First 'real' snowstorm in nearly two years

What is being billed as Vermont's first "real snowstorm" in almost two years - dating back to a storm in March of 2011 - has already dropped about four inches of snow on the region and is expected to continue through tonight. Much of the state is predicted to have a foot or more of fresh snow as a result of the storm. The same is true for most of Maine and New Hampshire. Much of southern New England is forecast to escape larger amounts of snow.

Sunset - Dec. 4, 2012

Brandon Moonlight Madness Dec. 5 & 20

Downtown Brandon kicks off the holiday shopping season tomorrow (Wednesday, Dec. 5) with the first of two Moonlight Madness events. Downtown shops offer special holiday discounts beginning at 4 p.m., and they stay open until 9 p.m. In addition to discounted shopping (some stores are offering 20% off pricing on all inventory), the event features refreshments, special drawings and holiday cheer. An event encore is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 20.

Third annual Whiting Community Craft Fair is Dec. 8

The Third Annual Whiting Community Craft Fair will be held at the Whiting Town Hall, this Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The craft fair features locally-made edibles, including maple syrup products, fudge, honey, jams, jellies and relishes, as well as handcrafted items like wreaths and jewelry. Free refreshments will be provided to visitors.

The Whiting Town Hall is located just south of the Whiting "Four Corners" (The Shoreham-Whiting Road and the Leicester-Whiting Road meet Vermont Route 30) on Route 30.

For more information on the craft fair, contact Jeanne Lamourex Wood, 802-623-6385.

Snow approaching

The Whiting area could see its first measurable snowfall of the season this afternoon and tonight. To date, we have seen significant snowfalls to our north, far to our south and up in the mountains to the east and to the west.

Snow is falling in northern Vermont at this time. Just north of Middlebury, a light rain is falling. That is expected to change to a wintry mix and to snow fairly quickly, as a cold front moves southward through the state. As of 3:30 p.m., no precipitation was yet seen in Whiting.

Overnight temperatures are expected in the high teens, with a wind chill near 10° F.

EEE, mosquito-control meetings this week

The culiseta melanura mosquito
is linked to the spread of EEE.

Officials from the Vermont Health Department and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture will meet with area residents twice this week to discuss deadly mosquito-born illnesses, such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis, as well as state and regional mosquito-control measures. The first such informational meeting was held at Whiting Town Hall on Nov. 15. (Click here for a summary of the discussion.) This week, the panel moves on to Brandon and Sudbury:

• Otter Valley Union High School in Brandon, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 7-9 p.m.
• Sudbury Town Hall in Sudbury, Thursday, Nov. 29, 7-9 p.m.