Thursday, August 21, 2014

WVTK Local & State News August 21, 2014

Firefighters battled a massive fire at Rutland Plywood this morning. The five-alarm blaze broke out around 1 a.m. Officials say the fire originally broke out yesterday afternoon, but was contained by around 5 p.m. But early this morning, the large commercial building was fully engulfed. About 100 firefighters from area departments helped in fighting the blaze. A firefighter battling the blaze did suffer an ankle injury. No other injuries were reported. No word on what sparked the fire.

The Vermont Health Department is urging young adults to be sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The Health Department is joining with other groups across the country by recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month. Every year, thousands of young adults suffer serious health problems, are hospitalized, and even die from diseases that could have been prevented by vaccines. Young adults should talk to their health care providers to determine which vaccines are right for them.

Vermont State Police are investigating shootings that left a man and woman dead in Townshend. State police received a 911 call around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday requesting help at a house on Grafton Road. While on the telephone with the caller, a dispatcher heard what is believed to be gunshots. The call then ended abruptly. When troopers arrived they found a man dead outside the house from an apparent gunshot wound. Inside was a woman who'd been shot. She was airlifted to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, where she later died. The identities of the victims are being withheld until their families are notified. The state medical's examiner will perform autopsies. State police say there's no known threat to public safety.

If you're feeling lucky, you might want to pick up a Mega Millions ticket. The multi-state lottery jackpot is at an estimated $180 million! The next drawing will be held on Friday at 11 p.m. It's not a record, that would be the $656 million prize awarded in 2012. Mega Millions is the nation's largest lotto, with tickets sold in 43 states, plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The new Farmer’s Almanac is out and it is predicting a colder than usual winter and next summer to be hotter. The Almanac calls for normal winter precipitation, and below normal snowfall. Despite that, it warns that holiday travel periods, like late November and late December, will be the snowiest periods. The Almanac says next summer will likely be hotter than normal.