WVTK Local News November 3, 2009

A Vermont slaughterhouse ordered closed on Friday for alleged inhumane treatment of baby calves, had its operating license suspended at least twice earlier this year for similar conduct. Bushway Packing of Grand Isle was shut down for a day in May and again in June. The Humane Society is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to do an overhaul of its inspection system.

New York State is moving forward with plans to establish a 24-hour ferry next to the Champlain Bridge. The ferry would launch from temporary docks to be constructed just south of the bridge. The new ferries would be year-round and run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Meanwhile officials also announced they would not be exploring the idea of a temporary bridge.

Vermont's largest electric utility is asking for permission to raise its rates by almost 6 percent. Central Vermont Public Service President Bob Young says the money raised by the increase is needed to offset increased power and transmission costs and reliability improvements to the utility's system.

The first of Vermont's free H1N1 vaccination clinics will be this afternoon in Middlebury from 4 to 6. Organizers say, while open to the public, these free clinics are mostly designed for adults. They're urging parents to take advantage of the school-based clinics to get children vaccinated. For a complete schedule of free clinics, go to HealthVermont.gov.

Jury selection is set to begin in the case of an Essex, Vermont, police officer charged with shooting and killing a neighbor's dog while off duty. Michael Wootton of Waterville has pleaded not guilty. Last month a judge denied a request by Wootton to dismiss the charge. The Essex Police Department has placed him on administrative duty.

Fire officials in Putney say the fire that destroyed the Putney General Store is being labeled suspicious. More than 100 firefighters from Vermont and New Hampshire battled the fire late Sunday night. The Putney Historical Society was nearly finished with renovations and in the process of leasing the building.

A representative from Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's Office will speak to area seniors on consumer fraud at 7 tonight at 7 Turner Avenue in Plattsburgh. Glen Michaels, assistant attorney general from the Plattsburgh office, will inform participants how to best avoid consumer scams that frequently target seniors, such as sweepstakes, mail orders and identity theft.

The 23 Congressional District race is near an end. It's Election Day, and polling places across the North Country are open till 9 PM. And Colchester voters also head to the polls today to decide whether to build a new police station or renovate the existing building. Residents have already approved the funding.

The use of all-terrain vehicles on state-owned land is up for a hearing before a panel of Vermont Lawmakers today. The rule has drawn fire from environmentalists, who worry about noise, damage to wetlands, pollution and other negative effects from ATVs. ATV riders' groups say allowing the machines on state land will encourage legal and responsible use of ATVs.