SeVEDS/BDCC Statement On The Announcement That Entergy Will Close Vermont Yankee In 2014

by Not Signed In | Business

from:
Jenna Pugliese, Chair of Southeastern Vermont Economic Development Strategies (SeVEDS)
Stephan Morse, Chair of SeVEDS Post Vermont Yankee Task Force
John Meyer, President of Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation

We are deeply concerned about the loss of over 650 highly paid jobs and the impacts that will have on the lives of the VY employee families. We are equally concerned about the overall impact to the regional economy and the impact to the many contractors and other businesses that do business with VY.

The announcement that Entergy will close Vermont Yankee in 2014 significantly exacerbates the economic challenges facing Southeastern Vermont. This adds even more urgency to our need to act to implement existing and developing strategies.

Vermont Yankee Shutdown is ‘Good News,’ Sanders Says

by cgrotke | Politics

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today welcomed Entergy Corp.’s decision to close the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.

“I am delighted that Entergy will shut down the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant which has had so many problems in recent years. There is a strong desire on the part of the people of the state of Vermont to close the plant that was scheduled to operate for only 40 years,” Sanders said.

“The closure will allow Vermont to focus on leading the nation toward safer and more economical sources of sustainable and renewable energy like solar, wind, geothermal and biomass,” added Sanders, a member of the Senate energy and environment committees.

Entergy Press Release on Closing VY

by cgrotke | State News

NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR) today said it plans to close and decommission its Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station in Vernon, Vt. The station is expected to cease power production after its current fuel cycle and move to safe shutdown in the fourth quarter of 2014. The station will remain under the oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission throughout the decommissioning process.

“This was an agonizing decision and an extremely tough call for us,” said Leo Denault, Entergy’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Vermont Yankee has an immensely talented, dedicated and loyal workforce, and a solid base of support among many in the community. We recognize that closing the plant on this schedule was not the outcome they had hoped for, but we have reluctantly concluded that it is the appropriate action for us to take under the circumstances.”

Entergy FAQ on Closing VY

by cgrotke | State News

From the Entergy site:

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Vermont Yankee close?

The company anticipates shutting down the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station in fourth quarter 2014, with the exact date still to be determined.

Why was this decision made?

Vermont Yankee has an immensely talented, dedicated, and loyal workforce (about 630 employees) and a solid base of support in the community. We recognize that closing the plant on this schedule was certainly not the outcome they had hoped for, but we have reluctantly concluded that it is the appropriate action for us to take under the circumstances.

The decision to close Vermont Yankee in 2014 was based on a number of financial factors, including:

Cameras and Sensors on I-91?

by ewkruger | Rumors

Recently I’ve noticed the installation of temporary video camers along I-91 between exit 2 and 3.  There are also almost a dozen white boxes I’m assuming are getting speed or traffic counts.  Can someone confirm their purpose?  Is it for the new bridge? 

I’ve been pleased in the past to see that Vermont has not installed cameras at each I-91 interchange like our neighbor to the south has.  I hope this isn’t changing (unless, of course, they are catching heroin trafficers).

Report Focuses On Getting More Food To Vermonters

by Not Signed In | State News

(MONTPELIER, VT) While Vermont is a national leader in the local food movement, there are still many in our state who don’t have access to, can’t afford, or don’t know how to make use of the food produced here. This includes one in five Vermont children who are food insecure because their families can’t reliably meet basic nutritional needs.

A new report from the Vermont Community Foundation highlights some successful efforts underway to bridge this gap and bring local food to a lot more Vermonters. At the same time groups are working to develop stable year-round markets for Vermont farmers at nearby schools, hospitals, and senior centers.

Solar Solutions for Apartment Dwellers

by David Cadran | Home & Garden

Hello Everyone!

I have recently been putting in quite a bit of thought to solar power. I’d love to get solar power but I live in an apartment and my options are limited. I have a roof top patio which gets strong sun until the early afternoon and I would like to put a small panel out there. I’m not expecting this little foray to, by any means, provide all the power for my apartment but it would be nice to get some from it. What I am looking for is if anyone has ideas or knows of easy solutions for apartment dwellers to hook up solar power. Basically I’m completely ignorant to how these systems work entirely. Any guidance is a huge help.

Thank you

David

1975 a Day in the Life…110 Llandaff

by Not Signed In | Entertainment

YEP PRODUCTIONS is presenting 110 LANDAFF. A short film being shot in Brattleboro on September 9th with David Koechner (The Office and Anchor Man) and Paula Pel (Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock) playing the parents of Mary Jo Parker played by Cassandra Dunn. The supporting cast is made up of 18 New England Youth Theatre actors.

Dr. Strangelode, or…

by spinoza | Op/Ed

…How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Spies

“Of Course this is a friendly call, Dimitri.”

I’ve been trying to sort out whether my dismay over the rising security state is based on a reverence for the constitution and respect for those who sacrificed greatly to establish a democracy, or whether it’s about something deeper, a primary human instinct. All people recognize, as artists and sages often point out, the essence of communication is trust.  If so, how can we not be appalled by the deception and venality, the corruptibility of government officials, and the gaming of the system. What we’re seeing is the emergence of a system of anti-checks and unbalances, designed to serve and protect those charged with supposedly protecting us.

Predictive Policing – A Closer Look at Looking Closely with i2 Software

by cgrotke | Police & Fire

According to a recent report to the Brattleboro Selectboard, the Brattleboro Police are using i2 software to help predict and prevent crimes. While the police and the board may know what the software is capable of, the public hasn’t been given much information about how it is used, or what it is capable of doing.

The first thing to know about i2 is that it is a suite of software packages that can be tailored to specific uses in law enforcement, banking, defense, health care, insurance, and even retail. IBM sells custom packages and add-on functionality so users can purchase and use the tools most suited to their purposes. 

India Palace Closing, To Expand?

by CarlyC | Business

Last night Bunti from India Palace told my sister they are closing today. I had no idea! He said they’ll expand the store.

I really like the people there and will miss being able to get Indian food without having to cook it!  

Actors & Extras Sought for September Film Shoot in Brattleboro and Newfane

by Not Signed In | Arts

Casting Actors & Extras for Local Film

Several small speaking roles and extras for a regional film. Auditions are August 26th in Brattleboro. Shooting begins September 8th. Award winning filmmaker Robert Fritz’s most ambitious project yet with an international cast. Crime, intrigue and JAZZ!

Numerous extras needed Sept 8th & 9th. Film extras & Jazz lovers will enjoy a free concert and included lunch

For more information, to set up an audition time or to sign up to be an extra even if you are unavailable on the 26th contact us at: CastingSoVT@gmail.com

BCTV Channel 8 & 10 Schedules for the Week of 8/26/13

by BCTVProg | Media

BCTV Channel 8 Schedule for the week of 8/26/13

Monday August 26    

12:00 am      Community Medical School: Changes in VT Health Care Delivery System

1:35 am       Girls on the Run- Local Update 2013

1:45 am       TED Talks: Aimee Mullins and her 12 pairs of legs

2:00 am       FSTV Overnight

4:00 am       Holistically Speaking – Ep. 64

4:30 am       Conversation on Race Now -Trayvon Martin Case

Labor Day 2013

by Not Signed In | Creative

By: rosemarie jackowski

On Labor Day we celebrate those who work — as opposed to those who inherit family wealth and those whose financial investments work so they don’t have to. Many workers who deserve to be honored on this special day have come from across the border. In a global economy, workers who strive for justice in their own country must, by necessity, unite with workers around the world.

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom

by Not Signed In | Politics

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) was a 22-year old college student when he and more than 200,000 other people descended on Washington 50 years ago to hear the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his “I have a dream” speech.

Sanders recently returned to the Lincoln Memorial to reflect on the march and on how America has changed, or not, during the past half century.

5:45 Live: 8/23/13

by BrattleboroTV | Media

This week’s Selectboard buzz–including Carbon Harvest, DEW Construction, the rink, and much more–along with events past & future, like the African Dance & Drum Festival and Rock River Revival parade, all add to another brimming 5:45 Live Friday edition.

Twilight on the Tavern Lawn presents Prydein on Sunday, August 25

by Not Signed In | Music

Twilight Music concludes its 11th annual Twilight On The Tavern Lawn series of folk, world beat, rock, jazz, zydeco, Celtic, swing, blues and bluegrass summer concerts on Sunday, August 25 with with Celtic rock quintet Prydein. The seventh and final concert of the 2013 series begins at 5:30 pm in downtown Putney on the Putney Tavern lawn (bring a lawn chair or blanket) or at Next Stage at 15 Kimball Hill in case of rain. The series is sponsored by the Town of Putney, Putney Food Co-Op, Soundview Paper Company, The Putney Inn, Next Stage Arts Project, The Stockwell Brothers and many other Putney businesses and organizations.  The concerts are free to the public (donations are accepted) and food will be available.