Week in review
Toolbox
Published: June 27, 2009
Our thoughts on the news of the week:
B
arre's development review board finally granted permission for a local couple to open a teen center in the city's downtown. It's too bad that young people had to wait so long for that action – and that it took two tries, with the board failing to approve the permit request by a wide enough margin at its last meeting. But Joyce and Leo Dutil will be allowed to open the center and offer a supervised place for teens to gather on Friday nights and eventually Saturday nights, as well.
Rachel Hickory, who works with the state Department of Families, told the board that her experience with the diversion program make it clear that teens need a spot to meet and have healthy recreational options to occupy their time.
The Dutils hope to have the site open sometime next month – and we think the sooner the better. Barre teens already have waited long enough.
In the year since the slaying of 12-year-old Brooke Bennett, good things have happened. First, Vermont's statutes designed to protect children from sexual and violent predators were strengthened (as of last week, Vermont had 57 more sex offenders behind bars than at the same time last year). Second, the treatment of and services available to victims have been improved. Third, the case exposed – and shut down – a pornography site that allegedly included Bennett's uncle, who has pleaded innocent to her slaying, and her former stepfather, who pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography in April.
Perhaps most importantly, the death of the young girl forced the state to have a public discussion of the threats facing our children, to acknowledge that in too many cases, the predators aren't strangers but, rather, those living in and around their young victims, and to make smarter decisions about how to protect them.
That's probably small comfort to the friends and family of Brooke Bennett. Nothing will bring her back or ease their suffering.
But the loss of one child, who was deeply loved, sparked changes that hopefully will protect others.
This has been a tough time on central Vermont roads, with three people in recent days dying in automobile accidents, including a 17-year-old boy who had graduated one week ago from Twinfield High School.
Caidin McKeever was driving with a carload of friends early Tuesday morning when his car veered off the road and hit a tree, killing him and injuring four others.
That accident came on the heels of one last weekend on Route 62 in Berlin that killed Bradford businessman George Huntington, and claimed the life on Monday of a 53-year-old Florida woman from the other car.
Investigations into both accidents continue. But the crashes remind us all to be careful on our roadways.
The Montpelier City Council is moving carefully on two important issues. First, the council is taking public comment on a proposal to locate a Greyhound bus boarding area in front of City Hall on Main Street. This is not the ideal location for the boarding zone, but makes sense as an interim spot to ensure the city doesn't lose this important bus service while better options are sought.
Second, the council tabled a proposal to allow outdoor seating near Charlie O's bar on Main Street, allowing the Development Review Board to consider the question. There are potential problems that could come with outdoor liquor service, including trash and noise, and neighboring tenants should have a voice in the decision. But the bar's owner and staff deserve a chance to address those concerns as part of a more thorough discussion by the board.
We'd like to know what readers think of both proposals. Write us a letter and weigh in on the debate.
Welcome to Thunder Road, Tony Stewart.
More than 8,000 race fans packed around the Barre racing track this week to watch the NASCAR Sprint points leader try out the short track. Stewart wasn't the winner – in fact, he finished 20th. But everyone had a great time, the weather cooperated and Vermont's own drivers gave Stewart a great show. "This is a great place," Stewart said of Thunder Road. He's right.
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