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

Governor Peter Shumlin has named his first appointment to the Vermont Supreme Court. He has chosen his own legal counsel, Beth Robinson, for the job. Robinson has no experience as a judge. She is best known for leading the legal battle to legalize same-sex marriage in Vermont. If confirmed by the Legislature, she will replace Justice Denise Johnson who retired from the bench back in August.

Addison County Superior Court is being asked to resolve a property assessment grievance filed by the owners of the Lodge at Otter Creek. Town officials said as much as a penny on the local tax rate could be riding on the outcome of the case. The town assessed the Lodge property at $18.9 million at the beginning of the 2009-2010 tax year. After undergoing so improvements to the property, the assessment was boosted to $21 million. They have appealed the $21 million figure, citing a shortfall of projected occupancy and income.

Vergennes City Manager Mel Hawley is talking with two existing Vergennes businesses that may be interested in a loan from a $79,000 city fund to help them expand. He would not yet identify the firms, but said both businesses are growing businesses.

The Supreme Court heard arguments this morning in a civil case related to the murder of Brooke Bennett. The Supreme Court is trying to determine if Michael Jacques ex-wife, Denise Woodard's home insurer is liable to cover any damages that might be awarded in the case.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced that it is closing the disaster recovery center in Rutland at the close of business Thursday. This will leave two recovery centers in the state, in Dover and Waterbury. FEMA officials say those centers will remain open “until further notice.” People can also continue to register for individual assistance till the end of the month by calling (800) 621-3362.

A state senator is calling for an independent counsel to review the sale of the state's largest utility to a Canadian company. Essex-Orleans Senator Vince Illuzzi says the Shumlin administration is biased in favor of the deal, so an independent review is needed to protect the public interest.