Businesses, farms, and non-profits that suffered an economic hardship due to the closure of the Crown Point Bridge can now apply for low or no-interest loans. The $800,000 earmarked for the loans is part of the $8.6-Million Jobs Bill passed by the state late last week. The deadline to apply for the loans is October 31.
A bill designed to boost the recycling of computers and other electronics is now law in Vermont. Governor Jim Douglas was at the Chittenden Solid Waste District in Williston yesterday to sign the electronic recycling bill into law. The bill makes it free for consumers to recycle their old electronics while manufacturers pick up the tab.
New federal regulations regarding road signage will cost taxpayers in Essex County nearly $1.9-Million. The regulations, which apply nationwide, stipulate that rectangular signs with an arrow be used on curses were the speed limit drops more than 15 miles per hour. Currently, most warning signs for curves in the region are diamond-shaped.
State education officials say it's likely Vermont won't get $38 million in federal grants for schools. Vermont doesn't put a premium on charter schools or tying teacher pay to student performance, two areas required to win the grants. Meanwhile the state's teacher's union says there hasn't been enough opportunity for teachers to participate in applying for the federal money.
The day before jury selection was to begin in the retrial of Bruce Bonville; he admitted to assault in the shooting of his son. The plea convicts him of “recklessly shooting” his son, Cory, on July 1, 2006. The Clinton County District Attorney said the family didn't wan to go though another trial. On May 3rd, Bonville could be sentenced to a maximum of 7 years in prison.
Police in St. Albans are looking for a hit-and-run driver. A teenage girl was hit in the legs Sunday night while she was walking along Lincoln Avenue. She was not seriously hurt. A witness says the car was light colored, had four doors and was driven by a man in his 20s. After hitting the girl, the car sped off down Congress Street.
Representative Peter Welch unveiled a bill designed to help dairy farmers. The legislation would create a "growth management program" for dairy farmers across the country. Each farm would be told how much .they could produce in order to help control the cost of milk. The bill, if passed, would require a referendum of dairy producers to be enacted.
A man is behind bars for allegedly firing a gun into the air in downtown Burlington. Police say 24-year old Dennis Rose fired a gun around 2 AM Friday near Maple and Church Streets, during a dispute with another man. No one was hurt. Rose is charged with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. He is being held for lack of $10,000 bail.
Students at Plattsburg State are calling on school administrators to do more about sex crimes on campus. More than 20 student held picket signs yesterday calling for resignations and changes in college judicial system. Protesters say most crimes are handled internally on campus and that doesn't make them feel safe.
More than a hundred people showed up last night to get answers about the new F-35 fighter jet that the Vermont National Guard might be getting. The main concern of area residents was the noise factor. The jets are said to be louder than the current F-16s. Another presentation by the Vermont National Guard is planned for tonight at 6 at the Winooski Middle School.
The non-profit group, Local Motion is looking for donations to help fund a bicycle ferry this summer. The ferry runs across the gap in Lake Champlain between Colchester and South Hero. Right now the ferry is only open on weekends. Officials with Local Motion say they are more than half way to their $1.2-Million goal to keep the ferry running everyday for several months.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
WVTK Local & State News April 19, 2010
A Brandon man is facing a felony charge for allegedly using counterfeit bills to pay for illegal drugs. Police say 30-year-old Jeffrey Preseau printed fake money to buy OxyContin from a man who had been selling pills to him for years. Preseau pled innocent in court. He faces 14-years if convicted for making counterfeit money.
Police in South Burlington are still looking for the man that robbed the Chittenden Bank Branch on Dorset Street. The suspect entered the bank just after 11 AM Saturday morning, waited about 5 minutes, then handed the teller a note demanding money. Police say the man, who claimed to be armed, got away with an undisclosed amount of money.
The Adirondack Park Agency has granted a permit for the new Crown Point Bridge. The new bridge will have two 11-foot travel lanes with five-foot shoulders on either side and two five-foot sidewalks for pedestrian traffic. A public presentation on design features of the new bridge is being planned for sometime in May. Construction on the new bridge will likely start in 2 months.
State officials are warning families of solders deployed to Afghanistan about a phone hoax. According to guard officials, at least 3 families have gotten calls at night from an unidentified woman saying that she is sorry that their soldier has been wounded in Afghanistan. The guard says that the protocol is for the family to be contacted by the solder or someone close to him or her.
The Census Bureau says so far, 61 to 66 percent of Vermonters have returned their census forms. That compares with the national average rate of 69 percent. In 2000, about 65 percent of Vermont residents mailed in their forms.
Police in Barre are looking for a man who robbed a convenience store this past weekend. Police say the robber walked into a Cumberland Farms on South Main Street with a handgun. He demanded cash and a carton of cigarettes. The robber's described as being about 5 feet 6 inches tall with blue eyes and bad acne, and was last seen wearing a hooded sweat shirt.
An argument over a loose dog turned violent in Ticonderoga last week. Police say 41-year-old Matthew Peters shot at his neighbor with a 22-caliber rifle several times Thursday after he became angry his neighbor's dog was loose. Peters said the dog was agitating his pets. No one was injured in the shooting. Peters is being held on $15,000 dollars bail.
Vermont's unemployment rate dropped a tenth of a point in March to 6.5-percent. Unemployment rates for Vermont's 17 labor market areas ranged from 5.2-percent in Hartford to 11.3-percent in Newport. But for one town, its much higher. The unemployment rate in Pittsfield has hovered around 20-percent for the past 3 months.
More than 400 people completed in the first ever City of Plattsburgh Half Marathon. The 13.5-mile run yesterday morning, to benefit the Fox Foundation, raising more than $25,000 for Parkinson’s disease in the process. 22-year-old Logan Franks of Plattsburgh was the first to finish. Coming in at fifth overall, but first for the women’s category, was 33-year-old Sara Facteau from Peru.
The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission is planning an open house and public meeting today in Brattleboro on the recent leaks at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. The open house will take place from 1 to 4 and 5 to 6 in the cafeteria of the Brattleboro Union High School. A more formal meeting will be held from 6 to 9 PM in the auditorium of the high school.
Police in Burlington are investigating a hit and run that left a bicyclists with a fractured shoulder and some scraps and bruises. Police said a silver Ford pickup truck sideswiped the woman as she approached the intersection of South Union and Buell Streets. Police said she was legally in the bicycle lane.
Police in South Burlington are still looking for the man that robbed the Chittenden Bank Branch on Dorset Street. The suspect entered the bank just after 11 AM Saturday morning, waited about 5 minutes, then handed the teller a note demanding money. Police say the man, who claimed to be armed, got away with an undisclosed amount of money.
The Adirondack Park Agency has granted a permit for the new Crown Point Bridge. The new bridge will have two 11-foot travel lanes with five-foot shoulders on either side and two five-foot sidewalks for pedestrian traffic. A public presentation on design features of the new bridge is being planned for sometime in May. Construction on the new bridge will likely start in 2 months.
State officials are warning families of solders deployed to Afghanistan about a phone hoax. According to guard officials, at least 3 families have gotten calls at night from an unidentified woman saying that she is sorry that their soldier has been wounded in Afghanistan. The guard says that the protocol is for the family to be contacted by the solder or someone close to him or her.
The Census Bureau says so far, 61 to 66 percent of Vermonters have returned their census forms. That compares with the national average rate of 69 percent. In 2000, about 65 percent of Vermont residents mailed in their forms.
Police in Barre are looking for a man who robbed a convenience store this past weekend. Police say the robber walked into a Cumberland Farms on South Main Street with a handgun. He demanded cash and a carton of cigarettes. The robber's described as being about 5 feet 6 inches tall with blue eyes and bad acne, and was last seen wearing a hooded sweat shirt.
An argument over a loose dog turned violent in Ticonderoga last week. Police say 41-year-old Matthew Peters shot at his neighbor with a 22-caliber rifle several times Thursday after he became angry his neighbor's dog was loose. Peters said the dog was agitating his pets. No one was injured in the shooting. Peters is being held on $15,000 dollars bail.
Vermont's unemployment rate dropped a tenth of a point in March to 6.5-percent. Unemployment rates for Vermont's 17 labor market areas ranged from 5.2-percent in Hartford to 11.3-percent in Newport. But for one town, its much higher. The unemployment rate in Pittsfield has hovered around 20-percent for the past 3 months.
More than 400 people completed in the first ever City of Plattsburgh Half Marathon. The 13.5-mile run yesterday morning, to benefit the Fox Foundation, raising more than $25,000 for Parkinson’s disease in the process. 22-year-old Logan Franks of Plattsburgh was the first to finish. Coming in at fifth overall, but first for the women’s category, was 33-year-old Sara Facteau from Peru.
The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission is planning an open house and public meeting today in Brattleboro on the recent leaks at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. The open house will take place from 1 to 4 and 5 to 6 in the cafeteria of the Brattleboro Union High School. A more formal meeting will be held from 6 to 9 PM in the auditorium of the high school.
Police in Burlington are investigating a hit and run that left a bicyclists with a fractured shoulder and some scraps and bruises. Police said a silver Ford pickup truck sideswiped the woman as she approached the intersection of South Union and Buell Streets. Police said she was legally in the bicycle lane.
Friday, April 16, 2010
WVTK Local & State News April 16, 2010
A Colorado company has been selected as the apparent low bidder for the new Crown Point Bridge. Flatiron Constructors of Lafayette, Colorado, submitted a bid of $69.7 million. The Vermont Agency of Transportation will take the next 3 weeks to review all the bid details. It's not known if any Vermont or New York subcontractors will be hired to work on the project.
Members of a Vermont National Guard contingent could be home as early as late this year from a deployment to Afghanistan. Adjutant General Michael Dubie laid out the timetable to state lawmakers yesterday. Dubie also said he may ask for more state funding for support services to help soldiers as they return home.
Rutland's new prosecutor is no stranger to the community or the Rutland County State's Attorney's Office. Rutland native Charles Romeo, who served briefly as a city alderman and who spent part of his college career as an intern in the prosecutor's office, started at the job this week as the replacement for Kathryn Smith, who left the office earlier this month.
Vermont lawmakers, looking for ways to fill a $154 million budget gap, have a new idea - taxing plastic shopping bags. The proposal calls for a 10-cent tax on each plastic bag people bring home from stores. The tax could raise between 6 and 9 million dollars a year for the state. Lawmakers say the idea was proposed too late in the session to see any action this year.
It's 14 days late and there's still no sign that New York's state budget is coming any time soon. Lawmakers have gone home for the weekend despite missing the April 1 deadline. Their proposals on how to close the $9.2 billion deficit are still billions of dollars apart from Gov. David Paterson's plan.
A handful of Vermont lawmakers are joining with business leaders to call on the legislature to shore up the state's bankrupted unemployment fund. The fund is currently borrowing from the federal government to pay unemployment benefits. A bill before the Senate Finance Committee would cut spending on benefits and increase taxes on the 23,000 employers who pay into the fund.
State House Speaker Shap Smith says lawmakers may have to return to Montpelier this summer to tighten up some loose ends on the state budget. Smith says the current supplemental budget bill will only fix about half of the shortfall it was suppose to address. He's hoping the Senate can find further savings after the bill clears the House.
A sexual assault at UVM has prompted officials to issue a crime alert. UVM police say they got a call saying a female student was attacked, possibly by two men, on the night of April 6. UVM Police say there have been 7 attacks on campus since last August. They are warning all female students to be aware of their surroundings at night and walk in groups.
The head of the Vermont National Guard says if the South Burlington base doesn't get the new F-35 fighter jets-- it could lead to job cuts. Some residents are concerned about the noise of the new planes that might replace the current F-16 fighter jets. Adjutant General Michael Dubie indicated that without the new planes, the South Burlington base could become obsolete.
The post office says it's discovered why thousands of pension checks were late getting to New Yorkers in January. An internal review shows 60,000 checks were put in with bulk mail instead of first-class mail at an Albany processing center. Some were over two weeks late getting to recipients.
The school budget for next year at Saranac Central School calls for cutting 31 jobs. School officials cut positions across all programs, departments and services to contend with soaring costs and cuts in state aid. No programs were eliminated under the spending plan. Next year's spending plan is about $70,000 less then the current year's budget.
The number of passengers using Burlington International Airport dropped 14-percent for the first 3 months of this year. Airport management says not to expect any improvement soon because of construction work on the runway. The drop in passengers also means increases in parking fees and airport rents have gone up to match the revenue shortfall.
A South Burlington man was in court answering to charges of putting his own child at risk. Police say 33-year-old Jesse Fowler left his son in the car last December while he broke into a Burlington tattoo shop. Fowler pled no contest to a cruelty charge and pled guilty to having cocaine. The state dropped the other charges against him. He was ordered to perform community service.
Today is the last day of the Street Sign Amnesty Program in Plattsburgh. Till midnight tonight, students and residents can return street signs without any questions or penalties. The city of Plattsburgh is currently putting identification information on all street and traffic signs. After today, all violators will be prosecuted.
Members of a Vermont National Guard contingent could be home as early as late this year from a deployment to Afghanistan. Adjutant General Michael Dubie laid out the timetable to state lawmakers yesterday. Dubie also said he may ask for more state funding for support services to help soldiers as they return home.
Rutland's new prosecutor is no stranger to the community or the Rutland County State's Attorney's Office. Rutland native Charles Romeo, who served briefly as a city alderman and who spent part of his college career as an intern in the prosecutor's office, started at the job this week as the replacement for Kathryn Smith, who left the office earlier this month.
Vermont lawmakers, looking for ways to fill a $154 million budget gap, have a new idea - taxing plastic shopping bags. The proposal calls for a 10-cent tax on each plastic bag people bring home from stores. The tax could raise between 6 and 9 million dollars a year for the state. Lawmakers say the idea was proposed too late in the session to see any action this year.
It's 14 days late and there's still no sign that New York's state budget is coming any time soon. Lawmakers have gone home for the weekend despite missing the April 1 deadline. Their proposals on how to close the $9.2 billion deficit are still billions of dollars apart from Gov. David Paterson's plan.
A handful of Vermont lawmakers are joining with business leaders to call on the legislature to shore up the state's bankrupted unemployment fund. The fund is currently borrowing from the federal government to pay unemployment benefits. A bill before the Senate Finance Committee would cut spending on benefits and increase taxes on the 23,000 employers who pay into the fund.
State House Speaker Shap Smith says lawmakers may have to return to Montpelier this summer to tighten up some loose ends on the state budget. Smith says the current supplemental budget bill will only fix about half of the shortfall it was suppose to address. He's hoping the Senate can find further savings after the bill clears the House.
A sexual assault at UVM has prompted officials to issue a crime alert. UVM police say they got a call saying a female student was attacked, possibly by two men, on the night of April 6. UVM Police say there have been 7 attacks on campus since last August. They are warning all female students to be aware of their surroundings at night and walk in groups.
The head of the Vermont National Guard says if the South Burlington base doesn't get the new F-35 fighter jets-- it could lead to job cuts. Some residents are concerned about the noise of the new planes that might replace the current F-16 fighter jets. Adjutant General Michael Dubie indicated that without the new planes, the South Burlington base could become obsolete.
The post office says it's discovered why thousands of pension checks were late getting to New Yorkers in January. An internal review shows 60,000 checks were put in with bulk mail instead of first-class mail at an Albany processing center. Some were over two weeks late getting to recipients.
The school budget for next year at Saranac Central School calls for cutting 31 jobs. School officials cut positions across all programs, departments and services to contend with soaring costs and cuts in state aid. No programs were eliminated under the spending plan. Next year's spending plan is about $70,000 less then the current year's budget.
The number of passengers using Burlington International Airport dropped 14-percent for the first 3 months of this year. Airport management says not to expect any improvement soon because of construction work on the runway. The drop in passengers also means increases in parking fees and airport rents have gone up to match the revenue shortfall.
A South Burlington man was in court answering to charges of putting his own child at risk. Police say 33-year-old Jesse Fowler left his son in the car last December while he broke into a Burlington tattoo shop. Fowler pled no contest to a cruelty charge and pled guilty to having cocaine. The state dropped the other charges against him. He was ordered to perform community service.
Today is the last day of the Street Sign Amnesty Program in Plattsburgh. Till midnight tonight, students and residents can return street signs without any questions or penalties. The city of Plattsburgh is currently putting identification information on all street and traffic signs. After today, all violators will be prosecuted.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
WVTK Local & State News April 15, 2010
Governor Jim Douglas wants lawmakers to drop the idea of promoting a labor agreement to cover rebuilding the Crown Point Bridge. Most construction companies in Vermont are nonunion and say the proposal would shut them out of the project. Some State Senators say using union standards for pay and benefits will result in better treatment of workers on the project.
A compliance check of more than 200 registered sex offenders in Rutland, Bennington and Addison counties found only a small percentage in violation of their residency requirements. Of the 233 sex offenders checked on during the first two weeks of April, only four were found to be living at addresses not reported to the state registry.
School administrators and the Rutland School Board are backing a plan that will change Rutland Middle School students' schedules at the start of the 2010-11 school year — one that includes eight-minute-longer classes and students taking core classes such as English, math and science at different times during the school week. Other changes include the reduction of one core class a week, replaced by a 40-minute study skills and tutorial class to be taken by all students.
A proposal to apply the state sales tax to vitamins and nutritional supplements is being opposed by Governor Jim Douglas. Douglas says taxing items people take for their health runs counter to his efforts to both hold the line on tax hikes and promote good health. Health advocacy groups have also came out against the tax increase.
Hinesburg has a new police chief. Fred Silber was appointed by the select board and replaces Chris Morrell, who was fired last month. Silber is a veteran officer with the department and has been acting chief since Morrell was fired.
Governor Jim Douglas wants Vermonters to fill out paperwork detailing what health care decisions they might want made should they become incapacitated. The form can be found on the state Health Department's Web site.
Members of the state House passed a bill yesterday requiring Vermont Yankee to set aside more money for eventual clean up of the nuclear power plant when it finally closes down. There was barely a whisper of debate, and the vote was unanimous, 139 in favor, none in opposition. Vermont Yankee officials say they don't believe the legislation is necessary because the company is committed to restoring the site.
New York State Police are conducting an investigation into how a woman locked up since 2008 in the Franklin County Jail got pregnant. The defense attorney for 25-year-old Rhonda Amber Dufoe of Snye, Quebec has confirmed that his client is between 5 and 6 months pregnant. Dufoe is behind bars waiting to be sentenced for her role in an Akwesasne murder.
A Beekmantown man faces multiple charges after allegedly stabbing another man multiple times yesterday morning near Pizza Bono in downtown Plattsburgh. Police have charged 45-year-old Christopher Jones in connection with the 3 AM incident. Police said Jones and the victim had been arguing over about $5 in change left on the restaurant counter.
Senator Patrick Leahy has delivered more than $700,000 in federal grant money that will help control invasive species in Lake Champlain. He said $500,000 will be spent on water chestnut control and nearly $100,000 will go toward fighting sea lamprey. The money will be put to use immediately to continue the efforts to beautify Lake Champlain.
The property manager of the Imperial Industrial Park in Plattsburgh says several new businesses are moving in. Many of them are Canadian Companies looking to expand. A small bread-making company and a telemarketing company will soon move in. A new company called Solve Composites has already moved into the building and is getting ready to open in June.
The names of two farm workers, one killed and the other seriously injured by a freight train were released. 78-year-old Gregory Crawford of Williston was killed when the backhoe he was driving was hit by the train. 28-year-old Shain Parker of Williston hit by the equipment as it was pushed by the train. The crash remains under investigation.
Retail sales nationwide may be up, but that's not the case in Vermont. Sales tax revenue is actually down quite a bit since last year. Economists say there are signs the recession is over and the economy is on its way to recovering. However they say it's going to be a slow process here in the Northeast with possible setbacks.
A compliance check of more than 200 registered sex offenders in Rutland, Bennington and Addison counties found only a small percentage in violation of their residency requirements. Of the 233 sex offenders checked on during the first two weeks of April, only four were found to be living at addresses not reported to the state registry.
School administrators and the Rutland School Board are backing a plan that will change Rutland Middle School students' schedules at the start of the 2010-11 school year — one that includes eight-minute-longer classes and students taking core classes such as English, math and science at different times during the school week. Other changes include the reduction of one core class a week, replaced by a 40-minute study skills and tutorial class to be taken by all students.
A proposal to apply the state sales tax to vitamins and nutritional supplements is being opposed by Governor Jim Douglas. Douglas says taxing items people take for their health runs counter to his efforts to both hold the line on tax hikes and promote good health. Health advocacy groups have also came out against the tax increase.
Hinesburg has a new police chief. Fred Silber was appointed by the select board and replaces Chris Morrell, who was fired last month. Silber is a veteran officer with the department and has been acting chief since Morrell was fired.
Governor Jim Douglas wants Vermonters to fill out paperwork detailing what health care decisions they might want made should they become incapacitated. The form can be found on the state Health Department's Web site.
Members of the state House passed a bill yesterday requiring Vermont Yankee to set aside more money for eventual clean up of the nuclear power plant when it finally closes down. There was barely a whisper of debate, and the vote was unanimous, 139 in favor, none in opposition. Vermont Yankee officials say they don't believe the legislation is necessary because the company is committed to restoring the site.
New York State Police are conducting an investigation into how a woman locked up since 2008 in the Franklin County Jail got pregnant. The defense attorney for 25-year-old Rhonda Amber Dufoe of Snye, Quebec has confirmed that his client is between 5 and 6 months pregnant. Dufoe is behind bars waiting to be sentenced for her role in an Akwesasne murder.
A Beekmantown man faces multiple charges after allegedly stabbing another man multiple times yesterday morning near Pizza Bono in downtown Plattsburgh. Police have charged 45-year-old Christopher Jones in connection with the 3 AM incident. Police said Jones and the victim had been arguing over about $5 in change left on the restaurant counter.
Senator Patrick Leahy has delivered more than $700,000 in federal grant money that will help control invasive species in Lake Champlain. He said $500,000 will be spent on water chestnut control and nearly $100,000 will go toward fighting sea lamprey. The money will be put to use immediately to continue the efforts to beautify Lake Champlain.
The property manager of the Imperial Industrial Park in Plattsburgh says several new businesses are moving in. Many of them are Canadian Companies looking to expand. A small bread-making company and a telemarketing company will soon move in. A new company called Solve Composites has already moved into the building and is getting ready to open in June.
The names of two farm workers, one killed and the other seriously injured by a freight train were released. 78-year-old Gregory Crawford of Williston was killed when the backhoe he was driving was hit by the train. 28-year-old Shain Parker of Williston hit by the equipment as it was pushed by the train. The crash remains under investigation.
Retail sales nationwide may be up, but that's not the case in Vermont. Sales tax revenue is actually down quite a bit since last year. Economists say there are signs the recession is over and the economy is on its way to recovering. However they say it's going to be a slow process here in the Northeast with possible setbacks.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
WVTK Local & State News April 14, 2010
The Vt. Legislature has now passed a jobs bill pushed by the governor. The $8.6 million in federal money will go toward new broadband, new businesses, and job training. There is also money for farmers and businesses impacted by the Champlain Bridge closure. And lawmakers included money to keep the Vermont Seal of Quality program running. Officials estimate the entire jobs bill could help keep and create hundreds of jobs.
Port Henry has gained a new fire chief but lost a longtime village trustee. James Hughes was chosen as chief of the Port Henry Volunteer Fire Department at its April 8 annual election. Hughes resigned from the Board of Trustees on Monday Night. Serving in both posts would essentially have made Hughes his own boss, because the fire chief reports to the Village Board.
A former school bookkeeper in Bristol has admitted to embezzling $22,000 in student lunch money at Mount Abraham Union High School. Police say Amy Cousino also ran up $19,000 in personal charges on the district's credit cards to pay her bills. As part of a plea deal, Cousino will be on probation for the next 5 years and will pay part of the money back.
The company proposing to lay a high voltage transmission line under the length of Lake Champlain and the Hudson River offered a better look at its plan at a meeting in Plattsburgh, last night. Transmission Developers Incorporated, or TDI, is a two-year-old Canadian company working on its first ever project. The Champlain Hudson Power Express would connect power generation sources in Northern New York and Canada, to New York City and the surrounding area. Before the company gets the go ahead from regulators and a thumbs up from environmental groups it will have to prove this project will bring big benefits without doing harm.
The Vermont House has given preliminary approval to legislation requiring the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant's owners to put up additional money toward dismantling the reactor when it eventually shuts down. Backers of the bill say it's designed to enforce an agreement made by Vermont Yankee to restore the in Vernon to a green field after decommissioning is complete.
A bill that has passed the senate and is now waiting for action from the house would call from stronger regulations on salvage yards in Vermont. State officials say nearly three-quarters of the salvage yards in Vermont are operating without state licenses or effective regulation. The legislation would setup rules for the proper handling of junk cars and similar materials.
The family of a Rutland woman who died in a state prison last year has reached a settlement with a private company that provides health care in state prisons. The Rutland Herald reports Prison Health Services reached the out of court deal with the family of Ashley Ellis. Ellis died in August after she wasn't given medication needed to counteract a heart condition.
Castleton State College recently completed several improvements to Spartan Arena and is planning a major green initiative this summer. CSC President David Wolk said the college has installed new stairways, fire exits and an elevator to address deferred maintenance issues as well as comply with health and safety regulations. Topping the list of efficient changes this summer will be new lighting fixtures throughout the facility.
There’s new information out about the F-35 Fighter Jets that Vermont Air National Guard might be getting. Officials say the F-35 is quieter on take-off than the F-16, but slightly noisier while flying overhead. An audiologist in Burlington says it will be a noticeable difference, but not by much. This information will be included in the environmental impact study being released this summer.
Burlington's Greyhound bus terminal will be moving from Pine Street to the city's airport early next month. Airport officials say the move is expected to boost the number of Canadian travelers who fly out of Burlington.
A St. Albans farm worker was killed when the backhoe he was operating was hit by a train. Police are not releasing his name. A second man was walking next to the backhoe. He was seriously hurt and was rushed to Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington. Police are still trying to figure out why the men were on the tracks and how fast the train was traveling.
Voters in the Town of Essex and Essex Junction both said yes to their spending plans for the upcoming year. Essex Junction approved their $16 million dollar budget yesterday. Essex Junction also approved their Parks and Recreation budget as well. In Essex Town, voters said yes to their $18 million school budget.
Port Henry has gained a new fire chief but lost a longtime village trustee. James Hughes was chosen as chief of the Port Henry Volunteer Fire Department at its April 8 annual election. Hughes resigned from the Board of Trustees on Monday Night. Serving in both posts would essentially have made Hughes his own boss, because the fire chief reports to the Village Board.
A former school bookkeeper in Bristol has admitted to embezzling $22,000 in student lunch money at Mount Abraham Union High School. Police say Amy Cousino also ran up $19,000 in personal charges on the district's credit cards to pay her bills. As part of a plea deal, Cousino will be on probation for the next 5 years and will pay part of the money back.
The company proposing to lay a high voltage transmission line under the length of Lake Champlain and the Hudson River offered a better look at its plan at a meeting in Plattsburgh, last night. Transmission Developers Incorporated, or TDI, is a two-year-old Canadian company working on its first ever project. The Champlain Hudson Power Express would connect power generation sources in Northern New York and Canada, to New York City and the surrounding area. Before the company gets the go ahead from regulators and a thumbs up from environmental groups it will have to prove this project will bring big benefits without doing harm.
The Vermont House has given preliminary approval to legislation requiring the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant's owners to put up additional money toward dismantling the reactor when it eventually shuts down. Backers of the bill say it's designed to enforce an agreement made by Vermont Yankee to restore the in Vernon to a green field after decommissioning is complete.
A bill that has passed the senate and is now waiting for action from the house would call from stronger regulations on salvage yards in Vermont. State officials say nearly three-quarters of the salvage yards in Vermont are operating without state licenses or effective regulation. The legislation would setup rules for the proper handling of junk cars and similar materials.
The family of a Rutland woman who died in a state prison last year has reached a settlement with a private company that provides health care in state prisons. The Rutland Herald reports Prison Health Services reached the out of court deal with the family of Ashley Ellis. Ellis died in August after she wasn't given medication needed to counteract a heart condition.
Castleton State College recently completed several improvements to Spartan Arena and is planning a major green initiative this summer. CSC President David Wolk said the college has installed new stairways, fire exits and an elevator to address deferred maintenance issues as well as comply with health and safety regulations. Topping the list of efficient changes this summer will be new lighting fixtures throughout the facility.
There’s new information out about the F-35 Fighter Jets that Vermont Air National Guard might be getting. Officials say the F-35 is quieter on take-off than the F-16, but slightly noisier while flying overhead. An audiologist in Burlington says it will be a noticeable difference, but not by much. This information will be included in the environmental impact study being released this summer.
Burlington's Greyhound bus terminal will be moving from Pine Street to the city's airport early next month. Airport officials say the move is expected to boost the number of Canadian travelers who fly out of Burlington.
A St. Albans farm worker was killed when the backhoe he was operating was hit by a train. Police are not releasing his name. A second man was walking next to the backhoe. He was seriously hurt and was rushed to Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington. Police are still trying to figure out why the men were on the tracks and how fast the train was traveling.
Voters in the Town of Essex and Essex Junction both said yes to their spending plans for the upcoming year. Essex Junction approved their $16 million dollar budget yesterday. Essex Junction also approved their Parks and Recreation budget as well. In Essex Town, voters said yes to their $18 million school budget.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
WVTK Local & State News April 13, 2010
Middlebury voters will meet tomorrow (Wednesday) at 7:30 p.m. in the Mary Hogan Elementary School gym to decide a proposed 2010-2011 ID-4 school district spending plan. Also at the annual meeting, voters will decide whether to spend up to $191,100 to finance a major pavement and drainage project on school grounds.
You can expect some delays heading through downtown Bristol this spring and summer as construction ramps up on a $1.38 million project to replace a section of the town’s aging stormwater system and upgrade the downtown water main.
A mother from Hinesburg has pled guilty to charges in a fiery crash that left her 4-year-old son paralyzed. Heather Carpentier also pled no contest to a child endangerment charge. Police say in September, Carpentier had too much to drink when she rear-ended a vehicle on Route 22A in Orwell. Both cars went off the road and caught fire. She faces up to 8 years in prison.
Organizers of a broadband initiative are encouraging rural communities across the state to apply for funding from a new broadband partnership. The e-Vermont Partnership is a $4 million initiative promoting online access, training and Web usage in rural areas. Those wishing to participate and get funding should check with the Vermont Council on Rural Development by April 30.
A new study shows Vermont leads the nation in underage drinking. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows nearly 40% of kids 12 to 20 drank the month before the poll. Nearly 30% were binge drinkers.
Officials in Essex County are asking the state to hold off on a new law that requires ignition-locking devices for convicted drunk drivers until more funding is available. The law know as Leandra's Law took effect last December. Now the driver is suppose to pay for the interlock, but judges can waive the fees for defendants who are financially unable to afford the device.
Forty students from Rutland's Stafford Technical Center skipped vacation for volunteerism yesterday by rebuilding a playground for Benson preschoolers. Benson Village School Principal Kim Doty said the project was a community effort inspired by Amy Munger, a mother and resident. In the coming days, more equipment - including a fun hoop and tetherball set meant to develop hand and eye coordination - will be installed.
Within the world of Vermont electric utilities, one of the most important jobs is the head of the Vermont Electric Power Co. or VELCO. Christopher Dutton, the former head of Green Mountain Power, has taken over that post which had, until a few days ago, been held by John Donleavy. Residential electricity customers don't get a bill from Rutland-based VELCO. But the company, controlled in large part by the power distribution utilities such as GMP and Central Vermont Public Service, makes sure the state's more than 600 miles of electric transmission lines remain working and reliable.
The state of Vermont plans to spend $120,000 to buy Internet blocking software to prevent employees from accessing pornographic and other inappropriate Web sites while at work. David Tucker, the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Innovation and Information, said Monday that the state has had some problems with state workers viewing or downloading pornography at work.
Despite the early Spring warm-up this has been a banner year for Vermont's ski industry. Plenty of snow piled up thru the middle of the winter to sustain the season and plenty of visitors hit the slopes, especially during the big holiday weeks. The Vermont Ski Areas Association is hopeful season will surpass last year's 4 million skier visits.
A Richford man, already charged with robbing a bank, is now being charged with 4 more. 23-year-old Chad Lussier already pled not guilty to robbing the TD Bank in Enosburg in January. Now federal prosecutors are accusing him of 4 more Franklin County bank robberies dating back to September 2009. Each count could bring 20-years in prison and a quarter million dollar fine.
U.S Senator Bernie Sanders says the recently passed Health Care Reform bill will help 8 federally funded Health Care Centers here in Vermont. Sanders said he helped add to the bill an increase of $12.5-Billion over 5 years for federally qualified health centers. Some 108,000 Vermonters currently are patients of the 8 federal qualified health centers around the state.
A Plattsburgh man, who has been behind bar for more than 20 years was denied parole for the 9th time. 39-year-old Michael Murphy is serving 9-years-to-life for killing 10-year-old Andrew Pitkin in 1984. Murphy was 14 at the time, and said he was angry because Pitkin had kicked his dog. Pitkin was found in a wooded area in Valcour; stabbed more than 30 times.
State lawmakers are considering a ban on felt-soled waders, which critics say help spread invasive species and disease between waterways. The proposal has cleared the House and the state Senate is now taking up the proposal. Manufacturers are already working up alternatives that don't use felt -- which gives fishermen better traction.
Students graduating from St. Michael's College will be going green this year. All 550 graduating students will be wearing robes made by a company called Green Weaver. The fabric is made from 100-percent recycled plastic bottles. The green gowns cost about the same as the traditional kind and the college intends on recycling unwanted gowns for the next graduating class.
This Thursday and Friday will be Street Sign Amnesty Days in Plattsburgh. It’s a chance for residents and students, who have stolen streets signs from the Plattsburgh Area, to return them without any penalties, no questions asked. After April 16, all violators will be prosecuted.
You can expect some delays heading through downtown Bristol this spring and summer as construction ramps up on a $1.38 million project to replace a section of the town’s aging stormwater system and upgrade the downtown water main.
A mother from Hinesburg has pled guilty to charges in a fiery crash that left her 4-year-old son paralyzed. Heather Carpentier also pled no contest to a child endangerment charge. Police say in September, Carpentier had too much to drink when she rear-ended a vehicle on Route 22A in Orwell. Both cars went off the road and caught fire. She faces up to 8 years in prison.
Organizers of a broadband initiative are encouraging rural communities across the state to apply for funding from a new broadband partnership. The e-Vermont Partnership is a $4 million initiative promoting online access, training and Web usage in rural areas. Those wishing to participate and get funding should check with the Vermont Council on Rural Development by April 30.
A new study shows Vermont leads the nation in underage drinking. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows nearly 40% of kids 12 to 20 drank the month before the poll. Nearly 30% were binge drinkers.
Officials in Essex County are asking the state to hold off on a new law that requires ignition-locking devices for convicted drunk drivers until more funding is available. The law know as Leandra's Law took effect last December. Now the driver is suppose to pay for the interlock, but judges can waive the fees for defendants who are financially unable to afford the device.
Forty students from Rutland's Stafford Technical Center skipped vacation for volunteerism yesterday by rebuilding a playground for Benson preschoolers. Benson Village School Principal Kim Doty said the project was a community effort inspired by Amy Munger, a mother and resident. In the coming days, more equipment - including a fun hoop and tetherball set meant to develop hand and eye coordination - will be installed.
Within the world of Vermont electric utilities, one of the most important jobs is the head of the Vermont Electric Power Co. or VELCO. Christopher Dutton, the former head of Green Mountain Power, has taken over that post which had, until a few days ago, been held by John Donleavy. Residential electricity customers don't get a bill from Rutland-based VELCO. But the company, controlled in large part by the power distribution utilities such as GMP and Central Vermont Public Service, makes sure the state's more than 600 miles of electric transmission lines remain working and reliable.
The state of Vermont plans to spend $120,000 to buy Internet blocking software to prevent employees from accessing pornographic and other inappropriate Web sites while at work. David Tucker, the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Innovation and Information, said Monday that the state has had some problems with state workers viewing or downloading pornography at work.
Despite the early Spring warm-up this has been a banner year for Vermont's ski industry. Plenty of snow piled up thru the middle of the winter to sustain the season and plenty of visitors hit the slopes, especially during the big holiday weeks. The Vermont Ski Areas Association is hopeful season will surpass last year's 4 million skier visits.
A Richford man, already charged with robbing a bank, is now being charged with 4 more. 23-year-old Chad Lussier already pled not guilty to robbing the TD Bank in Enosburg in January. Now federal prosecutors are accusing him of 4 more Franklin County bank robberies dating back to September 2009. Each count could bring 20-years in prison and a quarter million dollar fine.
U.S Senator Bernie Sanders says the recently passed Health Care Reform bill will help 8 federally funded Health Care Centers here in Vermont. Sanders said he helped add to the bill an increase of $12.5-Billion over 5 years for federally qualified health centers. Some 108,000 Vermonters currently are patients of the 8 federal qualified health centers around the state.
A Plattsburgh man, who has been behind bar for more than 20 years was denied parole for the 9th time. 39-year-old Michael Murphy is serving 9-years-to-life for killing 10-year-old Andrew Pitkin in 1984. Murphy was 14 at the time, and said he was angry because Pitkin had kicked his dog. Pitkin was found in a wooded area in Valcour; stabbed more than 30 times.
State lawmakers are considering a ban on felt-soled waders, which critics say help spread invasive species and disease between waterways. The proposal has cleared the House and the state Senate is now taking up the proposal. Manufacturers are already working up alternatives that don't use felt -- which gives fishermen better traction.
Students graduating from St. Michael's College will be going green this year. All 550 graduating students will be wearing robes made by a company called Green Weaver. The fabric is made from 100-percent recycled plastic bottles. The green gowns cost about the same as the traditional kind and the college intends on recycling unwanted gowns for the next graduating class.
This Thursday and Friday will be Street Sign Amnesty Days in Plattsburgh. It’s a chance for residents and students, who have stolen streets signs from the Plattsburgh Area, to return them without any penalties, no questions asked. After April 16, all violators will be prosecuted.
Monday, April 12, 2010
WVTK Local & State News April 12, 2010
Explosives broke up remaining chunks of the Champlain Bridge Friday. They blasted away underwater sections of a concrete pier to clear a channel. According to the New York Department Of Transportation they on schedule to have the entire bridge removed by the deadline of June 1st. Workers returned Saturday to break up another pier with more dynamite. Construction on a new span is scheduled to begin later in the Spring.
Vermont Fire officials say a Dump Truck fire in Middlebury was arson. A neighbor saw and reported the fire Saturday at Champlain Construction on Route 7. No one was hurt in the fire. The damage is estimated at about $12,000.
A Brandon man has died from injuries he sustained when the ATV he was riding went off a cliff last week. Police say 32-year-old Paul Pidgeon of Brandon was riding with a friend near the quarries along Route 7 when he drove off a 30-foot ledge. Police said alcohol, drugs and speed were not factors in the crash.
There may not be a consensus about what should be done with a 14-acre farm in the center of Pittsford but there was general agreement Saturday that the community should make the decision. No headway was made toward determining future use of the Forest Farm on Route 7, but residents appeared to favor the purchase of the property, which a local non-profit volunteer group has an option to buy for $650,000 spread over a three years.
Attorney General William Sorrell says he's concerned that a pattern of cases involving alleged criminal conduct by police might be undermining Vermonters' trust in their police departments. That's why Sorrell is launching a criminal investigation in a case involving a Rutland police officer who allegedly used a pepper-ball riot-control gun to subdue an unruly prisoner, as he stood shackled in a holding cell New Year's Day. The officer, Michael Nesshoever, resigned last month.
Williston Police are on the lookout for a suspicious male. On Thursday, April 1st, police say a male in his late 40’s or early 50’s with a graying beard and straggly hair was watching children near the tennis courts in the Southridge Development. Just a few days later, a man matching the same description, jumped out of the bushes at 2 elementary school girls on the bike path behind Central School.
Governor David Paterson proposed starting a new program called the 'Silver Alert'. New York would become the 12th state to adopt the Silver Alert system. That means if a senior citizen or someone considered mentally disabled goes missing, it would immediately be broadcast like an Amber Alert to police departments, on highway billboards, and at airport and bus terminals.
The South Burlington Police Department is looking for a wheelchair that was stolen Saturday Night from the University Mall. The 6-wheeled red Jazzy wheelchair, which has a tan leather captain's chair and right-side control panel, was stolen after its owner was taken to Fletcher Allan Hospital. If you have any information, please call the South Burlington Police Department.
The Vermont Department of Health is urging the state's residents to take simple actions that can help prevent them from developing diabetes. Public health officials have seen the prevalence of obesity climb slowly but steadily among middle-aged Vermonters. People at the highest risk for diabetes are overweight or inactive.
The administration of Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss is not commenting on the resignation of veteran city employee Ben Pacy. Pacy oversaw city elections and has served as assistant Chief Administrative Officer under Jonathan Leopold. Pacy served most of his career in the Parks Department before getting a major promotion. His resignation is effective in June.
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is trying to get the federal government to prohibit airlines from charging a fee for carry-on baggage. He is making a personal plea to the Treasury Department to rule that carry-on bags are a necessity for travel, which would make them exempt from a separate fee outside the ticket price.
Vermont ice cream entrepreneurs Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield are backing legislation that would allow corporations to write a social mission into their legal charters. The two say if such a law had been enacted a decade ago, they might not have had to sell their Ben & Jerry's ice cream company to European conglomerate Unilever.
Spring skiing officially came to a close Sunday, despite many ski resorts already shutting down for the season. Stowe Mountain Resort made Sunday their final day of the season, which attracted a flurry of last-minute skiers, some decked out in costumes. Ski resorts say this is one of the shortest seasons in years. At Stowe, it only lasted 127 days, nearly a month less than the average.
Vermont Fire officials say a Dump Truck fire in Middlebury was arson. A neighbor saw and reported the fire Saturday at Champlain Construction on Route 7. No one was hurt in the fire. The damage is estimated at about $12,000.
A Brandon man has died from injuries he sustained when the ATV he was riding went off a cliff last week. Police say 32-year-old Paul Pidgeon of Brandon was riding with a friend near the quarries along Route 7 when he drove off a 30-foot ledge. Police said alcohol, drugs and speed were not factors in the crash.
There may not be a consensus about what should be done with a 14-acre farm in the center of Pittsford but there was general agreement Saturday that the community should make the decision. No headway was made toward determining future use of the Forest Farm on Route 7, but residents appeared to favor the purchase of the property, which a local non-profit volunteer group has an option to buy for $650,000 spread over a three years.
Attorney General William Sorrell says he's concerned that a pattern of cases involving alleged criminal conduct by police might be undermining Vermonters' trust in their police departments. That's why Sorrell is launching a criminal investigation in a case involving a Rutland police officer who allegedly used a pepper-ball riot-control gun to subdue an unruly prisoner, as he stood shackled in a holding cell New Year's Day. The officer, Michael Nesshoever, resigned last month.
Williston Police are on the lookout for a suspicious male. On Thursday, April 1st, police say a male in his late 40’s or early 50’s with a graying beard and straggly hair was watching children near the tennis courts in the Southridge Development. Just a few days later, a man matching the same description, jumped out of the bushes at 2 elementary school girls on the bike path behind Central School.
Governor David Paterson proposed starting a new program called the 'Silver Alert'. New York would become the 12th state to adopt the Silver Alert system. That means if a senior citizen or someone considered mentally disabled goes missing, it would immediately be broadcast like an Amber Alert to police departments, on highway billboards, and at airport and bus terminals.
The South Burlington Police Department is looking for a wheelchair that was stolen Saturday Night from the University Mall. The 6-wheeled red Jazzy wheelchair, which has a tan leather captain's chair and right-side control panel, was stolen after its owner was taken to Fletcher Allan Hospital. If you have any information, please call the South Burlington Police Department.
The Vermont Department of Health is urging the state's residents to take simple actions that can help prevent them from developing diabetes. Public health officials have seen the prevalence of obesity climb slowly but steadily among middle-aged Vermonters. People at the highest risk for diabetes are overweight or inactive.
The administration of Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss is not commenting on the resignation of veteran city employee Ben Pacy. Pacy oversaw city elections and has served as assistant Chief Administrative Officer under Jonathan Leopold. Pacy served most of his career in the Parks Department before getting a major promotion. His resignation is effective in June.
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is trying to get the federal government to prohibit airlines from charging a fee for carry-on baggage. He is making a personal plea to the Treasury Department to rule that carry-on bags are a necessity for travel, which would make them exempt from a separate fee outside the ticket price.
Vermont ice cream entrepreneurs Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield are backing legislation that would allow corporations to write a social mission into their legal charters. The two say if such a law had been enacted a decade ago, they might not have had to sell their Ben & Jerry's ice cream company to European conglomerate Unilever.
Spring skiing officially came to a close Sunday, despite many ski resorts already shutting down for the season. Stowe Mountain Resort made Sunday their final day of the season, which attracted a flurry of last-minute skiers, some decked out in costumes. Ski resorts say this is one of the shortest seasons in years. At Stowe, it only lasted 127 days, nearly a month less than the average.
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