This is the busiest week of the year at the M & R gun shop in Highgate Center. But some customers are going home empty-handed. "It's like it's dried up," said Mike Fontaine of M & R Gun Shop.

Joey's Junction Bakery & Cafe, 2865 VT Rte. 78, Highgate Center. Open Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m - 4 p.m. Info, 279-8303 or joe@vermontmaplesyrup.com . For eight years, Joe Russo scoured 31 towns north of Rutland for the perfect place to open a combination art gallery and cafe.

Winds as high as 60 mph are lashing the region today as weather officials warn of impending damage and afternoon thunderstorms.