WVTK Local & State News January 12, 2015

It doesn't look like property tax relief will be coming to Vermont residents this year. House Speaker Shap Smith says any real tax relief would only be masking fiscal challenges being faced by the state in the future. Governor Peter Shumlin says school districts are already setting their budgets, so the state cannot make changes that impact those local budgets in a significant way.

A Moriah Man has been arrested and is facing charges after allegedly shooting another man while hunt this past season. Police say 33-year-old Shawn M. LaValley of Moriah shot 83-year-old Joseph R. Rodriguez in the abdomen with a 12 gauge shotgun December, 1 while hunting in an area off Bartlett Pond Road in Moriah. Authorities say Rodriguez has been released from the hospital but is still recovering from his injuries. LaValley has been charged with assault, as well as reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon.

Vermont State Police are investigating a horse shooting in Danby. According to reports, someone entered the property owners horse barn on Brook Road during the overnight period between January 8, and January 9. Once inside the barn the perpetrator shot one mare and one gelding, which were in different stalls. The gelding succumbed to its injuries. The mare was seriously injured and is being tended to by a veterinarian. Anyone with information pertaining to the two horses being shot is asked to contact the Vermont State Police-Rutland Barracks at 802-773-9101.

The Vermont Gas Pipeline Project might be scrapped. The contract between Vermont Gas and International Paper in Ticonderoga allows the paper company to dissolve the contract because of a scheduling delay or a cost increase. The contract also lets either party back out at their convenience. International Paper says it’s waiting for Vermont Gas Systems to submit a final cost estimate on the natural gas pipeline before the company decides whether the project still has merit.

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is reminding hunters that hunting blinds must be removed from water before February 15 on Lake Champlain or May 15 on inland waters. A press release says state law requires the blinds to be removed to protect natural areas and to prevent boating accidents once the ice melts.