Federal regulators have confirmed that the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant had leaked radioactive tritium years before the current leak that's being investigated. An earlier leak was described in whistle blower's report to a member of the Legislative Oversight Panel last week. Now the Nuclear Regulatory Commission confirms that leak happened.
Labor and business groups are pushing state lawmakers to put off a vote on a license extension for the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. The groups are pointing to Governor Jim Douglas' call for a time-out in the debate over the plant and citing Vermont Yankee's economic impact. The vote is planned for this week.
20 people have been indicted on drug and other charges in an alleged cocaine ring that operated out of a South Burlington auto detailing shop. Federal prosecutors say Michael Olsen of Milton ran the ring, saying it typically got the drugs from dealers in California and Arizona and would then pass them along to other locations across Vermont.
A new Sienna College Polls shows Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has a huge lead over Harold Ford Jr. in a potential Democratic primary matchup. But former Republican Governor George Pataki outpolls both Gillibrand and Ford in a general election race. Pataki has not said whether or not he will run.
Officials with the Village of Essex Junction are considering a local options tax. The town of Essex tried to pass a local option tax last year and it failed. Village leaders say the money is needed to help maintain village roads and the local fire department. A public forum will be held in Essex Junction tonight to inform the public on the local option tax.
Burlington city councilors say so far it looks like lenders are not holding the city in default after Burlington Telecom failed to make a loan payment. Last week, Burlington Telecom couldn't make a $386,000 loan payment. City councilors say they're open to all options right now, including the possibility of a private partnership.
New Yorkers have more time to take advantage of the “Great Appliance Swap Out”, a state-run program that gives rebates to consumers who purchase high-efficiency appliances. The program began on February 12th and was originally scheduled to end this past Sunday. The program is being continued until all available funds are gone. For more details go to NYApplianceSwapOut.com.
A 246-year-old border spat in Chittenden County is close to coming to an end. Arbitrators have signed off on the deal involving the towns of Shelburne and St. George. A lawyer says St. George gets a "slight advantage" as the border is settled, but it only affects one home.
The Adirondack Northway now has cell-phone coverage from Lake George to Canada. T-Mobile yesterday completed a major network expansion across the region, bringing 29 new cell sites online.
A Vermont Senate Panel is looking at a new tax to help prop up the state’s unemployment fund. The new tax would ask the employed to pay more to help the unemployed while keeping the maximum benefit at $425 a week. The Economic Development Committee passed the legislation by a vote of 3 to2.
A bill in the Vermont Senate and Vermont House are basically looking to do the same thing … consolidate school districts across the state. To learn more about the bills, the Senate and House Education Committees will be holding a hearing the proposals tomorrow night at 5 PM at the statehouse.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
WVTK Local & State News February 22, 2010
A spokesman for Vermont Governor Jim Douglas says the governor is expected to defend the U.S. EPA's designation of carbon dioxide as a pollutant at a meeting of the National Governors Association. Douglas spokesman David Coriell says the governor has been a strong proponent of efforts to stem climate change.
Police say they are investigating inappropriate images on students' cell phones at a Vermont middle school. Investigators say the case began Wednesday when an official at Colchester Middle School discovered 1 of the images. WCAX-TV reports officials later found that that image and others were being distributed among multiple students.
It was a busy weekend for rescuers at the Stowe Mountain Resort. Officials said four skiers were brought down Saturday night and the second group was located at first light on Sunday. The skiers were cold but appeared to be uninjured. They all went off the trails and wound up on the other side of Mount Mansfield.
On March 3rd, voters in Moriah will be asked to almost $10 million in improvements to Moriah Central School, with no cost to local taxpayers. The new project would replace the school roof and heating boilers, renovate the school swimming pool and reconnect the facility to the power grid. A public information meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night at 7 PM in the school auditorium.
Schuyler Falls has been hit with a rash of graffiti. Police say someone has been spray painted some strange messages on signs at the Town Recreation Park. Graffiti is also sprayed on parts of the softball field, storage shed, a number of businesses, and even the playground. Anyone who might have information is asked to New York State Police.
David Paterson has launched his campaign for a full four-year term as governor. During a press conference on Sunday, he said he’s had a “difficult past few weeks,” but intends to press ahead. Paterson's announcement makes him the first Democrat in the race, but probably not the last. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is expected to challenge Paterson in a primary.
The mannequin taken from in front of the Waterfront Diving Center in Burlington has found her way home again. Pearl, as she’s known, was taken from her post outside of the Diving Center last Wednesday, a spot she had occupied for about 20 years. It was the second time Pearl has gone missing, but much like last time, she's managed to make it back again.
A prison guard is now behind bars accused of inappropriate conduct with 3 different female inmates. Police are investigating claims against 40-year-old Ed White, a corrections officer at the Northwest Correctional Center in Swanton. White is currently suspended from work and being held on $100,000 bail.
A Vermont company that makes protective masks for health care workers and emergency responders has laid off 35 employees as the spread of swine flu has declined. The masks have been made by Triosyn Corporation in Williston. The masks carry an iodine-based agent that filters the air being breathed in.
Stephen King's link to the American gothic will be the subject of a free lecture March 3 in Burlington. University of Vermont professor Tony Magistrale, who chairs the school's English department and is expert on Edgar Allen Poe, will examine King's work as it relates to Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Mark Twain in a talk entitled "Why Stephen King Still Matters."
Police say they are investigating inappropriate images on students' cell phones at a Vermont middle school. Investigators say the case began Wednesday when an official at Colchester Middle School discovered 1 of the images. WCAX-TV reports officials later found that that image and others were being distributed among multiple students.
It was a busy weekend for rescuers at the Stowe Mountain Resort. Officials said four skiers were brought down Saturday night and the second group was located at first light on Sunday. The skiers were cold but appeared to be uninjured. They all went off the trails and wound up on the other side of Mount Mansfield.
On March 3rd, voters in Moriah will be asked to almost $10 million in improvements to Moriah Central School, with no cost to local taxpayers. The new project would replace the school roof and heating boilers, renovate the school swimming pool and reconnect the facility to the power grid. A public information meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night at 7 PM in the school auditorium.
Schuyler Falls has been hit with a rash of graffiti. Police say someone has been spray painted some strange messages on signs at the Town Recreation Park. Graffiti is also sprayed on parts of the softball field, storage shed, a number of businesses, and even the playground. Anyone who might have information is asked to New York State Police.
David Paterson has launched his campaign for a full four-year term as governor. During a press conference on Sunday, he said he’s had a “difficult past few weeks,” but intends to press ahead. Paterson's announcement makes him the first Democrat in the race, but probably not the last. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is expected to challenge Paterson in a primary.
The mannequin taken from in front of the Waterfront Diving Center in Burlington has found her way home again. Pearl, as she’s known, was taken from her post outside of the Diving Center last Wednesday, a spot she had occupied for about 20 years. It was the second time Pearl has gone missing, but much like last time, she's managed to make it back again.
A prison guard is now behind bars accused of inappropriate conduct with 3 different female inmates. Police are investigating claims against 40-year-old Ed White, a corrections officer at the Northwest Correctional Center in Swanton. White is currently suspended from work and being held on $100,000 bail.
A Vermont company that makes protective masks for health care workers and emergency responders has laid off 35 employees as the spread of swine flu has declined. The masks have been made by Triosyn Corporation in Williston. The masks carry an iodine-based agent that filters the air being breathed in.
Stephen King's link to the American gothic will be the subject of a free lecture March 3 in Burlington. University of Vermont professor Tony Magistrale, who chairs the school's English department and is expert on Edgar Allen Poe, will examine King's work as it relates to Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Mark Twain in a talk entitled "Why Stephen King Still Matters."
Friday, February 19, 2010
WVTK Local & State News February 19, 2010
In a procedural move, the Senate Finance Committee has voted to send to the full Senate a bill that would authorize the state to grant a new license for Vermont Yankee. The full Senate is expected to vote down the bill, putting lawmakers on record as opposing the continued operation of the nuclear plant.
State regulators are looking into whether the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant had past problems with leaking radioactive tritium. Legislative consultant Arnie Gundersen says he received a tip from a plant employee about prior leaks and passed the information on to the Department of Public Service.
A nanny charged with molesting a 10-year-old boy at a state park in Vermont is facing new charges. State police say an examination of digital devices owned by 24-year-old Donald Shepherd turned up hundreds of images and dozens of videos of suspected child pornography.
State officials have unveiled a plan to replace the aging Vermont State Hospital with a new, 15-bed unit in Waterbury and regional facilities in Rutland and White River Junction. The move would create 45 new slots for mental health patient, but some lawmakers are questioning how it will be funded.
Vermont Technical College is using federal energy funding for a new biomass project that will both heat the campus and give students some hands-on experience. The project will use a wood pellet boiler, with students using the boiler to test other forms of biomass fuels.
Gun control laws in northern New England are being given low marks in the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence's annual survey of state gun laws. The survey gave Maine a score of 11 out of 100 for its laws, while New Hampshire was given a 9 and Vermont was given an 8. The Brady Campaign says laws in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont allow the sale of guns without background checks, put children at risk and help feed the illegal gun market. Utah was at the bottom of the survey with a score of 0, while California was given the highest score, a 79. The Brady Campaign is a Washington-based group that advocates for stronger gun control laws.
The head of Vermont's Film Commission is fighting to spare the agency from the budget ax. Joe Bookchin says the office brings in millions in spending across the state from filmmakers, and helps promote the state.
Vermont's half-pipe heroine's Hannah Teter and Kelly Clark claimed their second Olympic medals Thursday night at the 2010 Winter Games. Teter won silver and Clark bronze in the women's snowboard half-pipe in Vancouver.
State regulators are looking into whether the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant had past problems with leaking radioactive tritium. Legislative consultant Arnie Gundersen says he received a tip from a plant employee about prior leaks and passed the information on to the Department of Public Service.
A nanny charged with molesting a 10-year-old boy at a state park in Vermont is facing new charges. State police say an examination of digital devices owned by 24-year-old Donald Shepherd turned up hundreds of images and dozens of videos of suspected child pornography.
State officials have unveiled a plan to replace the aging Vermont State Hospital with a new, 15-bed unit in Waterbury and regional facilities in Rutland and White River Junction. The move would create 45 new slots for mental health patient, but some lawmakers are questioning how it will be funded.
Vermont Technical College is using federal energy funding for a new biomass project that will both heat the campus and give students some hands-on experience. The project will use a wood pellet boiler, with students using the boiler to test other forms of biomass fuels.
Gun control laws in northern New England are being given low marks in the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence's annual survey of state gun laws. The survey gave Maine a score of 11 out of 100 for its laws, while New Hampshire was given a 9 and Vermont was given an 8. The Brady Campaign says laws in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont allow the sale of guns without background checks, put children at risk and help feed the illegal gun market. Utah was at the bottom of the survey with a score of 0, while California was given the highest score, a 79. The Brady Campaign is a Washington-based group that advocates for stronger gun control laws.
The head of Vermont's Film Commission is fighting to spare the agency from the budget ax. Joe Bookchin says the office brings in millions in spending across the state from filmmakers, and helps promote the state.
Vermont's half-pipe heroine's Hannah Teter and Kelly Clark claimed their second Olympic medals Thursday night at the 2010 Winter Games. Teter won silver and Clark bronze in the women's snowboard half-pipe in Vancouver.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
WVTK Local & State News February 18, 2010
Construction on the new Champlain Bridge could be delayed by a legal challenge. Work on the $75 million project is set to begin this spring, but a New York trade organization representing non-union contractors is threatening to file a lawsuit if a union-negotiated agreement is approved. The contractors say they could be forced to play by union rules on wages, benefits and safety standards. They also say it would lock them out of bidding on the project. The Federal Highway Administration is expected to either approve or reject the agreement by the end of the month. At that point, the organization will decide whether or not to file a suit and a second organization is also considering legal action.
Shortly before placing Sgt. David Schauwecker on administrative leave this month; his superiors put him in charge of an internal investigation into another officer's conduct. City attorney Andrew Costello confirmed on Wednesday that Schauwecker, who is the focus of an ongoing child pornography probe, "conducted an internal affairs investigation in 2010 involving a use of force allegation that occurred on a shift he was supervising." A brief statement from Costello didn't identify the superior who put Schauwecker in charge of the investigation.
Vermont lawmakers are expected to vote next week on whether Vermont Yankee should be relicensed, but some are questioning if the Legislature actually has the power to do that. Some experts say a vote to close the nuclear plant when its license expires in 2010 could invite a federal lawsuit.
Burlington will get more than $3 million in federal stimulus money to improve access to the city's waterfront. Senator Patrick Leahy's office says the funds will go into road, parking and pedestrian access improvements to the northern part of the city's Lake Champlain waterfront.
Flames have destroyed a home in Hardwick, killing a dog and three cats. No people were injured in the blaze that broke out early yesterday on South Main Street. The cause of the fire is under investigation but it's not considered suspicious.
A jury has acquitted the Vermont man who was accused of biting off part of a groom's eyebrow in a fight that broke out during the wedding reception. Kevin Gartland was charged with aggravated assault but claimed he acted in self-defense. The jury acquitted him after less than two hours of deliberations.
Senator Bernie Sanders says a proposed 20 percent hike in the federal budget for Veterans Affairs programs show that progress is being made for the state's veterans. Within Vermont alone, Sanders says he expects two new VA health clinics to open within the coming year.
Shortly before placing Sgt. David Schauwecker on administrative leave this month; his superiors put him in charge of an internal investigation into another officer's conduct. City attorney Andrew Costello confirmed on Wednesday that Schauwecker, who is the focus of an ongoing child pornography probe, "conducted an internal affairs investigation in 2010 involving a use of force allegation that occurred on a shift he was supervising." A brief statement from Costello didn't identify the superior who put Schauwecker in charge of the investigation.
Vermont lawmakers are expected to vote next week on whether Vermont Yankee should be relicensed, but some are questioning if the Legislature actually has the power to do that. Some experts say a vote to close the nuclear plant when its license expires in 2010 could invite a federal lawsuit.
Burlington will get more than $3 million in federal stimulus money to improve access to the city's waterfront. Senator Patrick Leahy's office says the funds will go into road, parking and pedestrian access improvements to the northern part of the city's Lake Champlain waterfront.
Flames have destroyed a home in Hardwick, killing a dog and three cats. No people were injured in the blaze that broke out early yesterday on South Main Street. The cause of the fire is under investigation but it's not considered suspicious.
A jury has acquitted the Vermont man who was accused of biting off part of a groom's eyebrow in a fight that broke out during the wedding reception. Kevin Gartland was charged with aggravated assault but claimed he acted in self-defense. The jury acquitted him after less than two hours of deliberations.
Senator Bernie Sanders says a proposed 20 percent hike in the federal budget for Veterans Affairs programs show that progress is being made for the state's veterans. Within Vermont alone, Sanders says he expects two new VA health clinics to open within the coming year.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
WVTK Local & State News February 17, 2010
Rutland City Aldermen and residents had a lot of questions for the Police Chief Tuesday night. They wanted to know about the child porn investigation centered around a city police officer. This was the Board of Aldermen's first meeting since news last week that Sergeant David Shauwecker was on leave and under investigation. The City Aldermen now plan to meet with the Police Commission to find out more about Bossi's handling of the matter. This is the third Rutland officer investigated for porn in the last six years.
Some New Yorkers could see a delay in the arrival of their state income tax refund checks if Gov. David Paterson decides it's the best way to make sure the state has enough cash. The state currently limits the amount of tax refunds it pays in the first three months of the year to $1.75 billion. Paterson is considering lowering that threshold to $1.25 billion because the state must roll $1.4 billion into next year's budget to close a current year budget gap. So far the state has paid out $293 million in 281,000 tax refunds this year. The state has until June to pay the refunds before they start accruing interest. The governor is expected to make a decision in the next few weeks.
State Senate leaders are pressing for a vote next week on whether to allow the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant to continue operating past 2012. One official says the vote needs to happen now to allow utilities and workers to plan in case the plant is forced to shut down.
The first members of a Vermont National Guard deployment to Afghanistan have begun arriving. An advance party of about 20 soldiers arrived last week in what will eventually involve about 1,500 soldiers. A Guard spokesman says the Vermonters will be about 250 miles from the area where U.S. Marines are now carrying out a major operation against the Taliban.
Police say a driver involved in a January crash in Burlington that killed him and another driver had marijuana in his system. Police say toxicology tests also put the drug levels in Taylor McLaughlin's system high enough to typically impair a person's driving.
Vermont's three largest power utilities have struck a series of wholesale power deals as they near the end of their contracts with the Vermont Yankee plant and Canadian utility Hydro-Quebec. The deals include buying power from a wind farm in New Hampshire.
Another disappointing Olympics for Vermont's Lindsey Jacobellis. She veered off course and was disqualified in the semifinals of the snowboard cross, putting her out of medal contention. Jacobellis was hoping to redeem herself after squandering a sure victory four years ago in the Turin games.
State officials say 35,000 New Yorkers claimed $4.8 million in rebates for buying high efficiency appliances in the first five days of the "Great Appliance Swap Out." There are five days to go and $12 million left to be claimed. The program is intended to boost the economy, cut energy consumption, and take old, inefficient appliances out to be recycled. It's funded by federal stimulus money. Rebates for high-efficiency refrigerators, clothes washers, and freezers will range from $50-$105 for a single unit and up to $555 for the purchase of a three-appliance package. Consumers who recycle their old kitchen clunkers get a bigger rebate. After you buy a qualified appliance, you have to submit a rebate application either online at http://www.NYApplianceSwapOut.com or by calling 1-877-697-6278.
Some New Yorkers could see a delay in the arrival of their state income tax refund checks if Gov. David Paterson decides it's the best way to make sure the state has enough cash. The state currently limits the amount of tax refunds it pays in the first three months of the year to $1.75 billion. Paterson is considering lowering that threshold to $1.25 billion because the state must roll $1.4 billion into next year's budget to close a current year budget gap. So far the state has paid out $293 million in 281,000 tax refunds this year. The state has until June to pay the refunds before they start accruing interest. The governor is expected to make a decision in the next few weeks.
State Senate leaders are pressing for a vote next week on whether to allow the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant to continue operating past 2012. One official says the vote needs to happen now to allow utilities and workers to plan in case the plant is forced to shut down.
The first members of a Vermont National Guard deployment to Afghanistan have begun arriving. An advance party of about 20 soldiers arrived last week in what will eventually involve about 1,500 soldiers. A Guard spokesman says the Vermonters will be about 250 miles from the area where U.S. Marines are now carrying out a major operation against the Taliban.
Police say a driver involved in a January crash in Burlington that killed him and another driver had marijuana in his system. Police say toxicology tests also put the drug levels in Taylor McLaughlin's system high enough to typically impair a person's driving.
Vermont's three largest power utilities have struck a series of wholesale power deals as they near the end of their contracts with the Vermont Yankee plant and Canadian utility Hydro-Quebec. The deals include buying power from a wind farm in New Hampshire.
Another disappointing Olympics for Vermont's Lindsey Jacobellis. She veered off course and was disqualified in the semifinals of the snowboard cross, putting her out of medal contention. Jacobellis was hoping to redeem herself after squandering a sure victory four years ago in the Turin games.
State officials say 35,000 New Yorkers claimed $4.8 million in rebates for buying high efficiency appliances in the first five days of the "Great Appliance Swap Out." There are five days to go and $12 million left to be claimed. The program is intended to boost the economy, cut energy consumption, and take old, inefficient appliances out to be recycled. It's funded by federal stimulus money. Rebates for high-efficiency refrigerators, clothes washers, and freezers will range from $50-$105 for a single unit and up to $555 for the purchase of a three-appliance package. Consumers who recycle their old kitchen clunkers get a bigger rebate. After you buy a qualified appliance, you have to submit a rebate application either online at http://www.NYApplianceSwapOut.com or by calling 1-877-697-6278.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
WVTK Local & State News February 16, 2010
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Rutland County through 7AM Wednesday morning. Expect 2 - 4 Inches of Snow. Here in Addison County Weather Channel Meteorologist Ray Stagich says we'll see some light snow throughout the day, anywhere from a dusting to 2 Inches possible. High around 32.
Small businesses hurt by the closing of the Champlain Bridge can now get some free counseling. The demise, and demolition of the bridge, cut off the flow of traffic that many businesses depended on. The Small Business Development Center has opened an "emergency outreach office" in Port Henry, New York. Staff will provide financial advice and application assistance for various relief programs.
Rescuers have a new tool for saving people who fall thru the ice on Lake Champlain. The U.S. Coast Guard unveiled its new air boat last week. The boat can glide across frozen or broken ice getting rescuers to the scene of an emergency much more quickly. In the past, crews had to drive on land to the closest point of rescue and then risk walking on unstable ice to get to the victims.
Ski resorts in Central Vermont haven't seen as much snowfall as they did this time, last year, but vacationers didn't seem to mind. Ski Vermont says the major resorts, like Stowe, seem to be doing slightly better than last year. The association says Stowe Mountain Resort was completely booked through the weekend as well as Killington and Okemo.
A legislative panel in Montpelier is expected to take up a bill this week that would create nonprofit "compassion centers" where medical marijuana could be dispensed. Vermont legalized medical marijuana for eligible patients in 2004. Nearly 200 people are enrolled in the state's medical-marijuana registry.
Police say alcohol appears to be a factor in a crash that damaged a popular snack bar in Burlington. Two men were in a minivan that slammed into QT's early yesterday morning while the eatery was closed. WCAX-TV says the men sustained minor injuries and charges are pending.
Vermont grocers and other businesses that use bar code scanners could be looking at some new fees. Lawmakers are considering a measure that would allow the state to charge fees to inspect the scanners for accuracy.
Some portions of northern New England finally appear to be in for some fresh snow. Forecasters say the storm could bring 3-8 inches to parts of southern Vermont. The National Weather Service has posted a winter weather advisory through 7 tonight.
Vermont hunters will get a chance to pursue snow geese this spring as part of a federal and state effort to control the population. State officials say the special management action was taken by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in response to concerns about the rising number of snow geese across the continent and the damage they're causing to their arctic breeding habitat. Eight states including Vermont are holding a spring snow goose hunt this year. Vermont's season will take place from March 11 through April 23.
Small businesses hurt by the closing of the Champlain Bridge can now get some free counseling. The demise, and demolition of the bridge, cut off the flow of traffic that many businesses depended on. The Small Business Development Center has opened an "emergency outreach office" in Port Henry, New York. Staff will provide financial advice and application assistance for various relief programs.
Rescuers have a new tool for saving people who fall thru the ice on Lake Champlain. The U.S. Coast Guard unveiled its new air boat last week. The boat can glide across frozen or broken ice getting rescuers to the scene of an emergency much more quickly. In the past, crews had to drive on land to the closest point of rescue and then risk walking on unstable ice to get to the victims.
Ski resorts in Central Vermont haven't seen as much snowfall as they did this time, last year, but vacationers didn't seem to mind. Ski Vermont says the major resorts, like Stowe, seem to be doing slightly better than last year. The association says Stowe Mountain Resort was completely booked through the weekend as well as Killington and Okemo.
A legislative panel in Montpelier is expected to take up a bill this week that would create nonprofit "compassion centers" where medical marijuana could be dispensed. Vermont legalized medical marijuana for eligible patients in 2004. Nearly 200 people are enrolled in the state's medical-marijuana registry.
Police say alcohol appears to be a factor in a crash that damaged a popular snack bar in Burlington. Two men were in a minivan that slammed into QT's early yesterday morning while the eatery was closed. WCAX-TV says the men sustained minor injuries and charges are pending.
Vermont grocers and other businesses that use bar code scanners could be looking at some new fees. Lawmakers are considering a measure that would allow the state to charge fees to inspect the scanners for accuracy.
Some portions of northern New England finally appear to be in for some fresh snow. Forecasters say the storm could bring 3-8 inches to parts of southern Vermont. The National Weather Service has posted a winter weather advisory through 7 tonight.
Vermont hunters will get a chance to pursue snow geese this spring as part of a federal and state effort to control the population. State officials say the special management action was taken by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in response to concerns about the rising number of snow geese across the continent and the damage they're causing to their arctic breeding habitat. Eight states including Vermont are holding a spring snow goose hunt this year. Vermont's season will take place from March 11 through April 23.
Monday, February 15, 2010
WVTK Local & State News February 15, 2010
David Schauwecker is the Rutland City police officer at the center of a pornography probe that state police said Friday lacks sufficient evidence to bring charges. Schauwecker's name hasn't been formally released. But in a copy of the city police payroll report for the week ending on Feb. 6, Schauwecker, a sergeant, was the only officer who received administrative leave pay.
The Federal Highway Administration has signed off on an estimated $34 million rail project that would take Omya's marble ore-hauling trucks off Route 7 between Pittsford and Middlebury. The spur would cross under Lower Foote Street and Route 7, then cross at grade level over Halladay Road before connecting to the mainline. The project also includes a 2,050-foot trestle that would bridge over the Otter Creek and Creek Road and a 2.2 acre loading facility allowing the potential for other Middlebury-area shippers to access the main rail line. Once completed, the marble ore would be shipped south to Omya's calcium carbonate processing plant in Pittsford.
As lawmakers in Montpelier try to close a $150 million budget gap, advocates for the low-income, disabled and senior citizens in Vermont are warning against deep cuts in programs. They say the cuts could lead to higher costs in the long run by forcing residents to go on food stamps or enter nursing homes.
The city of Rutland has accepted a $3.8 million settlement with companies that designed and built a faulty roof at the city's water treatment plant. The city's treasurer says Rutland has already spent more than twice that amount on repairs in the last five years since learning the roof was in danger of collapsing.
Olympic skier Hannah Kearney should be in for quite a welcome home celebration in her home town of Norwich. On Saturday, Kearney became the first American to capture a gold medal in Vancouver. She defeated the defending champion, Canadian Jenn Heil, in the women's moguls.
Burton Snowboards is laying off 15 workers at its Burlington headquarters. Company officials said two employees also were cut from its Irvine, Calif., office. Burton said Thursday that the layoffs represent less than 2 percent of the company's work force worldwide, which totals 950. Officials said 420 employees remain in Burlington. The company added that it has reinstated salaries that were cut eight months ago and restored merit raises for employees.
A legislative committee has voted unanimously to recommend moving Vermont's state primary election from mid-September to late August. A new federal law requires that ballots be sent to deployed military and other overseas voters at least 45 days before an election. But with the September date, election officials said they wouldn't be able to certify the primary results and get the general election ballots printed and sent on time. The Burlington Free Press reports that the House Government Operations Committee voted Friday in support of changing the date, but it faces challenges when it goes to the House floor next week. Republican Gov. Jim Douglas wants the state to seek a waiver from the new federal requirements.
The Federal Highway Administration has signed off on an estimated $34 million rail project that would take Omya's marble ore-hauling trucks off Route 7 between Pittsford and Middlebury. The spur would cross under Lower Foote Street and Route 7, then cross at grade level over Halladay Road before connecting to the mainline. The project also includes a 2,050-foot trestle that would bridge over the Otter Creek and Creek Road and a 2.2 acre loading facility allowing the potential for other Middlebury-area shippers to access the main rail line. Once completed, the marble ore would be shipped south to Omya's calcium carbonate processing plant in Pittsford.
As lawmakers in Montpelier try to close a $150 million budget gap, advocates for the low-income, disabled and senior citizens in Vermont are warning against deep cuts in programs. They say the cuts could lead to higher costs in the long run by forcing residents to go on food stamps or enter nursing homes.
The city of Rutland has accepted a $3.8 million settlement with companies that designed and built a faulty roof at the city's water treatment plant. The city's treasurer says Rutland has already spent more than twice that amount on repairs in the last five years since learning the roof was in danger of collapsing.
Olympic skier Hannah Kearney should be in for quite a welcome home celebration in her home town of Norwich. On Saturday, Kearney became the first American to capture a gold medal in Vancouver. She defeated the defending champion, Canadian Jenn Heil, in the women's moguls.
Burton Snowboards is laying off 15 workers at its Burlington headquarters. Company officials said two employees also were cut from its Irvine, Calif., office. Burton said Thursday that the layoffs represent less than 2 percent of the company's work force worldwide, which totals 950. Officials said 420 employees remain in Burlington. The company added that it has reinstated salaries that were cut eight months ago and restored merit raises for employees.
A legislative committee has voted unanimously to recommend moving Vermont's state primary election from mid-September to late August. A new federal law requires that ballots be sent to deployed military and other overseas voters at least 45 days before an election. But with the September date, election officials said they wouldn't be able to certify the primary results and get the general election ballots printed and sent on time. The Burlington Free Press reports that the House Government Operations Committee voted Friday in support of changing the date, but it faces challenges when it goes to the House floor next week. Republican Gov. Jim Douglas wants the state to seek a waiver from the new federal requirements.
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