Archive - Feb 15, 2010

MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury Selectman Craig Bingham is asking his colleagues to support a new ordinance that would prohibit people from smoking in town parks.

The selectboard will spend the coming weeks discussing the proposed new law, with the possibility the seven-member panel could OK the proposal, endorse a new rule barring smoking during public events in municipal parks or drop the matter entirely.

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MIDDLEBURY — A proposed 3.3-mile rail spur linking the Omya quarry on Foote Street with the main line west of the Otter Creek can now proceed to final design and property acquisition, as the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has determined the estimated $34.3 million project could meet federal environmental standards.

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SOUTH STARKSBORO — For the 11 years Christine Chaloux has lived in her remote South Starksboro home, she’s relied on fuel from three large kerosene tanks to keep her warm through the winter. Her steep driveway is all but impassable at this time of year, so her fuel arrives before snow flies, and then the 46-year-old woman keeps one eye on the thermostat and the other on her fuel tanks.

Restocking on fuel part way through the season just isn’t possible, Chaloux explains, practically or financially speaking.

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p>LINCOLN — Three candidates are vying for an open seat on the Lincoln selectboard come Town Meeting Day.

The position was formerly held by Donovan Mayo, who died in the fall. Ethan Ready was appointed to serve the remainder of Mayo’s term, but has chosen not to run for reelection.

The three candidates seeking the job are Jim Adams, Elwin Isham and Brian Goodro.

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BRISTOL — A Bristol police officer’s decision to leave a prisoner handcuffed to a wall outside a jail for nearly a half hour on Feb. 7 has sparked a criminal investigation into the possible mistreatment of an alleged offender and a violation of custody rules.

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VERGENNES — The Vergennes Union High School boys’ basketball team defeated visiting Middlebury on Friday, 52-36, accomplishing two things in the process.

The 10-8 Commodores completed a four-game sweep of county rivals Mount Abraham and MUHS, never an easy task, and they also ended the 1-17 Tigers’ hopes of reaching the Division II playoffs.

Despite the frustrations that are inevitable in a one-win season, Tiger coach Chris Altemose found some bright spots on Friday.

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