Biologist wins environmental award pg. 8
ECRWSS PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DENTON PUBLICATIONS PO Box 338 Elizabethtown NY 12932 Postal Patron
Steve Parren received the GMP-Zetterstrom
Published by New Market Press, Inc.
October 13, 2018
Serving Addison, Rutland & Chittenden Counties
State still dealing with drought By Lou Varricchio THE V ERMONT EAGLE
MIDDLEBURY | According to a news statement by Elle O’Casey, director of communications and outreach for the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, 73 percent of Vermont is still experiencing dry or drought conditions, even after the somewhat rainy start to October. And while it may even still be raining this week, O’Casey advised that state officials are asking Vermonters to take steps to conserve water. “The state is asking Vermonters to report low or dry wells using a newly-created a crowd-sourced drought map,” she said. The state has cited recent drought data posted by the U.S. Drought Monitor. “Low levels of precipitation can be made worse by high temperatures and evaporation rates. This can lead to a range of impacts from stunted lawns, poor crop and tree health, and depleted surface and groundwater supplies,” according to State Climatologist Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux, a professor at the University of Vermont and member of the state’s new Drought Task Force. North central Vermont is experiencing the lowest levels of precipitation: Eight percent of the state is in severe drought while moderate drought conditions extend further west and south covering nearly 41 percent of the state. According to O’Casey, the Drought Task Force “helps coordinate information and responds to emerging drought issues.” The well map will help show where water supply shortages are occurring; it will also act an early warning system for future droughts. According to a new statement by O’Casey, “this informa-
Eight percent of the state, primarily in north central Vermont, is in severe drought while moderate drought conditions extend further west and south covering nearly 41 percent of the state. Pictured: Tom and Tim Williams of Spafford and Sons Water Wells. Photo courtesy of Spafford & Sons
tion helps the state to recommend conservation practices early in a drought event, potentially avoiding widespread water outages for others in the same area.” Drinking water wells that run low or dry can be dangerous. If a well runs dry and loses pressure, it may draw in contaminated water from nearby sources such as a septic system, or through small leaks in the system. If a resident
notices sediment or a change in the taste or color of the water, it may be a sign that the water supply is running low. To evaluate possible health risks, test your drinking water for bacteria. To order a drinking water test kit call 800-660-9997. To find water conservation tips, call the Vermont Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division at 802-828-1535. ■
Scott joins senate candidates in Middlebury By Lou Varricchio THE V ERMONT EAGLE
MIDDLEBURY | While Vermont Gov. Phil Scott hasn’t been seen stumping for many Republican candidates ahead of the Nov. 6 election, on Tuesday he joined independent Addison County state Senate candidates Marie Audet and Paul Ralston during
a campaign swing through Middlebury last week. During the chilly, rainy evening gathering at Champlain Valley Equipment, Scott said that his five terms in the state senate prepared him for this year’s reelection bid. Scott stressed that there’s a lot at stake in this election, however, he neither referred directly to Democratic opponent Christine Hallquist. “Two years ago, Vermonters elected me to
focus on the economy and make Vermont more affordable. I know there’s still so much more work to do,” Scott said. He also took some credit for 4,400 new Vermonters in the workforce and for the newly passed tuition entitlement for current and future members of the Vermont National Guard. One event attendee, Middlebury resident Thomas Sinacore, said that he listened to what
Scott had to say with respect, but wasn’t buying everything the candidate mentioned. He said that while he voted for Scott in 2016, he isn’t sure this year, primarily because of the governor’s “flip flop” on gun control. “You don’t punish people before the crime. You’re punishing me (as a gun owner) and I don’t plan on shooting anyone,” Sinacore told Scott. » Scott Cont. on pg. 5
Campaign ‘18: Hardy, Bray lead in contributions By Lou Varricchio THE V ERMONT EAGLE
According to report last week by Montpelier columnist Guy Page, several Addison County and Rutland County state senate candidates are in the catbird seat when it comes to 2018 general election political contributions. Page combed through a list of political contribution totals collected by Vermont Senate candidates and assembled on the Vermont Secretary of State’s campaign finance database.
Multiple medications? We can help!
Rutland County: • Brian Collamore (Republican), $5,520 • Greg Cox (Democrat/Progressive), $2,475 • Scott Garren (Democrat/Progressive), $4,755 • Cheryl Hooker (Democrat/Progressive), $2,431 • Ed Larson (Republican), $1,700 • James McNeil (Republican), $6,050 In Addison County, Democrat and independent candidates are benefitting by significant contributions over lone Republican Peter Briggs. But in Rutland County, overall contributions are less. ■
Smilin’ Steve’s EZ Medcare System comes prepacked with all your medications in easy-to-peel packets. Designated morning, noon, evening, bedtime or whatever time you need! All meds packed in four 1-week cards.
Once enrolled, we do all the work!
We will make sure your meds are filled and refilled on time and we will work with your doctor!
Not in our area? NO PROBLEM!
We will get the meds to you via delivery, courier or first-class shipping.
198046
Issues with compliance or confusion?
Details of the contributions, including the names of individual donors, are posted online by the Secretary of State. As of Oct. 3, the following candidates have “war chests” of the following amounts: Addison County: • Marie Audet (Independent), $19,660 • Christopher Bray (Democrat), $20,713 • Peter Briggs (Republican), $5,568 • Ruth Hardy (Democrat), $25,249 • Paul Ralston (Independent), $14,217