To say that Ruth Loughney-Mook is an animal lover might be an understatement. A visitor to the 83-year-old's Rainsburg-area 100 acres might be welcomed, at the end of a long dirt road at the crest of a small hill, by a handful of adopted dogs, chickens, roosters, wild cats - and a large brown horse named Champ.

A state House bill that would charge municipalities lacking police departments $156 annually for each resident to cover the cost of state police protection is so unpopular, it may necessitate police protection at upcoming municipal meetings.