WVTK Local & State News September 16, 2011 (Afternoon Update)

The city of Rutland is once again connected to Mendon Brook, but the city Department of Public Works still wants residents to conserve water. Yesterday crews repaired the last bit of piping that connects Mendon Brook to the city's reservoir. It is now filling back up. Residents are still asked to conserve water until the reservoir is completely filled up, which is expected to take a couple of days.

A dozen Vermont National Guard soldiers are departing for yearlong missions in Africa and Kosovo. A send-off ceremony was held this morning at Camp Johnson in Colchester. 8 members will be transporting passengers and cargo in Africa while the other 4 members will leave for Kosovo next month to help with public affairs operations.

Victims of Irene may qualify for tax relief from the Internal Revenue Service. Individuals and business owners in disaster areas can get filing extensions and have penalties waived. Anyone in a flood zone who receives a late payment notification should call the number on the form and the penalties will be automatically abated.

Habitat for Humanity of Addison County is ready to break ground on the town of Cornwall’s first-ever affordable housing subdivision. The project off DeLong Road will eventually accommodate 4 families. The Co-chair of Habitat’s capital campaign said the project should begin within the next couple of weeks.

There's no question that Tropical Storm Irene did a lot of damage, destroying homes and businesses across the region but here is some good news ... the storm has created new jobs. Bridges have to be rebuilt, as well as homes, businesses and roads. That's why the Vermont Department of Labor is urging workers and potential employers to contact their local resource centers. There, they can be matched up based on what they are looking for.

People who have recently bought cantaloupe in New York may want to think twice before they bite into it. A major recall is underway in at least 17 states after reports of cantaloupe being infected with Listeria. A farm in eastern Colorado has recalled its entire harvest. If you bought a cantaloupe in New York, and it's not labeled, contact the store to see where it's from.

A new program aimed at getting low income families on the internet is up and running in Vermont. Yesterday state leaders joined representatives from Comcast to announce its new internet essentials initiative. The program will provide broadband internet access to families for about 10 dollars a month. Families will also be eligible for a voucher to buy a low-cost computer for 150-dollars and will have access to free digital literacy training.