We've expected the clock to stop all day, but it is still running.  The pallet went through the ice sometime this morning, but hasn't dropped enough to break the connection and stop the clock.  We checked everything out and found the rope that controls when the clock stops was still imbedded in ice.  We aren't surprised because at one point in mid-March we had a very warm spell and the rope was clearly frozen in several inches of ice after the weather turned cold again.  Ray Richer was with us this morning and mentioned that the rope is woven and that would make it less likely to slip through the ice easily, even when melting starts.

We expected it to get warmer than it did during the day, but some clouds came in mid-morning so there was little bright sunshine and temperatures got barely 40 degrees with a cold SE wind.  This prevented significant melting and left us with this unusual situation - no visible pallet and flag, but a clock that is bravely marching on.  The rule is that the contest isn't over until the clock stops, so we are still in contest mode.  We think a couple of things might happen.  Either the rope will be released finally letting the pallet drop enough to disconnect the clock, or more of the ice on the pond will open up so there could be enough movement up or down the pond so it will disconnect the clock.  We'll check regularly and post information as soon as we have any change.

I don't think it will freeze up much again tonight like it has the past few nights - I'm seeing 32 degrees on my thermometer.  Tomorrow, Wednesday, is forecast to be warmer with rain in the afternoon.  That will have to have some impact on the ice.  Again, we'll keep you posted.

* * * * *

Danville Route 2 Project

Project:  Danville FEGC 028-3(32)

Mid-Week Update

Issued:  4/23/13

BOX CUT ROUTE 2 – The box cut on Route 2 will start a day earlier than expected.  Travel will be reduced to alternating one-way traffic on Route 2 while crews start the box cut at Melody Hill Farm.  They are anticipating one-way traffic in this area Wednesday, April 24^th and Thursday, April 25^th.   Traffic control personnel will be present to maintain traffic flow.

SMITH STREET ACCESS TO ROUTE 2 – While crews are working on the box cut at Melody Hill Farm, Smith Street access at Route 2 will be closed. 

Contact Francine Perkins, Public Relations Officer, FRP Enterprises, LLC with any questions or concerns with regard to this project at 802-479-6994 or for a more up to date schedule visit www.roadworkupdates.com.

* * * * *

In case some of you noticed the information posted here earlier today regarding bill H.526 in Vermont Legislature, I had a call from Representative Kitty Toll late this afternoon, explaining she had found out the information was incorrect and had asked the author, Karen Horn, for a retraction.  I received the following from JPA President, Tom Dente this evening:

Jane,

This is what Kitty sent me. Camilla and I were at a Dinner honoring Volunteers but I'm now caught up on all E-Mails about this issue. "All's well that ends well."

Tom

Begin forwarded message:

From: Catherine Toll <kittytoll@live.com>

Date: April 23, 2013 Apr2313 4:29:48PM ,

To: Thomas and Camilla Dente <tcdente@earthlink.net>

Cc: <kenlinsley@charter.net>

Subject: Re: Shoreland Zoning Bill, H.526

Tom, I just had the opportunity to speak with Karen Horn from the Vermont League of Cities and Town. Her information is NOT correct. I have asked her to send out a retraction. There will be no action taken this year; there will public hearings throughout the state in the summer to gain input as I mentioned before.

Thank you Tom for bringing this to my attention. I am glad I could clear this up quickly.

See you soon on the pond!

Kitty
Sent from my iPad

This is the message from Ms. Horn, retracting her former release:

  

From: Karen Horn [mailto:khorn@vlct.org] 

Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 5:00 PM
To: Karen Horn; Jonathan Williams; Steven Jeffrey
Cc: David Gunn
Subject: Shoreland zoning legislation update

Good afternoon,

This afternoon, I have been assured by Senator Hartwell, chair of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, that they are not going to pass H. 526 this year.  The committee intends to take the discussion on the road over the course of the summer to hear from people what legislation should include.

Thank you for your calls to the State House.

Karen B. Horn

Director, Public Policy & Advocacy,VLCT

802-229-9111

khorn@vlct.org