WVTK Local & State News July 16, 2014

The Bristol Police Department is investigating a man who reportedly was going through vehicles on East Street early this morning. Police say a man left the area after going through and taking some items from five vehicles. Some of the items taken were found near or inside other vehicles. The man is described as being white, between 5'5" and 5'9", weighing 120 to 140 pounds, brown hair, and wearing a bluish gray shirt and dark green pants. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bristol Police Department at (802)-453-2533.

The Vermont state auditor says a review of the state's online sex offender registry has found critical errors in 11 percent of offender records. Auditor Doug Hoffer said earlier today that the errors call into question the reliability of the registry. He says the audit found critical errors in 253 of the 2,340 records in the registry.
Hoffer says his office recommended tracking the treatment status of sex offenders who are no longer under state supervision, but that the state has not fully implemented that recommendation.

Brandon residents will vote for the 4th time next Tuesday on a $3 million budget for the fiscal year that began July 1. Of that amount, almost to $2.5-million would be raised through property taxes. Three previous attempts to pass the budget were soundly rejected by voters. The latest budget proposal however goes further in making cuts, a total of $120,000. Those cuts include laying off of two Public Works Department employees.

While the actual Vermont Primary is scheduled for August 26th, it's possible to cast your ballot now. Early voting is an option for the next six weeks, simply by requesting a ballot from your town clerk, either in person, by phone or by mail. It's now estimated that as many as 20-percent of all voters will use the early voting option this year.

If you want to make your home more energy efficient, it is now easier to pay off that loan. Green mountain Power has partnered with Neighbor Works to make loans available if you want to make energy improvements. GMP customers can now pay off that loan through part of their monthly electric bill. Green Mountain Power's Spokesperson Dorothy Schnure says this trend could save you money in the long run. Loans can be used for improving thermal and electric efficiency or renewable energy. The loan can be up to $15,000 with a maximum of 10 years to pay it back.