Top Stories for Tuesday December 8, 2009

A Celebration Of A One Of A Kind Educator: Sharing Memories With Frau Joy Minns
By Cookie Steponaitis
When Joy Minns came to Vermont in 1974-75 she worked at a unique collection of jobs. She was working part time as a German teacher at Vergennes Union High School and coaching junior high field hockey. She also worked at the Skihaus in Middlebury and was an avid athlete. Within twelve months of her settling in the Champlain Valley, she was on her first overseas exchange and unknowingly ushered in a German language and exchange program that would last over thirty years and have close to a thousand students involved. What began as a part time job evolved into a cornerstone program at VUHS and earned Joy the title of respect of “The Frau.”
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Ferry Docks Get Green Light
By Mike Cameron
   Construction crews are hard at work near the Champlain Bridge on both sides of the lake.  Vehicle access and dock work is underway as of this edition of the Voice.  Members of the Champlain Bridge Coalition report that they can see some light at the end of the tunnel.  NYSDOT and the Empire State Development (ESD) has announced that business owners and industries affected by the Champlain Bridge closure can now apply on-line.
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2009 Northeast Regional Youth Rowing Championships
By Dennis West
Boston celebrates St. Patrick's Day. It celebrates Patriots Day. They even celebrate the Boston Tea Party. Now they have a new celebration called "VERGENNES DAY". The VUHS Rowing Team headed to Hull, Ma. on Saturday for the New England Youth Rowing Championships.  Over 230 students from eight different states competed in the round robin style event. VUHS had two teams entered in the various categories. The team of Ashley Erikson, Jarrett Clark, Ethan Baldwin, Max Campano, Robert Burbo, Jesse Bunde, Dan Averill and Dale Erikson were entered in First Six-Oared Division. Here they had three races which would determine the days overall winner. They proceeded to win all three heats by more then one minute which made them the overall Champions and the Best in New England.  [ more ]