WVTK Local & State News December 27, 2010

A powerful storm moving up the East Coast is affecting our area as well. The heaviest is expected in central and southern Vermont, with a winter storm warning out from Addison, Washington and Caledonia counties. That will stay in effect till 4 this afternoon. 8 to as much as 14 inches of snow are possible. North-central Vermont into New York, including the Champlain Valley, is under a winter weather advisory with 3 to 7 inches of snow possible.

Police in Salisbury say a man was squatting in a home and using it as a place to traffic drugs. Police say the homeowner told them the drug dealer was from Troy, New York. Police seized more than 10-grams worth of crack cocaine and 20-bags of heroin from the home. State police urge anyone in the Salisbury area with any information to contact them.

Starting next Monday, January 3, the Charlotte/Essex Ferry Crossing will not have Dockmasters on duty. All tickets will be purchased on the boat once boarded. At this time commuter cards will not be accepted since there is no computer onboard the boat. However, Commuter Books may be purchased from the Burlington Office at any time or at the Charlotte/Essex Crossing BEFORE January 3rd.

The Environmental Protection Agency has released its annual report of top polluters in New York. International Paper's Ticonderoga Mill made the list but was not the top polluter in the state, That honor goes to the Finch, Pruyn Paper Mill of Glens Falls. The EPA stresses that none of the plants on the list are doing anything illegal, they’re all operating within their permits.

Some senior citizens in Ticonderoga had quite a scare this weekend. A fire broke out at the Lord Howe Estates senior housing complex yesterday afternoon. Firefighters haven't said what started the blaze but say they were able to prevent it from spreading beyond one unit. All residents were safely evacuated and most are back in their homes this morning.

A Burlington woman is dead after police say she was hit by a repeat drunk driver. The incident happened just before 9 last night when police tried to pull over 52-year-old Timothy Dowd, of Hinesburg. Police say he took off and led them on a chase. The chase ended when Dowd ran a red light at the intersection of Saint Paul and Main Street, hitting another car broadside. The driver of the other vehicle was killed.

The makers of the controversial Log Cabin Syrup have changed the product's labeling. Lawmakers are accusing the company of deceptive practices, especially their claim of being all natural. Log Cabin has removed caramel coloring from the ingredients. And now, to comply with Vermont maple law, they created a label that reads 4-percent maple blend.

Albert Einstein's legacy will be the focus of a talk by a Middlebury College professor. Susan Watson, chair of the college's physics department, will reflect on the influence of the legendary physicist in a lecture at Norwich Congregational Church, in Norwich. The January 5th event is part of the Vermont Humanities Council's "First Wednesdays" series.