WVTK Local & State News January 22, 2015

The Vermont Health Department says a case of tuberculosis has been confirmed at the Charlotte Central School. The department is working with the school to identify and follow up with staff, students, and others who may have had close contact with the sick employee. The Health Department says there is no ongoing risk of disease at the school. According to the Vermont Health Department, tuberculosis is a bacteria disease that usually affects the lungs. Tuberculosis can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Health officials say that the disease is not spread by shaking someone's hand, sharing food or drinks, kissing, or touching surfaces an ill person has touched. On average, Vermont has six to eight cases of tuberculosis a year.

A former Vermont State Police lieutenant is now the first female captain in state police history. Captain Ingrid Jonas received the promotion earlier this month. Jonas is now the commander of the Staff Operations Section, where she oversees operations that include recruiting and training, internal affairs and professional standards. Prior to her promotion, Jonas had served as the commander of the Internal Affairs Unit. Jonas is replacing Captain David Notte, who is now the C-Troop commander covering the Rutland, New Haven, and Shaftsbury Stations.

LIHEAP, Vermont's home heating subsidy program is one of the beneficiaries of the current low oil prices. The dropping cost of oil is helping the low income home energy assistance program to provide assistance to more Vermonters this winter. Nearly half of Vermont residents heat their homes with oil, which is at its lowest prices since 2009. Around 25-thousand families in the state qualify for home heating assistance.

Vermont state police are investigating burglaries at two Addison County schools. According to reports, electronics were stolen from the Lincoln Community School in Lincoln sometime between January 17th and the 20th. Burglars also hit the Robinson Elementary School in Starksboro. Anyone with information on either burglary is asked to call Vermont state police in New Haven at 802-388-4919 or you can also submit an anonymous tip through www.vtips.info or by texting "CRIMES" (274637) with keyword: VTIPS.

The 2015 Legislative Breakfast series is getting set to kick-off on Monday, February 2. This year’s series will include a March 23 luncheon with Governor Peter Shumlin. The first breakfast of the season will take place at the Grange Hall in Bridport. All of the breakfasts start at 7 am, with the program beginning at 7:30 am and ending at 8:45 am. Each Breakfast and Lunch is a weekly chance for residents to personally meet and talk with their state representatives and senators on legislation being debated in Montpelier. The last legislative breakfast of the season will be on June 1st.