WVTK Local & State News August 15, 2014

The parent company of Shaw's says customer information may be at risk after an unlawful intrusion into its electronic payment system. So far the company says there is no evidence of misuse, but it cannot yet determine if any credit or debit card data was stolen. Customers who shopped at Shaw's locations between June 22 and July 17 in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island should monitor their accounts. The company says that's when the breach occurred. The company says, free consumer identity protection services will be offered for any customers impacted.

The use of chemicals on utility poles around Vermont is under scrutiny. The Public Service Board (PSB) directed utility company representatives, state officials, and members of the public to form a special group. The goal is to develop best practices for the chemical use. Some from Monkton says that's not enough. They say they’d like the PSB to allow more public comment as this group gets started. The group is expected to be formalized by month's end.

Vermont's congressman, attorney general and main student finance entity are warning consumers away from companies that promise to relieve student loan debt. Attorney General William Sorrell says customers could end up paying a lot more for no real benefit in dealing with student loan burdens. The president of VSAC and Congressman Peter Welch said many of the companies are simply scam artists.

It's the last day for hunters to apply for a muzzleloader permit to hunt antlerless deer in December. Today marks the deadline to apply. Hunters can apply online on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department's website or they can fill out a paper application available from license agents. The department encourages applicants to use the online application because it's more efficient. The state will be giving out 17,050 permits for the muzzleloader antlerless deer season.

Members of the Vermont Air National Guard have been taken to a hospital as a precaution after a fuel used in F-16s spilled during maintenance operations at a South Burlington hangar. Maj. Chris Gookin said hydrazine spilled at 9:35 a.m. Friday at the 158th Fighter Wing base. Hydrazine is an inorganic compound. It is colorless, and flammable, with an ammonia-like odor. Gookin said the hangar has been secured and there is no danger to the public. Hydrazine fuels emergency power units for F-16s.