WVTK Local & State News January 15, 2010

Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas and his New York counterpart, David Paterson, say transportation planners in the two states have agreed on the design for a new bridge across Lake Champlain. Douglas says design of the so-called Modified Network Tied Arch bridge will begin immediately with construction set to begin this spring. The old bridge between Addison, Vt., and Crown Point, N.Y., was brought down with explosives last month, two months after it was closed when it was found to be unsafe. In a statement, Paterson said the tied arch design was a favorite of people who lived near the old bridge and used it. The design looks similar to the bridge that was imploded last month. On the Net: New York Department of Transportation Lake Champlain bridge alternatives https://www.nysdot.gov/lakechamplainbridge/alternatives

The state is taking aim on Vermont Yankee over bad information provided to lawmakers last year about the extent of underground piping at the Vernon nuclear power plant. The state Department of Public Service HAS filed a letter with the state Public Service Board asking for an investigation into statements Vermont Yankee made about the underground piping.

Vermont lawmakers are considering a plan to move Vermont's primary election from September to August. While Gov. Jim Douglas says the bill is being motivated by electoral politics, some Vermont official say there's too short a time between the Sept. 14 primary and the Nov. 2 general election to get ballots printed up and sent overseas to military personnel in time.

The executive director of the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council, which manages the Vermont Police Academy, has resigned. R.J. Elrick resigned Thursday, a day after he submitted a resignation letter. Former Vermont State Police director James Baker has tentatively accepted the job of interim executive director.

Governor Jim Douglas is joining forces with the local American Red Cross Chapter in asking for money to help the earthquake victims in Haiti. Douglas said goods and services are not what's needed now to help the victims, money is what's needed. Meanwhile, nurses and other officials are organizing donations and groups of volunteers to go to Haiti in the coming weeks.

A fatal snowmobile accident on Christmas Eve has resulted in DUI charges for an Eden sledder. State police say Kevin Mayo's blood alcohol level after the accident was .124, higher than the legal limit. Mayo was driving a snowmobile when it hit a tree, killing passenger Rhea Parker.

A South Burlington High School student is due in court next month on adult charges he sent threatening text messages. The Burlington Free Press Tyler Kaczor was arrested Tuesday. Police have not detailed the alleged threats.

Police are investigating a liquor store stick up in Massena. Police say a masked-man pulled a knife on a clerk at Shirley's Discount Liquor and took off with cash. It happened at about 7 last night. The robber is a white man, about 5 feet 8 inches tall. He weighs about 200 pounds. He was wearing a black jacket and may be in a white GMC truck.

Vermont State Police had two messages for motorists: Slow down and yield to emergency vehicles. They add, if you see someone on the side of the road, slow down and move over if possible. State police have responded to 153 crashes between January 4 and January 10.

Nova Bus will build 35 buses for Connecticut Transit at its Plattsburgh plant. The $60-Million contract announced yesterday contains an option for an additional 35 buses during the next 4 years. Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Bernie Bassett say this is good news, not only for the workers at Nova Bus and its suppliers, but the community at large.

A Burlington boy who was a victim of last year's nationwide Salmonella outbreak caused by contaminated peanut products is part of a group now calling on Congress to take immediate action on food safety. A group representing 28 of the victims sent a letter to the Senate calling on them to honor their word and quickly pass the bill so future outbreaks can be prevented.

A snowmobile crash last night in Wolcott is the 9th this season. Police say a 15-year-old male was driving a snowmobile on Sand Hill Road in Wolcott at around 9:20 last night when he reportedly hit a telephone pole. The victim, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene.