WVTK Local & State News November 7, 2014

Republican Scott Milne says he won't concede until the Legislature votes on the governor's election in January. Milne and Governor Peter Shumlin are about 21-hundred votes apart, according to unofficial tallies. Because no candidate received more than 50-percent of the vote, the race will be officially decided by the Legislature in January. Since the Legislature is Democratically controlled, most observers believe Shumlin will ultimately prevail.

The FDA has approved the first vaccine for a particularly deadly strain of meningitis. The strain caused two outbreaks at college campuses last year, with about 500 becoming ill. Between ten and 15-percent of victims die. The new vaccine is approved for young people between the ages of ten and 25.

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders is proposing legislation to make Election Day a national holiday.
 Sanders says a national holiday would be just one step forward in attempting to strengthen American democracy. He said, “Election Day should be a national holiday so that everyone has the time and opportunity to vote.” Sanders’ legislation will be filed next week when Congress reconvenes.

Two people were killed earlier today in a crash between a car and a garbage truck on Route 15 in Colchester. It happened at the intersection in front of Fort Ethan Allen. Police say the westbound car crossed the centerline and slammed head-on into the eastbound truck. The driver and passenger in the car were both killed. Police say neither was wearing a seat belt. The driver of the garbage truck was not injured.

The second installment of taxes is due in Middlebury next Friday. The treasurer’s office will be open next week on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Fletcher Allen today filed the costs of a new inpatient building project with the Green Mountain Care Board. A press release says the total project will cost $187 million for a 128 single bed facility. This is the final part of the three part submission in the Certificate of need (CON) application process. Fletcher Allen anticipates the 180,000 sq. ft. building to open in September 2018.