There's no shortage of fun to be had at Vermont's fairs and field days. This summer, more than 700,000 visitors are expected at fairs and field days across the state. From agricultural exhibits and competitions, to rides and tractor pulls, to music and of course food, fairs have something for everyone.

Mosquitoes collected in Weathersfield, Brattleboro and Hardiwck have tested positive for West Nile virus. These are the first detections of the mosquito-borne virus this year. There have been no positive test results for Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE) this surveillance season.

The Committee for the Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the inductees for 2017. Recipients are chosen based on their accomplishments and significant contributions to Vermont agriculture.

Be sure to bring the family to the Family Fun and Field Day at Barre Fish & Game Club on Saturday, July 29 starting at 9:30 a.m., and stay to hear who wins a moose permit at the annual moose lottery live at noon with on-site broadcast by Froggy 100.9 radio.

Please join the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation and the Mount Independence Coalition in celebrating the publication of Strong Ground: Mount Independence and the American Revolution, on Saturday, July 29, 2017. This richly illustrated history book was undertaken by the Mount Independence Coalition.

Wild turkeys are found throughout most of Vermont, but their reproductive success is monitored annually by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department with help from "citizen scientists" who report the number and size of turkey families they see during August.

Two fish caught in tributaries of Lake Champlain earlier this year have been certified as new Vermont state records.

The Agency of Natural Resources announced today that Andrew Mitchell is to pay $9,937 for operating properties in both West Burke and Lyndonville as salvage yards without first obtaining state and local permits.

Speaker of the House Mitzi Johnson has appointed two new Commissioners to Vermont Commission on Women: Marybeth Christie Redmond of Essex and Emilie Kornheiser of Brattleboro.

Twin Farms of Barnard and Rabbit Hill Inn of Waterford were named to Travel + Leisure's prestigious 'Top 100 Hotels in the World.' The rankings were based on results from Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards" survey that it puts out annually to its readers.

Applications are available for controlled waterfowl hunting permits to be used at two Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department wildlife management areas.

The Agency of Natural Resources announced today that Blakeman's Towing and Recovery, an automotive towing and recovery business located in Tunbridge, was fined $25,000 for operating in violation of state salvage yard and land use laws, and hazardous waste management regulations.

The Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge Junior Waterfowl Hunter Training Program is being offered to young hunters who want to learn more about the sport of waterfowl hunting and experience a high quality waterfowl hunt. The program is offered to youngsters 12 to 17 years of age who have an adult waterfowl hunter to serve as a mentor.

Vermonters of all ages are invited to attend a presentation about Vermont's black bears by Tom Rogers of Vermont Fish & Wildlife at the Waitsfield Library on Tuesday, August 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Vermont Fish & Wildlife says anyone interested in taking a hunter education course should consider doing so this summer, because fewer courses will be available in October and November.

Interested in creating wildlife habitat on your property? Biologists from Vermont Fish & Wildlife will present a talk on the techniques and programs available for promoting wildlife habitat at the Mt. Holly Library on Tuesday, August 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room.

Many Vermonters have experienced flooding during the recent excessive rainfall and with more storms in the forecast, further damage from wind and water could occur. Do you have flood insurance? Does your homeowners or auto insurance cover damage from hail or falling debris?

The Agency of Natural Resources announced today that Suzanne Reider of Goshen was fined $9,750 for making alterations to Stewart Pond Dam before obtaining necessary authorization from the State.

The sixteen appointed members of the Vermont Commission on Women (VCW) have re-elected Marcia Merrill of Jericho to serve a 5th term as Chair. Ms. Merrill has served in this leadership role since 2006.

Vermont's lottery for moose hunting permits has closed, but there's one more opportunity to get a permit for this fall's moose hunt. Vermont's auction for five moose hunting permits is open until 4:30 p.m. August 10. Bids will be opened and winners notified on August 11.