Wednesday, September 24, 2014

WVTK Local & State News September 24, 2014

Secretary of Administration Jeb Spaulding will become the chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges. In order to do, he will be stepping down from his position in the Shumlin administration. In a statement earlier today, Governor Peter Shumlin said, "Jeb has been a good friend since our first days working together in the Legislature 24 years ago. As my Administration secretary, he has been a rock-solid partner, creating a balanced budget year after year, and preserving Vermont's exceptional fiscal management and bond rating.” Spaulding will begin his new position in January.

Vermont will begin providing opiate replacement therapy for inmates in two prisons. The drugs are given to prisoners who are battling drug addiction. Previously, the inmates had left the institutions to receive treatment, but that is changing as the state tries to fight increased hard drug problems. The number of Vermonters receiving treatment rose 50 percent over the last nine-months and the number of people on waiting lists fell. Men who qualify will be housed in the Rutland prison, and female prisoners will be housed in South Burlington.

The Vermont chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is suing the state, saying police wrongly seized a man's car during a traffic stop. According to the suit, 21-year-old Greg Zullo of Rutland, was pulled over in Wallingford last March. During the traffic stop, the trooper said he smelled burnt marijuana and asked to search the car. Zullo refused. He left the car and allowed he trooper to search him. The car was towed away. A later search of the vehicle did find some marijuana paraphernalia. Vermont law says less than one ounce of marijuana is not criminal.

The New York State Department of Health says the Enterovirus-D68 (EV-D68) is quickly spreading across the entire state. They add ev everyone must take precautions to protect children, especially those who are immune-compromised or have asthma and other respiratory problems. Symptoms of enterovirus illness can include fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and body aches. There is no specific treatment for EV-D68.

Ben & Jerry's announced a new flavor today. The new flavor, Two Wild & Crazy Pie, has coconut cream pie ice cream, chocolate cream pie ice cream, and a chocolate cookie swirl. Ben & Jerry's says the flavor will be available at Scoop Shops across the country.