News 2008-05-23 Andanh.com

Lawmaker worries about job cuts Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
Sen. Susan Bartlett, D-Lamoille, sounded a new alarm Wednesday about the kind of positions the Douglas administration is eliminating to meet its target of 150 fewer state jobs by July 1.

Alburgh says goodbye to workhorse Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
Alburgh taxpayers bought Ethel the grader new in 1951, the first piece of heavy machinery the town owned. She is being retired after 57 years of work.

South Burlington wood-chip money to be placed in fund Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
South Burlington residents voted against further use of bond funds to support a wood-chip heating project at South Burlington's middle and high schools Tuesday, 1,553-945.

Essex student raises money to be ambassador Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
Essex High School student Owen Duff has been nominated to become a student-ambassador in the international exchange program People to People.

Essex expands energy conservation program Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
The mission to replace Essex's light bulbs remains the same, though the mission's parameters have broadened to support more energy-saving objectives.

Landlord, dairyman Clark Hinsdale Jr. dies Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
Hinsdale made profits in the city, spent them on a model farm in Charlotte.

AirTran begins Vermont service Wed, 21 May 2008 23:41:00 EST
Daily jet service is now offered to Baltimore-Washington International Airport, an AirTran hub.

Lawmakers approve another $14 million for roads and bridges Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
A special fiscal oversight committee of the Legislature gave its blessing Wednesday to a list detailing $14 million in supplementary road and bridge maintenance that would be scheduled this summer.

SymQuest named top business of the year Thu, 22 May 2008 08:46:00 EST
Company says award validates business model

Headed to Jonas Brothers Thu, 07 Feb 2008 09:47:00 EST
How love of the Monkees led to ticket purchase

Today's recipe Tue, 20 May 2008 07:17:00 EST
Veggie Chimichangas on the Grill

UVM prof: 'Indiana Jones' creators did their homework well Thu, 22 May 2008 16:06:00 EST
Bogac Ergene explained the history of the Ottoman Empire to a George Lucas production, a DVD that coincides with the release of the new Indiana Jones movie, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."

First with Kids: Stomach noises Mon, 12 May 2008 14:14:00 EST
What to know and when to worry

Recipes: 5/11-5/17 Sun, 11 May 2008 08:58:00 EST
First published on GreenMoutainMoms

May Family Calendar Sat, 26 Apr 2008 12:01:00 EST
Click here to download and print; Web resources, too

Thursday's Horoscope Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
Today's predictions

My Turn: Democrats must put split behind them Thu, 22 May 2008 12:45:00 EST
The issue now is how to get passionate, strong-willed, and fierce supporters of Clinton and Obama to work for the eventual nominee.

Editorial: Winooski must shine light on police probe Thu, 22 May 2008 06:30:00 EST
Law enforcement is too important to a community to have to operate under such a cloud.

Letters to the Editor Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
The Free Press publishes thousands of letters to the editor every year. Here are today's letters:

My Turn: Something to make Vermonters proud Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
This year, legislators of both parties faced up to the darkening fiscal picture -- and went home on time.

High school softball roundup: Frank powers Essex to win over CVU Thu, 22 May 2008 21:21:00 EST
HINESBURG — Essex pitcher Stephanie Frank wielded a hot bat to support her own pitching as the Hornets downed Champlain Valley, 6-1, in high school softball Thursday.

High school baseball roundup: MMU blanks South Burlington Thu, 22 May 2008 21:20:00 EST
JERICHO — Mount Mansfield's Justin Raymond won a pitchers' duel with South Burlington's Dylan McLean as the Cougars collected a 2-0 high school baseball victory against the Rebels on Thursday.

SPORTS: UVM hockey coach pleased with recruiting class Thu, 22 May 2008 18:26:00 EST
In Kevin Sneddon's five-year tenure as men's hockey coach at the University of Vermont, he and his staff have steadily improved the depth and quality of the Catamounts' talent pool.

SPORTS: UVM baseball bows in America East tourney Thu, 22 May 2008 18:21:00 EST
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Brian Ivan's solo homer snapped a seventh-inning deadlock to lift top-seeded Binghamton to a 4-1 victory over fourth-seeded Vermont in the first round of the 2008 America East baseball championship at Farmingdale State College.

Local notebook Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
Vermonters among UVM's soccer class

Girls lacrosse: Soucy collects 100th victory Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
South Burlington stops U-32

Cats chase league baseball crown Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
Tourney starts today at Stony Brook

Vermont scores Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
Wednesday's results and summaries

A new coalition Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
Twenty-one percent of the voters in the Democratic primary in Kentucky on Tuesday told pollsters that race mattered in their choice for president, and most of them voted for Hillary Clinton. Clinton has argued that her strength among working class white voters would make her the stronger candidate in the fall. ...

OutdoorsVT: Local camping locations offer variety of options Thu, 22 May 2008 17:39:00 EST
It's time to dust off the tent, air out the camp trailer or throw a big scrubbing on that RV. Camping season returns this weekend and there is a wide variety of opportunities in the Green Mountain State. ...

Six firefighters charged in arsons Wed, 21 May 2008 22:29:00 EST
WALLINGFORD -- Fire Chief Warren Allen has resigned and six of his firefighters -- including his sons, who are officers in the department -- are facing arson and related charges for allegedly setting fires around town, Vermont State Police said Wednesday. ... - By GORDON DRITSCHILO Herald Staff

Brandon provides gateway for new citizens Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
BRANDON -- Suad Avdic said Wednesday was the best day of his life. ... - By GORDON DRITSCHILO Herald Staff

Planners prioritize roadway projects Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
Regional planners will decide today on a list of 46 Rutland County transportation priorities to send to the state's Agency of Transportation. ... - By BRENT CURTIS Herald Staff

Third town school budget heads to voters June 3 Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
Rutland Town School Board is hoping the third school budget will charm the voters. ... - By SARA-MEGAN WALSH Herald Staff

Proctor's Union Church celebrates new addition Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
Bagpipers played "Amazing Grace" as children from the Union Church in Proctor took the first steps over a bridge constructed as part of an $800,000 addition to the church. ... - By KAYLA TOHER Herald Correspondent

Coat of many colors Thu, 22 May 2008 14:28:00 EST
Leonard Bartenstein (center) has the title role as Joseph in the Christ the King School production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." The group will present the show at Mount St. Joseph Academy's Shoestring Theater at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. today and 7 p.m. Friday. ...

Dismas House slates annual benefit dinner Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
The 18th annual Rutland Dismas House benefit dinner and auction is set for June 1. ...

Danby man held for alleged N.H. felony Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
A Danby man wanted in New Hampshire is being held in the Rutland jail. ...

Milton man denies mischief charges Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
A Milton man pleaded innocent in Rutland District Court on Monday to multiple charges after allegedly causing $2,500 worth of damages to a Castleton property he did not have permission to be on. ...

Officials: Yankee crane last tested in 1975 Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
VERNON -- The last time the 110-ton heavy-duty crane, which is being used at Vermont Yankee to move its high-level radioactive waste, was tested with a heavy load was more than 30 years ago, Entergy Nuclear and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said. The crane, which is being relied on to handle the 97-ton steel and concrete casks that will contain the high-level radioactive waste, was slated to be tested Wednesday evening after last week's failure. It is the first heavy-load test of the crane since 1975, according to both Entergy Nuclear and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, although both stressed the crane was in regular use during refueling outages and to remove the top of the reactor. During those times, however, the loads don't reach the cask's weight levels. Neil Sheehan, a spokesman for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, said the long times between heavy load tests was fine, since the crane has passed all other inspections and no modifications had been made to it. Robert Williams, a spokesman for Entergy Nuclear, said the 1968 crane had last been tested for very heavy loads in 1975, when the crane lifted 120 percent to 125 percent of its design capacity, close to 137 tons. He said full weight testing was not required before last week's first move. He said a test move with a lesser load was conducted before last week's problems. Questions about the crane's ability to safely lift the super-heavy loads, such as a steel-and-concrete cask containing 68 fuel assemblies, were raised this week after an incident where the brakes on the crane failed to stop the descent of the cask to the floor. The cask, which weighs 97.5 tons when fully loaded, did not fall to the ground, Sheehan said. Stephen Wark, a spokesman for the Department of Public Service, said the lift test of the crane was expected to start sometime this evening. As of 5 p.m., the test hadn't started yet, he said. Wark said the state was "deeply disappointed" that Entergy Nuclear hadn't fully tested the crane before starting to move the loaded casks last week. Entergy Nuclear has said the problem was traced to a delay switch on the crane's brakes. Wark said as a result the state would be increasing its inspection and oversight at the plant, although he said he wasn't sure what path that would take. He said the state's engineer who works on nuclear issues, Uldis Vanags, was at the plant on Wednesday and waiting for the crane test. He said Vanags had questioned Entergy officials about whether the crane was "certified" to handle the heavy loads, and was told the last time it was certified was in the 1970s. He did say the state was pleased that Entergy had volunteered the information about the crane snafu on its own. The incident occurred on May 12, and Entergy released information on May 16 in a limited way. "We're happy to see them starting to embrace transparency," Wark said. Contact Susan Smallheer at susan.smallheer@rutlandherald.com. ... - By SUSAN SMALLHEER Herald Staff

State: Woolly pests return to infest hemlocks Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
BRATTLEBORO -- A large stand of hemlock trees on the banks of the Connecticut River are infested with the deadly hemlock woolly adelgid, state foresters announced Wednesday. James Esden, a forester with the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation in Springfield, said that "dozens and dozens and dozens" of evergreen hemlock trees appeared to be infested with the bug. He said the problem afflicted both mature trees and young saplings. It's the third known infestation in Vermont and all have been in Windham County. Esden said he discovered the problem last week, when during follow up work on last year's infestation found in a Brattleboro residential neighborhood. Esden said that the Connecticut River bank location was close to that residential neighborhood, and he said so far state officials hadn't decided how to tackle the latest incident. The first known case of hemlock woolly adelgid in Vermont was discovered last summer in Rockingham. That tree was cut down and burned, Esden said. He said an extensive search of a half-mile radius around that hemlock tree from Interstate 91 to the Connecticut River didn't turn up any infected trees. But alert homeowners reported the first Brattleboro case. The woolly adelgid has long been the scourge of southern New England and points south, literally sucking the life of any hemlock it comes into contact with. The insect is a small, non-native bug that feeds and kills by inserting its mouth, a long tube, through the base of the hemlock needles, and sucking food from the tree's storage cells. Local trees are not resistant and there are few natural enemies of the pest, Esden said. Trees can die in as soon as four to six years. The most obvious sign of a woolly adelgid infestation he said is the white woolly mass found on the underside of the twigs, at the base of the needles. He said the adelgid often looks like the tip of a Q-tip. According to a fact sheet prepared by Esden, the bug was first noticed in Virginia in the 1950s, and came from Asia, where it does little harm. It has now spread to 16 states, from Georgia to Maine. The hemlock holds an important role in the eastern forest ecosystem, he said, providing shade for streams and winter shelter for wildlife. Additionally, hemlocks are used as landscape trees. Last summer the first spot in Brattleboro was located. In that case, he said, the trees were treated with horticultural oil, or the oil with an insecticide. In some cases, the ground was injected with a systemic insecticide, which hopefully will provide most lasting protection to the trees, he said. Esden refused to identify the location of the infestation, saying he was still negotiating with landowners for access to the stand. But he said the infestation showed indications it had been there for a while, since some of the trees were already showing signs of weakening due to the infestation. The state forester urged homeowners to be on the lookout for the bug, and to contact state forestry officials as soon as possible. He said that any suspected infestations should not be moved. He said that in the case of the Rockingham and the first Brattleboro case, the woolly adelgid was found near bird feeders and bird baths, leading researchers to believe the pest is being spread by birds. He said the pest probably catches a ride with birds during the months of March to July, when the adelgids are mobile. He said this was another reason why homeowners should take down their bird feeders in the spring. State Fish & Wildlife officials last week urged homeowners to put their bird feeders away until November, noting they are a big attraction to hungry bears, emerging from hibernations who are looking for a quick snack. He said the state was working with the Vermont Institute of Natural Science to help determine what kind of bird might be more likely to carry the insect. Esden said another hemlock threat, the elongate hemlock scale, was recently discovered in New Hampshire. So far, none of that pest has been found in Vermont, he said. "When it rains, it pours," he said. Anyone with information should contact the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation at 241-3606. Contact Susan Smallheer at susan.smallheer@rutlandherald.com. ... - By SUSAN SMALLHEER Herald Staff

Vermont businesses join green movement Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION -- Four Vermont businesses -- including Resource Systems Group Inc. in White River Junction -- have joined Vermont Technical College and the Agency of Natural Resources to voluntarily report carbon emissions in an effort to combat global warming. The six entities are "founding reporters" for the Climate Registry, a nonprofit organization comprised of 233 members from 39 states, seven Canadian provinces, six Mexican states, three American Indian tribes and the District of Columbia. Members include private businesses, schools and government organizations. The Climate Registry's goal is to create an accurate database of greenhouse gas emissions in North America. "We thought it was important to lead by example and be one of the founding members," said Jeff Merrell, environmental analyst for ANR. The ANR, like every other member of the Climate Registry, will report annually to the registry the amount of greenhouse gases they emit. While ANR is the only state agency to report to the Climate Registry, Merrell said the possibility exists for all state agencies to report their emissions in the future. Merrell noted that the Vermont State Agency Energy Plan for State Government -- first adopted in 1993 and revised in 2005 -- already tracks energy use by the state in an effort to reduce state government energy use by 15 percent by 2012. In addition, the Climate Neutral Working Group, a group within the ANR, issues reports every two years that track the amount of greenhouse gases emitted during the course of state business. Merrill said it might be possible to link all of these reports to create a single report to the Climate Registry. "Given that climate change is one of the most important issues we're facing, it's good that the state is taking a leading role in preventing it," Merrell said. Concern over global warming can also be found in the private sector, said Colin High, chairman for Resource Systems Group, Inc. Prior to becoming a founding reporter, RSG has spent the last two years analyzing its carbon emissions in an attempt to reduce energy use and at the same time save money, High said. "We are going to report heating emissions, electric use, gas used by employees to commute and jet fuel for business travel," High said. High speculated that the Climate Registry, which is strictly voluntary, might one day become compulsory. "There is a strong suspicion that this is the way mandatory reporting will occur," High said. In addition to helping the environment, High said, it also makes sense for his company, which specializes in transportation analysis and can use its self-analysis to make recommendations to their clients. "We are happy to be founding reporters but we think it will be very good for our business," High said. During the last two years of internal analysis, High said, his company has seen a reduction in greenhouse emissions as his employees become more conscious of their energy consumption. High noted the White River Junction office employs about 45 people and on any given morning there are 12-13 hybrid cars in the parking lot. Other participating businesses include Native Energy, Inc. of Charlotte, Green Mountain Power Corp. of Colchester and Spring Hill Solutions, LLC of Burlington. Contact Josh O'Gorman at joshogorman@rutlandherald.com. ... - By JOSH O'GORMAN Herald Staff

Historic sites to open for season Saturday Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
MONTPELIER -- Most of the State Historic Sites will open for the first time this season on Saturday -- including the President Calvin Coolidge Site in Plymouth; Mount Independence in Orwell; Hubbardton Battlefield in Hubbardton; Justin Smith Morrill Homestead in Strafford; Eureka Schoolhouse in Springfield; Old Constitution House in Windsor; and Chimney Point in Addison. The Bennington Battle Monument opened for the season on April 19. The Chester A. Arthur site in Fairfield and the Hyde Log Cabin site will both open on July 4. "These beautifully preserved gems allow visitors and Vermonters to experience history where it happened," John Dumville, historic sites operations chief at the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, said in a written statement. "They tell us the exciting story of Vermont and our nation, from the first inhabitants to the Vermonter who became our country's 30th president." For more information on locations and operating hours, visit the Vermont State Historic Sites Web site at www.HistoricVermont.org/sites. -- Staff reports ...

Police warn seniors to beware of scam Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
CHESTER -- Police are warning senior citizens to be on the lookout for fraudulent mailing that claims the recipient will receive a large grant if they first send back a finder's fee. A person or people claiming to do business as Smith Enterprises from Middletown, Calif., has sent mail to senior citizens in Chester and possibly elsewhere in the state claiming the recipient will receive a large grant. Before they can receive the grant, the offer claims, the recipient must first send a check for 10 percent of the grant amount to Smith Enterprises. The mailing comes with what appears to be a check issued from Washington Mutual Bank, but the check -- like the offer -- is completely fake, said Officer Michael Gilderdale of the Chester Police Department. Gilderdale said he contacted Washington Mutual's fraud department, which confirmed that the checks are not real. Only one Chester resident has made a formal complaint so far, but Gilderdale said he suspects that other people in the area have received the mailing as well. He said he was not aware of anyone who has already sent money to Smith Enterprises. Gilderdale said the case would most likely be forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Anyone who has received a mailing from Smith Enterprises or has questions about the validity of any other similar offer is asked to call the Chester Police Department at 875-2035. ...

Celts just send Ray out to play Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics expect Ray Allen to rediscover his shooting touch before the Big Three becomes the Big Two and championship No. 17 becomes a pipe dream. ... - By JIMMY GOLEN The Associated Press

NHL: Crosby will trump Wings savvy Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
Capsule of NHL Stanley Cup finals series: ... - The Associated Press

Bulls eye options high and low Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
DEERFIELD, Ill. -- John Paxson was upstairs in his bedroom when he heard his sons Ryan and Drew scream. Moments later, they dragged him downstairs to watch the draft lottery. ... - The Associated Press

Kanaan comfy with, without win at Indy Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
INDIANAPOLIS -- For some drivers, winning the Indianapolis 500 would make their career. Tony Kanaan isn't looking for any such validation. ... - By MIKE HARRIS The Associated Press

Randolph apologizes for comments Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
ATLANTA -- New York Mets manager Willie Randolph issued an apology Wednesday to team ownership, the club's TV network and his players "for the unnecessary distraction" he created by suggesting he was portrayed in a different manner than white managers. ... - The Associated Press

Manchester United wins European Champions League Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
MOSCOW -- John Terry ran up to the ball, with Chelsea needing only a successful penalty kick to win its first European Champions League title. The Blues captain slipped on the wet turf of Luzhniki Stadium and his shot glanced off a post. ... - The Associated Press

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