WVTK Local & State News August 26, 2011

Utilities are preparing for Hurricane Irene, and are advising customers in Vermont of the potential for damaging high winds and heavy rain that could cause extensive damage and power outages Sunday. While all utilities are diligently preparing for the storm, customers should prepare for the possibility of being without power for several days, possibly even more, should the storm take a track for the worse. Utility crews are on standby and are bringing in outside contract crews to ensure a strong response if the storm brings significant problems. Government officials are also coordinating efforts to assure the necessary resources are available. Vermont utilities urged customers to be sure to have flashlights, batteries, food and water available in case they lose electrical service, and suggested that friends, family and neighbors check on elderly Vermonters who may need help. Candles are not recommended as light sources during a power outage due to fire risk.

Gov. Peter Shumlin is asking Vermonters to be prepared for Hurricane Irene. The storm is expected to make its way up the East Coast toward Vermont this weekend. The governor is vacationing at his summer home in Nova Scotia, but his staff says he was in contact with Emergency Management via phone Thursday. The governor is asking Vermonters to pay close attention to the weather reports and be prepared for widespread power outages and possible flash floods.

The threat of heavy weather associated with Hurricane Irene is prompting two Vermont colleges to adjust their schedules. The University of Vermont canceled a Sunday evening convocation and a twilight induction ceremony on the college green in Burlington. At Norwich University, Vice President of Student Affairs Michael Kelley has told upperclassmen scheduled to begin arriving for the fall semester on Saturday and Sunday that they're welcome to come back Friday instead.

The New York state Department of Transportation says the lifting of the center arch span for the new Lake Champlain Bridge is underway. Lifting the arch into place will take four to eight hours. The public can watch the work but some marine and vehicle traffic restrictions will be in place. Ferry service remains operational during the work.

Vermont state police say both drivers involved in a two-truck crash that closed Route 7 in Ferrisburgh earlier this week would face charges in connection with the crash. Both trucks are owned by Reithoffer Manufacturing, which runs the midway at the Champlain Valley Fair. Police say one driver, 40-year-old Joseph Barwick, was found to have multiple log book violations tied to an attempt to conceal the number of hours he drove in a week. Police say the other driver, 50-year-old Iva Williams, had alcohol and prescription drugs that were not prescribed to her. The company faces $933 in fines for equipment violations and for employing a medically unqualified driver.

Vermont State Police are currently investigating the report of stolen metal bulldozer tracks from the Lathrop Lumber Mill in Bristol. Approximately 40-50 metal bulldozer tracks were stolen from a wooden pallet at the property. The approximate value for the stolen bulldozer tracks is $2,000. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Vermont State Police in New Haven. (802-388-4919)

State Police are investigating the theft of four ATV's from a farm in Bristol. The ATV's that were stolen are a Green 2000 Honda 4 Trax, a Red 2001 Honda Rancher, a Orange 2003 Honda Rancher and a Red 2003 Honda Rancher all with rear and front racks on them. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Vermont State Police New Haven Barracks. (802-388-4919)
Middlebury Selectwoman Janelle Ashley has stepped down from her position because her family is moving to the town of Whiting. She said that she would miss being such a central part of what’s happening in the Middlebury community.

The future of the Bristol Works business campus is on hold as Bristol town officials are working through an official zoning classification for the property. The owners of the property plan to use the 5.5-acre site to host a range of businesses and organizations, including office space for the Addison Northeast Supervisory Union, a prospective health center, and manufacturing space for energy technology and value-added food products.

A group of Moriah residents will get town water service this year thanks to an unexpected grant. The town has received $1.9 million to create a water district in the Forge Hollow, Elk Inn Road and Stone Street area. The town board will open bids for the project at its Sept. 13 meeting. Construction is expected to begin immediately and be completed this fall. When a bid is awarded, a meeting will be scheduled with area residents to explain the construction process.

A law requiring contractors to be licensed by the town is being considered by Ticonderoga officials. A public hearing on a proposed law to “regulate contracting businesses in the town of Ticonderoga” will be held at 6PM Thursday, September 9th at the Community Building. If adopted by Ti trustees, the law will require all contractors doing business in the town to be licensed by the town board.

A suspicious package sighting had security officials calling in South Burlington police to the Dynapower and Lane Press complex around 3:45PM Thursday. South Burlington Police could not figure out what the item was. They were concerned by the weight of the package saying it did not move during strong gusts of wind and rain. Lab results on the package could take weeks, and anyone with any knowledge of the suspicious package should call police.

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders is fighting to keep Social Security alive for another 75 years. Sanders says there needs to be a change in the format of collecting money for Social Security. He said his legislation would apply the same payroll tax already paid by 90% of Americans to those with incomes over $250,000. Sanders said he would introduce his legislation to Congress when it reconvenes.

The Vermont Lottery is exploring a number of options to help boost interest in its games, because sales over the past few years have been relatively flat. The Vermont Lottery is launching a pilot program this fall to sell some of its products in vending machines at prime locations around the state. Money from the Vermont Lottery goes directly into the state's Education Fund. Last year the fund received just over $21 million. The vending machines will be up and operating before Thanksgiving.

The final touches are underway at the Mad River Food Hub in Waitsfield. The 4,000-square-foot space will help farmers’ process and preserve their products and get them to market. One of hub's main goals is to meet the state's demand for meat processing facilities. These rooms are designed to handle about 10,000 pounds of pork and beef a week. The new facility is part of Vermont Farm to Plate initiative aimed at strengthening the state's food system. So far five companies have committed to using this new space.

Consumers shopping for a new washer or refrigerator will be able to take advantage of new state rebates for high-efficiency Energy Star appliances starting next month. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has announced a new $3 million rebate program for the purchase of high-efficiency refrigerators and clothes washers. The program begins September 2nd. Rebates of $350 will be available for refrigerators and $250 for clothes washers that meet Consortium for Energy Efficiency super-efficiency levels.

Vergennes Day celebrates its 30th year tomorrow. The event kicks off this evening with a street dance featuring the music of "The Hitmen", from 7-11PM. Vergennes Day, hosted by the Addison County Chamber of Commerce, is a celebration of city and community and can be enjoyed by all ages. Full details of the event and a schedule of activities are available at www.Vergennesday.com. Also join WVTK live from 10AM – 4PM tomorrow at Vergennes City Park! Bruce & Hobbes will be there from 10AM – 1PM signing autographed pictures and then join Amanda Leigh from 1PM – 4PM. You can register for some great prizes while you’re there! Special thanks to Windows and Doors by Brownell for supporting our broadcast!

The Ticonderoga summer youth recreation program has completed its season, providing activities to local children. More than 150 youngsters signed up for the program with more than 100 attending on a daily basis. The program offered children arts, crafts, sports, games, swimming and more daily.

As it has done for more than 120 years, Moriah will mark the unofficial end of summer with its annual Labor Day celebration. Activities are planned Saturday and Sunday, September 3rd and 4th in the village of Port Henry. The Moriah Chamber of Commerce sponsors the festivities. The celebration will begin Saturday when the North Country Travelers Band will perform at Port Henry beach 6 to 9. The concert will be followed by a fireworks display at the beach. A chicken barbecue will be held at noon Sunday on Main Street at the intersection of St. Patrick’s Place. At the same time groups will start lining up for the traditional Labor Day parade, which will start at 1PM. The theme for the parade this year is The Champlain Bridge.