Addison County Transit Resources delays bus stop pg. 9
ECRWSS PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DENTON PUBLICATIONS/ NEW MARKET PRESS PO Box 338 Elizabethtown NY 12932 Postal Patron
ACTR wants to maximize access to downtown during holiday season
VERMONT
December 16, 2017
Published by New Market Press, Inc.
Serving Addison, Rutland & Chittenden Counties
Hit-and-run driver reports to police From News & Staff Reports THE EAGLE
FERRISBURGH | Vermont State Police reported last weekend that Tucker Bond-Watts, 32, was the driver of a red pickup truck that struck a SUV driven by Patricia Wilson, 49, of Benson, on Route 7 at Greenbush Road in Ferrisburgh on Dec. 8 causing her car to roll over in the roadway. Wilson, along with two members of her family, were treated for minor injuries. Bond-Watts, in accompaniment of his attorney, walked into the VSP New Haven Barracks to address the incident. On Dec. 8, at approximately 5:19 p.m., the Vermont State Police responded to U.S. Route 7 at the intersection with Greenbush Road in the town of Ferrisburgh for a report of a two vehicle crash. The Vermont State Police was assisted by the Vergennes Fire Department, Ferrisburgh Fire Department and Vergennes Rescue. Investigation revealed that vehicle 2, operated by Wilson, had been traveling south on Route 7 when a red truck traveling east on Greenbush Road entered Route 7 subsequently striking the rear end of vehicle 2. The contact between both vehicle’s caused vehicle 2 to roll several times in the roadway. The operator of the red tuck left the scene before emergency personnel arrived. » Hit-and-run Cont. on pg. 10
SMARTFLOWER POWER: Devin Thurber, an engineering technician at SEC-Structural Energy Corp. in Middlebury, stands alongside a Smartflower solar-power array at the SEC’s office on Exchange Street. The Austrian-made Smartflower unfolds itself like a flower to follow the sun across the sky. Smartflower hopes to begin manufacturing the dual-axis arrays at a factory in either Vermont or Massachusetts soon. Photo by Lou Varricchio
Let’s hope the birds are alright Annual Audubon bird count in Rutland County By Lou Varricchio STA FF W RITER
A favorite among the bird watchers in Addison and Rutland counties is the ever-busy blackcapped chickadee. This year’s Rutland County bird county will be held Dec. 30. Photo courtesy of Irene Goebel
RUTLAND | Rutland County’s amateur ornithologists are concerned about the low activity around local birdfeeders leading up to this year’s Christmas bird count. The annual Rutland County Audubon Christmas Bird Count will take place on Saturday, Dec. 30.
“This has been an RCAS tradition for over 40 years,” according to Irene Goebel of the Rutland County Audubon Society. “Field team participants and feeder watchers within each count circle are needed.” Goebel said that the countdown and potluck following the day’s count will follow at the Proctor Library at 6 p.m. “Bring a dish to share,” she added. “Beverages and utensils are provided.” The Christmas Bird Count originated on Christmas Day in 1900, when ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, » Birds Cont. on pg. 10
Rep. Sheldon is named ‘Climate Champion’ By Lou Varricchio STA FF W RITER
MIDDLEBURY | State Rep. Amy Sheldon of East Middlebury has been named a Climate Champion by the social-justice activist group Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR). VBSR honored Sheldon along with other Vermont House legislators as Climate Champions last week.Sheldon was recognized for her efforts to grow the economy and create green jobs
Photo: R. Valonen
by putting a price on carbon pollution, which many believe is changing the Earth’s climate. “Vermont spends nearly $2 billion each year on fossil fuels and most of that money leaves our local economy and goes right out of the state,” said Jane Campbell, VBSR’s executive director. “VBSR is delighted to honor these legislators for recognizing that keeping more of our energy spending here in Vermont is a major economic development opportunity.” Sheldon happily accepted the award and took the opportunity to voice her opinion about climate change.
“Putting a price on carbon pollution and directing revenue into diverse, local, clean energy will provide a solid foundation for growing Vermont’s economy,” Sheldon said. “By taking control of our energy future, we can set an example for the rest of the country, help reduce the effects of climate change, build resilience in our communities and demonstrate that doing the right thing is also good for business.” VBSR awarded Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce with its Public Servant of the Year Award for climate change through state investments. ■
Climate Champion: State Rep. Amy Sheldon of East Middlebury. File photo
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