August 31, 2013
EEE detected in mosquitoes in Sudbury, Whiting
SUDBURY Ñ Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected for the first time this season in mosquitoes in Sudbury. The mosquitoes were collected by the Agency of Agriculture last week, and confirmed by the Health Department Laboratory Aug. 23. EEE has also been detected in two more pools (batches) of mosquitoes collected on Aug. 14 and Aug. 19 from the same area of Whiting where mosquitoes have tested positive already. This year, West Nile virus has been detected in Leicester, Whiting, Pittsford, Brandon, Shoreham and Fairfax. Both EEE and West Nile virus are spread to people and some animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. The Agency of Agriculture managed an aerial pesticide spraying operation over a 2-mile radius centered on the swampy area of Whiting north of Stickney Road. A second treatment occurred Aug. 27. The Health Department continues to urge everyone to take actions to avoid mosquito bites, no matter where you live.
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Hinesburgne ars breaking ground on new PD station By Gail Callahan newmarketpress@denpubs.com HINESBURG — Millbrook, a Colchester-based construction firm, was selected Aug. 23 by town officials to build a 3,500-square-foot police department building in town. The bid came in at $899,450, pared down from $949,700. The reduction is due to eliminating a utility pipe and placing an asphalt roof on the structure rather than a more expensive one. Contracts will be signed Aug. 28. A total of three bids were submitted. The two bids outpaced Millbrook’s by about $1 million. According to Hinesburg Police Chief Frank Koss, 11 bids firms attended a pre-construction bid meeting. The town decided to build a new police station, citing needed additional safety for officers, employees and visitors, Koss added, while lessening liability for the town. Also, Hinesburg has no holding cell if someone under arrest “acts up,” and those individuals must be transported to neighboring Shelburne, This new space will eliminate that, Koss said. “This is an early 1900s farmhouse, not a police station,” said Koss, during a phone interview Monday morning. Voters narrowly approved a $1,055,200 bond by a vote of 476-426 at March Town Meeting. Koss noted that if all permits are approved by state and local officials, construction could start Sept. 16, wrapping up next spring. Currently,
Mike Christian decorated proud Orwell youth during special award activities Aug. 17-18. See page 5 for more.
Truck, tractor pull to raise funds for local families By Lou Varricchio newmarketpress@denpubs.com
State Police plan Rutland-area mobilization
By Lou Varricchio newmarketpress @denpubs.com R U T L A N D — Ve r mont State Police officials at the Rutland Barracks, in conjunction with local and county law enforcement authorities, said troopers and other officers will be conducting increased patrols as well CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
Photo by Christy Alger
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Members of the Van DeWeert family of Addison County, including little Nora, set up the annual Addison County Benefit Pull event to help local families experiencing loss and financial challenges.
NEW HAVEN — Truck and tractor pullers from Vermont and New York will come together Sept. 13-14 for the annual ACBP, Addison County Benefit Pull event held at the Addison County Fairgrounds in New Haven. Each year, this popular event raises money for Vermont families who have suffered loss, injury or illness. The fairgrounds pull will start at 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. The ACBP event has raised over $165,000 over the past seven years, benefiting 30 Vermont families in need. This year, ACBP organizers are especially thankful for Vermonter Don Clark for donating the use of his sled for the event. Each year, with the help of many generous sponsors and pullers, the pull is able to present needed money to area families experiencing a loss or financial need. The benefit pull was established by Jason and Tim Van De Weert and Danielle Dragon after they lost Ken Van De Weert to ALS, commonly known as Lou Gerhig’s Disease. Through their experience with Van De Weert’s illness, the founders discovered that residents of a small community like Addison County are giving and compassionate. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12