WVTK Local & State News April 23, 2012

Vermont State Police have been actively investigating the theft of between approximately $12,000-$13,500 dollars of metal from a private residence in New Haven. The metal was taken to an area scrap yard and sold for a small fraction of the actual value of the property. Investigation into the matter led to the arrest of Stepfanie Williams of New Haven. Williams was cited to appear in Addison District Court for the violation of Grand Larceny and violations of conditions of release. Additional charges may be forthcoming. The property was recovered at an area scrap yard and will be returned to the owner.


Vermont State Police have made a second arrest in connection with a home invasion and burglary in Weybridge. It happened Friday morning. Police say two teens, 19-year-old Ariel Moore and 18-year-old Jessi Curavoo, entered the unlocked home of an elderly couple while the residents were still in bed. Police say they stole nearly 3-thousand dollars worth of property. Police located some of the stolen items at a pawnshop, including a collection of sterling silver.


The Town Of Middlebury will hold its Select Board meeting tomorrow evening at 7. Items on this weeks agenda include nominations & appointments to Town Boards and Commissions, a Middlebury Business Development Fund Advisory Board Report, an appointment to the Business Development Fund Advisory Board, the Rolling Acres pavement recycling and asphalt bid approval and an update on the Fire Facilities Project. For complete details you can visit the Town Of Middlebury’s Website Select Board page.


More than 900 runners are expected in Middlebury the weekend of May 5th & 6th for the fourth edition of the “Middlebury Maple Run – The Sweetest Half.” This is another record year so far with an increase of approximately 100 participants from 2011’s race. With the increase of registered runners the direct economic impact of this year’s race should top $150,000 according to Addison County Chamber of Commerce president Andy Mayer. He said, “People appear to be telling their friends that the Middlebury Maple Run is a not-to-miss event.” He further noted that “based on lodging reservations runners are making a weekend trip out of the event and that’s good for many businesses in our area.” Registrations are still being accepted. Runners can register online until Thursday, May 3rd at 4 p.m. or download and mail a paper entry form. Get complete details right now at www.middleburymaplerun.com.


Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center students from Automotive Technology, STEM Academy, Culinary Arts, Diesel Power Technology, Health Careers, and Industrial Design and Fabrication demonstrated their knowledge at the annual Vermont SkillsUSA competition. This year’s theme was “Champions at Work” and Hannaford students proved they are by winning various medals this year. They joined students from other Career and Technical Centers at the Sheraton Inn in South Burlington April 5th.


Marc Sherman of Hyde Park, along with William Sayre of Bristol, and Sean Walsh of Fairfield joined other Vermont business leaders last week in expressing concerns about Vermont's economic future. They appeared before a joint legislative hearing of the Vermont Senate Economic Development and House Commerce committees. More than 100 individuals representing businesses from across Vermont participated in Employer Day sponsored by the Vermont Coalition of Employment and Prosperity in Montpelier. Sayre stated that Vermont's tax burden has become one of the highest in the nation relative to income, and that our property tax structure has now become an additional income tax.


The two members of the Crown Point Board of Assessment Review whose appointments were rescinded by a new regime have sued the town. The suit, filed in State Supreme Court of Essex County, asks that Glenn Russell and Ronald Clarke be restored to the Town Board of Assessment Review and that the appointments of two new members who took their places be nullified. The town will file a response to the suit by the required May 16th deadline.


Champlain Area Trails has hired Joanna Bateman to manage its communications and administration. Bateman’s responsibilities will include devising communications strategies, website renovation and streamlining organizational workflow. Bateman and her husband Bill relocated to Essex last June from the Albany area. In addition to working with CATS, she will continue operating her own business, Joanna Bateman Studios, which provides full-service graphic design and communications services to small businesses and non-profits since 1997.


Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward brought the message of the New York State budget to members of the Essex County Board of Supervisors for her final time. Sayward, who will be retiring at the end of the year, spoke at the beginning of the Department of Public Works committee meeting on April 16th. She said there has been a lot accomplished over the past year and in the new state budget, including moves to consolidate services and trim excess equipment.


Ticonderoga residents will again receive free admission to Fort Ticonderoga this season, but only after applying for an “Ambassador Pass.” Previously, local residents simply had to show a valid drivers license or other form of identification as proof of residency to gain admission to the fort. Now the “Ambassador Pass” will be required and must be obtained in advance of a visit. Children younger than age 18 will receive free admission with their parent’s pass. To secure an “Ambassador Pass” local residents should contact Fort Ticonderoga’s business office at 585-2821 or visit www.fortticonderoga.org/visit/hours to download the form.


The Vermont Agency of Transportation is urging motorists to be extra careful when driving through work zones on roads and highways across the state. Vermont is participating in the National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week this week. The theme this year is "Don't Barrel through Work Zones." The construction season is getting under way early this year and there is much work to do as crews continue repairs needed after flooding from Tropical Storm Irene. The agency is going to use a series of public service announcements, social media campaigns and live radio and TV to promote safety in work zones.


The unusually dry spring is leaving Lake Champlain's level near a record low - just a year after it approached the highest level on record. The National Weather Service in South Burlington says the lake had fallen to 96.04 feet above sea level as of Saturday. That's nearly the same as the mid-April low-water mark of 96.27 feet set in 1995. The U.S. Geological Survey says the lowest Lake Champlain level on record was 92.08 feet above sea level, recorded December 4, 1908.


The House may be asked this week to debate a measure that would have the Legislature direct the Public Service Board on how $21 million is repaid to customers of Central Vermont Public Service Corporation. Green Mountain Power, whose parent company is acquiring CVPS, has proposed putting $21 million into weatherization and energy efficiency, and then billing ratepayers to recoup that investment.


Legislative leaders say this session's adjournment will likely be delayed. Lawmakers had originally planned to go home this Friday but they could be in session through the first week in May. They still have to wrap up the annual state budget, a miscellaneous tax bill, the capital budget for state building projects and a measure to begin implementing health care legislation.


While Earth Day has been around since the 1970's, Putney School had its first celebration on Sunday. It actually started out as a homework assignment for 14-year-old Isabella Schultz, who thought up the event, drew up a proposal and presented it to the school administration. It featured over 22 workshops, with live entertainment and food from local vendors. Schultz says her one hope is for people to leave with the idea that one small change could better the earth.


Scat-sniffing dogs are helping scientists study moose in the Adirondacks. The dogs come from Montana and were hired by researchers at the Wildlife Conservation Society in Saranac Lake in 2008 to sniff out moose droppings. The scat was then sent to a lab. Scientists say the four-year study could shed light on the genetics of the state's moose while also helping measure the size of the population. It's currently estimated that there are between 800 and a thousand moose in the Adirondacks.


The latest housing report from RE/MAX of New England shows double-digit growth in home sales in March compared to the year before in all six New England states. Home sales jumped 25% in Vermont, but median sale prices lost ground.


Police have arrested four people following an armed home invasion in Berlin. It happened at a home on the Paine Turnpike Saturday. Police say the four forced their way into a home trying to find the whereabouts of someone involved in a drug deal. Police say when the residents tried to call 911, one of the assailants pointed a gun and threatened to kill her. After vandalizing the house and taking items they fled in an SUV. All four suspects were picked up in Barre. They're due in court today.


State forest rangers would train more volunteers to help with search & rescue operations under a bill approved by the New York Senate, following unsuccessful searches for two young men in the central Adirondacks. A college student vanished in the Old North Woods in March and a restaurant worker disappeared more than a year ago. Republican Sen. Betty Little of Queensbury says when someone is missing in a remote area, it's crucial to have as many trained people as possible in the search. Her bill would establish a program in which the state trains and credentials volunteers. A similar bill is pending in the Assembly.


The Vergennes Union High School Commodore Parent Teacher Group is hosting its first fundraising event – The Trinkets & Treasures Rummage Sale - on May 5th at the VUHS Middle School Gym from 8am-2pm. This is the perfect time to do some spring-cleaning and help out the VUHS students! This sale is organized like a department store with luxury items in the Boutique section. Other departments include: Housewares, Clothing, Electronics, Furniture, Books, Media, Toys, Games, Educational Items, Camping and more. They are still accepting donations of the following items: household goods, furniture, books, collectibles, fishing and sporting gear, arts and craft supplies, newer adult and children’s clothing, shoes, boots, toys, games, jewelry, tools, and more. Items need to be in good condition and working order. They last drop off time is this Saturday from 9am-10am at the Vergennes Union High entrance. If you need to arrange a different drop off time or have large items please contact Holly Weber at 877-6858.


Google is hosting free back-to-back trainings on Google+ and Google Tools for Nonprofits on April 25th at the Ilsley Public Library. The first session, which takes place from 1 – 2PM, will be a quick walkthrough of Google’s Tools for Nonprofits. The second session from 2 – 3:30PM is focused on getting your nonprofit up to speed on Google’s new social media platform Google+. Access the links to register for each of these sessions below:
First Session
Second Session


The Ticonderoga Festival Guild will present the Curbstone Chorus of Rutland in concert this Sunday, April 29th at 3PM at the Best Western Inn and Suites in Ticonderoga. This is the group’s second appearance in Ticonderoga. They were featured on the summer concert program under the guild tent several years ago. Tickets are $10 a person with a special rate of $5 for students. More information about the group is available at www.curbstonechorus.org.


Organizers of the fifth annual Earth Fair in Poultney hope to shine a light on the town’s residents who are implementing simple and sustainable practices in their day-to-day lives. The Earth Fair will take place from 2:30 to 5 PM tomorrow at the Poultney High School gym. The event will feature approximately 52 exhibits, activities and programs including wood-fired pizza tasting, live music and tie-dyed T-shirts.