WVTK Local & State News August 12, 2010

The search continues for a missing Rutland man. Searchers used four tracking dogs through the northeast and northwest sections of Rutland yesterday but found no physical trace of Danny Goldstein. The 33-year-old was last seen at his North Main Street home two weeks ago, where he left all his possessions except the clothes he was wearing. If anyone has any information please contact Police.

Proponents of a rail line from Bennington to Burlington have made another try for federal funding. The state applied late last week for an almost $60 million grant. Vermont got $50 million in stimulus money for rail projects earlier in the year, but none for the western corridor. While the extension would offer Amtrak service between Rutland and Burlington it would be largely aimed at passengers from outside the region.

Vermont is getting another $25.5-Million for schools, and that's in addition to the $19-Million announced earlier this week as part of the Jobs Bill. The extra money is part of another round of stimulus funding. Vermont's congressional delegation said the extra aid will ensure Vermont children continue to have access to an excellent education.

The Vermont National Guard Charitable Foundation is collecting money to make care packages for our troops overseas. By the end of the month they hope to have $75-thousand set-aside. Right now they are still $65-thousand short of their goal. You can donate at any TD Bank Branch in Vermont or at SupportVermontGuard.org.

Five pieces of public art are taking shape at the Carving Studio in West Rutland. 
A group of sculptors are working on large marble blocks making pieces that will be displayed in different parts of the Rutland area. One will go in downtown Rutland. Where the other four will go remains undecided. The $54,000 project is supported by a National Endowment for the Arts grant of about $17,000. Donations covered the rest.

The almost 2,000 bicylists taking part in Velo Quebec Grand Tour will head to Rouses Point and then on to Canada today. Last night they stayed in a make shift village setup at Clinton Commnity College. They will traveling to Rouses Point via Lake Shore Road and Route 9B. The cyclists are expected to arrive in Rouses Point in small groups between 10 AM and 3 PM.

It's official; a company in Rochester, New York has purchased Magic Hat. North American Breweries has purchased Independent Brewers United, which owns Magic Hat, Pyramid, and MacTarnahan's. The purchase includes the 3 breweries, 5 Alehouses, and a retail store. Officials at North American Breweries would not disclose the cost.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Markowitz says Vermont businesses are choking on health care expenses, and she says a state-run self-insurance system for health care would help. Markowitz is 1 of 5 candidates in the Aug. 24 Democratic primary.

South Burlington Police are investing a rash of car break-ins. According to police, there have been over 200 break-ins this summer and at least a dozen in just the last few days. Police say the thieves have become more daring; they're now breaking windows and popping locks during broad daylight to get to electronics and any other valuables.

State and local officials are already joining forces for brainstorming sessions on the future of the Lyon Mountain prison site. The 14-acre property was recently assessed for $5 million. Details are still limited but officials know the prison will close in January and a limited amount of gaurds will remain at the property till its sold.

Plattsburgh Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher Program will be accepting applications for the rental assistance beginning next Wednesday. Applications may be picked up at 39 Oak St., Plattsburgh, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 to 3 PM. To be eligible, applicants must meet criteria including income limits.

A Highgate man has admitted to robbing a Swanton pharmacy this past spring. 47-year-old Gary Reynolds pleaded guilty this week to robbery and assault charges. Reynolds held up the Swanton Rexall Pharmacy in March, just minutes after he called in a bomb threat to Missisquoi Valley Union High School to divert police.

Organizers of the Vermont Reggae Fest have received a land use permit. The permit was the last piece of the puzzle. The festival is this weekend and vendors along with entertainers have been on stand by for the past 3 weeks. The Vermont Reggae Fest will be held at the site of the Lamoille County Field Day starting this Friday and running thru Sunday.