WVTK Local & State News February 16, 2010

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Rutland County through 7AM Wednesday morning. Expect 2 - 4 Inches of Snow. Here in Addison County Weather Channel Meteorologist Ray Stagich says we'll see some light snow throughout the day, anywhere from a dusting to 2 Inches possible. High around 32.

Small businesses hurt by the closing of the Champlain Bridge can now get some free counseling. The demise, and demolition of the bridge, cut off the flow of traffic that many businesses depended on. The Small Business Development Center has opened an "emergency outreach office" in Port Henry, New York. Staff will provide financial advice and application assistance for various relief programs.

Rescuers have a new tool for saving people who fall thru the ice on Lake Champlain. The U.S. Coast Guard unveiled its new air boat last week. The boat can glide across frozen or broken ice getting rescuers to the scene of an emergency much more quickly. In the past, crews had to drive on land to the closest point of rescue and then risk walking on unstable ice to get to the victims.

Ski resorts in Central Vermont haven't seen as much snowfall as they did this time, last year, but vacationers didn't seem to mind. Ski Vermont says the major resorts, like Stowe, seem to be doing slightly better than last year. The association says Stowe Mountain Resort was completely booked through the weekend as well as Killington and Okemo.

A legislative panel in Montpelier is expected to take up a bill this week that would create nonprofit "compassion centers" where medical marijuana could be dispensed. Vermont legalized medical marijuana for eligible patients in 2004. Nearly 200 people are enrolled in the state's medical-marijuana registry.

Police say alcohol appears to be a factor in a crash that damaged a popular snack bar in Burlington. Two men were in a minivan that slammed into QT's early yesterday morning while the eatery was closed. WCAX-TV says the men sustained minor injuries and charges are pending.

Vermont grocers and other businesses that use bar code scanners could be looking at some new fees. Lawmakers are considering a measure that would allow the state to charge fees to inspect the scanners for accuracy.

Some portions of northern New England finally appear to be in for some fresh snow. Forecasters say the storm could bring 3-8 inches to parts of southern Vermont. The National Weather Service has posted a winter weather advisory through 7 tonight.

Vermont hunters will get a chance to pursue snow geese this spring as part of a federal and state effort to control the population. State officials say the special management action was taken by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in response to concerns about the rising number of snow geese across the continent and the damage they're causing to their arctic breeding habitat. Eight states including Vermont are holding a spring snow goose hunt this year. Vermont's season will take place from March 11 through April 23.