Thursday, January 17, 2019

Page 1

Second glance

Dairy summit

Busted!

He wrestles professionally and pierces, and offers a lot more to the community. See Arts + Leisure.

Vermont’s agriculture secretary says farmers need to look at new approaches. See Page 4B.

The Eagle boys started fast in a win over the Galloping Ghosts on Monday. See Sports, Page 1B.

ADDISON COUNTY

Vol. 73 No. 3

INDEPENDENT Middlebury, Vermont

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Lawmakers set goals for session

38 Pages

$1.00

Douglas to end three decades as moderator Former governor endorses Shashok

Locals list paid leave, minimum wage at top

By JOHN FLOWERS Monday, March 4, will be the last MIDDLEBURY — For 32 time the Middlebury Republican will consecutive Januaries, James wield the moderator’s gavel. Douglas has visited Middlebury’s Douglas, now an executive in municipal offices to pick up a residence at Middlebury College, petition to run for the position of said he believed it was time to give town moderator. someone else a chance to serve. The former state representative, “I don’t think people should secretary of state, state do things forever,” the treasurer and governor “It’s the 67-year-old said, shortly made that annual ‘people’s after the ink had dried on pilgrimage again on Shashok’s petition. Monday, though for a meeting.’ The “In a large town like different reason. Douglas moderator is Middlebury, there are informed Town Clerk a traffic cop.” people with a lot of talent Ann Webster he won’t be — Jim Douglas and experience who can running for re-election. fulfill the various roles of At the same time he town government. I think became the first person to sign the others ought to have a chance.” petition of his preferred successor: Douglas got his chance in 1986. Former Middlebury Selectwoman Then-moderator, the late Chet Susan Shashok. Ketcham — a former Addison So for the first time since the County state senator and probate Reagan administration, someone court judge — announced he was other than James Douglas will moving to Leicester. preside over Middlebury’s annual It provided a perfect opportunity town meeting come March of for then-Vermont Secretary of State 2020. And this year’s gathering on (See Douglas, Page 12A)

By SARAH ASCH MONTPELIER — As the new legislative session began last week, Vermont lawmakers said that they expect to pass bills on paid family leave and the $15-an-hour minimum wage, both of which mirror bills that Gov. Phil Scott vetoed last May. Addison County members of the state Senate and House of Representatives said other priorities for this session include water clean up, education funding and providing legal protection for groups who face discrimination. A lot of the legislation discussed over the first days of the session is designed to address wealth and social inequality in Vermont. Rep. Robin Scheu, D-Middlebury, said all priorities at the Statehouse stem from a desire to pass laws that help Vermonters live good lives. “We’re looking at bills and legislation that will help ensure Vermonters have what they need and can get what they need and can be successful,” she said. “That means supporting working families and a (See Lawmakers, Page 11A)

Ferrisburgh and farm court-bound over tree cutting By ANDY KIRKALDY FERRISBURGH — After 21 months, the dispute between the town of Ferrisburgh and the owners of the Vorsteveld Farm over clear-cutting trees along Arnold Bay Road appears to be heading to court. The Ferrisburgh selectboard and tree warden Clifton Mix have maintained the farm needed a permit to work in the town right of way before they hired a contractor in April 2017 to remove 0.75-mile of trees and shrubs along Arnold Bay Road’s east side. The Vorstevelds maintain they own the land up to the middle of the road and have a right to do as they please with their property. They are in the process of installing a tile drainage system on the fields to enhance the land’s ability to support corn crops. Many of the trees that were removed formed a canopy over the road, and (See Ferrisburgh, Page 10A)

In lock step

THREE GREEN MOUNTAIN Valley School skiers glide through a workout at Rikert Nordic Ski Center in Ripton on Wednesday. Skiers are likely to find an overabundance of snow throughout Addison County after this coming weekend’s storm brings an expected two feet of the white stuff.

Independent photo/Angelo Lynn

Indoor football team eyes Middlebury By JOHN FLOWERS MIDDLEBURY — There’s some big news brewing at Middlebury’s Memorial Sports Center. Friends of Middlebury Hockey President Michael McAuliffe on Monday confirmed an “agreement in principle” calling for a new, professional arena football team called the “Vermont Brew” to play its home games at the center,

starting in March of 2020. It’s a relationship that could boost the local economy, give the Memorial Sports Center financial security and provide a local showcase for some very talented players looking to take the next step in their respective professional football careers. “They love the matching factors of a vibrant youth and amateur

sports culture here in Middlebury,” McAuliffe said of the Brew crew’s perspective. “They see a natural tiein, both from a fan perspective and from what they can do as partners with local small businesses.” McAuliffe and Michael Mazzella, assistant general manager for the Brew, stressed a lot more needs to be done in order to officially toast a (See Football, Page 11A)

LONGTIME MIDDLEBURY RESIDENT James Douglas directs the Middlebury town meeting as the official town moderator at the old Municipal Gym in 2014.

Independent file photo/Trent Campbell

Bruni tells college kids to embrace differences Times columnist: It’s OK to be offended

NEW YORK TIMES columnist Frank Bruni sits before a capacity crowd at Wilson Hall on the Middlebury College campus last Wednesday before delivering a speech in which he stated that people closeting themselves in their own small communities has nurtured misunderstanding and conflicts.

Independent photo/Steve James

By CHRISTOPHER ROSS Middlebury College’s Wilson Hall MIDDLEBURY — As a teenager last week, Bruni questioned whether in the early 1980s, New York Times such experiences were still possible. op-ed columnist Frank Bruni “I watch what happens on some decided that in college campuses now and he would live openly I wonder: In today’s “I don’t want as a gay man. college world, if I But when he walked you (college saw that Jesus poster into his dorm room students) to be and felt discomfited at the University of safe, emotionally. by it, would I ask for North Carolina for I want you to be a room reassignment? the first time and saw offended every Would I be granted the enormous poster one? I bet I would. his new roommate single day on this Maybe rightly, had hung on the wall, campus. I want because the situation which said, “Jesus you to be deeply with him and me invites you to a aggrieved and could have played out banquet in His honor,” offended and in a very different and Bruni changed his less positive way. But upset, and then mind. what turned out to be His roommate to learn how to an important part of eventually figured out speak back.” my liberal education, that Bruni was gay, — Van Jones and of his, would anyway, and told him have been lost.” “it was OK.” At term’s Bruni appeared end they parted on friendly terms. on Jan. 9 as part of the “Listening Years later, however, each would & Speaking in Public Spheres” realize he had been changed by the series, cosponsored by the Vermont other — and for the better. Humanities Council, Middlebury Addressing a capacity crowd at (See Bruni, Page 10A)

By the way Addison County parents and youth are invited to a Martin Luther King Jr. “Afternoon of Action” events between 2:30-4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 21, in Middlebury. Children in prekindergarten through grade 6, accompanied by adult(s), should come to the Ilsley Library (See By the way, Page 2A)

Index Obituaries........................... 6A-7A Classifieds.......................... 6B-7B Service Directory............... 8B-9B Entertainment.........Arts + Leisure Community Calendar......... 8A-9A Arts Calendar.........Arts + Leisure Sports................................. 1B-3B


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.