WVTK Local & State News November 3, 2014

Officials at Vermont's largest hospital say the number of overdoses of heroin and other opiate drugs being treated in the emergency department has gone from about 40 cases a month three years ago to 60 this past August. Fletcher Allen Health Care reports that in the year ending Sept. 30 Naloxone was used 625 times. The Burlington hospital says the numbers fluctuate, but the trend is up. Late last year the Health Department began distributing Naloxone kits to addicts, their friends and family members. More emergency responders also began carrying the drug.

Police in South Burlington are investigating the burglary of $11,000 worth of cameras from the Photo Garden. According to reports, the robbery took place sometime between 2 PM yesterday afternoon and 9:30 this morning. Four high-end cameras were taken. Anyone with information is asked to contact the South Burlington Police Department.

Vermont Gas pipeline protesters were out in full force again Saturday morning. They were at a Vermont Gas Storage Area on Route 2 in Williston singing and holding signs. The group is calling for Governor Peter Shumlin to pull his support of the natural gas pipeline that is in the works from Chittenden County through the Middlebury area. Representatives from Vermont Gas were not there but there was a police presence.

If you haven’t gotten a flu shot yet, there’s still time. Flu season has already begun and it is possible that it could last until May. By getting the flu shot, chances of getting the flu are significantly less than normal. The flu shot does not prevent 100% from flu because there are many strains. This year’s shot protects against 4 different strains. Precautions should still be taken such as hand washing, covering with a shoulder or tissue when sneezing or coughing and disinfecting.

Killington Resort is opening for the season. Season pass and express card holders could hit the slopes starting today. The resort is opening to the public starting tomorrow. Today’s opening is a little later than in past years. Officials say that snow makers have been working at least 36 hours straight in order to get some of the trails open for skiers and riders. The mountain also got a couple of inches of natural snow several nights ago.