WVTK Local & State News April 21, 2014

A Vermont State employee accused of embezzlement pleaded not guilty in court today. 51-year-old Lisa Peduzzi of Planfield was released on bail. Vermont State Police say Peduzzi is accused of using state checks to purchase items for personal use without prior authorization. So far, police say their investigation showed that the Peduzzi has done this 19 times. Peduzzi was an employee with the Agency of Administration Office of Risk Management. The investigation is ongoing. Peduzzi's next court appearance is in May.

The Vermont Medical Practice Board has issued new rules designed to prevent the abuse of prescription opiate-based painkillers. The rules for physicians who prescribe opiates are the first update in nine years. The new policy encourages doctors to screen patients needing pain medication for any history of mental health disorders and alcohol or drug abuse. It also advises doctors to use a system that tracks prescriptions for controlled substances, to make sure patients aren't seeking opiate medications from multiple sources.

A man was arrested yesterday on charges of attempted murder. Burlington police say 34-year-old David Godin kicked in the front door of his ex-girlfriend's home Saturday night, left, and later returned and choked her before leaving again. Police say he came back a third time when she wasn't there, broke in and damaged her belongings. He was arrested yesterday afternoon and is currently being held on bail of 25-thousand dollars.

Plan on giving yourself some extra travel time starting today if you use Interstate 89 in the evenings. Road crews will be resurfacing the highway between Exit 11 in Richmond and Exit 16 in Colchester. The work begins at 7 PM and goes until 6 AM. But, if you take Route 2 as an alternative, also be aware that road crews will be working in Waterbury and Bolton, and the road could be reduced to one lane in some spots.

Tonight at the East Middlebury United Methodist Church there is a Community Discussion on Economic Development in East Middlebury. The meeting starts at 6 PM. Some of the potential topics are: is Middlebury Airport an untapped resource, how do we define sustainable development and how do we achieve it? All are welcome to attend.