Friday, October 25, 2013

WVTK Local & State News October 25, 2013

Police say a Vermont man is a suspect in burglaries in two counties.  Hans Rumble of Vergennes was initially taken into custody Wednesday on a warrant charging with narcotics possession.  Police said a search warrant for his car resulted in the seizure of several items linked to burglaries in Brandon and Benson.  Rumble was later arrested on a stolen property charge, as well as drug charges.  Police also searched his home and two storage units, where they found numerous items that were determined to be stolen.  They are still investigating. 

The Vermont Department of Health has confirmed the second case of human illness due to West Nile virus infection this year.  A Chittenden County resident became ill in late September and has since recovered.  This season, West Nile virus has been detected in mosquito pools in 12 different towns.  Mosquito surveillance was conducted mainly in southern Addison and northern Rutland Counties with limited trapping and testing done in parts of Franklin and Chittenden counties.  While the peak of West Nile activity is usually in late August and early September, mosquitoes will remain active until the first widespread hard frost.

The Crown Point Senior Citizens Center is now up and running with meals and activities at a new location.  The Knapp Center was home to the Crown Point Senior Citizens Center until a storm knocked over a tree, causing significant damage to the building’s roof, kitchen, rest rooms and storage area.  The center is now in the basement of the Crown Point Methodist Church on Creek Road.  

Officials with the Shumlin Administration say the performance of the Vermont Health Connect insurance exchange website has improved since its launch on October 1.  At a news conference yesterday, officials said the website’s speed has improved by 311 percent since it opened, and that it is now consistent with other Internet sites.  Officials also say the state’s connection with the federal data hub supporting the system has improved.  And they say error messages are being reduced, with some types of them being reduced to zero.

Killington has become the first winter resort in the east to open for the season.  It was originally scheduled to open today, but officials say conditions were good enough to open yesterday.  The resort prides itself on trying to have the longest season among east coast resorts.  This year it stayed open past Memorial Day.  Season pass holders and express card members got access yesterday.  The resort will open to the public tomorrow.