Wednesday, September 11, 2013

WVTK Local & State News September 11, 2013

A lot of people are not happy about a proposed natural gas pipeline from Colchester to Middlebury, and had their say last night.  About 500 people, mostly against the project, showed up for a hearing in Middlebury hosted by the state’s Public Service Board.  Opponents say this curbs the state’s intent to be 90-percent renewable by 2050, despite claims by Vermont Gas this is a cleaner, renewable alternative to dirtier fuels.  The board will hear from named opponent organizations and Vermont Gas next week, with a decision expected by December.

The state of Vermont is going to use solar power to run 10 state office buildings across the state, including all seven Vermont prisons.  Gov. Peter Shumlin announced earlier today the state had signed a contract to install solar arrays for the 10 buildings, each capable of producing about 500 kilowatts of electricity.  In some cases the buildings will get all its power from the solar panels.  There is no cost to taxpayers and it will save the state $1 million.  In addition to the state’s prisons, the solar arrays will be for the Pavilion office building in Montpelier, which houses the governor’s office, and state office buildings in Brattleboro and Bennington.  Officials say installation of the panels could begin in the spring.

McGregor's Pharmacy in South Hero was burglarized early his morning.  Police say surveillance video around 2 am thie morning showed a lone white male, covered in dark clothing and a hooded sweatshirt, enter the pharmacy through the front door.  The male was able to gain entry to narcotics and made off with a large number of prescription medications.  Police are currently processing evidence and conducting interviews.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Vermont State Police.

Two Vermont college football players have been suspended from the team and are facing discipline after being charged in a scheme to steal merchandise from a sporting goods store in Rutland.  Vermont State Police say 19-year-old George Andrew Busharis and 21-year-old Brandon Boyle, both of Castleton, were cited on retail theft charges yesterday.  Police say Busharis was found leaving a Dick’s Sporting Goods merchandise for which he did not have a receipt.  Busharis later told investigators he and Boyle, who worked at the store, had worked together to steal merchandise from the store on several occasions.  Castleton spokesman Jeffrey Weld said the two were suspended from the football team and they would be subject to the college’s judicial process.

Vermont State Police say there’s still no sign of what happened to a woman last seen five days ago.  Helen Holmes of Townshend left a note Friday for her husband saying she’d be back, but did not return nor did she show up for an appointment on Saturday.  State police are now handling the case, and say there has not been any activity on her cellphone or credit cards.  While detectives do not suspect a crime has happened, they are concerned for her safety.