WVTK Local & State News June 13, 2014

Rutland Police are investigating an armed robbery at the West Street Mobil. The incident happened last night at about 11:30 PM. Police say a man entered the store with a bandana covering his face. He is accused of brandishing a knife and demanding money. The man is described as being white, approximately 5'8", 160-170 lbs, light brown/blonde hair, wearing tan cargo pants, and a blue sweatshirt. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Rutland City Police Department (802)-773-1820.

The mother of Dezirae Sheldon, whose stepfather is facing charges of her murder, is seeking reunification with her other child. Sandra Eastman filed for divorce from Dennis Duby after the death of two-year-old Dezirae. She had lost custody of her daughter for breaking her leg. The other child, a five-month-old, is in Department of Child and Families custody. Dezirae Sheldon's death resulted in a massive review of DCF earlier this year.

Vermont businessman Scott Milne said yesterday that he will run against Governor Peter Shumlin. Milne will face Emily Peyton in a primary. Milne says he is running because Shumlin is focused on social issues at the expense of the economy and a looming issue with the state's Health Care Connect. Shumlin welcomed him to the race, saying it is "good for democracy".

The numbers are in, and despite a slow start to the sugaring season, Vermont remains the top maple syrup producing state in the country. Compared to last year, the numbers are down. This season the Green Mountain State produced 1.3 million gallons of syrup, compared to 1.4 million gallons last year. New York is the nation's second largest producer, but the Empire State also suffered losses from last season. This year sap in Vermont ran on just 28 days compared to 41 days last year. Officials say this was due to the colder than average winter and spring.

A coalition of food industry associations filled a federal law suit against Vermont over the newly passed GMO Labeling Law. The lawsuit filed late yesterday makes multiple claims against the state, including that it violates manufacturers' rights to free speech because it mandates labeling, interferes with their marketing and that federal law already controls what the state GMO law is attempting to cover. Attorney General Bill Sorrell says labeling GMO ingredients is no different than labeling salt content. Governor Peter Shumlin says consumers deserve to know what is in their food, and Vermont will continue to push for common-sense labeling on packaged foods containing Genetically Modified Organisms.