Thursday, January 16, 2014

WVTK Local & State News January 16, 2014

The Vermont Senate passed a campaign finance bill today. The bill passed by a 20-8 vote. The Vermont House passed the bill last week by a 124-15 vote. The compromised bill that came out of conference committee would raise the donation limits for statewide candidates to $4,000. It would lower the limits for local elections, $1,500 for Senate candidates and $1,000 for House candidates. Vermont hasn’t had a campaign finance law since 2006.

Some people in New York got quite the shock this past week when they opened their electric bill. Some National Grid customers say it doubled.  The company is blaming the increase on colder temperatures in November and December and higher supply costs. The average wholesale market price for electricity went up 53% over the past few months. A company like National Grid, which purchases power and doesn't generate it, passes that increase directly on to the customer.

Vermont State Police are looking for a white pickup truck that may have hit a man found on a road in the village of Rochester. Police said 86-year-old George Goding of Rochester was struck a little after 9 a.m. yesterday on Route 100. Police confirmed he was struck by a white vehicle. He was taken to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire, where he passed away. Police said a witness saw a white pickup truck traveling north on Route 100 after hearing a collision.

The Rutland police department is restructuring after years of scandal.   Special Agent David Covell, formerly of the State Police, came in to serve as senior policy adviser.  He will help develop best practices.  The department will also work with a facilitator to get more feedback on how the process is going.

A former Rutland city attorney charged in a fatal hit-and-run was back in court this morning. 53-year-old Christopher Sullivan is preparing to stand trial on charges of DUI with death resulting and leaving the scene of a fatal accident for the death of 71-year-old Mary Jane Outslay of Mendon, last April.  The defense requested a change of venue due to the publicity of the case.  The court gave lawyers until the end of the month to file related motions on whether the case should be moved.

The American Red Cross released a new first aid app that helps dog and cat owners provide emergency care until veterinary assistance is available. A press release says the app, costing $0.99, provides information to help maintain their pets health and what do in emergency situations. The Pet First Aid App provides step-by-step instructions, videos and images for more than 25 common first aid and emergency situations including how to treat wounds, control bleeding, and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies. The Pet First Aid App and other Red Cross apps can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps.