Monday, December 14, 2009

WVTK Local & State News December 14, 2009

The following recall has been announced in states including Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont: Simple Foods Inc., of Tonawanda, N.Y., is recalling prepackaged varieties of Carob Cups, Carob Squares and Carob Rice Cakes because they may contain undeclared traces of milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The products are Carob Peanut Butter, Almond Butter and Mint Creme Cups; Carob Brown Rice Crunch; Carob Peanut Butter Squares; Crispy Carob Peanut Butter Squares; Carob Coated Rice Cakes, Mint Coated Rice Cakes and Almond Butter Coated Rice Cakes. They were distributed to local retail health food stores and food co-ops. Those with questions may contact Simple Foods at 716-743-8850.

A report says Vermont has risen to third in the nation for participation in school breakfast programs. The Food and Research Action Center says nearly 15,000 low-income Vermont children ate breakfast daily at school during the 2008-2009 school years. That's up 15 percent from the previous year.

A Vermont nonprofit group is already delivering new children's books around Vermont. But the Children's Literacy Foundation doesn't dole out free books only during the holiday season. Instead, it offers the books across Vermont and New Hampshire all year long.

Green Mountain National Forest will open its snowmobile trails starting Wednesday, weather permitting. Forest Supervisor Jer Marr says the trails will be open through April 15, as long as conditions allow.
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - U.S. Rep. Peter Welch is pushing for congressional approval of a bill that would boost federal support for unemployment insurance. The Vermont Democrat says the bill would provide full federal support for the state program.

Police say a 22-year-old Vermont man faces charges for allegedly assaulting a police officer who was escorting him to an ambulance after the man fell and hurt his head. Montpelier police say Melchizedek Levi was intoxicated.

Greyhound racing has been a form of entertainment in Massachusetts for 75 years, but not for much longer. The last card at Raynham Park is expected to be Dec. 26, and the Wonderland track has already stopped racing. Vermont and Maine have also outlawed racing.

A father and son have been charged with poaching two deer in New York state and then carrying them into Vermont. Acting on an anonymous tip, game wardens went to a Bennington home and found two partially butchered deer in the basement. They arrested 41-year-old Nicholas Baker, Sr. of Petersburg, N.Y., and 22-year-old Nicholas Baker, Jr. of Bennington.

Prospects look good for the start of Vermont's snowmobile season. Heavy, wet snow that fell on Wednesday, combined with snowmachine trails in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont means some paths will be active before Christmas, earlier than usual in some areas.

A 23-year-old Vermont man has been arrested in connection with over $21,000 worth of damage done to cars at five South Burlington businesses. Police say an employee of 1 of the dealerships drove around neighboring communities and found a pickup truck that looked like one caught on surveillance video. Police later arrested Jay Stewart Jr., who is due in court on Feb. 10.

Hannah Kearney of Norwich won the freestyle World Cup race in Finland, ahead of Kristi Richards of Canada. She finished with 25.68 points. Olympic champion Jennifer Heil of Canada was third.