WVTK Local & State News August 18, 2011 (Afternoon Update)

State Police are investigating multiple car break-ins the Addison and Bristol area. Vehicles are being broken into during daylight hours at popular hiking and swimming locations in the county, resulting in damage to vehicles and items being stolen. State Police urge people to lock their vehicles with their windows up, and leave all valuables at home when planning to be at these locations for any period of time. State Police ask that anyone with any information contact the Vermont State Police New Haven Barracks. (802.338.4919)

The Vergennes Planning Commission has finished much of the complex task of rewriting city zoning to conform to the 2009 city plan. Job planners intend to complete it in time to hold formal public hearings in November or December.

Select-boards in Lincoln, Monkton, New Haven and Starksboro have set 2011-2012 property tax rates that range from a 0.17-cent decrease in Starksboro to a 10.18-cent increase in New Haven. These property tax rates stem from spending levels previously agreed on by residents at Town Meeting Day for municipal and school services for the current fiscal year.

Leicester town planners are hoping that the end is in sight for the adoption of a new Leicester Town Plan. The planning commission is inviting all year-round and summer residents of the town to an open house at the Leicester Town Office next Wednesday from 7 to 8:30PM, where the current draft of the plan will be on display.

The founder of The McKernon Group Inc., Jack McKernon has retired from his long time position as owner/CEO of the Brandon-based business. Kevin Birchmore, president of the company and McKernon’s business partner for the last 25 years, has acquired the ownership position of the company and has taken on a partner, Justus Cameron, who is the newly appointed vice president.

An anonymous donor has started a fund for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of anyone involved in the death of Celina Cass of Stewartstown. The Attorney General's Office said the donor, who wishes to remain nameless, is offering $5,000 for information. They say other people have been calling in to contribute to the fund. This money is in addition to the $25,000 reward offered by the FBI before the girl's body was found.

Vermont Yankee's owners say the state may be overestimating the amount of radioactive tritium in water samples taken from the Connecticut River. That word comes one day after the Vermont Health Department announced test results confirming for the first time that tritium leaking from the Vernon reactor had reached the river.
In a statement issued Thursday, Entergy Corp. said its testing shows levels of tritium below what is known as the minimum detectable amount. The state Health Department reported Wednesday that two samples taken last month from the river's shoreline showed concentrations just above the minimum detectable amount.

Police in Vermont say nearly two-dozen teenagers used school computers and a special email account to access indecent photos and videos taken by female classmates. Authorities said Thursday that 22 students have admitted to using the school computers in February to view 30 to 40 images and three videos, many of which were sent by cell phone. The students will not face charges but must attend mandatory sessions with a community board.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has tips for Vermonters who want to help protect the state's endangered bat populations. White nose syndrome has now killed more than 90 percent of the state's little brown and northern long-eared bats. The two species have been placed on the state's endangered species list, and now the fish and wildlife department has methods Vermonters should follow for handling the bats. Many involve guidelines on what to do with a bat you believe may have rabies. Visit the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Website for more information.