WVTK Local & State News October 26, 2011 (Afternoon Update)

The Goodrich Corporation and its manufacturing plant in Vergennes have been sold. Connecticut-bases United Technologies has reached a deal to purchase Goodrich for 18-billion dollars. United Technologies officials say no immediate changes are planned for the Vergennes plant.

Work on the new Lake Champlain Bridge has begun to wined down. Officials from FlatIrnon say they are adding the finishing touches to the pre-cast concrete deck panels and the span sidewalks. Flatiron’s mobile construction shacks are also now being packed up and shipped to other job sites. The new bridge should be open to traffic in about a month.

Officials are still investigating damage done to the athletic fields in Vergennes last week. According to reports, someone dug holes with shovels all over the varsity soccer field Friday Night. All of this took place before Saturday’s Senior Soccer Game were 8 seniors were to be honored for their 4 years of play. School officials say they will need to hire a professional landscaper to repair the fields. Police say because of the cost to complete the repairs, this is now a felony.

Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are at the ProBuild Lumber Yard on Route 9N in Ticonderoga this week to provide advice. The mitigation experts will be at the store 7AM to 5PM through Thursday. More information on ways to protect your home from future disasters is available at: FEMA.gov. Choose the menu for Recover and Rebuild.

The Hinesburg Chief of Police is retiring. Chief Fred Silber plans to retire at the end of the year. Silber has been chief since replacing Chris Morrell, who was fired a year and a half ago. The town has decided to promote Deputy Chief Frank Koss to replace Silber effective at the start of next year.

Vermont's tourism industry is faring better than expected this fall foliage season. Revenue from the rooms and meals taxes is up 11 percent for the first three weeks of this month. State officials were concerned that damage caused by Irene would discourage people from visiting during the foliage season. About 3.5 million people visit Vermont each fall, spending roughly $330 million.

Vermont motorists who drive electric cars now have a fueling station where they will be able to charge their vehicles at no cost. Green Mountain Power and Healthy Living Market unveiled the charging station earlier today on Dorset Street in South Burlington. The charging station is compatible with all electric vehicles on the market today and will be free for the first year.