WVTK Local & State News January 2, 2014

The future of a pheasant preserve in Vermont is in question after a New Year’s Eve fire burned a barn that housed a hatchery and more than 100 adult pheasants.  Peaceable Hill game farm and preserve in Shoreham offers pheasant hunting and also sells pheasant eggs, chicks and mature birds raised at its hatchery.  Tuesday’s fire destroyed the barn, hatchery, a tractor, other equipment, hay as well as the 100 birds.  No people were injured.  The loss of pheasants could limit hunting this year, but the destruction of the hatchery could have a greater impact on customers.

A Dominos delivery man was robbed in Rutland last night.  Police say a white man approached a Dominos delivery man while he was making a delivery and demanded money.  The man left the area with an undisclosed amount of money.  The man is described as being approximately 6'0, 200 pounds, and wearing dark clothing. The man was armed with a knife.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Rutland Police Department at (802)-773-1816.

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation has opened the lottery for ‘‘cut-your-own’’ firewood lots on state forest lands.  The two-week registration for the personal roadside lots ends on Jan. 16.  Each roadside lot costs $30 and yields out three cords of wood for the 2014 home heating season.  Trees are marked and lottery winners get a tour from Forest and Parks staff members on which trees are available for cutting.  This year roadside lots are available in the towns of Duxbury, Orange, Johnson, Groton, Westmore and Sutton. Participants will need to indicate where they prefer to cut.

Vermont hospitals and the state's two health insurance companies are going to be getting their first look at patient coverage under the new health care system.  Health insurance policies offered through the federal health overhaul known as the Affordable Care Act took effect on Jan. 1, but Thursday is the day hospitals and insurance carriers will begin processing the first claims filed under the new system.  Now the emphasis will shift to ensuring health insurance policy holders get the services they need and that health care providers are properly paid for those services.

To help raise awareness and support for the services available across Vermont, the Middlebury College Men’s Ice Hockey team is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Chapter for an Alzheimer’s Awareness weekend during their Holiday Classic Tournament this weekend at the Kenyon Arena in Middlebury.  Attendees can join the Middlebury College Men's Ice Hockey Team in supporting the mission of the Alzheimers Association by making a $5 donation at the door and by participating in the 50/50 raffle sponsored by Friends of Panther Hockey.