Repair job
Home with a view
Pulp Mill Bridge to be closed for major renovations Jan. 2.
Rusty counts his blessings that he found a perfect piece of land for his home.
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December 24, 2011
Gov. Shumlin releases Vt. energy plan MONTPELIER — Gov. Peter Shumlin, Public Service Commissioner Elizabeth Miller and other administration officials Dec. 15 released the final Comprehensive Energy Plan, which recommends that Vermont strive to obtain 90 percent of our total energy from renewable sources by 2050, largely eliminating Vermont’s reliance on fossil fuels by mid-century. “Vermont needs to move forward to protect our environment, gain greater energy independence, and drive innovation and jobs in the energy sectors. This Plan puts us on that path,” Gov. Shumlin said. “I am proud of the incredible work put in by the many agencies involved and the thousands of citizens who took the time to participate in shaping the ideas and actions that are included.” The Plan calls for enhanced efficiency, and greater use of clean, renewable sources for electricity, heating and transportation to meet this goal. The Plan also recognizes that Vermont must pursue its goals responsibly, ensuring overall energy costs for our businesses and residents remain regionally competitive. “We worked hard both at the Department of Public Service and in other state agencies and departments to create a robust public engagement process and to draft a Comprehensive Energy Plan that responds to Vermonters’ desire to increase usage of renewable energy for the benefit of our environment, our economy, and our long-term energy security,” said Elizabeth Miller, Commissioner of Public Service. See ENERGY PLAN, page 13
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Serving Addison and Chittenden Counties
Middlebury grad wins ‘Survivor’
Sophie Clarke, ’11, takes home $1 million By Keith Lobdell
“I was really cruel because about an hour before the finale started I texted keith@denpubs.com my sisters and told them that I didn’t WILLSBORO, N.Y. — Since its in- really win the million,” Clarke said. ception, 2011 Middlebury College “So they watched the whole episode thinking that I didn’t win. I think they graduate Sophie swore at me when I fiClarke has always made it down to wanted to be on the fi“That was probably nally hug them after the nal stage of the CBS one of the weirdest show. television show “Sur“They knew my dad alliances in vivor.” came out for the family On Sunday, Dec. 18, ‘Survivor’ history.” visit, but they knew Clarke not only real(Sophie Clarke) nothing after that,” ized that dream but Clarke added. Her faalso the dream of winning $1 million as the 23rd cham- ther, Thurston, had been a guest on the show when one family member pion of the reality show. A 22-year-old was allowed to visit. native of Willsboro, N.Y. who majored Clarke said that her phone started in economics and Russian at Middle“blowing up” shortly after the winbury College, Clarke was crowned champion during a three-hour season ning moment. “Someone turned my phone off as I finale. was doing interviews after the show,” “My parents were here,” said Clarke said. “I had 100 texts and 200 Clarke, who spoke over phone from Facebook messages. I still have my Los Angeles, where the finale was computer in front of me. I don’t think aired. “Both my sisters were here along with a friend from college and anyone in my cast had so much support. It’s so nice to have it coming a family friend.” Clarke said that she did her best to from your hometown and have it coming from people that you have known keep her family members in the dark, especially her older twin sisters, Ed- since you were 5 years old.” See SOPHIE CLARKE, page 6 wina and Phoebe.
Sophie Clarke
Photo by CBS/”Survivor”
Vt. companies pledge to reduce energy use
Campus biomass power plant: Middlebury College is among a group of Vermont companies and institutions that have taken an energy reduction pledge through 2013.
Thank You And Warm Holiday Wishes From Our Family To Yours.
MIDDLEBURY — Sixty of Vermont’s largest commercial, industrial, municipal, and institutional energy users have joined Efficiency Vermont’s Energy Leadership Challenge, a two-year effort to reduce energy use at participating organizations by 7.5 percent by June 30, 2013. “These organizations are the leaders, the engines of our economy, and we’re proud to serve as energy consultants to help them run their facilities more efficiently,” said Jim Merriam, director of Efficiency Vermont. Following are the Energy Leadership Challenge participants: Barry Callebaut USA, Inc. (St. Albans) Basin Harbor Club (Vergennes) Bennington College (Bennington) Black River Produce (North Springfield) Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (Berlin) Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (Brattleboro) Brattleboro Retreat (Brattleboro) Bromley Mountain Ski Resort (Peru) Carris Reels, Inc. (Rutland) Castleton State College (Castleton) See ENERGY PLEDGE, page 13
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