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October 17, 2015
Vermont gas prices hold as decline stalls MONTPELIER — Pump prices remain relatively stable, with today’s national average price for regular unleaded gasoline holding at $2.29 per gallon for the 12th consecutive day. This week’s average price is up by fractions of a penny compared to one week ago, but has moved lower for 43 of the past 49 days, providing drivers with a savings of 12 cents per gallon month-overmonth. Significant yearly discounts remain with drivers saving $1.01 per gallon on average, largely attributed to cheaper crude oil and ample gasoline supplies. Here is a look at local gas prices; • Vermont’s current price is $2.28 per gallon, which is one cent lower than one week ago, and $1.21 lower than one year ago. • New Hampshire’s current price is $2.17 per gallon, which is two cents lower than one week ago and $1.16 lower than one year ago. • Maine’s current price is $2.26 per gallon, which is three cents lower than one week ago and $1.14 cents lower than one year ago. • Massachusetts current price is $2.20 per gallon, which is two cents lower than one week ago and $1.18 lower than one year ago. Retail averages have declined 51 cents per gallon since reaching the 2015 peak price of $2.80 per gallon on June 15.
Published by New Market Press, Inc.
President: ‘Determined, engaged optimism’ in inaugural address
MIDDLEBURY – Middlebury opened a new chapter in its 215-year history Oct. 11, with the inauguration and celebration of its 17th president, Laurie L. Patton, on a splendid fall morning punctuated by gusty winds and sunny skies. More than 1,000 people gathered in the quadrangle on the west side of Old Chapel to bear witness to history and absorb the words of the new president and several others as autumnal colors emanated from the maples, beeches, and hickory trees surrounding the pastoral scene. Highlights from inauguration weekend at Middlebury. Marna C. Whittington, the chair of the Middlebury Board of Trustees, conducted the investiture of the new president and presented Gamaliel Painter’s cane to her, which CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
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DRY IDITAROD
Vermont sled-dog adventurer and geologist Rob Farley, along with family members, take their Siberian husky team for a practice dash along Texas Hill Road in Hinesburg Oct. 4. The dogs pulled a motorless golf cart four miles to get in shape for the white stuff. Farley owns October Siberians Sled Dog Adventures and provides classic, Alaskan-style sled-dog tours at Little River State Park in Waterbury during the winter months. Farley also takes the dogs to local schools for special visits. The Eagle’s sister publication North Country Living Magazine will feature Farley and the dogs in the upcoming holiday issue. To book a sled ride or for school information, call Farley at 802-482-3460. Photo by Lou Varricchio
Rep. Sharpe: Public schools disadvantaged by school choice By Bruce Parker Vermont Watchdog Report BRISTOL — The Vermont Board of Education last month passed a resolution saying school districts merging under the Act 46 consolidation law must choose between operating a public school or giving students school choice at the same grade levels. In the first of this two-part interview with Vermont Watchdog, state Rep. David Sharpe, D-Bristol, chair of the House Committee on Education, explains why he supports a ruling that will likely eliminate school choice for many towns. Parker: Were you surprised by last month’s decision to prohibit unified districts from operating schools and offering school choice? Sharpe: No. They made a conservative interpretation of current law. We did not foresee nor address the concept of a new school district both operating and vouchering students. Act 46 is silent on that possibility, so it falls back on existing law. Parker:Districts that operate schools are unlikely to give up those schools in a merger. Does that mean the end of school choice for tuitioning towns that must merge with other districts under Act 46? Sharpe: I’m no lawyer, but the way I read existing law is that a school district can permit students (to have choice) on an individual basis, and there are some Vermont State Rep. Dave Sharpe, D-Bristol, said public schools will be hurt if parents get to choose the school that best serves the needs of their children.
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