......................... . .. ..OPEN .. .............FOR ..... . THE ........... . ............SEASON . . .E. A. R. E. .B.U.R. S. T. I.N.G. .W.I.T.H COLOR! W
ECRWSS PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DENTON PUBLICATIONS PO Box 338 Elizabethtown NY 12932 Postal Patron
140 North Street, Bristol, VT • 802.453.7555
Great Gifts for Mother’s Day!
Directions: Take North St. from the traffic light in the center of Bristol – We’re 1 mile on the right!
183973
HOURS: MON. SAT. 9 A.M. 5 P.M. • SUN. 9 A.M. 4 P.M.
VERMONT
May 5, 2018
Published by New Market Press, Inc.
Serving Addison, Rutland & Chittenden Counties
BURN SEASON EXTENDED
MIDDLEBURY | Middlebury Police Officer Vegar Boe asked the Middlebury Select Board to consider extending the burn season which, by ordinance, ended the third Sunday in April. Because of the ice storm that occurred this year on that date, Boe noted that the police department has been receiving a number of ongoing requests for burn permits. The selectboard agreed to authorize an extension of the burn season to Sunday, May 6. ■
RUTLAND YOUTH THEATRE AUDITIONS MAY 12, 14
RUTLAND | Rutland Youth Theatre holds open auditions for the fun tale of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare for its summer travelling troupe. Producer Saskia Hagen Groom, director Andrew Freeman and stage manager Olivia Lane. Audition times are May 12 from 3-6 p.m., and May 14 from 6-8 p.m. at Rutland Youth Theatre, Courcelle Building, 16 North St. Extension in Rutland. » Briefs Cont. on pg. 5
Some residents opt-out of bug spraying By Lou Varricchio EAGLE EDITOR
SALISBURY| In recent years, cases of mosquito-borne diseases such as eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus have been reported in the Green Mountain State. Even a case of mosquito-borne zika virus, in which pregnant women can pass the disease to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth, has been reported in Vermont. Only two official insect control districts (ICDs) exist within Vermont. The districts include the Lemon Fair ICD (which includes the towns of Cornwall, Weybridge, and Bridport) and the Brandon, Leicester, Salisbury, Goshen and, since March, Pittsford (BLSG) ICD. According to Liza Doncaster, insect vector management coordinator with the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, any town can form an insect control district. It so happens that only the towns of the Lemon Fair and BLSG formed districts. “Mosquitoes are insects that take their toll on health,
recreational enjoyment and lost revenue,” according to Will Mathis, director of operations for the BLSG ICD. “The district uses a number of methods to determine where and when to spray based on surveillance, species of mosquito, number of mosquitoes collected from traps, landing rates, weather and citizen service requests.” Mathis said that the dangers to local residents are significant “Mosquitoes… take their toll on health, recreational enjoyment and lost revenue. Industries such as forestry, farming and tourism are affected by this pest,” he said. As director of the largest of Vermont’s two ICDs, Mathis said that it is imperative for the towns in his district to be pro-active in suppressing mosquitoes before problems manifest themselves. “It’s not only for the nuisance value but for public health protection,” he said.
» Spraying Cont. on pg. 6
Are you a racist? Local residents speak By Lou Varricchio EAGLE EDITOR
MIDDLEBURY| In February, the Vermont Human Rights Commission’s 35-page-long investigation findings reported widespread racism at the Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital. The report cited “offensive jokes, slurs, epithets, name calling, insults and put-downs” that were “severe and pervasive enough to create a hostile, offensive and abusive work environment.” In recent weeks, officials of both the University of Vermont and St. Michael’s College began investigations of alleged white supremacist signs and stickers on the respective campuses. The Vermont Eagle in tandem with True North Reports asked several white Vermont residents about recent claims of racism in the news and if they consider themselves, or the Green Mountain State, to be racist. Here are their names and their thoughts about racist attitudes in the state. Valerie Mullin of Monkton “I think it’s sad that people would even need to ask the question (about being a racist),” said Valerie Mullin, of Monkton. Mullin, a former
candidate for the state House from Addison-4, said that Vermonters she knows aren’t racists. “I think most of us who are Vermonters, and even from our whole nation, are very giving, kind and wonderful people. So, no, I am not a racist and have no patience for anyone who is,” she said.
Jon Christiano of Middlebury “I don’t think of myself as a racist,” said Jon Christiano, of Middlebury, the chair of the Addison County Republican Party. “I like to think of myself giving everyone respect and opportunity. I think that the majority of Vermonters that I interact with do likewise. And I would think that the recent news reports about the Vermont Psychiatric Hospital would be one of the last places to foster such an environment.” Jerry Germain of Middlebury Local radio and community television personality
Jerry Germain, of Middlebury, said that there’s room for improvement when it comes to race relations in Vermont. “I would like to think I am not racist, but I think we all have said and done things that have offended others in some way, whether it was intentional or not,” he said. “I believe in this day and age, TV, radio, newspapers, movies and social media have inundated us with ideas and ways of treating others that aren’t always decent and good. I would like to think most Vermonters are not racists at heart, but I believe many come up short in their actions, again, whether intentional or not.” Judith M. Holler of Middlebury Librarian Judith M. Holler, of Middlebury, doesn’t see racism in her interactions with the public at the town’s Ilsley Public Library. “I am definitely not a racist,” she said. “I was brought up in a very diverse neighborhood in Queens in New York City. I’ve had numerous international guests over the years. As far as Vermonters go, in general, I don’t see much evidence of racism.” » Racism Cont. on pg. 12
The Countdown is on.... Basin Harbor opens for the 132nd season on May 18th. Spring is here and summer is close on its tail. Play 18 holes of golf, bike or boat in for lunch or dinner.... the opportunities are endless! We hope to see you soon! 802.4 75.2311 basinharbor.com @basinharbor
183935