WVTK Local & State News April 22, 2015

The Vermont Gas pipeline project is going to take longer than originally planned. In their latest filing with state regulators, the company indicates that it'll take a year longer than estimated, but won't change the price tag. A spokesman says the decision was made to do construction in 2015 and 2016 summers when costs are less expensive. The natural gas pipeline will run from Chittenden County to Addison County.

Vermont State Police are looking to identify two people they say are forging bank checks in the Rutland area. Police say the forged checks are in the name of First National Bank of Orwell and were used at Rutland's Tops Market, Victoria's Secret, and Agway. The two individuals, ages unknown, are accused of forging at least five bank checks totaling around $1,300. Police say the suspects, a man and a woman, are believed to be in the Rutland/Addison County area. Anyone with information is asked to contact Vermont State Police at (802)-388-4919.

International Paper in Ticonderoga will still be switching to natural gas as a way to save money and cut down on pollution. NG Advantage in Colchester announced earlier today that they have signed an agreement with IP to deliver compressed natural gas to the paper mill by truck. Deliveries by fuel truck are scheduled to start in May.

Police in Essex Junction are looking for the suspects in a violent robbery. Investigators say say two men tied up the store owner of New World Coin and Jewelry on Center Road, beat him, and ransacked the store. The owner eventually got free and went to a neighbor for help. Essex police say the robbers made off with a few thousand dollars. Police advise business owners to be on alert as they search for the suspects. Essex police describe the suspects as men in their mid-twenties. One is about 5' 7" with a crew cut, possibly wearing a grey hoodie. The other man is described as heavy set, wearing a black hoodie and mask. Police say a grey sedan with a roof rack may also have been involved.

Vermont is joining the growing list of states that have decided to "ban the box." Yesterday, Governor Shumlin signed an executive order that scraps the criminal record question on state job applications. Shumlin says the change will help get job-seekers in the door for an interview rather than rejecting them from the outset.