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.