News 2008-03-31 Andanh.com

Video games bring teens to Fletcher Free library Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
Program attracts younger patrons

City hopes ordinance will curb graffiti Mon, 31 Mar 2008 06:44:00 EST
Immediate penalties would be imposed on vandalism, other acts

Community Center opens today Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
Facility's name to be announced at ceremony

FairPoint-Verizon deal comes to a close today Mon, 31 Mar 2008 06:20:00 EST
FairPoint Communications Inc. becomes northern New England's biggest phone company on Monday after an eleventh-hour tussle with regulators. Customers, however, will barely notice the change.

Seventeen people treated after bus crash; interstate in Highgate remains closed Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:47:00 EST
A tour bus carrying about 25 passengers overturned on Interstate 89 Monday, sending about 17 people to the hospital with mostly minor injuries.

Snow now, rain to come Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:38:00 EST
That gusty burst of snow that greeted us in the past hour won't last, but forecasters said it represents the introduction of some volatile weather between now and Wednesday.

House budget displeases Douglas Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:54:00 EST
The seven Democrats and four Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee fashioned a budget for state government that all of them could endorse but they couldn't please Gov. Jim Douglas.

Huntington turbine faces visual challenge Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:33:00 EST
Teal Farm's wind tower has been called a blot on Huntington's landscape. Its owners say they can prove otherwise.

Growing with an industry: 50 years at Symquest Mon, 31 Mar 2008 06:55:00 EST
Ray Vincent moved from mimeographs to high-tech

Today's recipe Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:41:00 EST
Hiding veggies in recipes

Jonas Brothers headed to Expo Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:29:00 EST
Did you have trouble getting tickets? Funny stories to share?

First with Kids: Bunk beds Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:46:00 EST
Safety tips to consider before buying

Sixty Plus: A personal journey to healing Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:19:00 EST
For Patricia Selsky, cancer survivor and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Eleanor B. Daniels Fund, the "personal journey of healing is not just physical," she said. "Healing does not mean you are fixed. It is a level of wholeness between the parts; it is being at peace with who you are and where you are."

April Family Calendar Mon, 31 Mar 2008 06:33:00 EST
Click here to download and print; Web resources, too

Horoscope Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
Today's predictions

Life imitates MasterCard commercial Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:56:00 EST
The joy of washable markers

My Turn: Be wise to harmful stormwater Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:24:00 EST
The water that runs off roads, sidewalks, roofs and parking lots sometimes does not end up at the wastewater treatment plant but, instead, flows directly into Lake Champlain without any type of cleaning process.

Letters to the Editor Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
Each year the Free Press receives thousands of letters. Here are today's letters.

Lobos defeat Catamounts Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:49:00 EST
Vermont's record falls to 5-9

Frost Heaves win ABA title again Mon, 31 Mar 2008 06:27:00 EST
Vermont post 87-84 win over San Diego for crown

Vermont scores Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
Sunday's results and Monday's schedule

What a deal Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
According to a report in Thursday's New York Times, two years ago the Pentagon handed a contract worth nearly $300 million to a 22-year-old entrepreneur with a criminal record on the understanding that his hitherto unknown firm, which operates out of an unmarked building in Miami Beach, would become the principal supplier of munitions to Afghanistan's army and police. ...

State slots $50,000 for city's drug force Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:05:00 EST
State legislators have included $50,000 in its major spending bill to help Rutland with its drug problem. ... - By BRENT CURTIS Herald Staff

Vermont Tubbs bailout in works Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
BRANDON -- The town hopes to finalize the bailout of Vermont Tubbs in the next few weeks, town manager Keith Arlund said Thursday. ... - By GORDON DRITSCHILO Herald Staff

Suspects plead innocent to firearm, drug charges Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
Two of the three people indicted last week on federal drug and weapon charges were arraigned Friday in U.S. District Court in Burlington. ... - By DAWSON RASPUZZI Herald Staff

Brandon man denies lewd conduct charge Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
A Brandon man is facing a felony charge for allegedly groping an unwilling woman. ... - By GORDON DRITSCHILO Herald Staff

New York Times columnist to speak Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
New York Times columnist Bob Herbert will deliver a lecture next month at Middlebury College titled "Beyond the Bush Years: An exploration of the tough challenges facing the United States in the early years of the 21st century." ...

Tinmouth presents concert on Friday Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
TINMOUTH -- Tinmouth's Old Firehouse Stage will present a two-for-one concert featuring Vermont recording artist Spencer Lewis and Canadian songstress Rosemary Phelan on Friday. ...

April carving class open to applicants Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
WEST RUTLAND -- The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center in West Rutland has limited openings for the Architectural Carving workshop with Brent Wilson on April 26 and April 27. ...

Health screenings Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
Today, I have two health-related items of interest for you. ...

Town opposes railyard study Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:40:00 EST
Rutland Town officials are seeking to derail a critical study of the proposed railyard relocation due out this summer. ... - By BRENT CURTIS Herald Staff

VINS: Owl population on rise in Vermont Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:43:00 EST
QUECHEE -- Blame it on the lingering winter or on an increase in the population, but owl sightings in the state are on the rise. And more of these nocturnal raptors are showing up hurt. Allison Stark, director of wildlife services at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, said her facility is caring for 14 barred owls, a medium--sized gray and brown owl native to the area. Stark said most of the owls at VINS are either starving or have been hit by cars. Owls will typically hunt by the roadside, feeding on rodents that are, in turn, feeding on the food tossed out the windows of passing cars. "Fourteen owls is double what we typically have this time of year," Stark said. Stark said they have been treating more owls than usual not just this spring, but through last fall as well. In November, Stark said, VINS treated 20 owls hit by cars. "There is a very high mortality rate for first-year raptors," Stark said. Steve Parren, coordinator of the nongame and natural heritage program for Fish and Wildlife, said in the fall barred owls will stop feeding their young and force them out of the nest to fend for themselves. "The young owls are not too savvy yet," Parren said. Parren said barred owls came into November with a larger than normal population to begin with. Parren said barred owls will lay between two and three eggs, but rather than laying them all at once, the barred owl will lay them 24 to 72 hours apart. Parren said it is a survival mechanism so the first bird that hatches will have an advantage in survival. "That doesn't sound like much, but 24 hours of feeding makes a big difference," Parren said. Parren speculated that two years ago an abundant number of pine cones resulted in an increase in the red squirrel population the following year, which provided enough food for all of the recently-hatched owls to reach maturity. Parren said he believed the long winter has forced many owls into starvation. "The deep snow and the crust on the snow has made it difficult for the owls to catch small rodents," Parren said. When the snow is soft, the owls can actually hear a rodent beneath and dive into the snow to catch it, Parren said. Stark said that there has been a crash in the red-backed vole population, a staple of the barred owls' diet. Stark did not know why the vole population has crashed. Stark said she has been getting many calls from people concerned about the owls in their back yards. Stark said that more people are noticing the usually nocturnal birds out during the day. Stark said she will try to get a description of the bird's behavior to determine if it is in peril. "It's normal to see a bird perching during the day this time of year," Stark said. "If the bird is on the ground, VINS will intervene." Stark said she instructs people to not feed the owls because they will then become accustomed to people and may become aggressive. Instead, Stark recommended scattering seed on the ground to attract rodents for the owls to feed upon. When VINS takes in an owl, their first task is to rehydrate it, Stark said. "They can't digest solid food because their digestive systems have shut down," Stark said. After a few weeks, caregivers can hand-feed the owls, Stark said. When the birds are ready, VINS will release them where they were first found, Stark said. Owls are territorial and to reintroduce an owl into another area would put further stress on the existing owl population, Stark said. Contact Josh O'Gorman at josh.ogorman@rutlandherald.com. ... - By JOSH O'GORMAN Herald Staff

Ludlow, Plymouth seek school funding Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
LUDLOW -- Although Town Meeting was a month ago, Ludlow and Plymouth residents will soon be asked to approve budgets for their elementary schools. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Plymouth residents will meet in the Municipal Building to vote on an elementary school budget of $788,967 for fiscal year 2008-09, which is a decrease of $45,690 or 5.5 percent from the current budget of $834,657. Ludlow residents will meet at 7:30 on Monday, April 7 in Town Hall to vote on an elementary school budget of $2,451,617 for fiscal year 2008-09, which is an increase of $84,175 or 3.6 percent from the current budget of $2,367,442. Both budgets will be decided by floor votes and not by Australian ballot. In addition to their budget vote, Plymouth voters will also be asked whether they would like to place $41,265 in undesignated funds in a reserve fund for operational expenses. Rutland-Windsor Supervisory Union Superintendent Judith Pullinen said the undesignated funds are actually a surplus from the current budget. Pullinen said the school board would like to put the money aside for contingency purposes, such as in the event the school's roof or boiler needs to be repaired. Apparently, the Plymouth Town School Board is as fiscally conservative as the Select Board. This year, the town has an expected budget carryover of $448,171. Most of the decrease in Plymouth's school budget can be attributed to a decline in the number of secondary school students, Pullinen said. Secondary education tuition is dropping $25,405 or 6.8 percent, from $375,100 to $349,695. Tuition for vocational education is dropping $19,626 or 73.7 percent, from $26,644 to $7,018. Taken together, the decline on secondary school tuition makes up $45,031 of the $45,690 budget decrease. "We have many more students graduating this year than in previous years," Pullinen said. The number of students graduating and the number of students expected to attend secondary schools next fall were not available. Ludlow Elementary teacher salaries are rising $22,568 or 3.9 percent, from $575,601 to $598,169. Pullinen said the increase was due to teacher contracts and not the result of any new staff. Special education costs are rising by $36,863, with much of that increase due to the addition of 2.5 paraeducator positions at a cost of $24,161. It should be noted, Pullinen said, that $23,496 in paraeducator salaries was cut from the regular instruction budget, making the net paraeducator salary increase only $665. The preschool budget is rising $47,970 or 159.6 percent, from $30,068 to $78,038, but Pullinen was quick to point out that increase to taxpayers will be far less than that. In the past, the preschool program was part of the Rutland-Windsor Supervisory Union's budget. This year, in a transfer of governance, the preschool is part of the Ludlow School District's budget. And of that budget amount, $46,000 comes from grants, Pullinen said, leaving $32,038 to be raised in taxes. Contact Josh O'Gorman at josh.ogorman@rutlandherald.com. ... - By JOSH O'GORMAN Herald Staff

Arts council appoints new director Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
WOODSTOCK -- The Pentangle Council on the Arts will receive some new blood and possibly a new direction when C. Partridge Boswell takes over as the executive director in April. "I got the opportunity to work in my hometown and I seized that opportunity," said Boswell, who is more commonly known as Buzz. For the past 10 years, Boswell has served as the executive director of the Lebanon Opera House in Lebanon, N.H. During his tenure there, Boswell said he oversaw the theater's growth. Boswell helped increase the theater's annual budget, from $250,000 a decade ago to $1.5 million today. At the same time, Boswell saw the theater's annual attendance more than double, from 30,000 to 65,000 visitors a year. Boswell also oversaw a top-to-bottom renovation of the theater, the first such renovation project in 50 years, he said. The renovation helped to increase the community's interest in the theater, Boswell said. Boswell also noted the change and an increased depth in the type of events offered at the theater during his tenure. When he took over as executive director, Boswell said, the theater was primarily utilized for school events and community theater performances. Boswell said that the theater now hosts nationally-touring acts, such as Little Feat, the Smothers Brothers and Bob Weir and RatDog. "The caliber of programming has jumped up in the past few years," Boswell said. Boswell, a Woodstock resident, said that his new job will allow him to spend more time with his family. Boswell said he currently has three children ages 14, 11 and 7, with a fourth child due in April. In many ways, Boswell is coming full circle. Boswell previously served as associate director at the Pentangle more than a decade ago, and was the one who originally hired departing Executive Director Sabrina Brown. Brown said that Boswell hired her 11 years ago for a part-time data entry position. Apparently, the decision was a good one, because Brown is stepping down after 10 years as Pentangle's executive director. "I think Buzz brings new energy to the organization, which is a good thing for not-for-profits," Brown said. Brown said that during her tenure, Pentangle's annual budget has more than doubled, from $225,000 to $500,000. Brown also said that she helped to build partnerships with other community organizations, such has the library, the senior center, and the garden club. Brown said that she was going to go into event planning and also concentrate on making music. As a jazz vocalist, Brown said that she was feeling the need to sing. "I'm moving on really because I needed to get deeper into my own projects," Brown said. "I'm in my mid-40's and I thought, when am I going to work on my own art?" Boswell said that while the Lebanon Opera House and the Woodstock Historic Town Theatre are different venues in terms of scale, he hopes to continue and expand Pentangle's events in the future. "The venue is half the size," Boswell said of Woodstock's theater, "but in terms of quality we hope to have acts that are every bit as good as the acts we had in Lebanon." Boswell said that he would soon survey the community to learn what sort of events people would like to see in Woodstock. "Now is the time to move the organization to hone in on exactly what the theater's niche is in the community," Boswell said. Contact Josh O'Gorman at josh.ogorman@rutlandherald.com. ... - By JOSH O'GORMAN Herald Staff

New Jersey man sentenced on weapons offense Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
A New Jersey man arrested nearly three years ago after police said he had written plans for shootings from highway overpasses in southern Vermont has been sentenced on a weapons offense in federal court. Christopher Greene, who was 41 at the date of his arrest, was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Burlington by Judge William K. Sessions III to time served followed by three years of supervised release. He had pleaded guilty last year to a federal charge of making a false statement in connection with the purchase of a firearm. According to previous published reports in the case, Greene's lawyer and mother have said he suffers from a mental illness and has psychological problems. Recent court records filed in the case indicate that with medication Greene has been taking, his condition is relatively stable. He was arrested on July 13, 2005, along Route 5 in Brattleboro after his mother in New Jersey tipped off police that her son may have been planning a shooting. Police said they found drawings and plans at Greene's home and in his car that suggested he intended to shoot at motorists from an overpass in Vermont, according to court documents. Court records stated that Greene's mother told authorities she found a gun in her son's bedroom at the apartment they shared in New Jersey after discovering the weapon had been purchased on her credit card. Police arrested Greene after he left Motel 6 in Brattleboro in a rented 2005 Dodge Stratus. Police found no weapons in the vehicle, although police said they did find several pieces of ammunition. ... - Staff Report

Police looking for mailbox vandals Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
HALIFAX -- Police are asking for information regarding a number of mailboxes that were vandalized Friday night. State police said six mailboxes were vandalized on Jacksonville Stage Road. Anyone with information is asked to call Trooper Chris Loyzelle at the Brattleboro Barracks at 254-2382. -- Staff reports ...

Okemo extends season to April 20 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
LUDLOW -- Due to heavy snowfalls and below average temperatures, Okemo Mountain has extended its season until April 20. Beginning Saturday, skiers and snowboarders can purchase weekend lift passes at mid-week rates, said Bonnie McPherson, director of public relations. After April 7, prices may be reduced further depending on the number of trails that remain open, she said. In April, Vermont and New Hampshire residents can ride every Wednesday for $29 with proof of residency. ...

Woman denies court violation charges Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
SPRINGFIELD -- A Springfield woman pleaded innocent Tuesday to charges that she violated court orders and tried to communicate with her husband, who is in jail and her co-defendant on conspiracy charges. Barbara Durphey, 38, is charged with three counts of violating court orders by sending letters to her husband Justin Durphey, who is an inmate at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield Justin Durphey is awaiting trial on kidnapping and rape charges, and earlier this year he and his wife were charged with contacting his alleged victim, who at one time dated Justin Durphey. According to court records, Barbara Durphey sent her husband a letter, a couple of envelopes of typed song lyrics, seven pages of tattoo art, and one envelop containing newspaper clippings about the Adam Corliss murder case. Justin Durphey at one time was a suspect in that case as well. The letters and envelopes were intercepted by prison officials in January. ...

Unbeaten Brown zooms to No. 2 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. -- Rick Dutrow slept in Sunday morning, and who could blame him? ... - By RICHARD ROSENBLATT The Associated Press

Freshman Moore leads Connecticut Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- The NCAA tournament isn't supposed to be this easy for Maya Moore -- even if it always seems that way for Connecticut. ... - By JOEDY McCREARY The Associated Press

Four No. 1s and a good history lesson Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
HOUSTON -- John Wooden gave us the basics of modern-day coaching. Dean Smith refined 'em. James Naismith, well, he simply invented basketball. ... - By EDDIE PELLS The Associated Press

Tigers romp by 'Horns Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
HOUSTON -- The freshman from Chicago who wears No. 23 and soars all over the court just finished getting Memphis into the Final Four when fans began chanting "One more year!" ... - By JAIME ARON The Associated Press

Kansas holds off Wildcats Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
DETROIT -- Kansas wore down Stephen Curry and plucky upstart Davidson with its size and strength, holding on for a 59-57 victory Sunday that put all four No. 1 seeds into the Final Four for the first time. ... - By NANCY ARMOUR The Associated Press

Carson, Rutgers beat GW, 53-42 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- In a game where little was clicking offensively for Rutgers, Essence Carson carried the Scarlet Knights to another rematch with Connecticut -- though this time with a Final Four berth at stake. ... - By AARON BEARD The Associated Press

Slaters track team runs cold for a cause Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
FAIR HAVEN -- When Fair Haven's Manny Richards became the state decathlon champion and Ashley Brown the state heptathlon champion on a warm June day last year, giving the Slaters a sweep, it just added more luster to one Vermont's richest high school outdoor track and field traditions. The Slaters have claimed nine state crowns in outdoor track and field, with the girls bringing home eight of them. The school has produced the heptathlon champion five times and the decathlon titlist three times. ... - By TOM HALEY Herald Staff

Hamlin foils Burton's strategy to win at Martinsville Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- Denny Hamlin finally broke through at Martinsville Speedway after two close calls, and it wasn't Hendrick Motorsports he had to beat. ... - By HANK KURZ Jr. The Associated Press

Vt., N.H. OK Verizon takeover Mon, 31 Mar 2008 06:51:00 EST
MONTPELIER -- Vermont and New Hampshire regulators held emergency hearings Sunday on FairPoint Communications' rising cost of borrowing, but gave the firm the go-head to complete its purchase today of Verizon's landline phone and Internet service in northern New England. ... - By DAVE GRAM The Associated Press

Vermont's unemployment rate increases slightly in February Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
MONTPELIER -- Vermont's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate climbed a tenth of 1 percent in February. The increase to 4.3 percent from January's rate of 4.2 percent was not considered statistically significant. ... - The Associated Press

College helps African, Vietnamese and Bosnian refugees Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
BURLINGTON -- When his family landed in Vermont three years ago, Rwandan refugee Jean-Luc Dushime didn't speak English. ... - By LISA RATHKE The Associated Press

Tanker driver's mom says he was careful Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
CHICOPEE, Mass. -- The mother of a New Hampshire truck driver killed in a rollover and explosion in Massachusetts says her son was a safe driver who loved his work. ... - The Associated Press

Chinese Dir