Friday, January 3, 2014

WVTK Local & State News January 3, 2014

The storm is over but the cold weather remains along with snow-covered road in many places.  The first winter storm of 2014 brought more than 2 feet of snow to some places, mostly to the south of us.  Highway crews say they are clearing the roads as best as possible, but salt is mostly ineffective in such cold weather.

Selectman Victor Nuovo has resigned from the Middlebury Select Board.  Nuovo submitted a letter of resignation yesterday. The announcement was made at last night’s special board meeting that was called to take up a citizens’ complaint that Nuovo had a conflict of interest in connection with the town and Middlebury College, his former employer.  Also during the meeting, the board found there was a conflict of interest and will now revote on the term sheet, which lays out in general terms a proposed sale of the town office and municipal gym property to the college for $4.5 million.  The town would then use the proceeds toward the cost of building a new town office and gym.  The revote will take place at the next Select Board Meeting on January 14.

Kinney Drugs is offering a 30 day supply of prescriptions at no upfront cost for Obamacare enrollees who have not received plan identification information.  Kinney Drugs says anyone who hasn't received proper identification from their insurer is encouraged to speak to a Kinney Drugs pharmacist to see if their eligible to receive a 30 day supply of their prescriptions.  The offer is available at any Kinney Drugs located throughout New York and Vermont.

Blood donations tend to drop off during the winter months, so the Red Cross is offering a little incentive.  January is National Blood Donor Month and the Red Cross is teaming up with Dunkin Donuts for the annual Give a Pint, Get a Pound promotion.  All donors who give blood in January will get a coupon for a free pound of Dunkin Donuts coffee.  Over the past six years, 520,000 donors have redeemed coupons for coffee.

The ferry that runs between Essex and Charlotte is currently closed.  Transportation officials say the closure is due to high winds.  The Grand Isle-Plattsburgh ferry is running as scheduled.  Officials with Lake Champlain Transportation hope to resume service on the Essex/Charlotte crossing tomorrow morning.