WVTK Local & State News June 7, 2013

David Lang of Crown Point has admitted to killing his brother as part of a plea agreement in Essex County Court.  Lang pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of his brother, Russell Lang.  He had been charged with second-degree murder.  71-year-old David Lang was set to go to trial on July 8.  As part of the plea deal Lang waives his right to an appeal.  Sentencing is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. Aug. 8, pending a pre-sentencing report.

Vermont State Police are looking for two suspects who allegedly entered a Whiting man’s home during the early morning hours of June 6 and beat and stabbed him while he was sleeping.  Police said the victim, 30-year-old Efrain Jimez DelaCruze, reported two men entered his Route 30 home at around 1:15 a.m.  A friend rushed the victim to the Porter Hospital Emergency Department, where he was treated for multiple lacerations and wounds.  State police said no robbery occurred and that the victim was apparently specifically targeted for what is being labeled a home invasion and aggravated assault.  Investigators are asking anyone who might have seen a suspicious vehicle in the vicinity of 300 Route 30 late Wednesday Night or early Thursday Morning to call them. 

The head of the Vermont National Guard is leading the information offensive in regards to the F-35, the newest fighter jet which may be based in Vermont.  A report out recently cited noise statistics in its environmental impact statement, but Brigadier General Dick Harris says those numbers are misleading.  He also says reported problems of lift and maneuverability with the F-35 do not exist, adding if the plane is prevented from being based with the Air Guard in Burlington, 11-hundred jobs will not exist, either.  The Air Force is expected to decide by October where to base the new planes.  

Ticonderoga is forming a coalition to deal with the issue.  Ti Supervisor Deb Malaney says, “The drug problem is perverse all over.  Malaney is asking concerned citizens to join the effort.  A meeting will be held Tuesday, June 18, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Community Building.  The Ticonderoga Police Department and Ti-based Prevention Team, a non-profit agency that provides alcohol, tobacco and other drug education and prevention services for Essex County, will take part.  

Senator Patrick Leahy is being honored by the Center for Victims of Torture.  This is an international, non-government, organization based in Minnesota that helps survivors of torture, heal.  Leahy will be presented its annual eclipse award later this month.  The organization says Leahy has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the protection of refugees, promotion of human rights, and prevention of torture.

Vermont's Fish and Wildlife Department is giving you a gift: free fishing on Saturday.  It's statewide, with the Free Fishing Day meaning you won't need a fishing license to cast a line.  The state has 284 lakes and more than seven-thousand miles of clear streams, with some of the greatest variety of high quality fresh water fishing in the Northeast.  A special event designed for kids is planned for Grand Isle.  From nine a-m until three in the afternoon, the fishing festival offers basic instruction, with a chance for kids to catch trout.