Vermont State Police are looking for two people discovered in other people’s homes. The first incident took place shortly after 9AM yesterday on Creek Road in Clarendon. Police say Christina Wortman returned home and found a man standing him her living room. A similar incident took place a short time later on Geer Road in Wells. Anyone with information on either incident is asked to call police.
A Middlebury College political science professor will resign December 31st following her July plea of no contest to the charges of embezzlement. Kateri Carmola informed coworkers and students of her decision to step down at the end of this year via an e-mail message that was distributed on campus.
If you felt last month was unseasonably warm here in Addison County it was truly record breaking. According to data documented by National Weather Service observers, South Lincoln had its warmest November on record, with a monthly average of 40.8 degrees. The second warmest November in South Lincoln weather history was in 2006 at 40.3 degrees. Salisbury tied its November 2006 monthly temperature average record of 43.6 degrees and Cornwall posted its seventh warmest November in history at 42.3 degrees. The warmest was in 1948 at 45.7 degrees. While temperatures were up in November, precipitation was down in Addison County.
The Cornwall select-board is seeking public input by circulating a community-wide survey in hopes of settling the future of the town-owned Lavalley Store building at next March’s town meeting. The Lavalley building is a circa-1880s structure located next to the Cornwall Town Hall. It was used for decades as a store and as a residence before being vacated and donated to the town by the Lavalley family in 2001.
The latest national health rankings show that once again Vermont is the healthiest state in the nation. The study done by the United Health Foundation ranked Vermont the most healthy for the third year in a row and the fourth time in the last five years. New Hampshire ranked as the second healthiest state and Maine ranked eighth.
The new Middlebury African Music and Dance Ensemble will present its debut concert "Beyond Drumming" this evening at 8 in the Mahaney Center for the Arts Concert Hall. The ensemble will highlight the music and culture of Uganda in an hour-long program of instrumental, song and dance performance.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
WVTK Local & State News December 6, 2011
A Middlebury College political science professor will resign December 31st following her July plea of no contest to the charges of embezzlement. Kateri Carmola informed coworkers and students of her decision to step down at the end of this year via an e-mail message that was distributed on campus.
Vermont State Police are looking for two people discovered in other people’s homes. The first incident took place shortly after 9AM yesterday on Creek Road in Clarendon. Police said Christina Wortman returned home from taking her child to school and found a man standing him her living room. A similar incident took place a short time later on Geer Road in Wells. Police said they got a call shortly before 11 a.m. about an “unknown person” entering the house. Anyone with information on either incident is asked to call police. The suspect in the Creek Road incident is described as a black male, about 20 years old, clean-shaven and wearing a brown jacket, light blue hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and red sneakers.
If you felt last month was unseasonably warm here in Addison County it was truly record breaking. According to data documented by National Weather Service observers South Lincoln had its warmest November on record, with a monthly average of 40.8 degrees. The second warmest November in South Lincoln weather history was in 2006 at 40.3 degrees. Salisbury tied its November 2006 monthly temperature average record of 43.6 degrees and Cornwall posted its seventh warmest November in history at 42.3 degrees. The warmest was in 1948 at 45.7 degrees. While temperatures were up in November, precipitation was down in Addison County.
According to the 2010 census, Monkton is one of Addison County’s fastest growing towns, expanding at a rate of 12.6 percent in the last decade and they have exceeded the capacity of their town hall. Town officials are hoping to move Monkton’s 152-year-old town hall from its current spot on Monkton Ridge up the street to town-owned land next to Monkton Friends Church overlooking Monkton Pond. The cost of this new town building is estimated at $1.5 million and if approved in a vote likely to take place next year, this would add 8-10 cents to property taxes to cover a 20-year bond with no outside financial assistance.
Child Care advocates are concerned about service cuts. More than 20 representatives of Addison County’s child care community gathered in Middlebury last week and vowed to push for more state support for services they said are being stressed by the struggling economy and drug abuse within young families.
A local resident has been named to the national organic advisory board. Rural development and environmental policy expert Jean Richardson of North Ferrisburgh has been named to the advisory board that helps set national standards for organic agriculture and products.
The Cornwall select-board is seeking public input by circulating a community-wide survey in hopes of settling the future of the town-owned Lavalley Store building at next March’s town meeting. The Lavalley building is a circa-1880s structure located next to the Cornwall Town Hall. It was used for decades as a store and as a residence before being vacated and donated to the town by the Lavalley family in 2001.
How to mitigate flooding from events like the record spring levels of Lake Champlain and Tropical Storm Irene remains an enigma. But the Lake Champlain Citizens Advisory Committee of New York State and others hope to find a solution. The Advisory Committee, comprised of a cross-section of agency representatives and individuals, provides information and works with other groups and governmental entities.
Ken Tucker believes beer could be an economic force in the Adirondacks. The Ticonderoga man has embarked on a project to attract small breweries throughout the region. He believes the effort will result in $3 billion in revenue a year and 5,000 jobs in 15 years. The key is the 10 trillion gallons of fresh water that flows from the Adirondacks each year. Water is the key ingredient in beer making this area a prime location for breweries. Tucker lived for 12 years in Oregon where small breweries thrive. Craft brewing is responsible for $3 billion in revenue each year and 5,000 jobs in Oregon and he believes the industry can do the same thing in the Adirondack Park.
The state has released new estimates on the cost of damages from Tropical Storm Irene and how much of it will have to be paid for by Vermont taxpayers. Officials now believe the floodwaters from Irene caused up to 572-million dollars in damage to state and local roads, bridges and other infrastructure. And if all federal funding comes through that the state could qualify for, state and local governments would have to cover about 98-million dollars. The Vermont share is greatly reduced thanks to legislation pushed thru recently by Vermont's congressional delegation that waives federal funding limits.
It's now illegal to toss rechargeable batteries in the trash in New York State. Under a law signed into law by the governor in December 2010, consumers now have to take their worn-out rechargeable batteries to be recycled. And stores that sell them have to accept rechargeables for recycling. Retailers had to start accepting batteries for recycling back in June, but the consumer ban on disposal has just now taken effect. The law covers batteries for laptops, cameras, cell phones, and rechargeable alkaline batteries. People caught tossing rechargeables in the garbage face fines of $50 for the first offense and $100 for the second.
A convicted kidnapper suspected of assaulting a woman in Vermont has been arrested in New Hampshire after a 5-day search. Vermont State Police say 42-year-old Harley Breer of Calais was found at the home of an acquaintance in Tilton, NH. Police say he was arrested on Monday without incident. Police had issued an arrest warrant for Breer on Wednesday for violating the conditions of his parole after his 2009 release from prison for kidnapping his estranged girlfriend's mother in 1999.
The struggling U.S. Postal Service says it's moving forward with plans to close more than 250 mail processing centers around the country, including two slated for Vermont. The $3 billion in cuts announced Monday would slow first-class mail service, ending next-day deliveries of stamped letters. The list released earlier this year of processing centers to be closed includes facilities in the village of Essex Junction and in White River Junction. The Postal Service says the cuts are in response to a steady drop in the amount of mail it handles.
The faculty union at the University of Vermont has ratified a new contract. United Academics and UVM reached a tentative agreement on November 14th after ten months of negotiations and mediation sessions. The faculty ratified the contract on Monday. The union says the new 3-year contract includes modest salary increases and improvement in workload conditions while retaining existing health benefits and premium rates for active faculty.
A supporter of the protesters seeking to derail a wind power project under construction on a Vermont ridgeline says seven people were arrested while blocking a road up Lowell Mountain. Steve Wright of Craftsbury says the protesters were arrested yesterday morning after they blocked construction vehicles in an area where they believe land ownership is in dispute.
The Atlanta-based chicken restaurant chain Chick-fil-A says it's going to fight to protect its trademarked slogan "eat mor chikin" from what it sees as encroachment by a Vermont folk artist who uses the term "eat more kale" on T-shirts. Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin says the state will help Montpelier artist Bo Muller-Moore raise money for his legal costs in a trade mark fight with Chick-fil-A, the nation's second largest chicken restaurant chain.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters expects to be named in a lawsuit that claims the company defrauded investors. A Green Mountain Coffee spokesperson says the Louisiana Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System is filing suit against the company, claiming it falsified statements to make it look like it was performing better than it was. The Company has reviewed the complaint and believes the claims are without merit and will defend themselves.
A Vermont woman is accused of telling police she escaped from a potential kidnapper while on a break from her job at a Colchester convenience store. Colchester police say Kendra Brown of Fairfax is charged with filing a false kidnapping report.
The Ticonderoga Historical Society will host its annual Festival of Trees this December at the Hancock House. This marks the 21st year for the holiday tradition, which features a festive display of trees decorated by local businesses, organizations, families and individuals. A highlight of the month long event is the Hancock House open house this Sunday from 1 to 3PM. The open house gives visitors a chance to see the trees and exchange holiday greetings.
The new Middlebury African Music and Dance Ensemble will present its debut concert "Beyond Drumming" this evening at 8 in the Mahaney Center for the Arts Concert Hall. The ensemble will highlight the music and culture of Uganda in an hour-long program of instrumental, song and dance performance.
Stafford Technical Center in Rutland is hosting a "Building Renovations Community Open House" from 4:30 to 8PM today. There will be guided tours, demonstrations by programs, fun activities, live music by the Stafford All Stars, refreshments and door prize giveaways.
Vermont State Police are looking for two people discovered in other people’s homes. The first incident took place shortly after 9AM yesterday on Creek Road in Clarendon. Police said Christina Wortman returned home from taking her child to school and found a man standing him her living room. A similar incident took place a short time later on Geer Road in Wells. Police said they got a call shortly before 11 a.m. about an “unknown person” entering the house. Anyone with information on either incident is asked to call police. The suspect in the Creek Road incident is described as a black male, about 20 years old, clean-shaven and wearing a brown jacket, light blue hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and red sneakers.
If you felt last month was unseasonably warm here in Addison County it was truly record breaking. According to data documented by National Weather Service observers South Lincoln had its warmest November on record, with a monthly average of 40.8 degrees. The second warmest November in South Lincoln weather history was in 2006 at 40.3 degrees. Salisbury tied its November 2006 monthly temperature average record of 43.6 degrees and Cornwall posted its seventh warmest November in history at 42.3 degrees. The warmest was in 1948 at 45.7 degrees. While temperatures were up in November, precipitation was down in Addison County.
According to the 2010 census, Monkton is one of Addison County’s fastest growing towns, expanding at a rate of 12.6 percent in the last decade and they have exceeded the capacity of their town hall. Town officials are hoping to move Monkton’s 152-year-old town hall from its current spot on Monkton Ridge up the street to town-owned land next to Monkton Friends Church overlooking Monkton Pond. The cost of this new town building is estimated at $1.5 million and if approved in a vote likely to take place next year, this would add 8-10 cents to property taxes to cover a 20-year bond with no outside financial assistance.
Child Care advocates are concerned about service cuts. More than 20 representatives of Addison County’s child care community gathered in Middlebury last week and vowed to push for more state support for services they said are being stressed by the struggling economy and drug abuse within young families.
A local resident has been named to the national organic advisory board. Rural development and environmental policy expert Jean Richardson of North Ferrisburgh has been named to the advisory board that helps set national standards for organic agriculture and products.
The Cornwall select-board is seeking public input by circulating a community-wide survey in hopes of settling the future of the town-owned Lavalley Store building at next March’s town meeting. The Lavalley building is a circa-1880s structure located next to the Cornwall Town Hall. It was used for decades as a store and as a residence before being vacated and donated to the town by the Lavalley family in 2001.
How to mitigate flooding from events like the record spring levels of Lake Champlain and Tropical Storm Irene remains an enigma. But the Lake Champlain Citizens Advisory Committee of New York State and others hope to find a solution. The Advisory Committee, comprised of a cross-section of agency representatives and individuals, provides information and works with other groups and governmental entities.
Ken Tucker believes beer could be an economic force in the Adirondacks. The Ticonderoga man has embarked on a project to attract small breweries throughout the region. He believes the effort will result in $3 billion in revenue a year and 5,000 jobs in 15 years. The key is the 10 trillion gallons of fresh water that flows from the Adirondacks each year. Water is the key ingredient in beer making this area a prime location for breweries. Tucker lived for 12 years in Oregon where small breweries thrive. Craft brewing is responsible for $3 billion in revenue each year and 5,000 jobs in Oregon and he believes the industry can do the same thing in the Adirondack Park.
The state has released new estimates on the cost of damages from Tropical Storm Irene and how much of it will have to be paid for by Vermont taxpayers. Officials now believe the floodwaters from Irene caused up to 572-million dollars in damage to state and local roads, bridges and other infrastructure. And if all federal funding comes through that the state could qualify for, state and local governments would have to cover about 98-million dollars. The Vermont share is greatly reduced thanks to legislation pushed thru recently by Vermont's congressional delegation that waives federal funding limits.
It's now illegal to toss rechargeable batteries in the trash in New York State. Under a law signed into law by the governor in December 2010, consumers now have to take their worn-out rechargeable batteries to be recycled. And stores that sell them have to accept rechargeables for recycling. Retailers had to start accepting batteries for recycling back in June, but the consumer ban on disposal has just now taken effect. The law covers batteries for laptops, cameras, cell phones, and rechargeable alkaline batteries. People caught tossing rechargeables in the garbage face fines of $50 for the first offense and $100 for the second.
A convicted kidnapper suspected of assaulting a woman in Vermont has been arrested in New Hampshire after a 5-day search. Vermont State Police say 42-year-old Harley Breer of Calais was found at the home of an acquaintance in Tilton, NH. Police say he was arrested on Monday without incident. Police had issued an arrest warrant for Breer on Wednesday for violating the conditions of his parole after his 2009 release from prison for kidnapping his estranged girlfriend's mother in 1999.
The struggling U.S. Postal Service says it's moving forward with plans to close more than 250 mail processing centers around the country, including two slated for Vermont. The $3 billion in cuts announced Monday would slow first-class mail service, ending next-day deliveries of stamped letters. The list released earlier this year of processing centers to be closed includes facilities in the village of Essex Junction and in White River Junction. The Postal Service says the cuts are in response to a steady drop in the amount of mail it handles.
The faculty union at the University of Vermont has ratified a new contract. United Academics and UVM reached a tentative agreement on November 14th after ten months of negotiations and mediation sessions. The faculty ratified the contract on Monday. The union says the new 3-year contract includes modest salary increases and improvement in workload conditions while retaining existing health benefits and premium rates for active faculty.
A supporter of the protesters seeking to derail a wind power project under construction on a Vermont ridgeline says seven people were arrested while blocking a road up Lowell Mountain. Steve Wright of Craftsbury says the protesters were arrested yesterday morning after they blocked construction vehicles in an area where they believe land ownership is in dispute.
The Atlanta-based chicken restaurant chain Chick-fil-A says it's going to fight to protect its trademarked slogan "eat mor chikin" from what it sees as encroachment by a Vermont folk artist who uses the term "eat more kale" on T-shirts. Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin says the state will help Montpelier artist Bo Muller-Moore raise money for his legal costs in a trade mark fight with Chick-fil-A, the nation's second largest chicken restaurant chain.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters expects to be named in a lawsuit that claims the company defrauded investors. A Green Mountain Coffee spokesperson says the Louisiana Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System is filing suit against the company, claiming it falsified statements to make it look like it was performing better than it was. The Company has reviewed the complaint and believes the claims are without merit and will defend themselves.
A Vermont woman is accused of telling police she escaped from a potential kidnapper while on a break from her job at a Colchester convenience store. Colchester police say Kendra Brown of Fairfax is charged with filing a false kidnapping report.
The Ticonderoga Historical Society will host its annual Festival of Trees this December at the Hancock House. This marks the 21st year for the holiday tradition, which features a festive display of trees decorated by local businesses, organizations, families and individuals. A highlight of the month long event is the Hancock House open house this Sunday from 1 to 3PM. The open house gives visitors a chance to see the trees and exchange holiday greetings.
The new Middlebury African Music and Dance Ensemble will present its debut concert "Beyond Drumming" this evening at 8 in the Mahaney Center for the Arts Concert Hall. The ensemble will highlight the music and culture of Uganda in an hour-long program of instrumental, song and dance performance.
Stafford Technical Center in Rutland is hosting a "Building Renovations Community Open House" from 4:30 to 8PM today. There will be guided tours, demonstrations by programs, fun activities, live music by the Stafford All Stars, refreshments and door prize giveaways.
Monday, December 5, 2011
WVTK Local & State News December 5, 2011
A student at Landmark College has pleaded not guilty to charges of setting off a homemade bomb on campus. According to court documents, Kevin Spitzner told police that he built the device using household cleaning products, and that he set it off to scare another student that he was fighting with. No one was injured by the device. The 23-year-old Shoreham man faces up to 10 years behind bars if convicted.
Area Police Departments are urging you to be aware of shoplifters and to protect yourself against theft this Holiday Season. Police recommend that you always lock car doors and place packages and valuable items in the trunk. If possible, leave handbags at home in favor of a wallet. Never leave a purse or other valuables unattended in a cart. Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Report suspicious activity to police or store personnel. When choosing a parking spot, favor well lit, heavily traveled sections of the parking lot and park close to the entrance if possible.
According to Vermont State Police no one was injured in a three-car, two-deer collision on Route 7 in New Haven on Friday night. A state trooper and a Vermont Fish and Wildlife game warden responded to the scene where drivers said two deer came bounding into traffic between vehicles. Although no one was injured, two of the three vehicles sustained damage when they collided with the deer before leaving the roadway.
A New York man was in a Vermont court Friday to face drug trafficking charges. Vermont State police stopped Saad Washington of Brooklyn, Thursday night on Route 4 in Fair Haven. Police say they found 220 bags of heroin, an ounce of cocaine and some marijuana in the car. Police say Washington was bringing the drugs from New York City into Rutland County, specifically the Brandon area. Washington faces charges of heroin trafficking and possession of crack cocaine and marijuana.
The Brandon House of Pizza reopened last Tuesday and according to the owner people have been coming into the pizza shop excited that they are open. On its fourth day open, there was still a long wait. She said they have received numerous phone calls congratulating them for reopening and have had people come to Brandon from as far as Rochester and Burlington for pizza. The Brandon House of Pizza closed its doors on August 28th after water from the Neshobe River flooded the shop during Tropical Storm Irene with several inches of water and lifted up the back of the building, causing permanent damage. The new shop is located next to Aubuchon Hardware on Route 7.
The town of Moriah is borrowing $500,000 to help cover expenses from major storms that hit the community this year. According to the Town Supervisor the loan will not affect local taxpayers. Moriah officials are confident the storm damage will ultimately be paid for by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but that money has not yet arrived and a new budget year starts in a few weeks.
A big crowd is expected for tonight's public hearing on the tentative 2012 Essex County budget. The hearing at 6:30PM in the Old County Courthouse will let the County Board of Supervisors know whether most people would prefer a significant tax hike over deep cuts to county programs and personnel. County Manager Daniel Palmer said the County Board of Supervisors is planning to pass a budget with a 4.5 percent increase in the amount to be raised by taxes.
Twenty North Country fire districts failed to file the required tax-cap data with the State Comptroller's Office in November. More than 56 percent of the state's 882 fire districts recently approved budgets without filing the required tax-cap data, which was due November 4th. Locally in Essex County, the districts that did not file the data on time include Essex No. 1 and No. 2, Keene, Mineville-Witherbee, Schroon Lake, Ticonderoga and Willsboro.
Rutland physician Dr. Seth Coombs is 1 of the first doctors in Vermont to adopt a new style of medical practice that is expanding across the country. Coombs has switched to a practice known as boutique doctors, or personalized medicine. His patients have to pay him a retainer and they are still billed for their appointments and procedures. In return, the patients’ get his cell phone number and email address and they're guaranteed appointments the same or the next day. Coombs says he's also providing better care than traditional practices. But thousands of people in the Rutland area have had to find new doctors and some of Coombs' former patients are ending up in the emergency room when their conditions couldn't wait for an appointment with a new physician.
Authorities across New England continue to hunt for a prison escapee. Police say David Hobson should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. The Alfred Maine man escaped from a county jail in Ossipee New Hampshire on Thursday. Police say Hobson escaped from prison with the purpose of harming two individuals however no further details have been released. His father, Glenn Hobson, was arrested Friday for allegedly leaving a stash of supplies for his son.
Vermont Democrats held their annual caucus to plan for the upcoming legislative session, and discussion turned to Tropical Storm Irene. House Speaker Shap Smith told his Democratic colleagues Saturday that Irene was a defining moment in Vermont history. Smith said it served as a reminder that government serves a purpose, especially in an era when much of the conversation is about what is wrong with government. Lawmakers return in January.
Period music, holiday decorations and horse-drawn sleigh rides will be among the draws for next weekend's holiday open house at the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth Notch. Many of the site's buildings will be open free of charge next Sunday, with the Coolidge birthplace decorated as it would have been in 1872, the year Coolidge was born.
Governor Peter Shumlin plans today to wade into the battle between Chick-fil-A and folk artist Bo Muller-Moore. Muller-Moore has been at odds with the fast-food chain, which says his "Eat More Kale" t-shirts interfere with the chain's trademarked "Eat Mor Chikin" sales pitch.
For 54 years, Santa's Land on Route 5 in Putney has been a holiday tradition for many, many families but not for much longer. In two weeks, the attraction resembling Santa's home at the North Pole is closing down. Owner Tim Wells says the cost of running it has gone up while the incoming revenue has gone down. The high cost of gas has also hurt much of the park's out-of-state business. It's now up for sale, and the Wells family hopes the next owners can re-open in time for the holidays next year.
A long-time Vermont journalist and government communications official has joined the staff of U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy. Diane Derby will work out of Leahy's Montpelier office. Derby worked as communication director for retired U.S. Senator James Jeffords and as a reporter for the Vermont Press Bureau and the Burlington Free Press.
Since the wind turbine project began on Lowell Mountain in September, dozens of people have been camping nearby on Don Nelson's property. Sunday they opened up their camp to anyone else who wanted to see what the project looked like. At the protesters camp organizers took questions and explained what they were doing, as well as what was happening on the mountain. Green Mountain Power is putting in 21 windmills that will ultimately pay out big bucks to nearby towns.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo's jobs plan proposes to expand gaming, which could mean a Catskills casino, a new infrastructure repair fund, more tax credits for job growth and a job-training program. The extensive proposal released yesterday is Cuomo's response to an unexpected $350 million deficit this year and a projected $3.5 billion deficit in the 2010-13 fiscal year. Cuomo doesn't mention raising taxes, or adjusting the tax code to increase taxes for wealthier New Yorkers.
Hundreds of people turned out for an open house and tour of the new barn at Pete's Greens, a four-season organic farm in Craftsbury. Pete Johnson's new, modern barn, which looks like a warehouse, replaces the farm's traditional barn, which burned down in January. The open house Saturday was to thank people who helped Pete's Greens rebuild and keep operating.
When you plan your next trip, you might want to think about something else besides the quickest way to get to your destination. A Shelburne company has created a new web app that promises to find you the best route for the environment and possibly your wallet. And it's been honored with a big national award. The web app Hootroot allows people to plan trips with CO2 in mind. The EPA has taken note of the Hootroot app, recognizing Brighter Planet with an award in the Best App for the Environment challenge.
It’s that time of year again! You can cut your own Christmas tree in the Green Mountain National Forest for the $5 cost of a permit and the energy to go cut it. The permit must be bought at a Forest Service district office; it has to be attached to the tree before it’s removed; and the permit holder is responsible for knowing the tree comes from Forest Service land. Local Forest Service offices are located here in Middlebury on Route 7 South, Rutland on North Main Street and in Rochester on Ranger Road.
There's new life for a shuttered ski resort in southern Vermont. A Connecticut businessman has purchased Dover's Haystack Ski area and plans on turning the complex into an exclusive, members-only resort. The ski area has been closed for the past six years. The new owner plans to open the ski area on weekends starting some time later this month.
Area Police Departments are urging you to be aware of shoplifters and to protect yourself against theft this Holiday Season. Police recommend that you always lock car doors and place packages and valuable items in the trunk. If possible, leave handbags at home in favor of a wallet. Never leave a purse or other valuables unattended in a cart. Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Report suspicious activity to police or store personnel. When choosing a parking spot, favor well lit, heavily traveled sections of the parking lot and park close to the entrance if possible.
According to Vermont State Police no one was injured in a three-car, two-deer collision on Route 7 in New Haven on Friday night. A state trooper and a Vermont Fish and Wildlife game warden responded to the scene where drivers said two deer came bounding into traffic between vehicles. Although no one was injured, two of the three vehicles sustained damage when they collided with the deer before leaving the roadway.
A New York man was in a Vermont court Friday to face drug trafficking charges. Vermont State police stopped Saad Washington of Brooklyn, Thursday night on Route 4 in Fair Haven. Police say they found 220 bags of heroin, an ounce of cocaine and some marijuana in the car. Police say Washington was bringing the drugs from New York City into Rutland County, specifically the Brandon area. Washington faces charges of heroin trafficking and possession of crack cocaine and marijuana.
The Brandon House of Pizza reopened last Tuesday and according to the owner people have been coming into the pizza shop excited that they are open. On its fourth day open, there was still a long wait. She said they have received numerous phone calls congratulating them for reopening and have had people come to Brandon from as far as Rochester and Burlington for pizza. The Brandon House of Pizza closed its doors on August 28th after water from the Neshobe River flooded the shop during Tropical Storm Irene with several inches of water and lifted up the back of the building, causing permanent damage. The new shop is located next to Aubuchon Hardware on Route 7.
The town of Moriah is borrowing $500,000 to help cover expenses from major storms that hit the community this year. According to the Town Supervisor the loan will not affect local taxpayers. Moriah officials are confident the storm damage will ultimately be paid for by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but that money has not yet arrived and a new budget year starts in a few weeks.
A big crowd is expected for tonight's public hearing on the tentative 2012 Essex County budget. The hearing at 6:30PM in the Old County Courthouse will let the County Board of Supervisors know whether most people would prefer a significant tax hike over deep cuts to county programs and personnel. County Manager Daniel Palmer said the County Board of Supervisors is planning to pass a budget with a 4.5 percent increase in the amount to be raised by taxes.
Twenty North Country fire districts failed to file the required tax-cap data with the State Comptroller's Office in November. More than 56 percent of the state's 882 fire districts recently approved budgets without filing the required tax-cap data, which was due November 4th. Locally in Essex County, the districts that did not file the data on time include Essex No. 1 and No. 2, Keene, Mineville-Witherbee, Schroon Lake, Ticonderoga and Willsboro.
Rutland physician Dr. Seth Coombs is 1 of the first doctors in Vermont to adopt a new style of medical practice that is expanding across the country. Coombs has switched to a practice known as boutique doctors, or personalized medicine. His patients have to pay him a retainer and they are still billed for their appointments and procedures. In return, the patients’ get his cell phone number and email address and they're guaranteed appointments the same or the next day. Coombs says he's also providing better care than traditional practices. But thousands of people in the Rutland area have had to find new doctors and some of Coombs' former patients are ending up in the emergency room when their conditions couldn't wait for an appointment with a new physician.
Authorities across New England continue to hunt for a prison escapee. Police say David Hobson should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. The Alfred Maine man escaped from a county jail in Ossipee New Hampshire on Thursday. Police say Hobson escaped from prison with the purpose of harming two individuals however no further details have been released. His father, Glenn Hobson, was arrested Friday for allegedly leaving a stash of supplies for his son.
Vermont Democrats held their annual caucus to plan for the upcoming legislative session, and discussion turned to Tropical Storm Irene. House Speaker Shap Smith told his Democratic colleagues Saturday that Irene was a defining moment in Vermont history. Smith said it served as a reminder that government serves a purpose, especially in an era when much of the conversation is about what is wrong with government. Lawmakers return in January.
Period music, holiday decorations and horse-drawn sleigh rides will be among the draws for next weekend's holiday open house at the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth Notch. Many of the site's buildings will be open free of charge next Sunday, with the Coolidge birthplace decorated as it would have been in 1872, the year Coolidge was born.
Governor Peter Shumlin plans today to wade into the battle between Chick-fil-A and folk artist Bo Muller-Moore. Muller-Moore has been at odds with the fast-food chain, which says his "Eat More Kale" t-shirts interfere with the chain's trademarked "Eat Mor Chikin" sales pitch.
For 54 years, Santa's Land on Route 5 in Putney has been a holiday tradition for many, many families but not for much longer. In two weeks, the attraction resembling Santa's home at the North Pole is closing down. Owner Tim Wells says the cost of running it has gone up while the incoming revenue has gone down. The high cost of gas has also hurt much of the park's out-of-state business. It's now up for sale, and the Wells family hopes the next owners can re-open in time for the holidays next year.
A long-time Vermont journalist and government communications official has joined the staff of U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy. Diane Derby will work out of Leahy's Montpelier office. Derby worked as communication director for retired U.S. Senator James Jeffords and as a reporter for the Vermont Press Bureau and the Burlington Free Press.
Since the wind turbine project began on Lowell Mountain in September, dozens of people have been camping nearby on Don Nelson's property. Sunday they opened up their camp to anyone else who wanted to see what the project looked like. At the protesters camp organizers took questions and explained what they were doing, as well as what was happening on the mountain. Green Mountain Power is putting in 21 windmills that will ultimately pay out big bucks to nearby towns.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo's jobs plan proposes to expand gaming, which could mean a Catskills casino, a new infrastructure repair fund, more tax credits for job growth and a job-training program. The extensive proposal released yesterday is Cuomo's response to an unexpected $350 million deficit this year and a projected $3.5 billion deficit in the 2010-13 fiscal year. Cuomo doesn't mention raising taxes, or adjusting the tax code to increase taxes for wealthier New Yorkers.
Hundreds of people turned out for an open house and tour of the new barn at Pete's Greens, a four-season organic farm in Craftsbury. Pete Johnson's new, modern barn, which looks like a warehouse, replaces the farm's traditional barn, which burned down in January. The open house Saturday was to thank people who helped Pete's Greens rebuild and keep operating.
When you plan your next trip, you might want to think about something else besides the quickest way to get to your destination. A Shelburne company has created a new web app that promises to find you the best route for the environment and possibly your wallet. And it's been honored with a big national award. The web app Hootroot allows people to plan trips with CO2 in mind. The EPA has taken note of the Hootroot app, recognizing Brighter Planet with an award in the Best App for the Environment challenge.
It’s that time of year again! You can cut your own Christmas tree in the Green Mountain National Forest for the $5 cost of a permit and the energy to go cut it. The permit must be bought at a Forest Service district office; it has to be attached to the tree before it’s removed; and the permit holder is responsible for knowing the tree comes from Forest Service land. Local Forest Service offices are located here in Middlebury on Route 7 South, Rutland on North Main Street and in Rochester on Ranger Road.
There's new life for a shuttered ski resort in southern Vermont. A Connecticut businessman has purchased Dover's Haystack Ski area and plans on turning the complex into an exclusive, members-only resort. The ski area has been closed for the past six years. The new owner plans to open the ski area on weekends starting some time later this month.
Friday, December 2, 2011
WVTK Local & State News December 2, 2011 (Afternoon Update)
A New York man is in court today answering to charges of drug trafficking in Rutland County. 26-year-old Saad Washington was arresting last night in Fair Haven. During a search of his vehicle police recovered a large amount of drugs. Police say Washington was bringing the drugs from New York City into Rutland County.
Bristol Planning Commission Chair Tom Wells resigned on Wednesday after 8 years serving on the commission and four years heading it. His decision comes after he missed the past 3 meetings for work-related reasons. It also comes after the Commission’s Vice-chair potentially violated the state open meeting law when he refused to let a member of the public ask a question.
Town Officials in Middlebury are looking for the public's input on a new municipal building. Officials hope the project can ready for construction by the spring of 2013. Right now Middlebury’s new municipal building exists as rough lines on paper. You can get more details by visiting the Town’s Website: Middlebury.GovOffice.com.
New England Quality Service LLC is seeking zoning permission to acquire a large metal shredding device for use at its Wyre Wheel Route 7 location. The shredder will allow them to recycle metal debris, including cars and washing machines, more quickly and efficiently. Some residents have spoke up and told the Middlebury Development Review Board that they want to make sure the new equipment doesn’t bring more noise and traffic to the area.
The Rutland School Board approved a contract for about 110 teachers’ aides and nonexecutive secretaries in the district Tuesday night that provides them with an average 2.93 percent salary increase over the next three years. The Board unanimously approved the contract for the Rutland School Staff Association after a brief executive session.
Some of Vermont's veterans want to help fellow vets who are suffering after Tropical Storm Irene. Staff at the state VFW has raised tens of thousands of dollars and are ready to write checks. But first they need proud veterans to ask for help. The VFW is not sure how many veterans were affected by the storm. But the VFW knows they are out there and they hope those veterans hear this message; there is money to help you. To apply just contact the Vermont VFW.
Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin says Vermont's statewide school property tax rates should remain at 87 cents per $100 of value for primary homes and $1.37 per $100 for commercial and other non-homestead properties. December 1st is the day when state law requires the administration to issue its recommendations for the tax rates for the coming year. Shumlin says Vermont's declining school enrollment numbers mean the tax rates can remain flat, even if per pupil costs rise slightly.
Bristol Planning Commission Chair Tom Wells resigned on Wednesday after 8 years serving on the commission and four years heading it. His decision comes after he missed the past 3 meetings for work-related reasons. It also comes after the Commission’s Vice-chair potentially violated the state open meeting law when he refused to let a member of the public ask a question.
Town Officials in Middlebury are looking for the public's input on a new municipal building. Officials hope the project can ready for construction by the spring of 2013. Right now Middlebury’s new municipal building exists as rough lines on paper. You can get more details by visiting the Town’s Website: Middlebury.GovOffice.com.
New England Quality Service LLC is seeking zoning permission to acquire a large metal shredding device for use at its Wyre Wheel Route 7 location. The shredder will allow them to recycle metal debris, including cars and washing machines, more quickly and efficiently. Some residents have spoke up and told the Middlebury Development Review Board that they want to make sure the new equipment doesn’t bring more noise and traffic to the area.
The Rutland School Board approved a contract for about 110 teachers’ aides and nonexecutive secretaries in the district Tuesday night that provides them with an average 2.93 percent salary increase over the next three years. The Board unanimously approved the contract for the Rutland School Staff Association after a brief executive session.
Some of Vermont's veterans want to help fellow vets who are suffering after Tropical Storm Irene. Staff at the state VFW has raised tens of thousands of dollars and are ready to write checks. But first they need proud veterans to ask for help. The VFW is not sure how many veterans were affected by the storm. But the VFW knows they are out there and they hope those veterans hear this message; there is money to help you. To apply just contact the Vermont VFW.
Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin says Vermont's statewide school property tax rates should remain at 87 cents per $100 of value for primary homes and $1.37 per $100 for commercial and other non-homestead properties. December 1st is the day when state law requires the administration to issue its recommendations for the tax rates for the coming year. Shumlin says Vermont's declining school enrollment numbers mean the tax rates can remain flat, even if per pupil costs rise slightly.
WVTK Local & State News December 2, 2011
Many local shop owners are cautiously optimistic about the holiday shopping season that they say kicked off strong last weekend. The strong local sales over the weekend after Thanksgiving follow a national trend. Preliminary estimates from the National Retail Federation show that retailers nationwide posted record Thanksgiving-weekend sales of $52.4 billion. Reputable consumer confidence indexes also showed a promising economic outlook heading into the holiday season. WVTK reminds you to shop local this season! Some great local discounts wait right now on our website, click HERE!
With a terrific line-up of talent and tunes, the Vergennes Opera House is preparing for its annual Broadway revue benefit show, “Broadway Direct”. This year’s show will be held this Sunday at 4PM and will once again be hosted by Vergennes resident and Broadway veteran Bill Carmichael. Proceeds from the “best-of-Broadway” show go to benefit the non-profit group Friends of the Vergennes Opera House who are responsible for the restoration and operation of the historic 1897 theater above the Vergennes City Hall. Tickets are available at the Opera House, Classic Stitching in Vergennes, or online at www.vergennesoperahouse.org.
Bristol Planning Commission Chair Tom Wells resigned on Wednesday after eight years serving on the commission and four years heading it. His decision comes after he missed the past three meetings for work-related reasons. It also comes after the Commission’s Vice-chair potentially violated the state open meeting law when he refused to let a member of the public ask a question.
A vision for Middlebury’s new municipal building currently exists as rough lines on paper. Over the next few months’ town officials are asking local residents to fill in those lines by offering input on a project that could be ready for construction by the spring of 2013. You can get more details by visiting the Town’s Website: www.middlebury.govoffice.com.
New England Quality Service LLC is seeking zoning permission to acquire a large metal shredding device for use at its Wyre Wheel Route 7 location. The shredder will allow them to recycle metal debris, including cars and washing machines, more quickly and efficiently. Some residents have spoke up and told the Middlebury Development Review Board that they want to make sure the new equipment doesn’t bring more noise and traffic to the area.
Bristol-area school administrators are looking for people who are interested in their schools’ food systems and wish to see more local foods in public schools or think food education is important. Addison Northeast Supervisory Union administrators are seeking input from all members of the public as the Union aims to restructure the food system of all six of its schools.
A new exercise option is coming to Middlebury Union High School. School officials are hoping students will get off to a running start with their classes beginning this Monday thanks to the launch of a voluntary “Zero Hour” fitness program aimed at getting participants healthier and in a better mindset for learning. Zero Hour was started by the Coordinated School Health Team, and is based on the premise that working out can lift people’s moods, sharpen their minds, improve their self-esteem, and help them get ready to learn.
The town of Killington’s latest reassessment caused a drop in the Grand List of $13 million but the town has the hit to municipal tax revenue covered. The drop is the result of more than 200 homeowners winning appeals on what their homes and properties were worth according to appraisers. It will cause a loss of $37,000 to municipal coffers in taxes. And that number may rise to about $44,000 after the state considers anywhere from two to eight more appeals.
The Rutland School Board approved a contract for about 110 teachers’ aides and nonexecutive secretaries in the district Tuesday night that provides them with an average 2.93 percent salary increase over the next three years. The Board unanimously approved the contract for the Rutland School Staff Association after a brief executive session.
Crown Point has hired a sole assessor. Richard Maxwell of Syracuse-based of Maxwell Appraisal Service was appointed by the town board during a special meeting November 30th. He’ll assume his duties January 1st. The sole assessor will have office hours in Crown Point two days a week throughout the year with additional hours in the spring leading up to Grievance Day. State law mandates a sole assessor must spend a minimum of 384 hours a year in a municipality.
Some of Vermont's veterans want to help fellow vets who are suffering after Tropical Storm Irene. Staff at the state VFW has raised tens of thousands of dollars and are ready to write checks. But first they need proud veterans to ask for help. The VFW is not sure how many veterans were affected by the storm. But the VFW knows they are out there and they hope those veterans hear this message; there is money to help you. To apply just contact the Vermont VFW.
Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin says Vermont's statewide school property tax rates should remain at 87 cents per $100 of value for primary homes and $1.37 per $100 for commercial and other non-homestead properties. December 1st is the day when state law requires the administration to issue its recommendations for the tax rates for the coming year. Shumlin says Vermont's declining school enrollment numbers mean the tax rates can remain flat, even if per pupil costs rise slightly.
The Church Street Marketplace in Burlington once used by Borders Bookstore is about to get a new tenant. City Sports, a Boston-based athletic gear retail chain, will be moving in. It sells not only sporting goods, but also equipment for cyclists and those training for road races and triathlons. City Sports currently has stores in 21 other cities including Boston, Providence and New York City.
There’s another big honor for a Vermont music star. Grace Potter has been nominated for a Grammy Award for her duet with country star Kenny Chesney called "You and Tequilla." The pair was nominated in the Best Country Duo category. Their music video recently received top honors at the Country Music Awards.
A state panel now says a Vermont state police trooper may have discriminated against two illegal immigrants during a traffic stop. During the September traffic stop, Trooper Jared Hatch asked the two Mexican passengers for identification. And eventually turned the men over to federal agents. According to the Burlington Free Press, the Vermont Human Rights Commission voted last night to support the complaints of the two men. The decision comes seven weeks the state police advisory commission ruled the trooper did nothing wrong. Supporters of the two men say the ruling means the complaint could still end up in court.
WCAX-TV’s very first Rutland reporter has died. John Gladding passed away at the hospital in Rutland Wednesday. Gladding is best known for standing up for his first amendment rights as a reporter. In 1973 he was subpoenaed to give up his sources in a drug raid story, but he refused. The Vermont Supreme Court sided with Gladding -- and that ruling has been used in other first amendment cases since. Gladding was 70 years old.
Five maple syrup producers in Vermont and one in Michigan will get federal grants to make their operations more energy efficient and competitive. The funding from the Rural Energy for America Program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture will allow the sugar makers to install reverse osmosis systems. Those systems remove water from the sap before it's boiled down into syrup, reducing the amount of energy used.
Vermont's emergency management chief has a new job. Michael O'Neill is going to become the executive director of the Vermont Division of Fire Safety, within Emergency Management. The change was announced Thursday by Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn. He starts December 12th. Emergency Management's Deputy Director of Operations Peter Coffey will become interim director.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation announced it is now accepting nominations for the Citizen Service Before Self Honor award in Vermont. The award recognizes and honors those ordinary Vermonters who become extraordinary through their indomitable courage and selflessness. Citizens may submit an eligible nominee by completing the nomination form online via the Citizen Service Before Self Honors website at www.CitizenServiceBeforeSelfHonors.org. The nomination period runs through Friday, Feb. 10, 2012.
Vermont’s long road to recovery following Tropical Storm Irene began Aug. 29. The cleanup and the mending of broken lives continue into the Christmas season. An important fundraising event for the over 7,000 flood victims in the state will be held December 10th at 8PM in Haybarn Theatre on the Goddard College campus in Plainfield. Thirteen professional Vermont-based choreographers and dance companies will come together to support relief efforts with an uplifting show titled, “Rising Above Water: A Vermont Irene Benefit Performance”. Tickets for the show are a $20 suggested donation and can be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/209122
The popular community-wide Hinesburg Artist Series will present the annual Community Christmas Concert Sunday, December 11th at 4:30PM at St. Jude Church in Hinesburg. The concert will feature the South County Chorus and the Hinesburg Artist Series Orchestra under the direction of Rufus Patrick. Admission to the concert is free although donations are appreciated. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable item for the Hinesburg Food Shelf.
The annual Tiny Tim Christmas Concert will be held Friday, December 9th at 7PM at the First United Methodist Church on Wicker Street. The concert, featuring the Ticonderoga Community Band, raises money for the Tiny Tim Christmas Wish Program, which provides Christmas gifts to needy children in the area. The Ticonderoga High School Sentinel Big Band and the school a-cappella choirs have been invited to participate. The Tiny Tim Christmas Wish Program serves needy children of the Ticonderoga Central School District, including Putnam and St. Mary’s schools. Children ages 1 to 16 are eligible.
With a terrific line-up of talent and tunes, the Vergennes Opera House is preparing for its annual Broadway revue benefit show, “Broadway Direct”. This year’s show will be held this Sunday at 4PM and will once again be hosted by Vergennes resident and Broadway veteran Bill Carmichael. Proceeds from the “best-of-Broadway” show go to benefit the non-profit group Friends of the Vergennes Opera House who are responsible for the restoration and operation of the historic 1897 theater above the Vergennes City Hall. Tickets are available at the Opera House, Classic Stitching in Vergennes, or online at www.vergennesoperahouse.org.
Bristol Planning Commission Chair Tom Wells resigned on Wednesday after eight years serving on the commission and four years heading it. His decision comes after he missed the past three meetings for work-related reasons. It also comes after the Commission’s Vice-chair potentially violated the state open meeting law when he refused to let a member of the public ask a question.
A vision for Middlebury’s new municipal building currently exists as rough lines on paper. Over the next few months’ town officials are asking local residents to fill in those lines by offering input on a project that could be ready for construction by the spring of 2013. You can get more details by visiting the Town’s Website: www.middlebury.govoffice.com.
New England Quality Service LLC is seeking zoning permission to acquire a large metal shredding device for use at its Wyre Wheel Route 7 location. The shredder will allow them to recycle metal debris, including cars and washing machines, more quickly and efficiently. Some residents have spoke up and told the Middlebury Development Review Board that they want to make sure the new equipment doesn’t bring more noise and traffic to the area.
Bristol-area school administrators are looking for people who are interested in their schools’ food systems and wish to see more local foods in public schools or think food education is important. Addison Northeast Supervisory Union administrators are seeking input from all members of the public as the Union aims to restructure the food system of all six of its schools.
A new exercise option is coming to Middlebury Union High School. School officials are hoping students will get off to a running start with their classes beginning this Monday thanks to the launch of a voluntary “Zero Hour” fitness program aimed at getting participants healthier and in a better mindset for learning. Zero Hour was started by the Coordinated School Health Team, and is based on the premise that working out can lift people’s moods, sharpen their minds, improve their self-esteem, and help them get ready to learn.
The town of Killington’s latest reassessment caused a drop in the Grand List of $13 million but the town has the hit to municipal tax revenue covered. The drop is the result of more than 200 homeowners winning appeals on what their homes and properties were worth according to appraisers. It will cause a loss of $37,000 to municipal coffers in taxes. And that number may rise to about $44,000 after the state considers anywhere from two to eight more appeals.
The Rutland School Board approved a contract for about 110 teachers’ aides and nonexecutive secretaries in the district Tuesday night that provides them with an average 2.93 percent salary increase over the next three years. The Board unanimously approved the contract for the Rutland School Staff Association after a brief executive session.
Crown Point has hired a sole assessor. Richard Maxwell of Syracuse-based of Maxwell Appraisal Service was appointed by the town board during a special meeting November 30th. He’ll assume his duties January 1st. The sole assessor will have office hours in Crown Point two days a week throughout the year with additional hours in the spring leading up to Grievance Day. State law mandates a sole assessor must spend a minimum of 384 hours a year in a municipality.
Some of Vermont's veterans want to help fellow vets who are suffering after Tropical Storm Irene. Staff at the state VFW has raised tens of thousands of dollars and are ready to write checks. But first they need proud veterans to ask for help. The VFW is not sure how many veterans were affected by the storm. But the VFW knows they are out there and they hope those veterans hear this message; there is money to help you. To apply just contact the Vermont VFW.
Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin says Vermont's statewide school property tax rates should remain at 87 cents per $100 of value for primary homes and $1.37 per $100 for commercial and other non-homestead properties. December 1st is the day when state law requires the administration to issue its recommendations for the tax rates for the coming year. Shumlin says Vermont's declining school enrollment numbers mean the tax rates can remain flat, even if per pupil costs rise slightly.
The Church Street Marketplace in Burlington once used by Borders Bookstore is about to get a new tenant. City Sports, a Boston-based athletic gear retail chain, will be moving in. It sells not only sporting goods, but also equipment for cyclists and those training for road races and triathlons. City Sports currently has stores in 21 other cities including Boston, Providence and New York City.
There’s another big honor for a Vermont music star. Grace Potter has been nominated for a Grammy Award for her duet with country star Kenny Chesney called "You and Tequilla." The pair was nominated in the Best Country Duo category. Their music video recently received top honors at the Country Music Awards.
A state panel now says a Vermont state police trooper may have discriminated against two illegal immigrants during a traffic stop. During the September traffic stop, Trooper Jared Hatch asked the two Mexican passengers for identification. And eventually turned the men over to federal agents. According to the Burlington Free Press, the Vermont Human Rights Commission voted last night to support the complaints of the two men. The decision comes seven weeks the state police advisory commission ruled the trooper did nothing wrong. Supporters of the two men say the ruling means the complaint could still end up in court.
WCAX-TV’s very first Rutland reporter has died. John Gladding passed away at the hospital in Rutland Wednesday. Gladding is best known for standing up for his first amendment rights as a reporter. In 1973 he was subpoenaed to give up his sources in a drug raid story, but he refused. The Vermont Supreme Court sided with Gladding -- and that ruling has been used in other first amendment cases since. Gladding was 70 years old.
Five maple syrup producers in Vermont and one in Michigan will get federal grants to make their operations more energy efficient and competitive. The funding from the Rural Energy for America Program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture will allow the sugar makers to install reverse osmosis systems. Those systems remove water from the sap before it's boiled down into syrup, reducing the amount of energy used.
Vermont's emergency management chief has a new job. Michael O'Neill is going to become the executive director of the Vermont Division of Fire Safety, within Emergency Management. The change was announced Thursday by Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn. He starts December 12th. Emergency Management's Deputy Director of Operations Peter Coffey will become interim director.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation announced it is now accepting nominations for the Citizen Service Before Self Honor award in Vermont. The award recognizes and honors those ordinary Vermonters who become extraordinary through their indomitable courage and selflessness. Citizens may submit an eligible nominee by completing the nomination form online via the Citizen Service Before Self Honors website at www.CitizenServiceBeforeSelfHonors.org. The nomination period runs through Friday, Feb. 10, 2012.
Vermont’s long road to recovery following Tropical Storm Irene began Aug. 29. The cleanup and the mending of broken lives continue into the Christmas season. An important fundraising event for the over 7,000 flood victims in the state will be held December 10th at 8PM in Haybarn Theatre on the Goddard College campus in Plainfield. Thirteen professional Vermont-based choreographers and dance companies will come together to support relief efforts with an uplifting show titled, “Rising Above Water: A Vermont Irene Benefit Performance”. Tickets for the show are a $20 suggested donation and can be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/209122
The popular community-wide Hinesburg Artist Series will present the annual Community Christmas Concert Sunday, December 11th at 4:30PM at St. Jude Church in Hinesburg. The concert will feature the South County Chorus and the Hinesburg Artist Series Orchestra under the direction of Rufus Patrick. Admission to the concert is free although donations are appreciated. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable item for the Hinesburg Food Shelf.
The annual Tiny Tim Christmas Concert will be held Friday, December 9th at 7PM at the First United Methodist Church on Wicker Street. The concert, featuring the Ticonderoga Community Band, raises money for the Tiny Tim Christmas Wish Program, which provides Christmas gifts to needy children in the area. The Ticonderoga High School Sentinel Big Band and the school a-cappella choirs have been invited to participate. The Tiny Tim Christmas Wish Program serves needy children of the Ticonderoga Central School District, including Putnam and St. Mary’s schools. Children ages 1 to 16 are eligible.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
WVTK Local & State News December 1, 2011 (Afternoon Update)
People in Vergennes say they're ready to wage a new war against an old and growing problem: drugs. Yesterday hundreds of people showed up for a meeting organized by the police chief. The chief wants to make it clear he doesn't think the Vergennes drug problem is worse than anywhere else. He says he is just taking a stand and hopes the community joins him.
A spokeswoman for Governor Peter Shumlin says the governor supports and will sign on to an effort to allow doctors to prescribe medical marijuana and pharmacists to fill the prescriptions. Shumlin is joining an effort by Rhode Island’s Governor and Washington’s Governor.
A 27-year-old Vermont man has pleaded guilty to trying to trap a black bear. Game wardens say Jake Duprey of Chittenden was seen on September 20th checking a baited steel cable foot snare. Game wardens say Duprey admitted he had baited the snare with grain and doughnuts in an attempt to catch a bear. He was fined $371 and won't be able to have licenses to hunt, fish and trap for three years and until he completes a remedial hunting course.
Senator Bernie Sanders is working to build a bi-partisan group to support additional funds for the Low Income Heating Assistance Program. Last year, Vermont received roughly $23 million in LIHEAP funds. But the Obama Administration has proposed cutting the appropriation in half. Sanders’ doesn't think this is a partisan issue. The state has received more than $40,000 applications for LIHEAP funds so far. That's already more than last year.
A longtime Vermont lawmaker has died. Rene Blanchard passed away Tuesday at the age of 78. The Democrat served three terms in the legislature in the 1990's. Blanchard was also a basketball coach and social studies teacher at Winooski High School. In 2009, he was inducted into the Vermont basketball coaches Hall of Fame.
A two-month bottle drive has raised more than $8,000 for Vermont farms damaged by the remnants of Hurricane Irene. Vermont Public Interest Research Group says over 130,000 bottles and cans were redeemed to raise the money. The Redeem to Rebuild drive also received donations from non-profit organizations, businesses and individuals.
A spokeswoman for Governor Peter Shumlin says the governor supports and will sign on to an effort to allow doctors to prescribe medical marijuana and pharmacists to fill the prescriptions. Shumlin is joining an effort by Rhode Island’s Governor and Washington’s Governor.
A 27-year-old Vermont man has pleaded guilty to trying to trap a black bear. Game wardens say Jake Duprey of Chittenden was seen on September 20th checking a baited steel cable foot snare. Game wardens say Duprey admitted he had baited the snare with grain and doughnuts in an attempt to catch a bear. He was fined $371 and won't be able to have licenses to hunt, fish and trap for three years and until he completes a remedial hunting course.
Senator Bernie Sanders is working to build a bi-partisan group to support additional funds for the Low Income Heating Assistance Program. Last year, Vermont received roughly $23 million in LIHEAP funds. But the Obama Administration has proposed cutting the appropriation in half. Sanders’ doesn't think this is a partisan issue. The state has received more than $40,000 applications for LIHEAP funds so far. That's already more than last year.
A longtime Vermont lawmaker has died. Rene Blanchard passed away Tuesday at the age of 78. The Democrat served three terms in the legislature in the 1990's. Blanchard was also a basketball coach and social studies teacher at Winooski High School. In 2009, he was inducted into the Vermont basketball coaches Hall of Fame.
A two-month bottle drive has raised more than $8,000 for Vermont farms damaged by the remnants of Hurricane Irene. Vermont Public Interest Research Group says over 130,000 bottles and cans were redeemed to raise the money. The Redeem to Rebuild drive also received donations from non-profit organizations, businesses and individuals.
WVTK Local & State News December 1, 2011
Farmers have until this Friday to apply for grant money aimed at helping them recover from losses sustained during Tropical Storm Irene. The Community Foundation of Vermont has about $2 million in its flood relief fund for farmers who sustained losses during the August storm. Farmers sustained millions of dollars in crop losses when the flood hit the Green Mountains. Some of grant dollars have already reached farmers, but there is still money left for those who have not applied for funding. Those interested in applying can get an application at www.VtFloodResponse.org.
People in Vergennes say they're ready to wage a new war against an old and growing problem: drugs. Yesterday hundreds of people showed up for a meeting organized by the police chief. The chief wants to make it clear he doesn't think the Vergennes drug problem is worse than anywhere else. He says he is just taking a stand and hopes the community joins him. Chief Merkel says 80-percent of the crimes his officers investigate are drug related including a recent attempted robbery at a convenience store. He says another meeting is scheduled for January when they will start to plan what to do and a top priority is the schools to make sure kids don't start using drugs.
Just in time for the Holiday’s unique and one-of-a-kind gifts will be featured at this year’s Brandon Moonlight Madness discount special event kicking off at 4PM today. Downtown Brandon shops and eateries will offer bargains, sales, specials, drawings and more during the event that brings friends and neighbors together. Many shops will be offering up to 20 percent off storewide. A second Moonlight Madness day will be on December 14th. For more information contact the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce. (802-247-6401)
The missing bronze parking meter from a Rutland sculpture has been found. A janitor found the meter this morning at Rutland's Northeast School. Police are still searching for the person or persons who took the meter from the granite slab where it has stood opposite a bronze depiction of a dog straining on an invisible leash tied to the meter. When, exactly, the meter was stolen remains unclear. But how it was taken seems clear; it was pulled from its apparently unsecured mount.
Without any cuts to programs, services or staff, the Rutland school district budget for fiscal year 2013 is up 1.75 percent. The budget, presented as a draft Tuesday, would go from $44.3 million to $45.1 million if everything in the district were maintained as is. That includes all settled staff union contracts. The impact the new budget would have on taxpayers was not provided.
Preschool classrooms under the auspices of the Children's Development Group have recently opened in Ticonderoga and Elizabethtown schools. The agency specializes in children with special needs, but the classrooms are also for community youngsters. The program includes speech and occupational therapy, physical therapy and psychological services. The agency rents classroom space from Ticonderoga Central School and Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School. By working with preschool youngsters and providing services at that age, it is hoped that by the time they are enrolled in kindergarten or first grade they will have had a chance to catch up with their peers.
A longtime Vermont lawmaker has died. Rene Blanchard passed away Tuesday at the age of 78. The Democrat served three terms in the legislature in the 1990's. Blanchard was also a basketball coach and social studies teacher at Winooski High School. In 2009, he was inducted into the Vermont basketball coaches Hall of Fame.
A spokeswoman for Governor Peter Shumlin says the governor supports and will sign on to an effort to allow doctors to prescribe medical marijuana and pharmacists to fill the prescriptions. Shumlin is joining an effort by Rhode Island’s Governor and Washington’s Governor.
A two-month bottle drive has raised more than $8,000 for Vermont farms damaged by the remnants of Hurricane Irene. Vermont Public Interest Research Group says over 130,000 bottles and cans were redeemed to raise the money. The Redeem to Rebuild drive also received donations from non-profit organizations, businesses and individuals.
Vermont State troopers are on the hunt for a notorious kidnapper. 42-year-old Harley Breer served eight years in jail for kidnapping the mother of his ex-girlfriend and has had several brushes with the law since his release in 2009. Now, a judge has issued an arrest warrant for Breer. He faces multiple charges after police say he attacked a female acquaintance and stole her car. The woman was treated for injuries. Police say Breer had been living in the Calais/Woodbury area, but may be in Cabot.
A 27-year-old Vermont man has pleaded guilty to trying to trap a black bear. Game wardens say Jake Duprey of Chittenden was seen on September 20th checking a baited steel cable foot snare. Game wardens say Duprey admitted he had baited the snare with grain and doughnuts in an attempt to catch a bear. He was fined $371 and won't be able to have licenses to hunt, fish and trap for three years and until he completes a remedial hunting course.
New York State Police say a Lake Placid was found dead after he went missing last week while hunting. The body of 63-year-old Russ Beede was found near Mount Jo Wednesday afternoon. State police and forest rangers had been looking for him for days. He was reported missing Sunday. At this time we don't know how he died. State police say they didn't believe foul play is involved in his death.
The state of New York is asking to be heard in a lawsuit by the state of Vermont against the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's issuance of a 20-year license extension to the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. New York is seeking friend-of-the-court status in the case and is agreeing with Vermont and the Coalition that the license extension was granted improperly. New York State is also trying to shut the twin Indian Point reactors in Westchester County.
Fast food chain, Chick-fil-A is blocking a Vermont T-shirt business from trademarking its logo. The company says the T-shirt business's logo, "eat More Kale" is too similar to the Chick-fil-A logo, "Eat Mor Chikin". Eat-More-Kale owner, Bo Muller-Moore says he got a letter from the Atlanta-based company in 2005 asking him to shut down his Web site and send his T-shirts to Atlanta to be destroyed. Chick-fil-A dropped the complaint when Muller-Moore hired a lawyer. But when the Eat More Kale creator tried to Federally trademark his logo this year, Chick-fil-A blocked it.
Senator Bernie Sanders is working to build a bi-partisan group to support additional funds for the Low Income Heating Assistance Program. Last year, Vermont received roughly $23 million in LIHEAP funds. But the Obama Administration has proposed cutting the appropriation in half. Sanders’ doesn't think this is a partisan issue. The state has received more than $40,000 applications for LIHEAP funds so far. That's already more than last year.
Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss is not seeking re-election. The Progressive mayor made the announcement yesterday morning. He says the decision was a personal one. Kiss has been criticized for the financial problems facing the municipally owned telecom provider, Burlington Telecom.
A Vermont woman who was burned and disfigured when her ex-husband doused her with industrial lye four years ago has been approved for a face transplant at a Boston hospital. Carmen Tarleton of Thetford underwent a series of screenings this summer at Brigham and Women's Hospital to determine if she was suitable for the procedure.
Clinton County officials are hoping some hungry airlines will put in bids to provide daily service in and out of Plattsburgh International Airport. The county is looking for a new carrier to replace Colgan Air, which announced in September that it would no longer be providing daily service to Boston once a replacement is found. Airlines have until December 20th to submit bids.
Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean is a featured guest at an event being held by two New Hampshire nonprofits to honor community volunteers. Working Families Win New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Citizens Alliance are teaming up for the awards event on Sunday at 2PM at the Stonewall Farm in Keene. Volunteers involved in the movement for improving the economy of the Monadnock Region are being honored.
Holiday in Hague will be held this Saturday. The festivities begin at 10AM with the opening of the senior’s Christmas Shop located at the Hague Visitor’s Center. Juniper Gifts and The Carriage Barn both located on Route 8 will also be open for holiday shopping. The Baptist Church will be serving homemade soup beginning at Noon. The Carillon Garden Club will be selling wreaths, sprays and other handmade items at the Hague Community Center beginning at 1PM. Ending the event will be caroling and a tree lighting ceremony.
Santa will be coming to Schroon Lake after all. A month after the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce announced it had dropped sponsorship of its annual Old Tyme Christmas celebration, a group of residents have joined to bring a holiday event to the community. Santa’s arrival is scheduled along with children’s games, refreshments and a holiday movie Saturday, December 10th. The event will begin at 4PM with children’s face painting and activities at the Strand Theatre on Main Street. Santa will arrive at the theatre at 6PM to meet children. At 8PM the movie “Happy Feet 2” will be screened. The Schroon Lake Senior Citizens Center will be part of the festivities, serving cookies and hot chocolate 6 to 8PM.
Food, art, performances and music from around the world will be on display at Vermont's International Festival. The 3-day festival will be held at the Champlain Fairgrounds in Essex Junction starting on Friday. Organizers say the event has been growing in its 19 years and this year has nearly 50 arts and crafts, as well as food vendors, performers and community booths. The Vermont International Festival takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the fairgrounds. Admissions costs $6 for adults, $3 for children and is free for kids six and under.
People in Vergennes say they're ready to wage a new war against an old and growing problem: drugs. Yesterday hundreds of people showed up for a meeting organized by the police chief. The chief wants to make it clear he doesn't think the Vergennes drug problem is worse than anywhere else. He says he is just taking a stand and hopes the community joins him. Chief Merkel says 80-percent of the crimes his officers investigate are drug related including a recent attempted robbery at a convenience store. He says another meeting is scheduled for January when they will start to plan what to do and a top priority is the schools to make sure kids don't start using drugs.
Just in time for the Holiday’s unique and one-of-a-kind gifts will be featured at this year’s Brandon Moonlight Madness discount special event kicking off at 4PM today. Downtown Brandon shops and eateries will offer bargains, sales, specials, drawings and more during the event that brings friends and neighbors together. Many shops will be offering up to 20 percent off storewide. A second Moonlight Madness day will be on December 14th. For more information contact the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce. (802-247-6401)
The missing bronze parking meter from a Rutland sculpture has been found. A janitor found the meter this morning at Rutland's Northeast School. Police are still searching for the person or persons who took the meter from the granite slab where it has stood opposite a bronze depiction of a dog straining on an invisible leash tied to the meter. When, exactly, the meter was stolen remains unclear. But how it was taken seems clear; it was pulled from its apparently unsecured mount.
Without any cuts to programs, services or staff, the Rutland school district budget for fiscal year 2013 is up 1.75 percent. The budget, presented as a draft Tuesday, would go from $44.3 million to $45.1 million if everything in the district were maintained as is. That includes all settled staff union contracts. The impact the new budget would have on taxpayers was not provided.
Preschool classrooms under the auspices of the Children's Development Group have recently opened in Ticonderoga and Elizabethtown schools. The agency specializes in children with special needs, but the classrooms are also for community youngsters. The program includes speech and occupational therapy, physical therapy and psychological services. The agency rents classroom space from Ticonderoga Central School and Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School. By working with preschool youngsters and providing services at that age, it is hoped that by the time they are enrolled in kindergarten or first grade they will have had a chance to catch up with their peers.
A longtime Vermont lawmaker has died. Rene Blanchard passed away Tuesday at the age of 78. The Democrat served three terms in the legislature in the 1990's. Blanchard was also a basketball coach and social studies teacher at Winooski High School. In 2009, he was inducted into the Vermont basketball coaches Hall of Fame.
A spokeswoman for Governor Peter Shumlin says the governor supports and will sign on to an effort to allow doctors to prescribe medical marijuana and pharmacists to fill the prescriptions. Shumlin is joining an effort by Rhode Island’s Governor and Washington’s Governor.
A two-month bottle drive has raised more than $8,000 for Vermont farms damaged by the remnants of Hurricane Irene. Vermont Public Interest Research Group says over 130,000 bottles and cans were redeemed to raise the money. The Redeem to Rebuild drive also received donations from non-profit organizations, businesses and individuals.
Vermont State troopers are on the hunt for a notorious kidnapper. 42-year-old Harley Breer served eight years in jail for kidnapping the mother of his ex-girlfriend and has had several brushes with the law since his release in 2009. Now, a judge has issued an arrest warrant for Breer. He faces multiple charges after police say he attacked a female acquaintance and stole her car. The woman was treated for injuries. Police say Breer had been living in the Calais/Woodbury area, but may be in Cabot.
A 27-year-old Vermont man has pleaded guilty to trying to trap a black bear. Game wardens say Jake Duprey of Chittenden was seen on September 20th checking a baited steel cable foot snare. Game wardens say Duprey admitted he had baited the snare with grain and doughnuts in an attempt to catch a bear. He was fined $371 and won't be able to have licenses to hunt, fish and trap for three years and until he completes a remedial hunting course.
New York State Police say a Lake Placid was found dead after he went missing last week while hunting. The body of 63-year-old Russ Beede was found near Mount Jo Wednesday afternoon. State police and forest rangers had been looking for him for days. He was reported missing Sunday. At this time we don't know how he died. State police say they didn't believe foul play is involved in his death.
The state of New York is asking to be heard in a lawsuit by the state of Vermont against the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's issuance of a 20-year license extension to the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. New York is seeking friend-of-the-court status in the case and is agreeing with Vermont and the Coalition that the license extension was granted improperly. New York State is also trying to shut the twin Indian Point reactors in Westchester County.
Fast food chain, Chick-fil-A is blocking a Vermont T-shirt business from trademarking its logo. The company says the T-shirt business's logo, "eat More Kale" is too similar to the Chick-fil-A logo, "Eat Mor Chikin". Eat-More-Kale owner, Bo Muller-Moore says he got a letter from the Atlanta-based company in 2005 asking him to shut down his Web site and send his T-shirts to Atlanta to be destroyed. Chick-fil-A dropped the complaint when Muller-Moore hired a lawyer. But when the Eat More Kale creator tried to Federally trademark his logo this year, Chick-fil-A blocked it.
Senator Bernie Sanders is working to build a bi-partisan group to support additional funds for the Low Income Heating Assistance Program. Last year, Vermont received roughly $23 million in LIHEAP funds. But the Obama Administration has proposed cutting the appropriation in half. Sanders’ doesn't think this is a partisan issue. The state has received more than $40,000 applications for LIHEAP funds so far. That's already more than last year.
Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss is not seeking re-election. The Progressive mayor made the announcement yesterday morning. He says the decision was a personal one. Kiss has been criticized for the financial problems facing the municipally owned telecom provider, Burlington Telecom.
A Vermont woman who was burned and disfigured when her ex-husband doused her with industrial lye four years ago has been approved for a face transplant at a Boston hospital. Carmen Tarleton of Thetford underwent a series of screenings this summer at Brigham and Women's Hospital to determine if she was suitable for the procedure.
Clinton County officials are hoping some hungry airlines will put in bids to provide daily service in and out of Plattsburgh International Airport. The county is looking for a new carrier to replace Colgan Air, which announced in September that it would no longer be providing daily service to Boston once a replacement is found. Airlines have until December 20th to submit bids.
Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean is a featured guest at an event being held by two New Hampshire nonprofits to honor community volunteers. Working Families Win New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Citizens Alliance are teaming up for the awards event on Sunday at 2PM at the Stonewall Farm in Keene. Volunteers involved in the movement for improving the economy of the Monadnock Region are being honored.
Holiday in Hague will be held this Saturday. The festivities begin at 10AM with the opening of the senior’s Christmas Shop located at the Hague Visitor’s Center. Juniper Gifts and The Carriage Barn both located on Route 8 will also be open for holiday shopping. The Baptist Church will be serving homemade soup beginning at Noon. The Carillon Garden Club will be selling wreaths, sprays and other handmade items at the Hague Community Center beginning at 1PM. Ending the event will be caroling and a tree lighting ceremony.
Santa will be coming to Schroon Lake after all. A month after the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce announced it had dropped sponsorship of its annual Old Tyme Christmas celebration, a group of residents have joined to bring a holiday event to the community. Santa’s arrival is scheduled along with children’s games, refreshments and a holiday movie Saturday, December 10th. The event will begin at 4PM with children’s face painting and activities at the Strand Theatre on Main Street. Santa will arrive at the theatre at 6PM to meet children. At 8PM the movie “Happy Feet 2” will be screened. The Schroon Lake Senior Citizens Center will be part of the festivities, serving cookies and hot chocolate 6 to 8PM.
Food, art, performances and music from around the world will be on display at Vermont's International Festival. The 3-day festival will be held at the Champlain Fairgrounds in Essex Junction starting on Friday. Organizers say the event has been growing in its 19 years and this year has nearly 50 arts and crafts, as well as food vendors, performers and community booths. The Vermont International Festival takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the fairgrounds. Admissions costs $6 for adults, $3 for children and is free for kids six and under.
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