WVTK Local & State News December 29, 2010

Starting this Saturday, it will be illegal to dispose of old computers, televisions and other electronics in Vermont's landfills. But Vermont's new electronic waste law, also sets up free collection programs for some electronics. Starting July 1, computers, monitors, printers, TVs and their accessories will be eligible for free e-cycling.

A chairlift derailment in Maine has Vermont ski areas double checking their equipment to make sure they’re safe for visitors. Yesterday morning a double-chairlift derailed at the Sugarloaf resort, causing multiple skies to fall up to 30 feet to the ground. A student from UVM was on the chairlift at the time and was forced to wait almost 2 hours before crews rescued her.

The Quechee Mobil Mart on Route 4 is closed today because of extensive fire damage. The blaze started shortly after 5 Monday morning. Investigators believe a faulty beverage cooler may have started the fire. The store's owners aren't sure if they'll be able to reopen.

According to a report from the Humane Society of the United States, our area does a pretty good job of taking care of pets and animals. The report ranks all 50 states and Washington DC based on a wide range of animal protection laws. The Humane State Rankings place Vermont and New York in a 3 way tie with DC for 7th place.

A group that supports good fishing on Lake Champlain is hailing the results of efforts to control populations of sea lamprey in the lake. A federal and state cooperative used the chemical lampricide TFM in 5 rivers feeding Lake Champlain in September in a bid to kill off lamprey, which attach themselves to fish and weaken them.

An electric space heater is believed to be the cause of a fire Monday night in Burlington. That happened at around 11 PM on Southcrest Drive. The owner, Paul Meacham Senior, called 911 and firefighters were able to get him out of the house okay. Fire crews were quickly able to extinguish the flames, but it's not known yet how extensive the damage is.

A South Burlington man is in critical condition after being hit by a car. Police say 38-year-old Jason Groleau was hit just after 6 PM Monday on Shelburne Road. Police say speed and any other outside factors have been ruled out as causes. Groleau was taken to Fletcher Allen Health Care where he is reported to be in critical condition.

Minimum-wage workers in Vermont will be making a bit more money next week. A minimum wage law passed by lawmakers in 2005 tied the wage to inflation, and this year, the wage goes up by nine cents, from $8.06 per hour to $8.15. An estimated 10-thousand Vermonters make the minimum wage.

The American Red Cross is once again asking for your help. They say donations are down and this is one of those times throughout the year when they really need the blood supply. The Red Cross says it needs all blood types, especially type “O”-Negative, which is the universal blood type.