WVTK Local & State News November 15, 2010

A New Haven bicyclist spent the night in the hospital after being struck by a passing car on River Road. 

According to Vermont State Police, Deborah Young was hospitalized at Fletcher Allen Health Care on Friday afternoon after being hit in the back of the head by the side mirror of a truck. Young was released Saturday morning, according to the hospital. Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact the New Haven State Police barracks.

A bizarre hunting accident happened in a wooded area behind a home off Route 144 in Benson over the weekend. It was a tough rescue, because it required first responders to cross the Hubbardton River. The man reportedly cut a main artery in his leg and was airlifted to a regional hospital. Authorities have not released his name and his condition is unknown.

A fast moving fire heavily damaged a home here in Addison County. Crews were called to a residence on Route 30 in Cornwall over the weekend. After a scene investigation, the exact cause remains undetermined, however the fire is deemed suspicious at this time. Anyone with any information concerning this fire is asked to contact the State Police in New Haven or the Vermont Arson Tip Award Program.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program is accepting proposals for 4 lake-related projects, including one that will examine the impact fishing tournaments have on the lake's bass populations. The program will receive $315-thousand-dollars in federal funds to jumpstart the 4 projects. The other 3 projects are fish passage, shore development, and mercury and PCBs.

Fears of a 50% tax hike in Essex County, New York appear to be over. Town supervisors believe the tax hike will be closer to 14%. They spent all day Friday slashing costs, including the elimination of two- dozen jobs. That saved about one million dollars. A public hearing on the budget will be held Monday, November 30th at 7 PM at the county Supervisors' office in Elizabethtown.

2 men will be in court today answering to charges in connection with a robbery and stabbing, which happened last week, at the corner of North and North Willard Streets. According to police, the 2 men jumped Luke Haddock, who is now recovering from his injuries at his parent’s house. The 2 men's girlfriends were also arrested for their roles; they’ll be in court tomorrow.

A raid on an East Montpelier home has uncovered nearly a dozen and a half severely malnourished animals. The 12 dogs and five cats were brought to the Central Vermont Humane Society with a range of problems. The humane society is asking for donations to help pay for the variety of surgeries needed. Vermont State Police have not released any details about the incident citing an ongoing investigation.

Environmental activists are stepping up protests over Vermont Yankee. The group Greenpeace took to the sky yesterday, sending an airship over the Vernon plant. The message on a banner was calling for Yankee's owner Entergy to shut the plant down. The group says it used the stunt to draw attention to the problems facing the reactor and to warn potential buyers of the risks of purchasing the plant.

Vermont State Police say a 22-year-old man has admitted to fabricating a report that he was stabbed Halloween night. Police say Donald Gould of West Pawlet initially told investigators that a person in a gorilla suit stabbed him with a small needle-like device when he answered his door Halloween night. Police now say that in a follow-up interview with an investigating trooper, Gould admitted that he created the puncture wound himself. Police did not say if Gould faces any charges.

A New England group formed to increase freedom of information and government transparency has named its first executive director. Rosanna Cavanagh, who has law and business degrees from Cornell University, will lead the New England First Amendment Coalition.

A group organized to set up a process for state recognition of Indian tribes in Vermont will hold a series of public forums around the state. The Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs will hold the first meeting on Tuesday in Newport at the Goodrich Memorial Library. A new state law created a process for the commission to recommend state recognition of a tribe to the Vermont Legislature.

The Ticonderoga Dog Park is open. A ribbon-cutting ceremony November 4th officially opened the doggy playground, located on Lord Howe Street. Organizers say there is a need for a dog park in Ticonderoga as many people have small yards that don't provide enough space for dogs. There are also visitors to the community who need a place to exercise their pets.

The annual Christmas Fair at the First United Methodist Church in Ticonderoga will be held this Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM. The Thrift Shop, located downstairs, will be open. Also downstairs will be the White Elephant room. The annual Christmas Fair will also feature a luncheon from 11 – 1.

New York area Girl Scouts are collecting items for American troops overseas. Collections boxes have been left at George's and Bouyea's in Moriah. This Saturday (November 20th) the girls will set up a station at Wal-Mart in Ticonderoga from 11AM – 2PM to collect items as well. The girls have several other events, which are currently in the planning stages this year.

Jay Peak Resort is again paying tribute to Vermont service members in Iraq or Afghanistan by offering their immediate family members free season passes. Family members also are eligible for 50% discounts on equipment rentals as well as free skiing or riding lessons in the afternoons, space permitting.

The public is being invited to help celebrate works of art by three Vermont sculptors on display at the newly renovated state Archives and Record Administration building in Middlesex. The opening is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon from 2 – 4. The Vermont Arts Council and the Department of Buildings & General Services are sponsoring this event.

A community Thanksgiving dinner will again be served in Ticonderoga. The second annual Adirondack Dinner Table Thanksgiving Feast will be served November 25 at the Ti firehouse. This year there will actually be two dinners, the traditional Thanksgiving dinner will be served from Noon to 2 PM and a "leftover supper" will be served at 5 PM. Information is available on the Adirondack Dinner Table Facebook page.