WVTK Local & State News November 15, 2011 (Afternoon Update)

A section of Vermont Route 125 in Hancock is going to be closed for two days so crews can replace a culvert damaged by flooding from Tropical Storm Irene. The area to be closed beginning this Saturday is about two miles west of the highway's intersection with Vermont Route 100. The permanent culvert replacement will be made of concrete and have a larger opening than the original. The goal is to reopen Route 125 on November 21.

Vermonters can now buy lottery tickets through self-service vending machines. The Vermont Lottery Commission is testing the so-called WinStations at 100 locations around the state. Customers can purchase everything from Powerball and Megabucks tickets to a whole variety of scratch-off games. Here in Addison County, you can try the new lottery vending machine at the Shaw’s in Bristol.

Vermont State Police are investigating the burglary into a camp in Starksboro. The burglary occurred sometime between November 6th and the 11th. Among the items stolen were a Husqvarna chainsaw, a single shot 12-gauge shotgun with a large amount of ammunition, and 2 pair of VT Tubbs snowshoes. Anyone with any information is urged to contact the State Police New Haven barracks. (802-388-4919)

The big question about federal disaster aid for Vermont in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene appears to have been answered in the state's favor. U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy announced yesterday that a House-Senate conference committee on Capitol Hill has agreed to a new federal highway funding package that lifts funding caps for disaster relief. The bill still must pass the full House and Senate.

Earlier this year more than 1,800 Addison County middle and high school students, took the statewide biennial Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which is administered by the Vermont Department of Health. The results of the survey show a decrease in substance abuse since 1999, an increase in sexual activity and an increase in bullying. It also showed that almost one-in-five middle school students have considered taking their own lives. The survey meant to increase awareness about these behaviors, stimulate a community-based conversation and encourage schools and communities to create strategies for dealing with these issues that put their youth at risk.

You are invited to join the Addison County Chamber Of Commerce this Thursday from 5 – 7PM for this month's mixer, which is being held at People's United Bank in Middlebury. As in past year's you can help People's United collect items for the Addison County food shelf. Bring two non-perishable food items and you'll receive free entry to the mixer! If you bring more than two items, you will receive an extra door prize ticket for your generous donation. The mixer will be catered by Middlebury Natural Foods Co op. For more information and to RSVP just visit the Chamber’s Website.