Friday, September 26, 2014

WVTK Local & State News September 26, 2014

A fire this morning at Moriah Central School caused an evacuation and the students were sent home early. The fire was determined to have originated in a boys bathroom on the second floor of the elementary wing. Faculty members said the school had held fire drills the previous two days because of the good weather, and some even thought the sounding of the alarm was a third day of evacuation training before realizing it was not a drill. School Superintendent Bill Larrow was out of town but returned to the campus around noon. Fire investigators, State Police and BCI were working the scene following containment of the fire.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced they are letting customer replace peeling license plates free of charge. A press release says any customers who previously exchanged a plate that was peeling is eligible to receive a refund of $28.75. Beginning today, customers can exchange their peeling plates at their local DMV office. Customers seeking a refund for peeling plates exchanged in the past year may use the form at http://dmv.ny.gov

State leaders continue to work to protect children from abuse and neglect. The Legislative panel on Child Protection is back in full swing. This is the committee formed after the death of Dezirae Sheldon. Yesterday, the committee discussed confidentiality laws, improved communication and the roles of social workers. Plus, standards for re-unification of children with their parents. There has been countless hours of testimony on the topic, and public hearings since the committee was formed. The plan is to have bills written and ready to go by the time lawmakers come back in January.

Vermont Dairy Farmers are enjoying strong milk prices. Right now farmers are getting paid above $20 per hundredweight since last fall. Back in April the peak price was $25.80 per hundredweight. And that compares to the summer of 2009 when prices bottomed out at close to $11. According to the latest figures, the Green Mountain State has about 132,000 cows producing milk.