WVTK Local & State News October 11, 2012

The Middlebury Business Development Advisory Board meets this afternoon at 2 with the Gym Task Force of the Community Center Steering Committee following at 3:30.  Visit the Town Of Middlebury’s Website for a current list of meetings and agendas.

This Saturday more than 125 athletes from local High Schools and Middle Schools and as far as the coast of Maine will meet at the Burlington waterfront for Lake Champlain Maritime Museum’s annual youth rowing race.  The James Wakefield Rescue Row is named after the man who courageously rescued the passengers and crew of canal schooner General Butler in December 1876 when it crashed into the Burlington breakwater during a fierce winter gale.  The race will include 20 crews rowing 32-foot long boats in a series of heats along the Burlington Waterfront. Participating Vermont schools include Burlington High School, South Burlington High School, Vergennes Middle and High School, Champlain Valley Union High School and Mt. Abe High School. Races will begin at 9:30 at the Burlington Community Boat House at the foot of College Street. The colorful boats were built by Vermont High School and Middle School students at the Maritime Museum.

The 2012 Middlebury Arts Walk season winds down on Friday, October 12th. This month will feature nearly 35 venues with a diverse variety of art from painters, photographers, potters and a calligraphist. Several venues are featuring artwork in honor of His Holiness the Dalia Lama’s visit to Middlebury. The Middlebury Arts Walk will have one more event in 2012—a fundraising event scheduled for Friday, November 9th. The event will be held at Two Brothers Tavern’s lounge from 5 to 8 PM. Tickets are $10 per person and the evening will feature live music, a silent auction, snacks, and a cash bar. This event is to help raise funds towards the 1-to-1 cash match of a grant that was recently awarded by the Vermont Arts Council. The Middlebury Arts Walk does not charge attendees, venues or artists to participate in the monthly events.  Learn more at www.MiddleburyArtsWalk.com.

The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting their Fall Chamber and Insurance Open House today from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. The Open House will take place at the Chamber office.  The open house is open to all Chamber members who want to learn more about their benefits and any businesses or organizations interested in becoming a TACC member. Light refreshments will be available. For more information visit www.ticonderogany.com or the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Moriah and Port Henry are going after property owners who rent substandard housing to low-income tenants.  The Town Supervisor said the Town of Moriah and Village of Port Henry are now enforcing local laws requiring a certificate of occupancy when a new tenant moves into a home.  The municipal codes officer will make inspections of the dwellings before a certificate is issued. The issue has been that some absentee landlords are renting out apartments in poor condition, often to clients of the Essex County Department of Social Services.

Clarendon Volunteer firefighters will be sporting new air packs next year thanks to a sizable FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant. According to the town’s emergency management director the Clarendon Fire Association was among the first fire departments in New England to receive the highly competitive grant.  The grant was for $91,194 with a federal share of $86,635 and a local share of $4,559. Funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, will be used to purchase personal protective equipment and replace outdated items nearly two decades old.

The River Street Bridge in Rutland is slated to become the Merritt A. Edson Memorial Bridge.  The city will hold a ceremony next month dedicating the bridge to Edson, a U.S. Marine Corps general and Rutland native who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor in World War II. The dedication ceremony is scheduled for November 10th.

A Vermont woman has been sentenced to 21 months in prison after being convicted of defrauding two Vermont development corporations and two banks.  Court records say 66-year-old Ruth Tucker, formerly of Randolph Center who now lives in Hubbardton, obtained $55,000 in loans from local development corporations that she said she would use to re-establish her small business and hire Vermonters. But federal prosecutors say she used the money to buy registered Morgan horses and to pay for their training, boarding and other expenses.  Prosecutors say she also defrauded People's United Bank, Key Bank, local people and businesses by writing bad checks, some for large amounts. The banks' lost about $18,000.  Tucker pleaded guilty in June 2011 after being indicted by a grand jury in 2010. She was sentenced on Wednesday.

The days are numbered for two oxen that have worked the fields at Vermont's Green Mountain College farm for more than a decade.  The Poultney college says the oxen, Bill and Lou, are being retired because of injury and will be processed into beef products to be served in the college dining hall.  College officials tell the Burlington Free Press that the animals are regarded with affection, but that it's a traditional understanding that cattle working at the farm are turned into beef when their working careers end. The college farm produces vegetables and animal products for the dining hall and a community-supported agriculture program.  More than 3,000 people have signed an online petition started by an animal sanctuary in Springfield asking that oxen be spared.

Hunting season is upon us, and the state is again reminding anyone heading out to wear hunter orange.  Overall, hunting accidents remained low last year, but officials say in the past 10 years, almost half of hunting-related shootings might have been prevented if the hunters had worn fluorescent orange.  They say deer are not scared by the color because their vision is based more on movement than color.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters has a new beverage business partner, Snapple.  The companies announced this that they will now offer Snapple iced teas in K-Cup and Vue packs for Keurig machines.  Those are expected to debut starting in the spring.  Single-cup business now accounts for about half of home brewing sales. Green Mountain Coffee's patent on the Keurig technology expires this year.

Volunteers in Cavendish are finishing rebuilding a mini Fenway Park that was destroyed by storm Irene. Selectman Mark Huntley says the town is transforming Greven Field into a recreation center, with a volleyball net and a basketball court behind the rebuilt Green Monster.

A series of pointed questions for several Rutland County legislative candidates highlighted human-rights issues in the upcoming elections.  Eight candidates for the state Senate and House came to the Rutland Free Library on Tuesday to face more than 50 people, some of whom talked about struggling to make ends meet.   They touched on needed improvements to health care, affordable housing, benefits for people with disabilities, benefits for home and primary caregivers and migrant workers.

It may turn out to be the most expensive computer upgrade the state has dealt with.  Vermont's court system started working with a company to convert its old computer system to a modern, web-based case management system.  That was three years ago, and now, with nearly two million dollars down the data drain and nothing to show for it, court officials are not happy.  While they say they hired a reputable technology company out of Utah, it's also a company, which has never designed a court computer system before.  The judiciary will be asking the Legislature for a budget adjustment in January in order to help resolve the two-million-dollar gap.

The latest phone scam is targeting people in the Brattleboro area.  Local police say people are getting calls with the person at the other end saying they're associated with Microsoft, and have detected a problem with the person's computer.  The caller asks to get remote access to the computer but when they do they end up requesting payment through credit, debit, or PayPal methods.  Anyone getting a call like this is asked to contact Brattleboro Police.

There's a lot of upset parents in South Burlington, and about a hundred attended a school board meeting Wednesday night, speaking out against a proposed methadone treatment clinic.  The Howard Center already has permission from the city to renovate office space on Dorset Street, putting the clinic 500 feet from the city's middle school and a thousand feet from the high school.  The new site allows the clinic to offer services to about 600 people daily.  The school board voted Wednesday night for a resolution asking the Howard Center to find another place for its clinic.

A bizarre case of child endangerment involving a former domestic violence prosecutor is now under investigation.  According to the Burlington Free Press, witnesses told police Teri Ames of Middlebury started driving in her minivan while her 8-year-old daughter was out of the car, running to keep up while holding onto the door.  Police say the little girl eventually let go while Ames kept on driving, never stopping to check on her daughter.  The former prosecutor is pleading not guilty to charges of child endangerment.

Governor Cuomo's latest hire has triggered whispers that he might be eyeing a 2016 presidential run.  Cuomo has hired Allison Gollust as his new communications director.  Gollust is a former head spokeswoman for NBC News and has strong national news media ties.  She takes over for Richard Bamberger, who is leaving the administration for a job in the private sector.  Cuomo continues to refuse to discuss any potential interest in a presidential bid four years from now.

New figures show Senate Republicans in New York hold a large fund-raising advantage over their Democratic counterparts in the run-up to the November election.  Campaign committees linked to the Senate GOP have raised nearly 18-point-five-million dollars compared to three-point-five-million dollars for Democrats.  Republicans hold a 33-29 majority in the Senate, and both sides have been working furiously to make that number change for their benefit come November.  Meanwhile Elections officials around the state are spreading the word that this is the last week to register to vote in the November general election.  Anyone mailing a registration form must have it postmarked by Friday.  Many communities are holding registration events Friday in an effort to get more people signed up to vote in the November 6th election.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is ordering that state services be offered and explained in six major non-English languages. The executive is aimed at 2.5 million New Yorkers considered to have limited proficiency in English. State agencies across New York are now equipped to provide free interpretation in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Italian, Korean and Haitian Creole.

Winter is coming to Lake Placid, three days ahead of schedule. The sliding track at Mt. Van Hoevenberg is expected to open for on-ice training Friday. Sliding will continue Saturday, barring any unforeseen changes in conditions, then resume Monday - the originally planned opening date.

Brandon Music on Country Club Road in Brandon will present clarinetist and saxophonist Ken Peplowski this Thursday at 7:30pm. General Admission is $12.  BrandonMusic Café offers a concert and dinner package, which includes dinner and a ticket to the show for $27 plus tax per person. The late Mel Torme said, "Since the advent of Benny Goodman, there have been too few clarinetists to fill the void that Goodman left. Peplowski is most certainly one of those few. The man is magic."  For Information & Reservations (802) 465-4071 / info@brandon-music.net 

This week, the North Country SPCA would like to remind you of the upcoming Birds of Prey event to be held on Friday, October 26^th at 7 PM at the Whallonsburg Grange. The event costs $5 for adults and children age 12 and under are admitted for free. Wendy Hall from the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge & Rehabilitation Center will discuss her work with these majestic creatures. You can be sure this evening will be both educational and entertaining, with a wonderful opportunity to see raptors up close.  Apple cider and cookies will be served.  Learn more by visiting http://www.ncspca.org.

From Fox 44 and ABC 22 News – Your Voice in Vermont & New York:

Vermont health leaders say they are monitoring a deadly meningitis outbreak, which continues to spread across now ten states.  The CDC says 12 people have died and 125 people have become sick from a rare fungal meningitis tied to steroid shots for back pain.  Vermont's health department says no one in Vermont has become sick and the contaminated products were never sent to the state.  But other products, made by the same company, were sent to Vermont and have been taken out of use.  "At this time we're not seeing any infections related to other products but to remain vigilant because certainly if there is anything that has been missed we would want to know about it early on," says Susan Schoenfeld, Vermont State Deputy Epidemiologist.  The health department says this form of meningitis is not contagious.  The department offers this advice:  Anyone who has had steroid medication injected into the spine since May 21, 2012 and has any of the following symptoms should contact their health care provider as soon as possible.

· Worsening headache

· Fever

· Sensitivity to light

· Stiff neck

· New weakness or numbness in any part of your body

· Slurred speech

The epidural medication associated with the outbreak is not the same as spinal injections given to pregnant women during childbirth.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy took a tour of the North Country yesterday.  They were in Plattsburgh to look at how several state funded projects are working.   Governor Andrew Cuomo embraced the city in him, and took the bus, all over Plattsburgh.  Last year, the North Country received 103-million dollars to go toward 70 projects.  "There is an energy in the North Country that is new, that is different, that is growing, that is developing a momentum, I believe we are just getting started," Gov. Cuomo said.  He wanted to see the projects that received funding, so he took a bus tour. The first stop, the Strand Theater.  "It's about the arts, it's about culture, it's about bringing the history back," the Governor said.  397,000 dollars is being used to restore the 1924 performing arts center.  Continuing on the tour, the Governor also shook hands with Bombardier Transportation employees. The manufacturing company was able to expand its production and add jobs. It's still looking for skilled workers to train.  "If we have the natural talent, we'll bring them in and make them professionals in what we do," Vice President of Bombardier Transportation Sales, Bob Furniss said.  While cruising through the North Country, Governor Cuomo talked about expanding broadband - housing and agricultural programs, he says they all reflect the diversity of the North Country economy.  "There's obviously a lot of progress, there's a lot of energy, there's a lot of excitement," the Governor added.  Governor Cuomo also heard 750 million dollars worth of project proposals that the North Country would like to work toward next year. The Plattsburgh Airport and International Paper in Ticonderoga are two examples.

WVTK Local & State News October 10, 2012

State police helped a Salisbury resident on Monday who had received an email that threatened consequences if funds were not sent to the email sender. Investigation found that this was a scam similar to one sent to many Vermont politicians last year. No criminal activity was found, but state police encourage people to contact authorities if they believe they have received a scam.

The Ferrisburgh and Vergennes Energy Committees are sponsoring a presentation today by SunCommon, one of the Chamber’s newest members.  They have introduced a new solar program that is now available for all families in Addison County. For the first time, folks will be able to go solar for less than what they're already paying the utility for power. And that's with no upfront cost.  To kick off this effort, there will be a presentation this evening at 6:30 at Ferrisburgh Central School. This presentation will be a great chance to learn more about how the program works, what makes a good solar site, and to see if solar can finally work for you.  To learn more about the program, visit www.suncommon.com. And if you're able to ahead of time, please RSVP at http://suncommon.com/event/ferrisburgh.  If you have any questions, you can call Dan at 595-0338.

The Middlebury Business Development Advisory Board meets tomorrow at 2 PM with the Gym Task Force of the Community Center Steering Committee following at 3:30 PM.  Visit the Town Of Middlebury’s Website for a current list of meetings and agendas.

British pianist Paul Lewis will perform the last three piano sonatas written by Franz Schubert on Friday, Oct. 26. at Middlebury College’s Mahaney Center for the Arts. The non-profit concert setting is a finale to his run of five concerts featuring all of Schubert’s mature piano works. Lewis is internationally recognized as one of the leading pianists of his generation.  Lewis began his Schubert project in 2011, and Middlebury was thrilled to be among fewer than 15 venues worldwide to present the entire cycle. This fifth and final concert features a tremendous program: Schubert’s D. 958, 959, and 960. Lewis has already garnered significant critical acclaim for his Schubert performances. For tickets of information, call (802) 443-MIDD (6433) or go click HERE.

A third municipal board wants a temporary halt on commercial wind projects in the region until more studies can be completed on the potential impacts of large-scale turbines.  Town officials in Pittsford recently unanimously signed a resolution requesting the Rutland Regional Planning Commission executive board pass a resolution calling for a three-year moratorium on wind development in Rutland County.  They have joined the towns of Clarendon and Danby, whose Select Boards sought a moratorium resolution by the regional commission last month.

The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Fall Chamber and Insurance Open House tomorrow from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. The Open House will take place at the Chamber office.  The open house is open to all Chamber members who want to learn more about their benefits and any businesses or organizations interested in becoming a TACC member. Light refreshments will be available. For more information visit www.ticonderogany.com or the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Political signs are being stolen in the Moriah area. Political signs supporting a variety of candidates have been stolen throughout the area.  Moriah residents are disappointed and encourage anyone with information regarding these sign thefts to contact police. 

Essex County’s November 6th general election will have only four races in the county’s 18 towns.  There are Town Council contests in Elizabethtown, Moriah will elect a town justice to replace Jeff Farnsworth, who resigned and Chesterfield voters will also elect a town justice, but only the incumbent is running. Polls will be open on the 6th from 6 AM to 9 PM.

A proposed meat processing plant in Ticonderoga has received a major boost.  Adirondack Meat Co. has received a $900,000 loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The money will help construct and equip a $1.4 million plant planned for the Ti industrial park.  The developer said there is no timetable for construction. Financing remains to be completed before the project becomes reality.  While Adirondack Meat Co. awaits word on further financing; it has all the necessary permits to start working just east of the Tractor Supply store on Route 74.

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council says improvement projects at three North Country airports are officially moving forward on the strength of $1,082,650 in awards from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Council initiative.  Ticonderoga Municipal Airport is ready to begin a project that will provide a self-service fuel station with the assistance of $270,000 in state resources. 

Pay that was withheld from Essex Town Clerk Catherine DeWolff was released Friday after she submitted two months' worth of delayed town financial reports.  Essex Town Supervisor Sharon Boisen had enacted the measure, under state law, after the reports were not presented to the Town Council.  DeWolff met with representatives of the State Comptroller’s Office in late September for guidance on preparing the reports, which she said had been delayed because of cumulative errors in some accounts.

The Burlington School Board now has policies in place aimed at diversity.  The board unanimously approved policies Tuesday night combating race and other potential biases which some say are in the classroom.  This past spring, African-immigrant and refugee high school students claimed teachers and other students were treating them unfairly.  The plan for diversity, equity and inclusion involves not only monitoring it, but also getting the community on board with it as well.

The earth moved near the Vermont/Canadian border overnight.  Shortly before 12:30 this morning, an earthquake struck near Beloeil, Canada, about 20 miles from Montreal, and it was enough to shake up some Vermonters.  The U-S earthquake monitoring system put the magnitude at three-point-nine, while Canadian monitors have it at four-point-five.  While many Vermont residents reported they felt the quake, there are no reports of damage in the state.

Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders says cuts in a federal emergency hunger program have resulted in a 50% reduction in food supplies from that program for the Vermont Foodbank.  Sanders appeared Tuesday with representatives from the Vermont Foodbank and Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf to highlight the issue.  The Emergency Food Assistance Program provides food at no cost to low-income Americans in need of short-term hunger relief, through organizations like the Vermont Foodbank.  During fiscal 2012, the Foodbank saw a 50% reduction in its allotment of food from that program, amounting to a drop of more than 1 million pounds of food.  Sanders says more cuts likely are coming that could affect food stamps and other programs.

The Vermont Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms office is launching a new crime tip line that will offer money for useful information on guns and drug activity.  The ATF is now focusing its efforts in Rutland, where it says narcotics are a big problem.  The ATF does not always deal with drug trafficking crimes, but because firearms are often related to those crimes it crosses into that area.  The tip-line number is 802-865-4016.

A Vermont town is getting more money to help replace an iconic covered bridge famously destroyed by flooding from Tropical Storm Irene.  The Vermont League of Cities and Towns recently sent the town of Rockingham almost $200,000 to help replace the Bartonsville Bridge, whose destruction was caught on video and became one of Vermont's most defining images of the August 2011 storm.  The town had a $1 million insurance policy on the bridge through the league, which initially said the policy didn't cover the full amount.  The project is estimated to cost at least $2.4 million.

Cuomo administration officials are speaking out about the Tax Foundation's recent report that said New York's tax climate is the worst in the country.  A Cuomo spokesman says the governor recognized early on that the Empire State's taxes on residents and businesses were too high and Cuomo has worked to improve the fiscal picture.  Administration officials point to Cuomo's enactment of New York's first ever property tax cap, and say the governor has established the "lowest tax rate for the middle class in 58 years."

The 2014 race for governor in New York State could have at least one unconventional candidate.  Former High Times Magazine editor Richard Stratton has launched a campaign committee to investigate a "possible" run for the governor's office two years from now.  Stratton spent eight years in federal prison on a drug trafficking conviction.  In a statement, he says New York "simply can't afford" to spend millions on jailing non-violent drug offenders. 

Anti-tax groups are criticizing Albany as Governor Andrew Cuomo proclaims nationally that a "new New York" is once again "open for business." The libertarian Cato Institute in its annual Fiscal Report Card gave Cuomo a "D'' yesterday for taxing and spending policies over the past two years. The national Tax Foundation ranked New York 49th in its business tax climate index.

A top Senate Democrat is pushing to raise taxes on the wealthy while preserving many tax breaks benefiting the middle class in a challenge to a traditional tax reform model that lowers tax rates for all and finances the cuts through a broad assault on tax breaks and loopholes.  New York Democrat Charles Schumer says any money from curbing tax breaks should go to reducing the deficit. He also says the top tax rate should go back to Clinton-era levels. 

The Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society in Middlebury will formally install Rev. Barnaby Feder as its new Minister on Saturday, October 27th at 2 PM.  Both the installation service and the celebratory reception that will immediately follow are open to the entire community. 

Brandon Music on Country Club Road in Brandon will present clarinetist and saxophonist Ken Peplowski this Thursday at 7:30pm. General Admission is $12.  Brandon Music Café offers a concert and dinner package, which includes dinner and a ticket to the show for $27 plus tax per person. The late Mel Torme said, "Since the advent of Benny Goodman, there have been too few clarinetists to fill the void that Goodman left. Peplowski is most certainly one of those few. The man is magic."  For Information & Reservations (802) 465-4071 / info@brandon-music.net

When Mother Nature hands you frozen lemons, turn them into frozen lemonade and sell it.  That's what tourism interests hope to do with a new marketing campaign being launched in Saranac Lake, the Adirondack village often recognized by the National Weather Service as the coldest spot in the nation on many winter days.  Tourism officials tell the Adirondack Daily Enterprise that Saranac Lake's Winter Wonderland Festival will highlight the area's notoriety as the "coldest spot in the U.S." by using the tag line "Come to the Adirondacks' coolest place!"  Temperatures in the region can plunge to minus 30 or colder during the winter. Saranac Lake and the nearby Lake Placid area are popular wintertime destinations offering skiing, skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and other outdoor activities.

From Fox 44 and ABC 22 News – Your Voice In Vermont & New York:

Binge drinking on college campuses... it's not new, but the push to combat the problem is stronger than ever.  People dedicated to that fight got together today at Norwich University to talk about solutions.  The good news is, they're realists, and they know that binge drinking unfortunately isn't going to stop, but if even one life can be saved, they say the energy they're putting toward the problem is worth it.  "A car full of kids, a drunk driver, an unbelted passenger gets thrown from the car, he's now paralyzed for the rest of his life," Health Commissioner Harry Chen said.  It's one story of many the Commissioner Chen shared with me about his time as an emergency room doctor. We also see it on the news, far too often, alcohol is the cause of a crime or a crash. People between the ages of 18 and 25 are at the greatest risk.  "Vermont perennially has some of the highest binge drinking rates in the country," Commissioner Chen said.  "Around one o'clock they'll come back after they get busted and then cause trouble," College Student Michael Shalginewicz said.  The student from Castleton State College sits on the alcohol and drug task force. His message isn't no drinking, it's responsible drinking.  "How many is enough for you? And how many is not too many?" Shalginewicz said.  The policies vary from school to school but students at Norwich know the consequences are a bit more severe.  "If you're caught, you're out," Commissioner Chen said.  "Your academics should come first, so you really shouldn't be drinking on campus anyway's," a Norwich college freshman said.  Other colleges make kids pay up, complete community service, or write another paper. Police aren't brought into the mix unless someone's seriously ill, hurt, violent or off campus. If there are multiple offenses, a substance abuse counselor steps in. "What we see are students affected by academics, not making it to class the next day, they're not prepared, a dry campus, it rains a lot because students try to get away with stuff," Southern Vermont College Director of Counseling, Mike Goodwin said.  But if the group can reduce some of that, college campuses will be safer... and if even one life is saved, it's worth it.  Many of the school representatives who I spoke with today say partnering with the community is another important asset.

WVTK Local & State News October 9, 2012

Route 30 in Hubbardton is closed through next Monday the 15 for culvert replacements.  The project has a target completion date of November 30^th and consists of removing and replacing two culverts on Route 30. Except for the time that the road will be closed, one-way traffic will be in place during the day.

Middlebury police say two bullets fired by police officers during an extended gunfight struck a local man, who said he wanted to commit “suicide by cop.” At first police had said they didn't know if a police bullet killed 57-year-old George Demarais or if he shot himself on Thursday in a wooded area behind his home on Route 116.  Chief Tom Hanley told the Burlington Free Press on Monday that the medical examiner said there were two gunshot wounds and they were not self-inflicted.  Hanley said Demarais, a former prison guard, had planned for the shootout for weeks. He said he had taped his last will and testament on the front door and donated his pet cats to an animal shelter.

The Middlebury Select Board will have its regular meeting this evening at 7 in the Main Conference Room of the Town Offices.  Items on the agenda include a review of comments received at the First Town Plan Public Hearing that was held on September 18th.  There will be an outline of the strategy and a timeline for adoption of the plan discussed at this meeting.  Reports will be heard from various committees including an update on the Middlebury River and Fire Department projects.  And the Select Board will appoint a second representative to the Addison County Transit Resources Board of Directors.  For a complete agenda and more information just visit the Town’s Website.

Various meetings are on the Town Of Middlebury’s agenda this week.  The Select Board will hold its regular meeting this evening at 7, The Finance & Fundraising Task Force of the Community Center Steering Committee meets this morning at 9, and then the Community Center Steering Committee will meet at 10:30.  On Thursday the Middlebury Business Development Advisory Board meets at 2 PM with the Gym Task Force of the Community Center Steering Committee following at 3:30 PM.  Visit the Town Of Middlebury’s Website for a list of upcoming meetings and agendas.

The Westport Town Council will hold special meetings to work on the 2013 budget.  The meetings, which are open to the public, will be held this afternoon at 4, 6:30 PM on October 16th and 5 PM on October 23rd, all with regular board meetings to follow.

The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Fall Chamber and Insurance Open House this Thursday the 11th from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. The Open House will take place at the Chamber office.  The open house is open to all Chamber members who want to learn more about their benefits and any businesses or organizations interested in becoming a TACC member. Light refreshments will be available. For more information visit www.ticonderogany.com or the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

The Addison County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Candidates’ Forum on Thursday October 25th, focusing on the Addison County races for the Vermont House of Representatives and Senate. It will be held from 8:00 to 9:30 AM at the Ilsley Library Community Room in Middlebury and we’ll carry it live on 92.1 WVTK.  Our very own Bruce Zeman will be moderating the event.   Many of our state representatives in uncontested races will also be in attendance for a discussion of issues and legislation important to you. It will cost $5 to attend and coffee and baked goods will be provided. An RSVP to maria@addisoncounty.com would be appreciated.

Rutland County candidates for the state Legislature have the opportunity to listen to their constituents at a public forum at 6 p.m. tonight at the Rutland Free Library.  People will be able to ask questions regarding the candidate’s thoughts on human rights, health care, workers’ rights, healthy environment and more. It is part of the grassroots initiative Put People First. For more information, visit www.workerscenter.org. 

The Ferrisburgh and Vergennes Energy Committees are sponsoring a presentation on Wednesday by SunCommon, one of the Chamber’s newest members.  They have introduced a new solar program that is now available for all families in Addison County. For the first time, folks will be able to go solar for less than what they're already paying the utility for power. And that's with no upfront cost.  To kick off this effort, there will be a presentation on Wednesday at 6:30 PM for a solar seminar at Ferrisburgh Central School. This presentation will be a great chance to learn more about how the program works, what makes a good solar site, and to see if solar can finally work for you.  To learn more about the program, visit www.suncommon.com. And if you're able to ahead of time, please RSVP at http://suncommon.com/event/ferrisburgh.  If you have any questions, you can call Dan at 595-0338.

Sometime yesterday between 9:30AM – 3:00PM troopers from the VSP Castleton Outpost were dispatched to the Noble residence on Willowbrook Road in Sudbury for a reported burglary. Investigation shows entry was gained through the side ground level door and jewelry was stolen from the master bedroom.  The case is currently under investigation, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Vermont State Police at 802-773-9101. Information can also be submitted anonymously: text CRIMES to Keyword VTIPS.

Town officials in Castleton are considering a plan that would prohibit industrial-scale wind turbines from certain peaks.  Castleton's Planning Commission has been working on changes to ridgeline zoning regulations. The commission says there's widespread agreement that commercial development shouldn't be permitted on 20 peaks the commission has identified.  Meanwhile, some members of the Planning Commission feel that residential wind development should only be regulated on peaks above 1,500 feet.  A wind farm proposal on a ridgeline that includes the Grandpa's Knob peak has drawn criticism from many local residents. Opponents say the 50-megawatt project in Pittsford, Hubbardton, West Rutland and Castleton would hurt the region's wildlife, ruin its scenic beauty and threaten tourism at an important historic battlefield.

Copper thefts at Green Mountain Power substations are now reaching the point where thieves are threatening the lives of utility workers and the nearby public.  Over the past two months, as many as four Green Mountain Power sub-stations have been vandalized, compromising the safety and integrity of these facilities. Green Mountain Power asks people to be alert to non-utility vehicles or people near substations. If you observe suspicious activity, please call them at 1-888-835-4672.

Alcohol and tobacco use dropped, but marijuana smoking rose in a new study of student behavior conducted in Essex County schools.  All school districts in the county participated in the Preventive Needs Assessment Survey of students in grades 7 through 12.  The survey, sponsored by the Essex County Youth Bureau and coordinated by the County Prevention Team of Ticonderoga, saw 76 percent of high-school students in the county participating.  You can check out the full report online. Preventive Needs Assessment Survey.

Republicans campaigning for governor and lieutenant governor both say they back a moratorium on development of large-scale wind towers. Democratic Governor Peter Shumlin opposes a moratorium and the Burlington Free Press reports mountaintop wind projects are emerging as an issue this fall.

Singer Grace Potter will be promoting fair trade coffee with a live concert online. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters plans to stream the New York concert this evening on the company's Facebook page. Potter is working with the company's "Great Coffee, Good Vibes, Pass it On" campaign.

TransCanada Hydro Northeast is suing the town of Barnet, claiming the local tax appraisals for two dams along the Connecticut River are too high. The utility has seen the dams' valuations rise from $33.7 million to a combined $47.4 million after the recent appraisal.

The foliage change steadily moves throughout the Green Mountain State this week with many places reaching peak color! Get the latest Fall Foliage Report HERE!

Stowe Mountain Resort recorded one of its earliest snowfalls.  On Monday, on the top of Mount Mansfield it was 28 degrees with a few inches of snow on the ground.  Marketing departments at Sugarbush, Killington, Stratton and others tweeted photos of snow, with a video from Jay Peak showing an attempt at snowboarding.  Last year's season was dismal with the number of skiers and snowboarders down ten-percent from the year before.

The South Burlington School Board will meet tomorrow to consider a resolution opposing a methadone clinic near the city's schools. According to The Burlington Free Press, board members claim the city didn't adequately assess possible security problems when it awarded a zoning permit for the clinic.

New York State government-worker unions are up in arms over potential pay raises for Albany lawmakers.  Officials for the Civil Service Employees Association say if the rumors that such a pay increase turn out to be true, legislators will have lost much credibility with thousands of government employees who have been forced to take pay cuts or freezes in recent months and contribute more to their health benefits.  Governor Andrew Cuomo and other leaders in Albany are said to be considering calling a special session following the November elections, where the issue of legislative pay increases could come up.  State lawmakers haven't seen a pay raise since 1999.

New York Congressman Bill Owens is upset over the failure of the massive Farm Bill to get through Congress.  The Democrat has released a statement laying the blame for the bill stalling in Congress at the feet of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, who came to upstate New York Monday to support Owens' Republican challenger Matt Doheny.  Owens says New York farmers are getting crushed each day the Farm Bill doesn't get through Congress, and he wants Republicans to start work once again on the massive bill.

After an investigation, the cause of a fire that took over five hours to put out in Schroon Lake has been determined.  Fire officials say the flames started at around eight Sunday night in the chimney of a log-cabin home on Schroon Road.  The building was badly damaged, but no injuries occurred.

Mayor Michael Daniels of Vergennes, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum and the State of Vermont invite you to celebrate Vermont's history and the return of 1862-class sailing canal boat Lois McClure from a successful summer journey educating and entertaining our friends in New York and Canada.  Come join the Chamber’s partners and sponsors as we welcome home the hard-working crew from their four-month journey to more than 40 communities in New York and Canada. Free of charge. The celebration will happen this Friday at Vergennes Falls Park. Meet some of the people who made the journey possible, enjoy music and refreshments, followed by public boarding of the schooner from 4 to 6pm.  Parking for the event will be at Town and Country Self Storage in Vergennes, located at 107 Panton Road. There will be a free shuttle in the parking lot to take you to the event site.  Public boarding will also take place Saturday and Sunday from 4 – 6 PM.

A community tradition will again help the Town of Schroon Lions Club provide charitable services.  The Lions annual prime rib dinner will be held Saturday, October 20, at Witherbee’s Carriage House Restaurant on Route 9 in Schroon Lake. Guests will be seated continually as tables arrive, beginning at 5 PM until approximately 8 PM. Lions suggest wait times may be shorter during the later half of the evening.  The dinner will include salad, rolls and butter, prime rib, green beans, homemade mashed potatoes and a dessert.  The donation for advanced ticket purchases is $20 and cost is $22 at the door. Gratuity is included in the price. Tickets can be obtained from any Schroon Lake Lions Club member, at Friedman Realty and at The Towne Store. People can also call club secretary Bette Manley at 532-7577 for advance tickets.

Ticonderoga eateries will battle for bragging rights during the second annual “Wing War,” but the real winner will be the Ticonderoga Food Pantry.  Hosted by the Ti Knights of Columbus, the “Wing War” will be held Saturday, October 20th at 2 PM. Admission is $10 a person.  Proceeds will benefit the Ticonderoga Food Pantry.  The event will give people the chance to sample chicken wings prepared by local restaurants. The wings will labeled by number so you won’t know whose wings are being sampled. People will then vote to determine who makes the best wings in Ticonderoga.

From Fox 44 and ABC 22 News – Your Voice In Vermont & New York:

Vermont will be getting nearly $1.8 million dollars in tax credits.  It's part of the state's Downtown Program, supporting building improvements.  The tax credits were announced Monday in a largely vacant building in Barre.  The Blanchard Building on North Main Street, was built in 1904; it will get a chunk of the money.  More than $287,000 will help add commercial and office space with room for up to 200 workers.  "I know that it has nothing to do with return on investment, it has nothing to do with your desire to make Vermont a better place, and to rebuild with the Governor and I," Barre Mayor Thom Lauzon said.  The tax credits will help complete 30 projects across the state.  Money will also go to rehab buildings damaged by flooding in 2011.

BREAKING NEWS - MIddlebury Shooting Incident

Yesterday a male identifying himself as George Demarais of Middlebury called 9-1-1, and said he "wanted to die via suicide by cop,' and that he would be in the woods behind his home.  Immediate attempts were made by officers of the Middlebury Police Department to reach Demarais by phone, but the calls went unanswered.  Police responded to the area to locate George and were unable to determine if he was in his home or not.  Concurrent investigation determined he lived in the home alone.  Due to the threat of "suicide by cop," officers were placed in a perimeter around the visible front of the home, pending repeat efforts to contact Demarias.  Late in the afternoon, Demarais came out of the home carrying a long gun, and approached Case Street.  Sgt. Jason Covey called to him, asked him to drop the gun, and attempted to speak with him.  Demarais turned and walked to the rear of the home towards the woods carrying the gun.  Officers found a note taped to his vehicle that said "Come and get me, I hope you can shoot straight, because I can."  Officers later located George on a steep slope behind the home, when he began firing at them.  There was an exchange of gunfire, during which Sgt. Covey made further efforts to convince Demarais to surrender.  George continued firing, and in the exchange of gunfire, Demarais suffered a fatal wound.  At this time, it is not known if the wound was self inflicted, or caused by police gunfire.  During the attempt to locate and contain Demarais, Case Street was closed between Cobble Road and Quarry Road for several hours.  The investigation of the incident was turned over to the Vermont State Police, under the auspices of the Addison County State's Attorney.

WVTK Local & State News October 5, 2012

Yesterday a male identifying himself as George Demarais of Middlebury called 9-1-1, and said he "wanted to die via suicide by cop,' and that he would be in the woods behind his home.  Immediate attempts were made by officers of the Middlebury Police Department to reach Demarais by phone, but the calls went unanswered.  Police responded to the area to locate George and were unable to determine if he was in his home or not.  Concurrent investigation determined he lived in the home alone.  Due to the threat of "suicide by cop," officers were placed in a perimeter around the visible front of the home, pending repeat efforts to contact Demarias.  Late in the afternoon, Demarais came out of the home carrying a long gun, and approached Case Street.  Sgt. Jason Covey called to him, asked him to drop the gun, and attempted to speak with him.  Demarais turned and walked to the rear of the home towards the woods carrying the gun.  Officers found a note taped to his vehicle that said "Come and get me, I hope you can shoot straight, because I can."  Officers later located George on a steep slope behind the home, when he began firing at them.  There was an exchange of gunfire, during which Sgt. Covey made further efforts to convince Demarais to surrender.  George continued firing, and in the exchange of gunfire, Demarais suffered a fatal wound.  At this time, it is not known if the wound was self inflicted, or caused by police gunfire.  During the attempt to locate and contain Demarais, Case Street was closed between Cobble Road and Quarry Road for several hours.  The investigation of the incident was turned over to the Vermont State Police, under the auspices of the Addison County State's Attorney.

The Agency of Transportation has announced that Route 30 in Hubbardton will close from October 8 to October 15 for culvert replacements.  The project is underway now, with a target completion date of November 30^th and consists of removing and replacing two culverts on Route 30. Except for the week that the road will be closed, one-way traffic will be in place during the day.

A special event is taking place this Saturday, “For Carly - A Night in Remembrance” from 7PM – 10PM at Spartan Arena Rutland.  The community is hosting this event to remember Carly Ferro and to raise money for the VT Golf Association Scholarship Fund. Join in for a night of skating, where proceeds from skate rentals will be donated, a silent auction, door prizes and a live DJ. To make a donation send a check to: Vermont Golf Association, Attn: Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1612, Rutland VT 05701-1612 or e-mail dave@vtga.org.

Rutland’s Police Chief says the death of Carly Ferro in a crash allegedly caused by a man huffing chemicals has the city searching for answers to the broader problem of drug and chemical abuse.  The drug use suspected in this instance comes from a legal aerosol product, easily obtained and intended for common household uses.  Police Chief James Baker tells Vermont Public Radio he and other community officials are talking about educating residents more about drug use.

A limited number of copies of a book that tells the history of the original Lake Champlain Bridge are being made available to the public at no charge.  The 65-page booklet, titled "Spanning the Decades: The Lake Champlain Bridge Story," is illustrated with photos, paintings and memorabilia that tells the story of the span that was built in 1929 to connect Crown Point and Addison.  It was closed in October 2009 after being deemed unsafe and demolished two months later.  The new Lake Champlain Bridge opened last November.  The publication is available at the Crown Point State Historic Site, the Lake Champlain Visitors Center in Crown Point, the Chimney Point State Historic Site in Addison and the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes.

Ownership of Middlebury-based Beau Ties Ltd. of Vermont changed hands last week as the existing ownership group including principal shareholders Bill Kenerson and Deb Venman sold the assets of the company to a group led by David Kramer and David Mutter.  The company will remain in Middlebury and plans call for added investment in equipment and marketing with the hopes of creating job growth in the area. The company is recognized for offering its national customer base distinctive, quality American-made products hand-sewn in Middlebury.

The Vermont State Police in New Haven are investigating the theft of a private road sign owned by Doug Perkins on Lake Dunmore Road in Leicester.  The name on the private road sign is “Triangle Square Circle”; it was stolen sometime between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of this week.  Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Vermont State Police New Haven Barracks at 802-388-4919. Information can also be submitted online at www.vtips.info or text "CRIMES" (274637) to Keyword: VTIPS.

A sewer project now under way in Ticonderoga may be a template for future works in the community.  Work to separate the sanitary sewer from storm water in the St. Clair Street and Wayne Avenue area is saving money, while utilizing town resources.  The project will cost about $350,000 when complete in November. The town received no grant money for the work, so district residents will pay the cost.  The Town saved $50-70,000 by doing some of the work themselves.

High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care has issued a challenge to all Essex County schools to help raise funds to benefit those in our communities who are facing a life-limiting illness during November, which is National Hospice & Palliative Care Month.  For the month of November H-P-H-P-C is asking schools in Essex County to come up with and run fund raisers on its behalf. Some ideas for fund raising include, but are not limited to: car washes, dances, and penny collections. The funds raised will then be donated to H-P-H-P-C for direct patient care. Fundraiser ideas do need pre-approval. Interested school administrators should contact Ingrid Roemischer at 942-6513 or iroemischer@hphpc.org

The Town of Jay has temporarily closed the Jersey Bridge in the hamlet of AuSable Forks to repair the heat-trace and sewer-pipe insulation located along the side of the span. Work is scheduled to be completed by the end of the day Monday, October 15th, at which time the bridge will be reopened.

The town’s Planning Commission is making it clear that a marijuana dispensary is not welcome in Fair Haven.  Commission members confirmed they are working on prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries as part of an update to the town’s zoning ordinance.  The commission first discussed dispensaries when Act 65, which authorized four medical marijuana dispensaries around the state, was approved by the Legislature last year.

A Vermont telecommunications company is among the winners of the Federal Communications Commission's first "mobility fund auction."  VTel will use the money to expand wireless coverage along 941 miles of Vermont roadways, primarily in Orange and Caledonia counties, but also in parts of Washington, Chittenden, Addison and in other parts of the state.  The Springfield-based telecommunications provider must complete its project within three years and make the network available to other providers for roaming so that as many consumers as possible can benefit from the new networks.

Travelers can follow Vermont’s historic highways exploring haunted sites from the southwest “Bennington Triangle,” where a number of hikers mysteriously went missing between 1920 and 1950, to Lake Memphremagog on Vermont’s northern border where the ghost of General “Mad” Anthony Wayne has been spotted walking across the top of the lake, and many mysterious places in between. Visitors are encouraged to have their own ghostly experience now through November with special packages starting at $60 per person based on double occupancy. Blackout dates may apply at all properties. For more ghost stories and information on booking these special offers, please visit www.vermontvacation.com or become a fan on Facebook and Twitter.

Some local New York state distilleries are getting a chance to sell liquor at fairs and farmers' markets across the state.   Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation Wednesday.  It will help those farm distilleries grow by providing them the same access to potential business as wineries and breweries already have.   He says now they will be able to play a bigger role in the state's economy.   The new law will also allow them to do more tastings around the state.

Dental care will not be part of Vermont's universal healthcare plan when it goes into effect.  The Green Mountain Care Board made the decision late yesterday afternoon by a vote of 3-to-2.  It comes down to money, and the high cost of including dental coverage in the plan.  While hundreds of people stressed the need for better dental coverage, research showed adding it in would end up costing Vermonters nearly 90-million dollars.

Governor Peter Shumlin walked out on a news conference yesterday afternoon when questions probed a land deal where he's building a home.  Shumlin said he was looking to buy a particular 182-acre farm in East Montpelier to live while he's governor, but friends wanted to live there permanently.  The friends bought it and sold him a 27-acre parcel for 35-thousand dollars.  When pressed for details, the governor stated he didn't want to talk about details of his private life and left.

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is fired up over a TV ad. Gillibrand who is up for re-election this November is demanding TV stations immediately pull an Arizona Super PAC's ad that accuses her of costing New York jobs since she supports the Affordable Care Act.  The senator's D.C.-based attorneys have sent letters to local stations saying the ads that have been running across New York seek to "damage her reputation" and are "misleading and deceptive."  They say the ad features citations of real news articles that ran under very different headlines in actual publications.

A teen from South Glens Falls was arrested after making a terroristic threat.  Authorities found that 16-year-old Forrest Taylor made a threat regarding the community using Facebook.  He was taken into custody, arraigned and sent to jail.  Taylor is due back in court next week.

Vermont landowners can now connect with hunters who wish to hunt in their areas through a new feature on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department web site.  The department has developed an online system where hunters can register for permission to hunt in certain areas of the state. That came about after an advisory group of landowners, hunters, foresters and wildlife biologists recommended the state investigate issues of deer eating saplings and doing damage to forestry land and hunters unable to access private lands.  The department says landowners can now go to the website and contact hunters to hunt deer on their property.  A get connected quick link is on the web site under "'items of special interest."

The Brandon Town Players proudly present “A Night On The Town In Brandon”, a vaudeville style variety show incorporating skits, sketches, solos, duets, small groups and large chorus numbers. Performances are this Friday & Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM in the Brandon Town Hall. Tickets are $8.00 in advance, $10.00 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Carr's Florist & Gifts or at the door the night of the show.  www.brandontownhall.org

Brandon Music on Country Club Road in Brandon presents Pianist Diana Fanning and Dieuwke Davydov on cello in a benefit concert on this evening at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $15 and all proceeds will benefit the Compass Music and Arts Foundation. The internationally acclaimed Davydov-Fanning Duo will present a program featuring colorful and exciting works ranging from Shostakovich to Brahms.   Compass Music and Arts Foundation is a new and developing non-profit organization striving to be the foremost venue in Vermont for all types of music and artistic media. Compass Music and Arts Foundation is dedicated to enriching life through a deeper appreciation of music and the literary, performing and visual arts. The purpose of Compass Music and Arts Foundation is to help bring art in all its forms to the people of Vermont and beyond. For information or tickets, visit www.brandon-music.net. 

The combination of everyday trash items and exquisite art will be a focal point of this weekend's event as Sustainable Rutland presents the fourth-annual Trash 2 Art contest and exhibit as part of downtown Rutland's Harvest Fest.  Trash 2 Art is an amateur art competition, which encourages participants to create durable artwork using surplus materials, trash, used items or anything else that could potentially end up in a landfill, with the ultimate goal of transforming trash into art.  Each contestant will submit an art piece to be displayed at the event's exhibit on from 11 AM to 3 PM Saturday in downtown Rutland.  Submissions will be on display in The Pit at the intersection of Center and Wales streets where spectators can view and vote for their favorite piece.

The foliage change appeared to intensify during the misty, atmospheric weather of last weekend. Near peak to full color change is expected along the spine of the northern Green Mountains and is beginning to emerge in the central Vermont valleys.  Leaf-peepers can also easily stay up-to-date on the color progression of Vermont’s foliage by calling the Fall Foliage Hotline at 1-800-VERMONT or click HERE!

From Fox 44 and ABC 22 News – Your Voice in Vermont & New York:

In the Vermont Public Television studios Thursday, all the candidates for governor got a chance to debate.  They included Dave Eagle, Liberty Union Party, Cris Erickson, United States Marijuana Party, Emily Peyton, Independent, Randy Brock, Republican Party, and Peter Shumlin, Democratic Party.  The race has been dominated by Brock and Shumlin.  That's because polls show Shumlin far ahead, even of Brock.  "I think this is a crucial time for Vermont. Time for Vermont to move off the direction we're going," says Brock.  Despite his lead in the polls, Shumlin has raised a ton of money to keep his job, now topping more than $1-million.  "I hope you stick with what Vermonters have done historically and give this governor a chance to complete the work that we've begun," says Shumlin.  There are still four more Vermont gubernatorial debates to go, though don't expect to see all the candidates at them.

We all know how frustrating poor cell phone reception can be, and rural Vermonters know it's more than just a nuisance, signal strength can mean life or death. VTel was awarded money that should make things better.  "Can you hear me now? Can you hear me now?" Governor Peter Shumlin joked.  We've all experienced that annoying call, but what if what you're saying needs to be heard? What if something went wrong?  "It could be an assault, a domestic assault, it could be a car crash where somebody's trapped in their car and they would be ok if they could reach out to somebody," Washington County Sheriff Sam Hill said.  Well, cell phone reception in rural areas is about to improve. The federal government gave VTel two million dollars to put toward their 60-million dollar project. Governor Peter Shumlin made the announcement at a press conference in Montpelier Thursday. He also made a bold statement about broadband.  "We have promised to have high speed Internet access to every last mile of Vermont in December, 2013."  To be exact, 941 miles of Vermont roadways will have better cell phone coverage. The Washington County Sheriff says this will improve the ability to respond to calls.  "From East Montpelier, out to Hardwick, there is essentially no service," Sheriff Hill said.  People living in, or passing through Orange and Caledonia counties will benefit the most, also parts of Chittenden, Addison and Washington counties.  "There are many dead spots throughout the county that we would like to have taken care of," Sheriff Hill said.  The new cell towers are scheduled to go up in the next few months.  The project must be completed in three years, and VTel has to make this new coverage available to people with other cell phone providers for "roaming," so that as many people as possible can benefit from the network.

Linda Thibault worked to put up Halloween decorations Thursday on her South Burlington home.  She says she loves her house, and doesn't mind living next to the Burlington International Airport.  "I'm used to the planes going by," said Thibault.  But she's not accustomed to seeing the type of full-page letter that appeared in the local paper Thursday.  "It was nice to see [the ad]," said Thibault.  The letter came from nearly a dozen local real estate leaders.  It was written by Pomerleau Real Estate President Ernie Pomerleau.  He says the group wanted to address the effect the F-35 fighter jet would have on the local housing market if it came to South Burlington.  Some fear, because they are louder than F-16s, they will drive down property values.  "There's no data that shows that it has happened, and there's no data that shows it's going to happen," said Pomerleau.  Pomerleau insists timing played no part as to why this letter came out now.  Even though air force leaders say their impact study is nearly complete and a decision on whether to bring the aircraft to South Burlington could be made by early next year.  But military leaders say if it doesn't come to South Burlington, there's a chance the National Guard would leave the area.  Something Pomerleau says can't happen.  "Our concern is, if you lose 1,100 jobs, and you impact that airport, negatively at this point, that's going to impact housing," said Pomerleau.  It's not just about property values; some believe the jets are a waste of money.  That's because it will cost the government billions to make them.  But military leaders say they're necessary because the F-16's are out-dated.