WVTK Local News November 24, 2009

Weeks after the Crown Point Bridge was closed for safety reasons across Lake Champlain, state transportation officials say there's a good chance they'll drop the bridge with explosives before the lake freezes over. The span's pieces would then be pulled from the water.

A federal report suggests 12 percent of Vermont's households are struggling with 'food insecurity - making the state the sixth hungriest state in the country. Congressman Peter Welch says the survey also finds one in 20 Vermonters is severely hungry.

There appears to be a bidding war for wholesale roaster and distributor Diedrich Coffee. Retailer Peet's says it's raised its offer for the operation to $32 per share, $2 more than Green Mountain's latest bid, which totaled $247 million.

Senator Patrick Leahy is lauding the Senate's confirmation of Essex Junction woman Christina Reiss (rys) to become Vermont's new federal judge. Leahy says the confirmation process took just 17 days from hearing to vote, which made it the fastest one this year.

A Vermont judge has granted sole custody of a girl to her nonbiological mother in a custody dispute involving a former lesbian couple. A Family Court judge awarded custody of the 7-year-old to Janet Jenkins of Fair Haven after finding the biological mother, Lisa Miller, in contempt of court for denying Jenkins access to the girl.

Vermont and Maine are moving ahead of other states on regulating pollution in storm water running off roofs and parking lots, which often carries oil and other toxic substances. A permit could require property owners to make improvements like installing grassy areas to absorb runoff from paved areas or other measures.

Vermonters eligible to get vaccinated against swine flu can get their shots this week. A clinic is being offered today at the Hyde Park town clerk's office from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., but is by invitation only. Other vaccinations are being given at the Montpelier High School the Chittenden-Grand Isle Visiting Nurses Association.