Leahy aide appointed to Vt. federal farm post
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Published: July 4, 2009
MONTPELIER (AP) — A longtime aide to Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy has been named executive director for the federal Farm Service Agency in the state.
Robert Paquin of Shelburne is Leahy's legislative assistant for agriculture, natural resources and environment. Leahy recommended him for the job.
The Farm Service Agency administers farm commodity, crop insurance, credit, environmental conservation and emergency assistance programs for farmers.
Champlain College honors namesake
BURLINGTON (AP) — There's a new "big man on campus" at Vermont's Champlain College — Samuel de Champlain.
A bronze statue of the explorer and the college's namesake was unveiled Thursday to mark the 400th anniversary of his 1609 canoe trip down the lake that also bears his name.
The statue, by Vermont artist and sculptor James Sardonis of Randolph, was commissioned by Champlain College Trustee Emeritus John Heisse.
It dedicated on the opening day of a four-day international conference at the college entitled: "When the French Were Here."
Police investigate cruiser crash in Rutland
RUTLAND (AP) — A Rutland police officer and another driver were hurt after the officer apparently blacked out and crashed head-on into a car at an intersection in the city.
State police say witnesses reported Rutland Officer Gary Tobin appeared to be having a seizure as he drove through the intersection, hitting a stopped car.
Tobin, who is 52, suffered knee injuries and a concussion. The other driver, 78-year-old Mary Smith of Proctor was treated and released after reporting chest discomfort.
State police said Tobin reported blacking out and could not remember the crash. Doctors are checking for medical problems that might have caused the accident.
Vt. ranks 46th in U.S. for number of obese adults
BRATTLEBORO (AP) — A new report shows that Vermont weighs in as one of the nation's healthiest states.
The state ranks 46th in the country for the number of obese adults, according to an annual report released by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. About 22 percent of Vermont adults are obese.
The obesity rate in Vermont increased slightly for the second year in a row. Twenty-three other states also saw an increase, and most states stayed about the same as the previous year.
The state ranks 43rd in the country for the number of obese and overweight children.
Susan Coburn with the state Department of Health notes that Vermont always fares well in health reports. But with the increase in obesity, she says, "We could always do better."
Man held on charges he drugged, fondled girl
BURLINGTON (AP) — A 50-year-old Williston man is being held without bail after denying charges he drugged and fondled a 13-year-old girl who was a friend of his daughter.
Police say Robert J. Kolibas was arrested in Maine shortly after the May 30 incident, in which he is charged with giving the girls smoothies laced with a sedative and then touching his daughter's friend inappropriately.
He is facing felony charges including lewd and lascivious conduct with a child, unlawful restraint and delivering drugs to a minor.
Judge Patricia Zimmerman denied bail in the case, saying the seriousness of the charges raises the risk that Kolibas might flee.
Stimulus money to cut diesel emissions in four states
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Federal stimulus money is being used to cut diesel emissions on the water and in a railroad yard in four New England states.
The EPA is sending $2.7 million to a group called the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management. It says the projects will create jobs and protect air quality.
In Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, the money will help replace old diesel engines on five ferries and three tugboats.
In New Haven, Conn., it will replace a diesel engine on a switcher locomotive.
Ticket sales lag for lake celebration
BURLINGTON (AP) — It won't be quite as uncrowded as when Samuel de Champlain first arrived at the lake that bears his name, but a festival marking the 400th anniversary of his trip so far is seeing disappointing ticket sales.
Organizers of the Burlington International Waterfront Festival say the 13-day, $1.8 million event so far has failed to meet expectations on sales of tickets.
Officials are hoping for recent rains to let up in time for traditional Independence Day fireworks on July 3, and that ticket sales will pick up for events ranging from appearances by local favorite Grace Potter and the Nocturnal to blues guitar great Buddy Guy.
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