WVTK Local & State News May 18, 2010

The Addison County Economic Development Corporation has received $800,000 in funds to lend out to businesses that were negatively impacted by the closure of the Champlain Bridge. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $25,000 and can be borrowed for up to 10 years. The program is scheduled to end October 31st. If you would like more information or a loan application just visit Addison County E-D-C Dot Org.

Voters in Colchester, Westford and Charlotte will go to the polls today to decide on next year's school budget. Colchester, Westford, and Charlotte are among 14 towns that did not pass a school budget on Town Meeting Day. For residents in Colchester, this will be the 3rd try to pass a spending plan. Polls in all 3 towns are open till 7 tonight.

Voters across the state of New York will go to the polls today to decide on whether schools can move forward with their proposed budgets. Many school districts have had to make a number of cuts, including staff, due to proposed cuts in state aid. Even if the budgets are passed, school districts will still have to wait to see exactly how much funding they'll be getting from the state.

A consultant and a local biomass study committee will look at the feasibility of dividing Middlebury into five separate energy districts, with the concept of each having a communal woodchip heating plant. They have been working since last year to see if Middlebury has the potential to establish one or more biomass plants to provide a cost-effective, renewable energy alternative for local businesses that now rely on imported fossil fuels for heating.

During a City Council meeting last week Vergennes Alderman David Austin suggested that the city look into forming an economic development committee that could work to improve the area’s business climate and offer support and information to potential new ventures.

Governor David Paterson says he may have to layoff some state workers as the budget crisis continues. Negotiations for next year's budget have stalled, but Patterson has called for a meeting today. He predicts a number of school budgets will be defeated because of the uncertainty in state funding. Paterson said there's no plan for layoffs yet, but there is talk in his administration.

South Burlington Police say a traffic stop on Saturday Night has lead to break up a marijuana trafficking ring. Police stopped a car leaving a local hotel on traffic violations and found a number of drugs. Police then searched the hotel room and found even more illegal drugs. 4 people are now in custody answering to the charges.

The Vermont Health Department is urging people to be aware of deer ticks. Officials say the tiny insects can carry Lyme Disease. The number of Lyme disease cases in the state has tripled since 2006. They say, if you spend any amount of time in grassy areas, you should check yourself for ticks.

A woman charged with first-degree murder for stabbing her niece entered a plea of not guilty. Police say Latonia Congress killed 16-year old Shatavia Alford last year in their Essex Junction apartment. According to reports, the two were fighting over laundry when the argument turned deadly. Congress faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted.

New York State is closing 55 parks and historic sites as the budget crisis continues. The legislature has approved restoring the funding for the sites but has yet reached an agreement on next year's budget with the governor. The closures impact 3 local sites: the John Brown Farm, the Macomb Reservation State Park, and Point Au Roche State Park.

12 towns across Vermont are getting grants for broadband service. The towns, selected from over 40 applicants, will receive digital tools and in-depth training as the first participants in the new e-Vermont Community Broadband Project. The towns include ... Brighton, Bristol, Canaan, Cambridge, Grand Isle County, Ludlow, Middlesex, Newport, Poultney, Pownal, Sunderland, and West Rutland.

State lawmakers eager to hit the campaign trail may have to wait a couple more weeks due to a technicality. Because technically, the legislature is still in until June 9. Lawmakers left the door open to return on June 9, if Governor Douglas decides to veto any of the bills on his desk. Lawmakers are bound to fundraising restrictions until the legislative session officially ends.

Middlebury College is hoping to heat the campus with methane created by cow manure. The college would essentially purchase the bio-methane from Montpelier-based Integrated Energy Solutions, if the company is able to put production facilities on Addison County farms. The farmers would get the fertilizer and bedding also produced from the manure.

The Central Vermont Public Service Corporation says it's going to protect the environment by requiring crews to use biodegradable chain saw oil. The utility says it's the first in the country to stop using traditional bar & chain oil made from fossil fuels.

Thousands of non-profit organizations across the country could lose their tax exemptions. For many, a simple change in the way they file forms with the IRS could put many out of business. If organizations don't file on time they lose their tax-exempt status, which could be disastrous for about 200,000 non-profits nationwide. Those that miss the deadline could wait months before their tax exempt status can be restored.