Week in review
Toolbox
Published: July 4, 2009
Our thoughts on the news of the week:
H
appy Fourth of July! The Montpelier celebration, traditionally held July 3, might have been a little soggy this year, but still brought together the central Vermont community for some good music, games for children, a parade that marched down State and Main streets, and other festivities. Celebrations will be held today throughout the region, including the Worcester and Warren Fourth of July galas that have become local "happenings." Those of you who missed last year's Elvis impersonator contest in Worcester on July 4th missed a fun time.
This weekend of celebrating the nation's birth feels especially significant after news that about 1,500 Vermont National Guard troops will be heading to Afghanistan in the near future, trying to keep peace throughout the world.
Wear your patriotism on your sleeve, eat one too many hot dogs and cheer the homemade parade floats.
And let's hope for a little sunshine!
Traffic in Montpelier along River Street, from the Route 302 roundabout project all the way back to Interstate 89 was a nightmare this week. Cars waited for up to 50 minutes to get through some intersections. Two construction projects – the roundabout work and paving on River Street – merged into one big mess.
City officials got an earful from angry residents, who couldn't get in and out of their own driveways; from drivers who were late to work or appointments; and especially from business owners who complained that customer visits were down in some cases 90 percent because of the traffic snarl.
We all get a reprieve for the weekend, with construction shut down for the holiday. But the problem will be back with the construction equipment next week, so the City Council cannot ignore the situation.
Following a special meeting this week, nighttime construction is being considered. That plan works well for moving traffic and easing the pain for businesses, but increases the cost of the projects and presents problems for residents who lose sleep from the noise. Still, that might be best plan for a short period until the two projects reach a point where they are less disruptive to everyone involved.
The City Council will discuss the situation again Wednesday. The Times Argus will keep you updated.
Adjutant Gen. Michael Dubie made it official this week: About 1,500 Vermont National Guard troops are heading to Afghanistan in the near future to help ensure stability in that troubled nation.
Dubie made two important points in announcing the deployment. First, Vermont's troops are trained and ready for this mission. Second, the support and care of the families they leave back home rests with all of us.
The Pentagon put Vermont's Guard on alert for such an assignment a year ago, and the troops have spent that time training in the likelihood the deployment would come.
The Vermont National Guard has made us proud in the past, whether in helping local communities recover from a flood or risking their lives in war zones far from home. We have faith that they will perform with pride and come home safely at mission's end.
This rainy spell might not set any records, but it sure feels lousy. Every day, day after day, rain, rain, rain.
The Mountaineers, Thunder Road and other sports events are put on hold. The kids can't swim at the pool. Parents and camp counselors are stuck inside with restless youngsters who just want some outdoor summer fun. Tourists aren't seeing Vermont at its summertime best. You-pick-'em farm stands aren't getting much business.
Montpelier had it bad in June, with 43 percent of the days cloudy or rainy. Morrisville had it even worse, at nearly 60 percent.
For most of us, the weather is just depressing. But for farmers, it's yet another hurdle in their already difficult quest to make a profit. With milk prices down and fuel costs up, the rainfall also has kept Vermont's farmers from haying their fields, much less planting corn and hay. That might mean purchasing feed this summer, yet another expense.
Wish we had better news to report, but weather officials for now are predicting more of the same for the near future.
But take heart. The sun will shine again and summertime will come to Vermont … eventually.
Share your thoughts on the news by writing to us at letters@timesargus.com.
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