883 on land originally owned by one of Middlebury’s founders. The old courthouse became the property of Middlebury College once the current Courthouse replaced the structure.
Vergennes City Manager Mel Hawley is talking with two existing Vergennes businesses that may be interested in a loan from a $79,000 city fund to help them expand. He could not yet identify the firms, but said both businesses are growing businesses.
Gov. Peter Shumlin wants to ease the tax burden on Vermont flood victims. A plan announced Monday would allow towns to forgive school taxes on flood-damaged properties. Tropical Storm Irene damaged hundreds of homes and businesses around the state. Some towns have taken action to abate or defer municipal tax obligations on flood victims, but school taxes are collected as part of a statewide school funding system, so state approval is needed to relieve those taxes. Yesterday, Shumlin announced a plan to do just that. Under the plan, towns would be given the authority to abate school taxes and would be reimbursed by the state. The plan will require approval from lawmakers, but legislative leaders have endorsed the plan. The state anticipates the reimbursed abatements will total about $2 million to $4 million, money that will come from the Education Fund.
Rutland has spent more than $300,000 recovering from Tropical Storm Irene as of September 30th. The treasurer’s report for the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 puts storm-related expenditures at $319,136. City Treasurer Wendy Wilton said that 31 percent of the general fund had been spent at the close of the quarter, but that the storm expenses inflated that number and most departments were near the 25 percent benchmark expected at this time of year.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Monday that it would close the disaster recovery center in Rutland at the close of business Thursday. This leaves two recovery centers in the state, in Dover and Waterbury. FEMA said those centers would remain open “until further notice.” People can continue to register for individual assistance through October 31st by calling (800) 621-3362.
Contractors for the proposed wind project along the Grandpa’s Knob ridgeline said they are working on finalizing data collection for the project and are hopeful they will have a complete application to present to the Vermont Public Service Board sometime next year. The managing director of Reunion Power out of Manchester said it will depend on the results of the data collection and studies on the viability of the project.
This year's lamprey-control treatments on Lake Champlain had to battle wild weather, but officials were able to successfully treat three important contributors to the lake's lamprey infestation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working with agencies from New York and Vermont, had scheduled five treatments for the fall season but have put Putnam Creek and Mt. Hope Brook in southern Vermont on hold because of high water levels.
Senate President Pro Tem John Campbell says he wants to set up a special task force to study unique legal issues raised by the destruction of real estate property during Tropical Storm Irene. Flooding triggered by Tropical Storm Irene destroyed hundreds of homes and changed the size, shape and conditions of numerous property parcels, especially in southern and central Vermont.
Vermont musician Grace Potter is going to tell the world about fair trade, a way to provide farmers across the world fair prices for their product. Potter and musician Michael Franti will be performing live from 8 – 9PM Thursday on Green Mountain Coffee's Facebook page. In their concert, Potter and Franti will share how choices as small as the coffee people drink can help make big changes. Potter says working with Green Mountain Coffee is a great way to encourage people to make the switch and look for the Fair Trade Certified label on the products they buy.
The New England Culinary Institute may soon face a funding crisis. The school has failed an annual financial responsibility test conducted by the U.S. Department of Education. According to the Burlington Free Press, it will now likely be asked to provide a letter of credit to maintain eligibility for federal student aid. Green Mountain College in Poultney and O'Briens Aveda Institute, a cosmetology school in South Burlington also received low scores but are still considered financially responsible.
It’s been more than a decade since Vermont had a comprehensive plan that lays out an energy policy for the coming decades. Now a draft plan has been written and once its revised, it will be presented to the legislature. Everyone agrees that our future energy sources should be reliable, affordable and clean - and that conservation and efficiency are important goals. A number of concerns were raised at a recently concluded series of public meetings on the plan. Some feel it doesn't move quickly enough toward renewable sources, others think it relies too much on wind development. There are also concerns that the plan places too much emphasis on small-scale renewable projects.
The Vermont Department of Corrections has announced that the number of prisoners re-committing crimes in the Green Mountain State is far lower than the national average. It is a step forward for the Shumlin administrations goal of cutting prison costs. Governor Peter Shumlin and his administration took a close look at the number of inmates who commit crimes once they are released from prison. Originally, that number was near 50 percent. But State leaders found that number is actually closer to 30 percent.
A state senator is calling for an independent counsel to review the sale of the state's largest utility to a Canadian company. Essex-Orleans Senator Vince Illuzzi says the Shumlin administration is biased in favor of the deal, so an independent review is needed to protect the public interest. Illuzzi says the sale of Central Vermont Public Service represents a huge realignment in the state's utility business. If the deal goes through, Gaz-Metro will serve about 70 percent of the state's ratepayers. The merged company will also have a big stake in VELCO. Illuzzi says VELCO is the real prize in the CVPS sale. He'd like the public to control it.
Vermont's largest hospital is joining forces with the hospital that serves the central Vermont area as a way to help develop a coordinated health care system in the state. The affiliation between Burlington's Fletcher Allen Health Care and the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin was announced yesterday in Berlin. The affiliation will enable the two sides to plan joint quality and clinical initiatives and conduct joint purchasing and tax exempt borrowing and develop a common electronic records system. Both hospitals will remain freestanding, with separate identities, medical staffs and workforces.
A University of Vermont alumnus and Goldman Sachs analyst who planned to return to campus and talk to students about careers in the financial services industry canceled his appearance after backers of the Occupy Wall Street movement threatened protests. The cancellation came after several Facebook postings indicated that some non-business students might try to attend the appearance and disrupt it. The group Occupy Vermont urged supporters to attend the talk and make their voices heard about what it called the corruption of Goldman Sachs and to urge business students to pursue ethical careers.
Administrators from the Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union say schools will close and all extracurricular activities will be suspended if teachers go on strike. Meanwhile, teachers in the district tell The Bennington Banner they're planning to open a strike headquarters in case the two sides are unable to make progress during a final negotiation session today.
A small group of Vermont farm-workers and their supporters say they had a good meeting with Governor Peter Shumlin and his lawyer to discuss immigration issues and ways to modify policing policies when it comes to the workers. Natalia Fajardo of the Vermont Migrant Farm-worker Solidarity Project tells The Burlington Free Press workers are looking forward to "keeping the conversation open."
New York state's Education Department has recommended several measures to crack down cheating on the high-stakes Regents exams that influence not only the futures of students, but ratings of public schools and teachers' careers. The report to the state Board of Regents Monday is aimed at cheating not just by students, but by teachers and administrators during exams and in scoring. The report says spot checks using "erasure analysis" of answers led to the investigation of seven unnamed schools.
Ticonderoga eateries will vie for supremacy this Sunday during the inaugural “Wing War.” The Knights of Columbus will host the competition at 2PM to determine which Ti establishment makes the best chicken wings. People will be asked to make a $5 donation at the door, which will be given to the Ticonderoga Food Pantry. Once inside people can sample wings from Ti restaurants and vote on their choice for best wings.
The Tiny Tim Christmas Wish program in Ticonderoga enters a new decade with new leadership. Nancy Quesnel now directs the program. She replaced Helen Gibbs, who stepped down after the 2010 holiday season following 20 years with the program. Tiny Tim officials are already preparing for this Christmas. Tiny Tim Christmas Wish Program applications for needy children of the Ticonderoga Central School District, including Putnam and St. Mary’s schools, may be picked up at the Ticonderoga town offices in the Community Building on Montcalm Street. Completed forms should be mailed back to Quesnel by Saturday, November 5th. (151 Shore Airport Road, Ticonderoga 12883)
Monday, October 17, 2011
WVTK Local & State News October 17, 2011 (Afternoon Update)
The number of schools in Vermont defined by the No Child Left Behind Act as under-performing could drop significantly next spring. State officials are currently seeking waivers on the grounds that the act unfairly labels too many schools as failing. In Vermont 72-percent of schools are identified as under-performing. If the waivers are approved that number would drop to 5 or 10-percent.
Fletcher Allen Health Care and Central Vermont Medical Center are joining forces. At a press conference earlier this afternoon, it was announced that the affiliation between the 2 hospitals will be called Fletcher Allen Partners. The affiliation was finalized after 9 months of planning that began last December.
Vermont transportation officials say they've opened two temporary bridges to replace bridges that were closed when the remnants of Hurricane Irene devastated the state. The Vermont Agency of Transportation said temporary bridges were opened Saturday on Route 100 in Jamaica and on Route 73 in Rochester. The bridge openings eliminate lengthy detours for area residents. The opening of the Route 100 Bridge marks the first time the 216-mile highway has been open in its entirety since Irene.
The Vermont State Police continue to investigate a house fire that occurred last Wednesday on Route 116 in Bristol. The investigation is on-going and the cause of the fire is unknown at this time. The Vermont State Police are asking anyone with information to call the Vermont Arson Tip Line at 1-800-32 ARSON or the New Haven Barracks.
Three Vermont colleges have joined with 29 other leading institutions to launch the Billion Dollar Green Challenge. Middlebury College, Green Mountain College and Burlington College have pledged to be part of a $1 billion investment in self-managed revolving funds to finance energy efficiency upgrades on campuses. For more information visit www.greenbillion.com.
About 2,000 people took part in the 4th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in South Burlington yesterday. This year they expect to raise more than $200,000 for cancer research and programs to support cancer patients. In addition to medical research, the money raised also benefits services directed at improving the lives of cancer patients in Vermont.
Fletcher Allen Health Care and Central Vermont Medical Center are joining forces. At a press conference earlier this afternoon, it was announced that the affiliation between the 2 hospitals will be called Fletcher Allen Partners. The affiliation was finalized after 9 months of planning that began last December.
Vermont transportation officials say they've opened two temporary bridges to replace bridges that were closed when the remnants of Hurricane Irene devastated the state. The Vermont Agency of Transportation said temporary bridges were opened Saturday on Route 100 in Jamaica and on Route 73 in Rochester. The bridge openings eliminate lengthy detours for area residents. The opening of the Route 100 Bridge marks the first time the 216-mile highway has been open in its entirety since Irene.
The Vermont State Police continue to investigate a house fire that occurred last Wednesday on Route 116 in Bristol. The investigation is on-going and the cause of the fire is unknown at this time. The Vermont State Police are asking anyone with information to call the Vermont Arson Tip Line at 1-800-32 ARSON or the New Haven Barracks.
Three Vermont colleges have joined with 29 other leading institutions to launch the Billion Dollar Green Challenge. Middlebury College, Green Mountain College and Burlington College have pledged to be part of a $1 billion investment in self-managed revolving funds to finance energy efficiency upgrades on campuses. For more information visit www.greenbillion.com.
About 2,000 people took part in the 4th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in South Burlington yesterday. This year they expect to raise more than $200,000 for cancer research and programs to support cancer patients. In addition to medical research, the money raised also benefits services directed at improving the lives of cancer patients in Vermont.
WVTK Local & State News October 17, 2011
State Auditor Tom Salmon, CPA, would like to remind municipalities, schools and non-profit organizations who may be eligible for FEMA assistance that the one-page “Request for Public Assistance” form (Form 90-49) must be submitted by the close of business TODAY. The Request for Public Assistance Form (RPA) may be found HERE. For more information contact the Vermont Agency of Transportation. (802-828-3889)
The American Cancer Society held its fourth annual “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk” in South Burlington Sunday afternoon. Walks like this one, happen all across the nation as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Last year alone, these walks raised over 60 million dollars for the American Cancer Society. Organizers say the event isn't just about raising money. According to Event manager Amy Deavitt "Vermont has over 7,000 breast cancer survivors and new patients being diagnosed every day. Organizers say this years' walk was their largest ever for the state of Vermont and they expect to raise over a quarter million dollars. A big thanks you to as well to all that supported Team WVTpinK this year!
Three Vermont colleges have joined with 29 other leading institutions to launch the Billion Dollar Green Challenge. Middlebury College, Green Mountain College and Burlington College have pledged to be part of a $1 billion investment in self-managed revolving funds to finance energy efficiency upgrades on campuses. Middlebury College has pledged to raise $1 million for the program and will start its fund, named the Green Revolving Loan Fund, with an initial $300,000 anonymous donation. The college will raise the remaining $700,000 from donations, capital budget allocations and endowment investments. For more information visit www.greenbillion.com.
Vermont State Police were dispatched to a reported family fight in the Town of Weybridge last week. Upon arrival, investigation by officers revealed that Omar Jones was involved in a family fight where two people were injured. While police were taking Jones into custody he began to fight with the police. Jones was taken into custody and transported to the New Haven State Police Barracks for processing and cited into Addison County District Court to answer the charges.
The Vermont State Police continue to investigate a house fire that occurred last Wednesday on Route 116 in Bristol. The investigation is on-going and the cause of the fire is unknown at this time. The Vermont State Police is asking anyone with information to call the Vermont Arson Tip Award Program at 1-800-32 ARSON (up to a $5,000 reward) or the New Haven Barracks.
State Police are warning homeowners about a contractor who they say is scamming customers. 33-year-old Leonard Percy runs Percy's Building Construction out of North Troy. Police say he recently had a customer pay him several thousand dollars as a down payment on a project, but never finished the work. Investigators believe there may be other victims in Lamoille, Franklin, and Chittenden Counties. Percy has been previously charged for home improvement fraud and is currently listed on the Vermont Attorney General's Home Improvement Fraud Registry.
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders has announced two taxpayer-funded grants totaling $165,555 for the Green Mountain Farm Direct and the Northeast Organic Farming Association to expand access to locally produced food for Vermont seniors, low-income families and others. Green Mountain Farm Direct is slated to receive just over $97,000 to build a mobile farmers market that will deliver fresh foods to senior meal sites, low-income housing sites, and community centers.
Vermont transportation officials say they've opened two temporary bridges to replace bridges that were closed when the remnants of Hurricane Irene devastated the state. The Vermont Agency of Transportation said temporary bridges were opened Saturday on Route 100 in Jamaica and on Route 73 in Rochester. The bridge openings eliminate lengthy detours for area residents. The opening of the Route 100 Bridge marks the first time the 216-mile highway has been open in its entirety since Irene.
Officials in Moretown are hoping to resume real estate transactions in the next week or so after local documents were damaged during Tropical Storm Irene. Most real estate transactions have come to a halt in the town because those saturated documents are needed to prove the property can be sold. Moretown was 1 of a number of communities in Vermont and New York that have seen municipal and county records damaged and possibly destroyed by floodwaters.
Authorities say a man just arrested by Vermont State Police committed suicide at the Williston barracks yesterday. 43 year old Michael Weisler, of Waterville, was arrested Saturday on a charge of lewd and lascivious conduct with a young girl. He was due in court today to be arraigned on the lewd and lascivious charge.
Governor Peter Shumlin says he's putting together a plan to ease property tax burdens in communities that have suffered enormous damage from Tropical Storm Irene. Shumlin is concerned that the state's current education funding system could result in unfair burdens for some homeowners. Although the details of the plan won't be released until later this week, the goal of the program is to make certain that property taxpayers in communities hit hard by Tropical Storm Irene don't face additional tax burdens.
An estimated 400 to 500 people rallied and marched in Burlington to voice their frustration with a financial and governmental system they said rewards the rich while the rest of the country struggles. The rally was 1 of 4 events held Saturday in Vermont in support of the Occupy Wall Street protest that emerged in New York City last month and has spread to other cities around the globe.
There was a legal victory for Green Mountain Power in its effort to build a wind project on Lowell Mountain. The utility received a temporary restraining order against protestors who have been camping within the range of debris that could be spread by blasting. The court says the campers cannot disrupt the blasting one-hour before or after the scheduled blasting. This is only a temporary order. A full hearing will be held this week in Orleans County.
Vermont State Police are investigating how a large boulder found its way into the middle of an interstate highway, damaging two vehicles that crashed into it. Police say they responded to calls of a large rock in the middle of the southbound lanes of Interstate 91 in Norwich a little after 3AM Saturday. When they arrived, they found a boulder approximately the width of a travel lane and too heavy for a person to carry. Police say they don't know how the boulder got in the road and are asking the public for information.
The Moriah Central School Board will meet at 6PM Tuesday in the High School library. Items of interest are bid openings, discussion on September bids and policy changes. The public is welcome to attend this meeting.
Motorists with a clean driving record ticketed in Essex County may soon get their tickets thrown out. It will cost them $150 a ticket, but District Attorney Kristy Sprague said they'll get an outright dismissal instead of a reduction to a lesser charge. The money will be divided between the town where the violation occurred and the county. The new program, called eTraffic Diversion, is under consideration to go into effect January 1, 2012.
Proposed cuts to a critical home-heating program could seriously affect residents in the North Country this winter. A bill in the House is calling for $343 million in funding for the Low Income Home Heating Program for New York (LIHEAP). The amount is substantially lower than the $428 million proposed in the Senate. The program is designed to give those who qualify help paying for fuel oil, kerosene, wood, electricity, natural gas, propane, coal or other sources of heat for their homes in the winter.
The historic Essex Inn, which has been closed for several years, has been renovated and has reopened as an inn and dining establishment. Rick and Karen Dalton purchased the Essex Inn about a year and a half ago, and have completely renovated it while keeping its 19th-century charm. The Daltons do not plan on running the inn part, but will use part of the facility as the new headquarters for the College for Every Student (CFES) organization they run. Dalton was working at Middlebury College about 20 years ago when he and Karen founded the CFES program. For more information just visit www.essexinnessex.com.
The benefit concert organized by 13-year-old Brandon Bailey to help the continuing rebuilding efforts in the area raised approximately $1,050 on Saturday. All proceeds will go to the United Way of Rutland County. Bailey organized “Kids Helping to Rebuild a Community” with Youth Arts Forum after seeing the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Irene. It featured more than 10 acts from local and out-of-state musicians.
Young hunters will take to the woods accompanied by an adult during Vermont's annual youth deer hunting weekend next month. Any hunter who is 15 or younger and has completed a hunter safety course may buy a hunting license and obtain a free youth deer hunting tag. An unarmed adult who holds a Vermont hunting license must accompany young hunters. This year's youth hunting weekend is November 5-6, the weekend before the start of the rifle season.
The American Cancer Society held its fourth annual “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk” in South Burlington Sunday afternoon. Walks like this one, happen all across the nation as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Last year alone, these walks raised over 60 million dollars for the American Cancer Society. Organizers say the event isn't just about raising money. According to Event manager Amy Deavitt "Vermont has over 7,000 breast cancer survivors and new patients being diagnosed every day. Organizers say this years' walk was their largest ever for the state of Vermont and they expect to raise over a quarter million dollars. A big thanks you to as well to all that supported Team WVTpinK this year!
Three Vermont colleges have joined with 29 other leading institutions to launch the Billion Dollar Green Challenge. Middlebury College, Green Mountain College and Burlington College have pledged to be part of a $1 billion investment in self-managed revolving funds to finance energy efficiency upgrades on campuses. Middlebury College has pledged to raise $1 million for the program and will start its fund, named the Green Revolving Loan Fund, with an initial $300,000 anonymous donation. The college will raise the remaining $700,000 from donations, capital budget allocations and endowment investments. For more information visit www.greenbillion.com.
Vermont State Police were dispatched to a reported family fight in the Town of Weybridge last week. Upon arrival, investigation by officers revealed that Omar Jones was involved in a family fight where two people were injured. While police were taking Jones into custody he began to fight with the police. Jones was taken into custody and transported to the New Haven State Police Barracks for processing and cited into Addison County District Court to answer the charges.
The Vermont State Police continue to investigate a house fire that occurred last Wednesday on Route 116 in Bristol. The investigation is on-going and the cause of the fire is unknown at this time. The Vermont State Police is asking anyone with information to call the Vermont Arson Tip Award Program at 1-800-32 ARSON (up to a $5,000 reward) or the New Haven Barracks.
State Police are warning homeowners about a contractor who they say is scamming customers. 33-year-old Leonard Percy runs Percy's Building Construction out of North Troy. Police say he recently had a customer pay him several thousand dollars as a down payment on a project, but never finished the work. Investigators believe there may be other victims in Lamoille, Franklin, and Chittenden Counties. Percy has been previously charged for home improvement fraud and is currently listed on the Vermont Attorney General's Home Improvement Fraud Registry.
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders has announced two taxpayer-funded grants totaling $165,555 for the Green Mountain Farm Direct and the Northeast Organic Farming Association to expand access to locally produced food for Vermont seniors, low-income families and others. Green Mountain Farm Direct is slated to receive just over $97,000 to build a mobile farmers market that will deliver fresh foods to senior meal sites, low-income housing sites, and community centers.
Vermont transportation officials say they've opened two temporary bridges to replace bridges that were closed when the remnants of Hurricane Irene devastated the state. The Vermont Agency of Transportation said temporary bridges were opened Saturday on Route 100 in Jamaica and on Route 73 in Rochester. The bridge openings eliminate lengthy detours for area residents. The opening of the Route 100 Bridge marks the first time the 216-mile highway has been open in its entirety since Irene.
Officials in Moretown are hoping to resume real estate transactions in the next week or so after local documents were damaged during Tropical Storm Irene. Most real estate transactions have come to a halt in the town because those saturated documents are needed to prove the property can be sold. Moretown was 1 of a number of communities in Vermont and New York that have seen municipal and county records damaged and possibly destroyed by floodwaters.
Authorities say a man just arrested by Vermont State Police committed suicide at the Williston barracks yesterday. 43 year old Michael Weisler, of Waterville, was arrested Saturday on a charge of lewd and lascivious conduct with a young girl. He was due in court today to be arraigned on the lewd and lascivious charge.
Governor Peter Shumlin says he's putting together a plan to ease property tax burdens in communities that have suffered enormous damage from Tropical Storm Irene. Shumlin is concerned that the state's current education funding system could result in unfair burdens for some homeowners. Although the details of the plan won't be released until later this week, the goal of the program is to make certain that property taxpayers in communities hit hard by Tropical Storm Irene don't face additional tax burdens.
An estimated 400 to 500 people rallied and marched in Burlington to voice their frustration with a financial and governmental system they said rewards the rich while the rest of the country struggles. The rally was 1 of 4 events held Saturday in Vermont in support of the Occupy Wall Street protest that emerged in New York City last month and has spread to other cities around the globe.
There was a legal victory for Green Mountain Power in its effort to build a wind project on Lowell Mountain. The utility received a temporary restraining order against protestors who have been camping within the range of debris that could be spread by blasting. The court says the campers cannot disrupt the blasting one-hour before or after the scheduled blasting. This is only a temporary order. A full hearing will be held this week in Orleans County.
Vermont State Police are investigating how a large boulder found its way into the middle of an interstate highway, damaging two vehicles that crashed into it. Police say they responded to calls of a large rock in the middle of the southbound lanes of Interstate 91 in Norwich a little after 3AM Saturday. When they arrived, they found a boulder approximately the width of a travel lane and too heavy for a person to carry. Police say they don't know how the boulder got in the road and are asking the public for information.
The Moriah Central School Board will meet at 6PM Tuesday in the High School library. Items of interest are bid openings, discussion on September bids and policy changes. The public is welcome to attend this meeting.
Motorists with a clean driving record ticketed in Essex County may soon get their tickets thrown out. It will cost them $150 a ticket, but District Attorney Kristy Sprague said they'll get an outright dismissal instead of a reduction to a lesser charge. The money will be divided between the town where the violation occurred and the county. The new program, called eTraffic Diversion, is under consideration to go into effect January 1, 2012.
Proposed cuts to a critical home-heating program could seriously affect residents in the North Country this winter. A bill in the House is calling for $343 million in funding for the Low Income Home Heating Program for New York (LIHEAP). The amount is substantially lower than the $428 million proposed in the Senate. The program is designed to give those who qualify help paying for fuel oil, kerosene, wood, electricity, natural gas, propane, coal or other sources of heat for their homes in the winter.
The historic Essex Inn, which has been closed for several years, has been renovated and has reopened as an inn and dining establishment. Rick and Karen Dalton purchased the Essex Inn about a year and a half ago, and have completely renovated it while keeping its 19th-century charm. The Daltons do not plan on running the inn part, but will use part of the facility as the new headquarters for the College for Every Student (CFES) organization they run. Dalton was working at Middlebury College about 20 years ago when he and Karen founded the CFES program. For more information just visit www.essexinnessex.com.
The benefit concert organized by 13-year-old Brandon Bailey to help the continuing rebuilding efforts in the area raised approximately $1,050 on Saturday. All proceeds will go to the United Way of Rutland County. Bailey organized “Kids Helping to Rebuild a Community” with Youth Arts Forum after seeing the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Irene. It featured more than 10 acts from local and out-of-state musicians.
Young hunters will take to the woods accompanied by an adult during Vermont's annual youth deer hunting weekend next month. Any hunter who is 15 or younger and has completed a hunter safety course may buy a hunting license and obtain a free youth deer hunting tag. An unarmed adult who holds a Vermont hunting license must accompany young hunters. This year's youth hunting weekend is November 5-6, the weekend before the start of the rifle season.
Friday, October 14, 2011
WVTK Local & State News October 14, 2011 (Afternoon Update)
This Sunday the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” Walk takes place at Dorset Park in South Burlington. There is only one Strides event for the entire state and this is it! This 5-mile walk is not a race; it is a celebration of survivorship, an occasion to express hope, and a shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people we love. Amanda Leigh is team leader for WVTpinK! Help her get to her $1,000 goal today by making a donation right now or join her for the walk on Sunday! Get the scoop HERE!!
Artist Patrick Dougherty’s “So Inclined” sculpture on the Middlebury College campus will be dismantled. The sculpture materials will be recycled into compost, and returned to the earth as a supplement for campus plantings. He will return to campus on Friday October 28th and discuss his worldwide projects and commissions in a 4:30PM talk in Room 221 of the Mahaney Center for the Arts. The lecture is free and open to the public.
The Vergennes Union High School class of 2012 set a new fund-raising record for the seniors’ annual walk for charity this week. On Tuesday the class presented a check for more than $6,000 to the Child Life Services program at Vermont Children’s Hospital, which is a division of Fletcher Allen Health Care.
The "Occupy" rallies that started on Wall Street a few weeks ago have now made their way to Vermont. Burlington has been the site of several of the events. Another was held yesterday here in Middlebury. Additional ‘Occupy Wall Street' rallies are scheduled for this Saturday in Brattleboro, Montpelier, Rutland and Burlington.
The tentative 2012 Ticonderoga budget calls for the elimination of the community summer youth recreation program. The program serves about 100 children a year, offering arts and crafts, sports, swimming and other activities. It also provides daily breakfast and lunch through a federal food program. That’s one of the cuts in a $4.9 million proposed spending plan that falls within the new state-imposed 2 percent tax cap. The plan is not final and Ticonderoga officials want to know the public’s 2012 budget priorities. That’s why trustees will hold an informational meeting Tuesday, October 25th at 6PM in the Community Building auditorium.
2011 marks the 10th anniversary of Vermont's "Safe At Home" program, which offers ‘address confidentiality' services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. The program provides victims of abuse a substitute address as well as a protected records service, which limits access to public information. Secretary of State Jim Condos says the program offers a clear path for someone to be protected without fear of retribution. Vermont was one of the earliest implementers of a confidentiality program. There are now 32 programs across the country.
Sen. Patrick Leahy says the Senate Judiciary Committee he heads will vote next month on legislation to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The Vermont Democrat says that overturning the 1996 law was "part of the nation's continuing fight for civil rights for all Americans." He says it's time to ensure equality for gay and lesbian Americans who are lawfully married. The Defense of Marriage Act also says that no state should have to accept another state's recognition of a same-sex marriage. The legislation repealing it would make same-sex marriages eligible for the federal benefits that opposite-sex marriages have.
State officials acknowledge some Vermonters looking for work after the flood were turned away from the cleanup at the state office complex in Waterbury. The officials say it was a coordination problem that was cleared up in several days. State Senator Vincent Illuzzi says barring people from seeking work was disheartening for unemployed Vermonters.
New York regulators say natural gas prices are expected to be 4 to 6 percent lower this winter and utilities have plenty of supply to get through the season. The Public Service Commission says Thursday its staff assessed the status of companies serving the state's 3.9 million gas heating customers and found they have adequate supply to meet demand during severe winter conditions.
Vermont musician Grace Potter has helped raise more than $300,000 for flood relief with a pair of concerts. Potter and her band "The Nocturnals" played a sold-out show Sunday at the Flynn Center in Burlington. Potter gave a solo performance Monday at Sugarbush Resort.
Hidden View Farm in the town of Champlain and Dimock Farms in the town of Peru will be among farms offering guided tours of their operations during the second annual “Open Farm Sunday” this Sunday. The initiative is one started last year by Cabot Creamery with members in New England and upstate New York. The idea behind the initiative is to get more people in the community thinking about where their food comes from and introducing them to the men and women who supply it.
Artist Patrick Dougherty’s “So Inclined” sculpture on the Middlebury College campus will be dismantled. The sculpture materials will be recycled into compost, and returned to the earth as a supplement for campus plantings. He will return to campus on Friday October 28th and discuss his worldwide projects and commissions in a 4:30PM talk in Room 221 of the Mahaney Center for the Arts. The lecture is free and open to the public.
The Vergennes Union High School class of 2012 set a new fund-raising record for the seniors’ annual walk for charity this week. On Tuesday the class presented a check for more than $6,000 to the Child Life Services program at Vermont Children’s Hospital, which is a division of Fletcher Allen Health Care.
The "Occupy" rallies that started on Wall Street a few weeks ago have now made their way to Vermont. Burlington has been the site of several of the events. Another was held yesterday here in Middlebury. Additional ‘Occupy Wall Street' rallies are scheduled for this Saturday in Brattleboro, Montpelier, Rutland and Burlington.
The tentative 2012 Ticonderoga budget calls for the elimination of the community summer youth recreation program. The program serves about 100 children a year, offering arts and crafts, sports, swimming and other activities. It also provides daily breakfast and lunch through a federal food program. That’s one of the cuts in a $4.9 million proposed spending plan that falls within the new state-imposed 2 percent tax cap. The plan is not final and Ticonderoga officials want to know the public’s 2012 budget priorities. That’s why trustees will hold an informational meeting Tuesday, October 25th at 6PM in the Community Building auditorium.
2011 marks the 10th anniversary of Vermont's "Safe At Home" program, which offers ‘address confidentiality' services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. The program provides victims of abuse a substitute address as well as a protected records service, which limits access to public information. Secretary of State Jim Condos says the program offers a clear path for someone to be protected without fear of retribution. Vermont was one of the earliest implementers of a confidentiality program. There are now 32 programs across the country.
Sen. Patrick Leahy says the Senate Judiciary Committee he heads will vote next month on legislation to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The Vermont Democrat says that overturning the 1996 law was "part of the nation's continuing fight for civil rights for all Americans." He says it's time to ensure equality for gay and lesbian Americans who are lawfully married. The Defense of Marriage Act also says that no state should have to accept another state's recognition of a same-sex marriage. The legislation repealing it would make same-sex marriages eligible for the federal benefits that opposite-sex marriages have.
State officials acknowledge some Vermonters looking for work after the flood were turned away from the cleanup at the state office complex in Waterbury. The officials say it was a coordination problem that was cleared up in several days. State Senator Vincent Illuzzi says barring people from seeking work was disheartening for unemployed Vermonters.
New York regulators say natural gas prices are expected to be 4 to 6 percent lower this winter and utilities have plenty of supply to get through the season. The Public Service Commission says Thursday its staff assessed the status of companies serving the state's 3.9 million gas heating customers and found they have adequate supply to meet demand during severe winter conditions.
Vermont musician Grace Potter has helped raise more than $300,000 for flood relief with a pair of concerts. Potter and her band "The Nocturnals" played a sold-out show Sunday at the Flynn Center in Burlington. Potter gave a solo performance Monday at Sugarbush Resort.
Hidden View Farm in the town of Champlain and Dimock Farms in the town of Peru will be among farms offering guided tours of their operations during the second annual “Open Farm Sunday” this Sunday. The initiative is one started last year by Cabot Creamery with members in New England and upstate New York. The idea behind the initiative is to get more people in the community thinking about where their food comes from and introducing them to the men and women who supply it.
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