WVTK Local & State News December 17, 2013

With the temperatures as cold as they are … officials are warning you to be on the lookout for frostbite.  Emergency Room Doctors say this most recent storm brought in a number of people with injuries from shoveling and falling on ice.  The best advice against frostbite is to just stay out of the cold but if you do need to go, make sure you are bundled up.  For serious cases of frostbite, when it's painful or blisters, you should go to see a doctor immediately.

The first of six Castleton State College athletes charged in a string of thefts at Dick’s Sporting Goods was in court last week to answer to charges.  Former Quarterback George Busharis is being charged with four misdemeanor counts of retail theft.  The state has referred the case to the Diversion program.  The Diversion Program is voluntary, but participants who complete the program avoid a permanent criminal court record.

The Burlington police officer who shot and killed a man armed with a shovel is not going to be charged.  The attorney general and Chittenden County state’s attorney says the officer believed he was in danger of being killed or badly hurt when 49-year-old Wayne Brunette came at him with a large shovel.  Investigators ruled the officer’s use of deadly force was justified, adding there’s no guarantee pepper spray or a Taser would have changed the final outcome.  The family says Brunette had a history of mental illness, and wants to see more collaboration between mental health officials and the police in the future.

The Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets is reminding Vermonters that the winter manure spreading ban is in effect as of December 15.  A press release says the during the ban, farmers must either have a storage structure that is capable of holding all manure produced from December 15 to April 1 or be able to stack all manure produced in a way that will not lead to water quality impacts.  Any questions about the manure spreading ban, filing an exemption, or if you would like assistance in the selection of appropriate manure stacking sites, should call the Agency at (802)-828-3475.

The Burlington Town Center now has a new owner.  The Devonwood Investment group out of New York City has purchased the mall.  Officials with Devonwood have said they would like to add a new anchor store to the property like L.L. Bean or Target.  The company says it is also considering a new hotel for the downtown location.

Port Henry will be getting a face lift next year.  The village has received a $131,000 grant for the rehabilitation of six buildings along Main Street.  The grant money will be distributed to six property owners in the downtown business district for repairs and improvements to buildings.  Each property owner must match the grant money.  The grant will also allow for the purchase of two period lighting fixtures for the Main Street Park.