Wednesday, May 27, 2015

WVTK Local & State News May 27, 2015

Longtime Vermont Journalist Marselis Parsons passed away earlier today due to cancer. According to WCAX, Parsons began his career at Channel 3 in 1967. He was 70-years-old. Parsons retired from WCAX six years ago. During his 43 years at Channel 3, he was the news director, he was also a reporter, and an anchor.

The IRS says hackers gained access to taxpayer information in a series of attacks that began in February. Using information stolen during other hacks, the data thieves used the agency's online tax transcript service to gain access to Social Security numbers, dates of birth and street addresses. The IRS says an additional 100-thousand attempts to gain information were turned back. The agency reaching out to victims and offering to pay for credit protection services.

The Railroad Overpass Bridge Replacements Project Public Information Meeting scheduled for tonight has been postponed. The meeting has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, June 3rd, at 6 PM in the Municipal Gymnasium. During the meeting next week, Local Project Manager Bill Finger will provide a brief summary of the status of the project, which is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2016. Town Officials will also outline plans for developing a marketing strategy for the downtown before, during and after construction.

Vermont's unemployment rate dropped two tenths of 1 percent to 3.6-percent in April, which tied for the fourth lowest in the country. Governor Peter Shumlin says the numbers point to continued economic growth and recovery from the last recession. Vermont's April unemployment rate was a third lower than the national average of 5.4 percent. Vermont added 1,800 jobs in April, continuing a trend and outpacing population growth.

The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife has a new program to help conserve open spaces and wildlife habitat in the state. The department's new "All In" Habitat Stamp is fashioned on the federal duck stamp. The stamp is available for purchase on the department's website and is available on 2015 hunting or fishing licenses when purchased online.