Benson voters approved their school budget yesterday, 99-84. The revised budget included cuts to the legal fund, health education, the Spanish program and the field trip budget, along with some changes to individual health insurance program. Yesterday’s vote in Benson left Vermont with eight school districts that have yet to approve budgets.
Rutland Town teachers announced last night they will strike in the fall if their contract is not settled prior to the 2010 school year. A strike is a last resort for educators frustrated with negotiations that have lasted more than a year and deadlocked in July 2009.
A small oil spill was discovered in Lake Iroquois in Hinesburg. Authorities say work crews were drilling on private property when there was some sort of problem with the equipment. That's when some of the oil in a hose made its way into the lake water. Buoys were set up to help contain the spill. Federal officials came in last night to help with the clean up.
New evidence shows efforts to clean-up Lake Champlain might be working. Using new methods, U.S. Geological Survey Scientist have found the there has been 1 to 3-percent decrease in phosphorus levels each year from 2000 to 2008. Phosphorus is a plant nutrient washed into the lake that feeds waterweeds and algae blooms.
Officials at the Burlington International Airport say construction on the main runway will cause cancellations, delays, and diversions throughout the summer. Until the repairs are completed, flights will be diverted to Albany anytime the weather reduces visibility to under one-mile. The $19-Million repair job is expected to be finished in September.
Until a state budget is passed, the New York Transportation Department will not be cutting the grass along the highways. A spokesperson said, "Because of the budget situation this year, we are only mowing for safety issues." Also put on hold for now is any non-essential road stripping and guardrail repairs.
A change to a contract between the Rutland city school district and Rutland Mental Health Services will cut 12 full-time jobs. 12 of 15 RMHS employees working at the district's SUCCESS alternative school will be let go in August. The provider's $690,000 contract with the district will be substantially reduced and the treatment program for K-12 students will be restructured.
A top official says state agencies made roughly $265,000 in duplicate payments to vendors over a 2-year period. Auditor of Accounts Tom Salmon says the state also has not yet been able to recoup $61,000 of that money.
A group that tries to help teens and young adults get back on their feet after spending time in jail has found a home. For the past few months, Hope and Community Incorporated has been trying to open a live-in rehabilitation facility in the Rutland area. But several communities have blocked the group's attempt, including a site in Killington. According to the nonprofit's executive director, the facility will open at the former Sand Hill Residential Community for Young Women in Castleton. Hope and Community's goal is to open in a few weeks.
State Treasurer Jeb Spaulding said he will refuse to allow members of the Douglas administration to monitor the Web-viewing habits of state employees working in his office. Controversy has plagued the administration's Web-monitoring plan since some lawmakers began denouncing the initiative in April. The administration has spent $120,000 on software that will be used to block certain websites and track the Internet habits of thousands of employees.
There will be a ribon cutting ceremony tomorrow at the new State Archives Building. Construction began on the new building in Middlesex in 2008 after a flood damaged storage space in Montpelier. The new State Archive Building will be the home of the Vermont State Constitution as well as the official correspondence of governors, legislative records and other documents.
One of two men accused in the shooting death of a former St. Michael's College professor plans to change his plea tomorrow. Police say 28-year-old Brad Lussier of Colchester, was one of four men who were firing guns in a backyard shooting range in Essex 2 years ago. Last month a jury convicted 40-year-old Joseph McCarthy of manslaughter for setting up the firing range.
If you notice pine trees around the state are turning brown, than your not alone. Officials say we are now seeing the effects of Needle Blight that spread though the trees last summer. Tree experts say don't give up and cut any of your pine trees down. It's just going to take time for the trees to recover.
A Massachusetts teacher cleaning up her classroom in preparation for a move has discovered a Colonial-era document buried in a pile of outdated textbooks and dusty scraps of papers. Dated April 1792 and protected by plastic, it appears to document the payment of a debt by a Vermont man named Jonathan Bates. Bates served in the Continental Army in 1780 and died in 1808 at age 63. He's buried in Williamstown, VT.
The SADD chapter at the Stafford Technical Center in Rutland has been named the best in the country. The group held a dating violence presentation, was a top 20 finalist in a national competition about distracted driving, and helped set up the first college SADD chapter in Vermont at Castleton State. Students say they were very surprised but very excited about the honor.
A tradition will return during this year's "Best Fourth in the North" celebration. A bed race will be held along Ticonderoga's Montcalm Street following the Montcalm Mile and before the annual July 4th parade. The 24th annual Montcalm Mile will race along the parade route at 1:45 p.m. It will be followed by the bed race and then the annual parade at 2 p.m. Registration forms and rules for the race can be obtained on line at best-4th-in-the-north dot com or at Century 21.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
WVTK Local & State News June 8, 2010
Voters in the town of Benson will try to pass a school budget today. This will be the third time a spending plan for next year has been proposed to the voters. There was an informational meeting last night. The polls are open today at the Community Hall from 10 to 7.
Expect some slow-downs in New Haven as you head through the village over the next few weeks as work begins on the town’s first sidewalk. Kennedy Construction of North Ferrisburgh is expected to break ground next week on the project, which will slightly enlarge the village green, install sidewalks along the green and North Street to Beeman Elementary School, and construct a safer crosswalk across Route 17.
For the second year in a row, Helping Overcome Poverty’s Effects launched a special fund-raising campaign in order to meet the growing demand for services by Addison County residents still weathering tough economic times. The organization is seeking to raise $145,000 in donations and another $6,700 through special events including a fashion show this fall. Anyone interested in donating to the HOPE fund-raising campaign should call the agency at 388-3608.
Vergennes aldermen have given permission to Vergennes Opera House backers to sell the theater’s no-longer-used fixed chairs as a way to help pay for the sprinkler project. The cost of that project recently increased by $20,000 when it was learned there was not enough water pressure in the original design to reach the top of the structure and an extra pump would be needed.
The Rutland city treasurer and school district chief financial officer support a recommendation from Mayor Christopher Louras that the pension board be reconstituted as a professional board of financial specialists. At Monday's meeting, Louras introduced language for the board to consider as a possible revision to the ordinance that outlines the terms of the city's pension plan.
Vermont State Senator Susan Bartlett has formally kicked off her campaign for the Democratic nomination for Governor. Bartlett has represented Lamoille County in the Senate since 1993. She faces four other Democrats in the August primary. Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie is the sole Republican candidate for governor.
Central Vermont Public Service Corp. and Mount Snow Resort are among five companies that will share in $92 million in federal stimulus bonding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. CVPS was authorized for $25 million from the tax-exempt Recovery Zone Facility Bond Program. The bonding will help finance $48 million in capital projects this year, including infrastructure, transmission, distribution, buildings and generation.
Vermont Yankee has been ordered to reimburse opponents for money spent investigating misleading statements nuclear plant officials made to state regulators and lawmakers. The state Public Service Board granted reimbursement requests from the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, the New England Coalition and the Windham Regional Commission. The board said Vermont Yankee must pay attorney's fees and other costs related to the plant's misrepresentations about whether it had underground pipes that carried radioactive substances.
The New York state Department of Environmental Conservation is launching a new program to promote training and licensing of organic lawn care providers. A searchable list of local Be Green qualified yard care and landscaping companies will be available on the DEC's website.
Two New York lawmakers say it's time for prepaid cell phone users to identify themselves. That's rattled some civil liberties groups, who say the bill may threaten privacy rights. Prepaid phones can be a lifeline for people with limited incomes or poor credit. But since they can be purchased anonymously, they're a favored tool of drug dealers and other criminals looking to cover their tracks. Prepaid phones also have been linked to suspected terror activity.
The Burlington City Council is looking to changing the way the city elects its mayor again. Currently a mayoral candidate only needs 40-percent of the vote to be elected. The City Council voted last night to change the city charter so a candidate for the office would need a 50-percent majority. The measure now goes to the Charter Change Committee.
Police, schools and other groups in New York are joining together to prevent kids from committing crimes at school. The Coalition for Safe Schools recently launched a campaign to keep kids safe. It will work with school districts in Essex and Clinton counties. Coalition leaders said they will respond to school violence and hopefully prevent it.
A Morrisonville man has admitted to causing a deadly crash last fall. 33-year-old Aaron Trombley pleaded guilty to several charges yesterday in Clinton County Court. Police say on October 16, last year, he was driving while on drugs in the Town of Plattsburgh when he hit another car head-on. 2 of the passengers in that car died as a result. He is facing up to 15 years in prison.
About 9,000 Vermont Seniors will be getting a one-time, $250 rebate check. The checks are to help close a gap in Medicare Coverage for prescription drugs. The first round of checks will be mailed out on June 10 for seniors who have already paid over $950 for prescriptions this year. People covered under Medicare Part D should receive a check automatically.
Teens looking for something to do this summer now have another resource. Susan Hull Grasso and Sarah Vincent , 2 stay at home moms, that have several teenagers themselves, have created a website to help kids age 13 and up find jobs and volunteering opportunities. The women say there are a lot of opportunities out there. The website is TeenOpps.com.
The Department of Homeland Security recently announced it would close the Morses Line border crossing and now there is a group of people that is fighting to keep it open. Local residents on both sides of the border say, it’s the cheapest and most convenient way for them to cross the border. They say closing it could have devastating effects on local farms and businesses.
This up-coming weekend is Vermont Days. It’s your chance to visit one of the many state parks or historic sites for free. This Saturday is also Free Fish Day; the one-day of the year you don't need a fishing license in Vermont. For more information or a complete list of activities surrounding Vermont Days, go to VermontDays.Vermont.gov.
Expect some slow-downs in New Haven as you head through the village over the next few weeks as work begins on the town’s first sidewalk. Kennedy Construction of North Ferrisburgh is expected to break ground next week on the project, which will slightly enlarge the village green, install sidewalks along the green and North Street to Beeman Elementary School, and construct a safer crosswalk across Route 17.
For the second year in a row, Helping Overcome Poverty’s Effects launched a special fund-raising campaign in order to meet the growing demand for services by Addison County residents still weathering tough economic times. The organization is seeking to raise $145,000 in donations and another $6,700 through special events including a fashion show this fall. Anyone interested in donating to the HOPE fund-raising campaign should call the agency at 388-3608.
Vergennes aldermen have given permission to Vergennes Opera House backers to sell the theater’s no-longer-used fixed chairs as a way to help pay for the sprinkler project. The cost of that project recently increased by $20,000 when it was learned there was not enough water pressure in the original design to reach the top of the structure and an extra pump would be needed.
The Rutland city treasurer and school district chief financial officer support a recommendation from Mayor Christopher Louras that the pension board be reconstituted as a professional board of financial specialists. At Monday's meeting, Louras introduced language for the board to consider as a possible revision to the ordinance that outlines the terms of the city's pension plan.
Vermont State Senator Susan Bartlett has formally kicked off her campaign for the Democratic nomination for Governor. Bartlett has represented Lamoille County in the Senate since 1993. She faces four other Democrats in the August primary. Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie is the sole Republican candidate for governor.
Central Vermont Public Service Corp. and Mount Snow Resort are among five companies that will share in $92 million in federal stimulus bonding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. CVPS was authorized for $25 million from the tax-exempt Recovery Zone Facility Bond Program. The bonding will help finance $48 million in capital projects this year, including infrastructure, transmission, distribution, buildings and generation.
Vermont Yankee has been ordered to reimburse opponents for money spent investigating misleading statements nuclear plant officials made to state regulators and lawmakers. The state Public Service Board granted reimbursement requests from the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, the New England Coalition and the Windham Regional Commission. The board said Vermont Yankee must pay attorney's fees and other costs related to the plant's misrepresentations about whether it had underground pipes that carried radioactive substances.
The New York state Department of Environmental Conservation is launching a new program to promote training and licensing of organic lawn care providers. A searchable list of local Be Green qualified yard care and landscaping companies will be available on the DEC's website.
Two New York lawmakers say it's time for prepaid cell phone users to identify themselves. That's rattled some civil liberties groups, who say the bill may threaten privacy rights. Prepaid phones can be a lifeline for people with limited incomes or poor credit. But since they can be purchased anonymously, they're a favored tool of drug dealers and other criminals looking to cover their tracks. Prepaid phones also have been linked to suspected terror activity.
The Burlington City Council is looking to changing the way the city elects its mayor again. Currently a mayoral candidate only needs 40-percent of the vote to be elected. The City Council voted last night to change the city charter so a candidate for the office would need a 50-percent majority. The measure now goes to the Charter Change Committee.
Police, schools and other groups in New York are joining together to prevent kids from committing crimes at school. The Coalition for Safe Schools recently launched a campaign to keep kids safe. It will work with school districts in Essex and Clinton counties. Coalition leaders said they will respond to school violence and hopefully prevent it.
A Morrisonville man has admitted to causing a deadly crash last fall. 33-year-old Aaron Trombley pleaded guilty to several charges yesterday in Clinton County Court. Police say on October 16, last year, he was driving while on drugs in the Town of Plattsburgh when he hit another car head-on. 2 of the passengers in that car died as a result. He is facing up to 15 years in prison.
About 9,000 Vermont Seniors will be getting a one-time, $250 rebate check. The checks are to help close a gap in Medicare Coverage for prescription drugs. The first round of checks will be mailed out on June 10 for seniors who have already paid over $950 for prescriptions this year. People covered under Medicare Part D should receive a check automatically.
Teens looking for something to do this summer now have another resource. Susan Hull Grasso and Sarah Vincent , 2 stay at home moms, that have several teenagers themselves, have created a website to help kids age 13 and up find jobs and volunteering opportunities. The women say there are a lot of opportunities out there. The website is TeenOpps.com.
The Department of Homeland Security recently announced it would close the Morses Line border crossing and now there is a group of people that is fighting to keep it open. Local residents on both sides of the border say, it’s the cheapest and most convenient way for them to cross the border. They say closing it could have devastating effects on local farms and businesses.
This up-coming weekend is Vermont Days. It’s your chance to visit one of the many state parks or historic sites for free. This Saturday is also Free Fish Day; the one-day of the year you don't need a fishing license in Vermont. For more information or a complete list of activities surrounding Vermont Days, go to VermontDays.Vermont.gov.
Monday, June 7, 2010
WVTK Local & State News June 7, 2010
The school budget in Benson goes up for a third vote this week. The School Board will hold an informational meeting at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Community Hall on the proposed budget. Polls are open there Tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Ticonderoga Central School board of education has cut more than a quarter-million dollars from the proposed 2010-11 budget rejected by voters last month. The revised spending plan will go back to voters Tuesday, June 15th at the Hague Community Center and at Ticonderoga High School. If the budget is again rejected, law requires the district to go directly to a contingency budget, a level set by the state that limits spending. The proposal calls for a 4.77 percent increase in the tax levy.
Police in Rutland have arrested 3 people the allegedly ran a cocaine ring out of local daycare. Police say they seized cocaine and a handgun at the daycare run by Kelly Vitagliano. She was arrested, along with Anthony Petit and Morey Clark. The Department of Children and Families has been notified about the bust at the daycare. No kids were there at the time.
Several mailboxes were destroyed and signposts were pulled up from the ground in Charlotte. The most damage was on Spear Street and Sheehan Green Road. Vermont State Police say troopers are investigating the incidents as cases of vandalism. The vandalism caused hundreds of dollars in property damage.
Vermont's Catamount Health Insurance Program is facing a funding crisis. According to officials, the 4-year-old program will need at least $3.8-Million just to stay a float this year. The program is receiving less than expected funding from the federal government this year and one of the private insurers offering Catamount Health is requesting a rate increase.
Divers have recovered the body of a UVM Student that jumped off a bridge into the Winooski River. Police say 26-year-old Sasi Kunta was swimming with some friends Saturday Night when he jumped into the river and never resurfaced. His body was found yesterday morning around 8:30. Police do not suspect fowl play.
The Vermont Health Department is urging people to avoid contact with bats they find inside their homes. People who find bats inside should call the Vermont Rabies Hotline to determine if exposure has put someone at risk of rabies.
Gov. Jim Douglas has signed a bill designating Canadian utility Hydro Quebec as renewable energy. It may have been the last bill of the Republican's tenure in office. Friday's action also makes Vermont the first state to call Hydro Quebec green. Vermont's utilities pushed for the bill. Now that Hydro Quebec has the renewable label, they can buy power for less as part of a 26-year contact they're still working on.
The former tenants of Castleton's Parsons Hill apartment project may have to settle with little more than a moral victory from a court decision against the development's landlords. A Rutland jury decided last year that the Parsons Hill Partnership was liable for toxins in the water system. But a Vermont Supreme Court decision released on Friday closed the door on liability claims against one of those parties. The high court's decision comes as a blow to the former tenants who hoped to receive significant settlements from the insurance company.
The Rutland Herald's fight for access to Rutland City disciplinary records will be heard and possibly decided by a superior court judge next month. The newspaper went to court in March seeking access to records regarding internal investigations of pornography found on the computers of three police officers and two public works employees dating back to 2004.
A 17-year-old Plattsburgh woman escaped a fire in her home by crawling out a second story window. Rebecca Duquette was woken up by the smoke detector Saturday Morning and called 911. She reportedly smashed a window with a musical instrument and then police were able to help her to escape with only minor injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The National Weather Service says an EF-1 Tornado touched down in Craftsbury yesterday. The tornado created a 2 and 1/2 mile path of destruction including a dairy farm. A number of houses lost shingles and debris were spotted swirling around. Some trees were also ripped up and Golf ball sized hail fell in several communities.
New York is joining 22 other states in creating an electronic waste recycling law. Under the bill signed by Governor David Patterson, all manufacturers that sell electronic equipment in the state must have a free recycling program in effect by April 1, next year. The law covers TVs, VCRs, DVD and mp3 players, game consoles, fax machines, and computers.
A faulty fourth-floor fire detector forced the evacuation of hundreds from the Bloomer state office building in Rutland Friday morning. For the second time in little more than a week, the four-story building was unexpectedly emptied. But unlike the propane gas leak that closed the building for half a day last month, workers and customers were able to return after a 15-minute review by city firefighters.
The Boys & Girls Club of Rutland County won a $500 grant. This was one of six totaling $4,000 awarded last week from the Downtown Rutland Partnership. Their application outlined a plan to host a series of enhanced open houses at the Merchants Row facility. But rather than just show off their own programs and building, they had the idea of incorporating downtown restaurants and local artists.
The Ticonderoga Central School board of education has cut more than a quarter-million dollars from the proposed 2010-11 budget rejected by voters last month. The revised spending plan will go back to voters Tuesday, June 15th at the Hague Community Center and at Ticonderoga High School. If the budget is again rejected, law requires the district to go directly to a contingency budget, a level set by the state that limits spending. The proposal calls for a 4.77 percent increase in the tax levy.
Police in Rutland have arrested 3 people the allegedly ran a cocaine ring out of local daycare. Police say they seized cocaine and a handgun at the daycare run by Kelly Vitagliano. She was arrested, along with Anthony Petit and Morey Clark. The Department of Children and Families has been notified about the bust at the daycare. No kids were there at the time.
Several mailboxes were destroyed and signposts were pulled up from the ground in Charlotte. The most damage was on Spear Street and Sheehan Green Road. Vermont State Police say troopers are investigating the incidents as cases of vandalism. The vandalism caused hundreds of dollars in property damage.
Vermont's Catamount Health Insurance Program is facing a funding crisis. According to officials, the 4-year-old program will need at least $3.8-Million just to stay a float this year. The program is receiving less than expected funding from the federal government this year and one of the private insurers offering Catamount Health is requesting a rate increase.
Divers have recovered the body of a UVM Student that jumped off a bridge into the Winooski River. Police say 26-year-old Sasi Kunta was swimming with some friends Saturday Night when he jumped into the river and never resurfaced. His body was found yesterday morning around 8:30. Police do not suspect fowl play.
The Vermont Health Department is urging people to avoid contact with bats they find inside their homes. People who find bats inside should call the Vermont Rabies Hotline to determine if exposure has put someone at risk of rabies.
Gov. Jim Douglas has signed a bill designating Canadian utility Hydro Quebec as renewable energy. It may have been the last bill of the Republican's tenure in office. Friday's action also makes Vermont the first state to call Hydro Quebec green. Vermont's utilities pushed for the bill. Now that Hydro Quebec has the renewable label, they can buy power for less as part of a 26-year contact they're still working on.
The former tenants of Castleton's Parsons Hill apartment project may have to settle with little more than a moral victory from a court decision against the development's landlords. A Rutland jury decided last year that the Parsons Hill Partnership was liable for toxins in the water system. But a Vermont Supreme Court decision released on Friday closed the door on liability claims against one of those parties. The high court's decision comes as a blow to the former tenants who hoped to receive significant settlements from the insurance company.
The Rutland Herald's fight for access to Rutland City disciplinary records will be heard and possibly decided by a superior court judge next month. The newspaper went to court in March seeking access to records regarding internal investigations of pornography found on the computers of three police officers and two public works employees dating back to 2004.
A 17-year-old Plattsburgh woman escaped a fire in her home by crawling out a second story window. Rebecca Duquette was woken up by the smoke detector Saturday Morning and called 911. She reportedly smashed a window with a musical instrument and then police were able to help her to escape with only minor injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The National Weather Service says an EF-1 Tornado touched down in Craftsbury yesterday. The tornado created a 2 and 1/2 mile path of destruction including a dairy farm. A number of houses lost shingles and debris were spotted swirling around. Some trees were also ripped up and Golf ball sized hail fell in several communities.
New York is joining 22 other states in creating an electronic waste recycling law. Under the bill signed by Governor David Patterson, all manufacturers that sell electronic equipment in the state must have a free recycling program in effect by April 1, next year. The law covers TVs, VCRs, DVD and mp3 players, game consoles, fax machines, and computers.
A faulty fourth-floor fire detector forced the evacuation of hundreds from the Bloomer state office building in Rutland Friday morning. For the second time in little more than a week, the four-story building was unexpectedly emptied. But unlike the propane gas leak that closed the building for half a day last month, workers and customers were able to return after a 15-minute review by city firefighters.
The Boys & Girls Club of Rutland County won a $500 grant. This was one of six totaling $4,000 awarded last week from the Downtown Rutland Partnership. Their application outlined a plan to host a series of enhanced open houses at the Merchants Row facility. But rather than just show off their own programs and building, they had the idea of incorporating downtown restaurants and local artists.
Friday, June 4, 2010
WVTK Local & State News June 4, 2010
More than 100 local workers will be needed to help build the new Crown Point Bridge. Officials from Flatiron Constructors have started to arrive and they expect to start hiring once the equipment arrives and offices are built. Offices will be built on both sides of the lake. The groundbreaking for the new bridge is expected to be held within the next few days.
Goodrich in Vergennes has just landed a big military contract. The U.S. Army will pay $54 million dollars for its helicopter maintenance diagnostic system. The so-called HUMS system tells mechanics when something on the helicopter is about to fail. The technology helps keep choppers in the air, rather than undergoing unnecessary inspections on the ground.
Governor Jim Douglas is allowing a school bill to become law without his signature. The bill urges local school districts to consolidate. Douglas says he supports the idea of school district consolidation as a way to help rein in on school spending but doesn't see how this bill will help control costs. Meanwhile the Addison Central Supervisory Union board took another small exploratory step into the arena of school governance consolidation, electing to create an ad hoc committee that will help coordinate debate on the controversial issue.
Shoreham voters will soon get a chance to decide whether the town should build new municipal offices or incorporate them into a Newton Academy re-build that would also include a community center. Plans call for the Shoreham select board to prepare a list of three options to address the town’s quest for more municipal office space and to potentially fill the void left by the April 7 burning of the historic Newton Academy on School Street.
Former Vergennes Police Chief Michael Lowe’s case in Addison County District Court concluded on May 26, when the Judge denied motions by Lowe’s attorney to reduce the six-month sentence he gave him on May 5. Lowe reported on May 12 to the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield to await transport to an out-of-state prison.
A live-in drug rehab center for youth is planning to make its new home in Rutland County but the director isn't saying where, just yet. Hope and Community Inc. is planning to announce its new location Monday. The nonprofit's idea is to set up an aftercare facility for youths out of jail and those recovering from drug and alcohol abuse, ages 14 to 22.
The Rutland City Department of Public Works has completed a $32,000 energy efficient lighting project at the wastewater treatment plant. About 200 lighting fixtures and control units were installed to replace less-efficient equipment under the scope of the project, which is expected to pay for itself through energy savings within three to five years.
The principal of Poultney High School has resigned and is taking the same job at Weathersfield School in Ascutney. The resignation of Jean Marie Oakman wasn't a surprise and interviews with four potential new school leaders started yesterday. Oakman submitted her resignation letter to the Poultney School Board on May 18. The district plans to have a new school leader hired as soon as possible.
Governor Jim Douglas has signed a bill that will unify the court system in Vermont. The bill cuts the number of probate court districts down to 5 in the state and makes a number of other changes to the system, which will operate under the jurisdiction of the state Supreme Court. The changes will take about 2 years to implement. Meanwhile
Residents in Clinton County have a chance to dump old batteries and other hazardous waste for free. Tomorrow, people can bring items to the Clinton County Landfill from 8 to 3. The service will be free to county residents, but proof of residency may be required. Officials said it is a safe outlet for the disposal of normal household hazardous waste materials.
The newest addition to the Community College of Vermont is now officially open. Officials cut the ribbon yesterday, marking the opening of the $17 million building in Winooski. It will be home to more than 2,000 students this summer. It's also now the largest CCV campus. The building includes 35 classrooms science labs and art studios.
38 communities around Vermont will be getting municipal planning grants that will help local leaders plan for growth and development. The grants of up to $15,000 are being awarded by Vermont Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development. The grant money can be used for a number of projects like updating town plans, maps and zoning bylaws.
The Department of Homeland Security has decided to close the Morses Line Border Crossing. The closing spares a family farm that would have had some of its fields taken by imminent domain. Senator Patrick Leahy says, closing the hardly used border crossing makes financial sense because improvements would have cost the government more than $5-Million.
Vermont's labor commissioner says people calling the state's unemployment call centers are seeing shorter wait times. The commissioner says fewer busy signals could be a sign that the economy is improving. The number of Vermonters collecting unemployment benefits has dropped from 26-thousand a week last winter to about 20-thousand.
Tomorrow is Vermont Adult Learning's Big Truck Day in Middlebury taking place from 10am to 2pm at the American Legion on Boardman Street. This fun-filled family event will feature many big trucks and lots of Kid friendly fun with clowns, face painting, games and activities! There will also be a 50/50 raffle as well as lunch food and baked goods for sale. Stop by from 10 – Noon and meet Bruce & Hobbes from the Wake-Up Crew! You’ll even have the opportunity to have your picture taken with our K-9 friend☺! Admission is free for children; $5 for adults. It’s all to benefit students of Vermont Adult Learning and the Vermont Adult Learning Childcare Center.
Tomorrow people across Addison County will take to the woods in celebration of National Trails Day. In the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, visitors will find events designed to educate the public about the options available to them on the nearby trails, including bird watching, hiking, biking and trail maintenance. The celebration will be based at Blueberry Hill Inn and Cross Country Ski Center in Goshen.
Goodrich in Vergennes has just landed a big military contract. The U.S. Army will pay $54 million dollars for its helicopter maintenance diagnostic system. The so-called HUMS system tells mechanics when something on the helicopter is about to fail. The technology helps keep choppers in the air, rather than undergoing unnecessary inspections on the ground.
Governor Jim Douglas is allowing a school bill to become law without his signature. The bill urges local school districts to consolidate. Douglas says he supports the idea of school district consolidation as a way to help rein in on school spending but doesn't see how this bill will help control costs. Meanwhile the Addison Central Supervisory Union board took another small exploratory step into the arena of school governance consolidation, electing to create an ad hoc committee that will help coordinate debate on the controversial issue.
Shoreham voters will soon get a chance to decide whether the town should build new municipal offices or incorporate them into a Newton Academy re-build that would also include a community center. Plans call for the Shoreham select board to prepare a list of three options to address the town’s quest for more municipal office space and to potentially fill the void left by the April 7 burning of the historic Newton Academy on School Street.
Former Vergennes Police Chief Michael Lowe’s case in Addison County District Court concluded on May 26, when the Judge denied motions by Lowe’s attorney to reduce the six-month sentence he gave him on May 5. Lowe reported on May 12 to the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield to await transport to an out-of-state prison.
A live-in drug rehab center for youth is planning to make its new home in Rutland County but the director isn't saying where, just yet. Hope and Community Inc. is planning to announce its new location Monday. The nonprofit's idea is to set up an aftercare facility for youths out of jail and those recovering from drug and alcohol abuse, ages 14 to 22.
The Rutland City Department of Public Works has completed a $32,000 energy efficient lighting project at the wastewater treatment plant. About 200 lighting fixtures and control units were installed to replace less-efficient equipment under the scope of the project, which is expected to pay for itself through energy savings within three to five years.
The principal of Poultney High School has resigned and is taking the same job at Weathersfield School in Ascutney. The resignation of Jean Marie Oakman wasn't a surprise and interviews with four potential new school leaders started yesterday. Oakman submitted her resignation letter to the Poultney School Board on May 18. The district plans to have a new school leader hired as soon as possible.
Governor Jim Douglas has signed a bill that will unify the court system in Vermont. The bill cuts the number of probate court districts down to 5 in the state and makes a number of other changes to the system, which will operate under the jurisdiction of the state Supreme Court. The changes will take about 2 years to implement. Meanwhile
Residents in Clinton County have a chance to dump old batteries and other hazardous waste for free. Tomorrow, people can bring items to the Clinton County Landfill from 8 to 3. The service will be free to county residents, but proof of residency may be required. Officials said it is a safe outlet for the disposal of normal household hazardous waste materials.
The newest addition to the Community College of Vermont is now officially open. Officials cut the ribbon yesterday, marking the opening of the $17 million building in Winooski. It will be home to more than 2,000 students this summer. It's also now the largest CCV campus. The building includes 35 classrooms science labs and art studios.
38 communities around Vermont will be getting municipal planning grants that will help local leaders plan for growth and development. The grants of up to $15,000 are being awarded by Vermont Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development. The grant money can be used for a number of projects like updating town plans, maps and zoning bylaws.
The Department of Homeland Security has decided to close the Morses Line Border Crossing. The closing spares a family farm that would have had some of its fields taken by imminent domain. Senator Patrick Leahy says, closing the hardly used border crossing makes financial sense because improvements would have cost the government more than $5-Million.
Vermont's labor commissioner says people calling the state's unemployment call centers are seeing shorter wait times. The commissioner says fewer busy signals could be a sign that the economy is improving. The number of Vermonters collecting unemployment benefits has dropped from 26-thousand a week last winter to about 20-thousand.
Tomorrow is Vermont Adult Learning's Big Truck Day in Middlebury taking place from 10am to 2pm at the American Legion on Boardman Street. This fun-filled family event will feature many big trucks and lots of Kid friendly fun with clowns, face painting, games and activities! There will also be a 50/50 raffle as well as lunch food and baked goods for sale. Stop by from 10 – Noon and meet Bruce & Hobbes from the Wake-Up Crew! You’ll even have the opportunity to have your picture taken with our K-9 friend☺! Admission is free for children; $5 for adults. It’s all to benefit students of Vermont Adult Learning and the Vermont Adult Learning Childcare Center.
Tomorrow people across Addison County will take to the woods in celebration of National Trails Day. In the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, visitors will find events designed to educate the public about the options available to them on the nearby trails, including bird watching, hiking, biking and trail maintenance. The celebration will be based at Blueberry Hill Inn and Cross Country Ski Center in Goshen.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
WVTK Local & State News June 3, 2010
Fair Haven Police say 2 juveniles stole a car and went on a joy ride to Brandon. According to investigators, an 11-year-old male and a 12-year-old female saw the keys in the ignition of an SUV on Memorial Day and decided to take it. At one point, the kids met up with 18-year-old Monica Doyle. Police say Doyle stole items in the vehicle and later slashed the tires.
An 8-member commission, set up by the Vermont Board of Education, is looking at how the state might consolidate school districts. Officials say merging some of the 280 districts will provide more opportunities for students and cut costs. The commission will meet throughout the summer and present its recommendations to the board in the fall.
Lowe's and Kobalt Tools in partnership with SkillsUSA are helping the next generation of trade professionals develop their skills at Champlain Tec in Mineville through their Toolbox for Education program. Lowe's is donating approximately $1,100 worth of Kobalt tools to the school as part of the national program.
Police in Fair Haven say they have arrested four people who they are investigating in relation to a long string of local burglaries including stealing tires and wheels from a Grape Street home. The series of burglaries drove the Select Board to offer a $500 reward last month for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the burglars. While no one received the $500 reward in this arrest someone could still claim the reward by providing information tying any of the four to other burglaries, or other burglars.
Killington and communities along Routes 4 and 100 are seeking official designations of the roads as "scenic byways" by the end of the year. The program manager for Vermont Byways said that while it takes a great deal of local support, the odds are good for at least one of the roads. The program is designed to encourage towns to work together to promote their scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, archeological and natural qualities.
Authorities say there were no fatal traffic accidents through the Memorial Day Weekend. During the 4-day period from May 28 though May 31, there was 41 crashes, none with any fatalities, 98 seat belt violations and 814 speeding violations. Police were out in force to remind people to wear seat belts during the annual Click-It or Ticket Campaign, which runs through June 6.
A group of Vermont Air National Guard Solders is coming home today after spending the last month helping in Haiti. The unit just finished dismantling a number of temporary bases set up to get humanitarian aid into the country after the earthquakes this past January. The group is scheduled to arrive in Burlington this morning.
With school almost out for the summer, a number of construction projects are getting started at schools in the Plattsburgh area. At Bailey Elementary, crews are putting in a new entryway to increase security. The same will happen at Oak Street and Momot Elementary and Stafford Middle School. All the work is being paid for with state grant money.
With the state budget already more than 2 months late, Governor David Patterson said, starting Friday, he will include some of his cuts to the budget in the emergency spending bills he sends to the Legislature. Lawmakers each week must pass the emergency spending measures or risk shutting down Albany.
Under a settlement reached with State Regulators, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont will repay subscribers $3-Million. The settlement follows a state probe into the $7-Million retirement package given to former CEO William Milnes. The company also agreed to work with the state to identify strategies for holding down health care costs.
Thirty-eight communities around Vermont will benefit from municipal planning grants awarded by Vermont Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development. Grants of up to $15,000 for each community are designed to help local leaders plan for growth and development.
Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas plans to sign into a law a bill aimed at streamlining the state's judicial system. The resulting bill calls for consolidation of staff, regionalization of court administrative functions, use of technology to reduce unnecessary expenditures, improvement of resource flexibility, and reallocation of jurisdiction between courts. The measure will enable courts to remain open in all 14 Vermont counties, something that earlier versions of the bill did not do.
New York lawmakers have passed bills to require overtime pay for more than 200,000 housekeepers, nannies and other domestic workers in the state. Overtime pay will be required after eight-hour workdays and the workers will entitled to at least one day off a week. Differences still need to be worked out between the House and Senate versions of the bills, but if the Governor ultimately signs the bill, advocates say New York will become the first state establishing those rights for household workers.
Fort Ticonderoga and The King's Garden invite guests from around the North Country to visit free of charge this Saturday. "Neighbor Appreciation Day" is an opportunity to see exhibits, experience programming and take tours. Local residents have always been admitted free of charge to Fort Ticonderoga and the King's Garden for the regular programming, but for this special day the area is expanded to include those who live in Essex, Clinton, Washington, and Warren counties in New York; and Addison, Chittenden and Rutland counties in Vermont.
Two men who allegedly set fire to a generator and lawn mower in Ticonderoga were apprehended after a search through woods at the base of Mount Defiance. Nathan Thatcher and Jonathan Paquette both of Ticonderoga were each charged with two counts of fifth-degree arson, two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief and criminal trespass. Thatcher and Paquette are due back in court June 9.
The Vermont Bike Ferry is expanding its services. Local Motion, the group that runs the ferry that connects the bike path from Colchester to South Hero, has announced that this year they will be running during the weekends from July 3 though September 6. In the past, it was only available weekends in August. Also this year, the suggested donation for a round trip is $10.
The Plattsburgh City Beach is once again closed. The Clinton County Health Department says it's a violation of state law to have gates open with no staff. With the warm temperatures last week, the city had opened the beach gates and was treating the area like a park, people could enjoy the sand and picnic areas, but the water was off limits. The beach will officially open on June 23.
An inmate who escaped from Lyon Mountain Correctional Facility last fall will remain behind bars for another 2 to 4 years. Scott Atkins was sentenced yesterday in Clinton County Court. Adkins had served less than a year of his 4-year sentence for attempted burglary when he slipped out of the prison last August.
Officials are concerned about the spread of the invasive species in Vermont's waterways known as Rock Snot. Its real name is Didymo, and it was just spotted in the Gihon River in East Johnson. Rock snot can cover the bottom of a river and disrupt the aquatic life. In three years, it has shown up in the Lake Champlain Basin, also the Connecticut River, the Mad River, and now the Gihon.
An 8-member commission, set up by the Vermont Board of Education, is looking at how the state might consolidate school districts. Officials say merging some of the 280 districts will provide more opportunities for students and cut costs. The commission will meet throughout the summer and present its recommendations to the board in the fall.
Lowe's and Kobalt Tools in partnership with SkillsUSA are helping the next generation of trade professionals develop their skills at Champlain Tec in Mineville through their Toolbox for Education program. Lowe's is donating approximately $1,100 worth of Kobalt tools to the school as part of the national program.
Police in Fair Haven say they have arrested four people who they are investigating in relation to a long string of local burglaries including stealing tires and wheels from a Grape Street home. The series of burglaries drove the Select Board to offer a $500 reward last month for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the burglars. While no one received the $500 reward in this arrest someone could still claim the reward by providing information tying any of the four to other burglaries, or other burglars.
Killington and communities along Routes 4 and 100 are seeking official designations of the roads as "scenic byways" by the end of the year. The program manager for Vermont Byways said that while it takes a great deal of local support, the odds are good for at least one of the roads. The program is designed to encourage towns to work together to promote their scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, archeological and natural qualities.
Authorities say there were no fatal traffic accidents through the Memorial Day Weekend. During the 4-day period from May 28 though May 31, there was 41 crashes, none with any fatalities, 98 seat belt violations and 814 speeding violations. Police were out in force to remind people to wear seat belts during the annual Click-It or Ticket Campaign, which runs through June 6.
A group of Vermont Air National Guard Solders is coming home today after spending the last month helping in Haiti. The unit just finished dismantling a number of temporary bases set up to get humanitarian aid into the country after the earthquakes this past January. The group is scheduled to arrive in Burlington this morning.
With school almost out for the summer, a number of construction projects are getting started at schools in the Plattsburgh area. At Bailey Elementary, crews are putting in a new entryway to increase security. The same will happen at Oak Street and Momot Elementary and Stafford Middle School. All the work is being paid for with state grant money.
With the state budget already more than 2 months late, Governor David Patterson said, starting Friday, he will include some of his cuts to the budget in the emergency spending bills he sends to the Legislature. Lawmakers each week must pass the emergency spending measures or risk shutting down Albany.
Under a settlement reached with State Regulators, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont will repay subscribers $3-Million. The settlement follows a state probe into the $7-Million retirement package given to former CEO William Milnes. The company also agreed to work with the state to identify strategies for holding down health care costs.
Thirty-eight communities around Vermont will benefit from municipal planning grants awarded by Vermont Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development. Grants of up to $15,000 for each community are designed to help local leaders plan for growth and development.
Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas plans to sign into a law a bill aimed at streamlining the state's judicial system. The resulting bill calls for consolidation of staff, regionalization of court administrative functions, use of technology to reduce unnecessary expenditures, improvement of resource flexibility, and reallocation of jurisdiction between courts. The measure will enable courts to remain open in all 14 Vermont counties, something that earlier versions of the bill did not do.
New York lawmakers have passed bills to require overtime pay for more than 200,000 housekeepers, nannies and other domestic workers in the state. Overtime pay will be required after eight-hour workdays and the workers will entitled to at least one day off a week. Differences still need to be worked out between the House and Senate versions of the bills, but if the Governor ultimately signs the bill, advocates say New York will become the first state establishing those rights for household workers.
Fort Ticonderoga and The King's Garden invite guests from around the North Country to visit free of charge this Saturday. "Neighbor Appreciation Day" is an opportunity to see exhibits, experience programming and take tours. Local residents have always been admitted free of charge to Fort Ticonderoga and the King's Garden for the regular programming, but for this special day the area is expanded to include those who live in Essex, Clinton, Washington, and Warren counties in New York; and Addison, Chittenden and Rutland counties in Vermont.
Two men who allegedly set fire to a generator and lawn mower in Ticonderoga were apprehended after a search through woods at the base of Mount Defiance. Nathan Thatcher and Jonathan Paquette both of Ticonderoga were each charged with two counts of fifth-degree arson, two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief and criminal trespass. Thatcher and Paquette are due back in court June 9.
The Vermont Bike Ferry is expanding its services. Local Motion, the group that runs the ferry that connects the bike path from Colchester to South Hero, has announced that this year they will be running during the weekends from July 3 though September 6. In the past, it was only available weekends in August. Also this year, the suggested donation for a round trip is $10.
The Plattsburgh City Beach is once again closed. The Clinton County Health Department says it's a violation of state law to have gates open with no staff. With the warm temperatures last week, the city had opened the beach gates and was treating the area like a park, people could enjoy the sand and picnic areas, but the water was off limits. The beach will officially open on June 23.
An inmate who escaped from Lyon Mountain Correctional Facility last fall will remain behind bars for another 2 to 4 years. Scott Atkins was sentenced yesterday in Clinton County Court. Adkins had served less than a year of his 4-year sentence for attempted burglary when he slipped out of the prison last August.
Officials are concerned about the spread of the invasive species in Vermont's waterways known as Rock Snot. Its real name is Didymo, and it was just spotted in the Gihon River in East Johnson. Rock snot can cover the bottom of a river and disrupt the aquatic life. In three years, it has shown up in the Lake Champlain Basin, also the Connecticut River, the Mad River, and now the Gihon.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
WVTK Local & State News June 2, 2010
It's now illegal to text while driving in Vermont. Governor Jim Douglas signed the bill into law yesterday. The bill also bans anyone under the age of 17 from using their cell phones or other any electronic device while driving, including their iPod. Violators will face a $100 fine for a first offense and a $250 fine for each additional offense.
Vermont lawmakers will not return next week to deal with a bill that was vetoed by the governor. Last week Governor Jim Douglas vetoed a bill that would change the current-use program. Douglas said the bill would have increased taxes for owners of farms and forestlands. Lawmakers will instead, address the current-use issue next session, which begins in about 6 months.
The town of Moriah water department will shut the water off on the Moriah Road today from 8 a.m. to noon to install a fire hydrant. Water may be cloudy when it comes back on; residents can run their outside hose until water clears.
Teachers in Rutland Town will be on the picket line again this morning. They say they are hoping to send a message to the school board by picketing each day this week before school starts. Teachers say they're currently working under imposed conditions that include a 0-percent salary increase. Both sides are hoping to negotiate a multi-year deal.
Rutland City Police Chief Anthony Bossi will take a prolonged leave of absence soon for a medical condition requiring surgery. While Bossi is on leave, Capt. Scott Tucker will serve as acting chief. The 12-year chief is expected to make a full recovery and could return to work in a matter of weeks.
The Rutland Board of Aldermen will have up to $5,000 in city funds to hire outside legal counsel to help them review and possibly rewrite charter language concerning the city's Police Commission. At a meeting last week between the mayor, city attorney and two representatives of the board, Mayor Christopher Louras agreed to dedicate the funds from the city attorney's budget to get more specific about the scope of work they're seeking.
New York School Districts are finally getting their state-aid payments, but only partial payments. They usually get their state funding payments in March but this year Governor Patterson decided to hold on till the June 1 deadline. School Districts across the state will have to wait for the rest of the funding till there is a state budget in place, which is already 2 months late.
The Schroon Lake Central School District will again ask residents to approve a 2010-11 budget. A revised budget proposal will go to voters June 15 noon to 8 p.m. in the school lobby. Anticipating no increase in state aid, the proposed budget called for a 5.5 percent increase in taxes. Much of that increase is attributed to an on-going building project at the school.
Ticonderoga teachers will take night jobs at the local McDonald's next Tuesday June 8. That's when the Ticonderoga Elementary-Middle School will host "McTeacher Night" at the Ti McDonald's on Wicker Street. The event will feature teachers serving food 4:30-7 p.m. to raise money for a new playground at the school. The goal is to raise $4,000.
New York Governor David Paterson is planning to layoff thousands of state workers next year to help balance the state budget. State agencies are now being directed to begin picking positions that could be eliminated starting January 1. That date coincides with the expiration of a "no-layoffs pledge" Paterson made last year.
A program that helps Vermont National Guard families during times of deployment and helps solders adapt to life after war will receive more federal funding. The Vermont National Guard Outreach Program has been such a success in Vermont that it is now being looked at as a model for other states.
Thanks to a change in the wind patterns, cooler temperatures, and rain showers, the smoke from the Canadian Wildfires has moved out of the area. And there is more good news; crews are making progress on battling the flames. But so far, officials say the fires have already burned an area of forest twice the size of the island of Montreal.
A fire that destroyed a historic building in Barre on Monday has been deemed arson. Crews were called to the old Key Bank Building around 2:30 Monday Afternoon. It took more than 100 fire fighters from around the area to get the fire under control. The damage is estimated to be more than $200,000. Anyone with information should call the Arson tip line at (800) 32-ARSON.
Vermont lawmakers will not return next week to deal with a bill that was vetoed by the governor. Last week Governor Jim Douglas vetoed a bill that would change the current-use program. Douglas said the bill would have increased taxes for owners of farms and forestlands. Lawmakers will instead, address the current-use issue next session, which begins in about 6 months.
The town of Moriah water department will shut the water off on the Moriah Road today from 8 a.m. to noon to install a fire hydrant. Water may be cloudy when it comes back on; residents can run their outside hose until water clears.
Teachers in Rutland Town will be on the picket line again this morning. They say they are hoping to send a message to the school board by picketing each day this week before school starts. Teachers say they're currently working under imposed conditions that include a 0-percent salary increase. Both sides are hoping to negotiate a multi-year deal.
Rutland City Police Chief Anthony Bossi will take a prolonged leave of absence soon for a medical condition requiring surgery. While Bossi is on leave, Capt. Scott Tucker will serve as acting chief. The 12-year chief is expected to make a full recovery and could return to work in a matter of weeks.
The Rutland Board of Aldermen will have up to $5,000 in city funds to hire outside legal counsel to help them review and possibly rewrite charter language concerning the city's Police Commission. At a meeting last week between the mayor, city attorney and two representatives of the board, Mayor Christopher Louras agreed to dedicate the funds from the city attorney's budget to get more specific about the scope of work they're seeking.
New York School Districts are finally getting their state-aid payments, but only partial payments. They usually get their state funding payments in March but this year Governor Patterson decided to hold on till the June 1 deadline. School Districts across the state will have to wait for the rest of the funding till there is a state budget in place, which is already 2 months late.
The Schroon Lake Central School District will again ask residents to approve a 2010-11 budget. A revised budget proposal will go to voters June 15 noon to 8 p.m. in the school lobby. Anticipating no increase in state aid, the proposed budget called for a 5.5 percent increase in taxes. Much of that increase is attributed to an on-going building project at the school.
Ticonderoga teachers will take night jobs at the local McDonald's next Tuesday June 8. That's when the Ticonderoga Elementary-Middle School will host "McTeacher Night" at the Ti McDonald's on Wicker Street. The event will feature teachers serving food 4:30-7 p.m. to raise money for a new playground at the school. The goal is to raise $4,000.
New York Governor David Paterson is planning to layoff thousands of state workers next year to help balance the state budget. State agencies are now being directed to begin picking positions that could be eliminated starting January 1. That date coincides with the expiration of a "no-layoffs pledge" Paterson made last year.
A program that helps Vermont National Guard families during times of deployment and helps solders adapt to life after war will receive more federal funding. The Vermont National Guard Outreach Program has been such a success in Vermont that it is now being looked at as a model for other states.
Thanks to a change in the wind patterns, cooler temperatures, and rain showers, the smoke from the Canadian Wildfires has moved out of the area. And there is more good news; crews are making progress on battling the flames. But so far, officials say the fires have already burned an area of forest twice the size of the island of Montreal.
A fire that destroyed a historic building in Barre on Monday has been deemed arson. Crews were called to the old Key Bank Building around 2:30 Monday Afternoon. It took more than 100 fire fighters from around the area to get the fire under control. The damage is estimated to be more than $200,000. Anyone with information should call the Arson tip line at (800) 32-ARSON.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
WVTK Local & State News June 1, 2010
The 3-day weekend wrapped up with a smoky hazy across the region. There are more than 50 forest fires burning about a hundred miles north of Montreal and that smoke has worked its way to our area. Officials are urging people who are sensitive to smoke should stay inside. Rain showers today should help clear the air.
A construction contract for the new Crown Point Bridge has been awarded. The New York State Department of Transportation and Vermont Agency of Transportation jointly announced Friday that the contract has been formally awarded to Flatiron Constructors of Boulder, Colorado. Construction is expected to start right away and should be done by September of next year.
Bristol residents began talking last week about where and how gravel extraction should happen in the town. The conversation was the second in a series of three round-table forums designed to change the process of town planning in Bristol for the time being. The three town forums will play a large role in directing the planning commission’s next move. The third and final forum will take place on Saturday, June 5, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Mount Abe cafeteria.
Vergennes aldermen have taken a look at the first draft of a proposed $1.6 million 2010-2011 city budget that if adopted would not require an increase in the portion of the city tax rate that supports municipal spending. There will be several budget workshops to go over the draft. The first meeting will be held on June 8; residents are welcome to the 6 p.m. meeting at the fire station.
Middlebury voters will be asked this summer to endorse a $3 million, 20-year bond to chip away at a mounting backlog of needed repairs to the town’s water system infrastructure.
For the second time in recent months, a longtime member of both the Vergennes Planning Commission and the Development Review Board has decided to step down. Mark Hattler submitted his resignation to aldermen via email. He has been a member of both boards since January 2001. Hattler’s decision follows the departure earlier this spring of longtime planning chairman Neil Curtis, who resigned after a move out of Vergennes. Hattler’s primary reason for resigning is to spend more time with his children.
Bristol residents in the village police district voted down the proposed police department spending plan for fiscal year 2011 in a narrow 15-14 paper ballot vote. The proposed 2010-2011 budget would have meant a 12.5 percent hike in the amount to be raised by taxes if residents had approved the budget.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that Fair Haven had been approved for a $67,500 grant and $157,500 loan toward the purchase of a new fire truck estimated at around $450,000. The remainder of the money is expected to come from a reserve fund. Bids on the new truck are due in later this week.
The year's final tax deadline in Rutland has come and gone and despite the hit the region's economy took in the past year, tax delinquencies remained low and on par with last year. Taxpayers have until June 30 to pay taxes due this year and the city expects the overdue figure to whittle down as the date gets closer.
For more than 60 years, thousands of people have flocked to Vergennes on for Vermont's largest Memorial Day parade. And while it's the largest, with all the high school marching bands, color guards and veterans groups, it still has the small town feel, despite so many people coming from other communities to watch it. This year’s theme was "Never to be Forgotten".
An investigation into the death of a woman in a Vermont prison says there were problems with communication and health care staffing. The Rutland Herald says a report released last week by the nonprofit group Disability Rights Vermont found the death of 23-year-old Ashley Ellis of Rutland could have been prevented if the Department of Corrections and the health care contractor Prison Health Services had done a better job.
Vermont lawmakers will decide this week whether to return for a special veto session on June 9. Governor Jim Douglas vetoed a bill changing the current use program. Douglas says the bill would have increased taxes for owners of farms and forestland. Lawmakers have the option of letting the veto stand and waiting until next year to address changes.
A fire yesterday afternoon completely destroyed a vacant historic building in Barre. The blaze at the old Key Bank took more than 100 firefighters to control. Renovations on the building were scheduled to start next month. Officials say this may change the timetable, but they will rebuild the building. Firefighters are not sure what caused the blaze, or if it is suspicious.
Two Burlington Schools will be closing their doors this month. A couple of months ago, officials announced this would be the last year for St. Joseph's School on Allen Street in Burlington. Now another catholic school will be closing as well. The North Avenue Christian School will also be closing this month. School officials blame the economy for the low enrollment.
The 22nd Annual Key Bank Vermont City Marathon over the weekend was a huge success with more than 8,000 competitors. The winner in the men's division was 25-year-old John Crews of Raleigh, North Carolina. He also won last year. As for the ladies' division, Heidi Westerline of Walpole, New Hampshire, claimed her 4th women's title in 5 years.
Some of our solders stationed in Afghanistan also ran the Vermont City Marathon. About 200 soldiers at Camp Phoenix held their own race, which included a full marathon and a relay. Another 40 ran a complete marathon at Bagram Airfield. Due to the time difference, they were actually done before the runners in Burlington lined-up. The results were official.
Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine has ranked Burlington one of the Top 10 Cities for the next decade. The magazine looked at economic and other indicators while using a formula to identify places with growth in high-quality jobs and income. Austin, Texas was at the top of the list. Burlington was ranked number 8. The list comes out in Kiplinger's July issue.
Another leak of radioactive material has been found and fixed at the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. Crews found the leak Friday while the plant was powering back up after a month long shutdown for refueling. Plant and federal regulatory officials said it poses no threat to public health or safety. The plant should be back to full power in the next couple days.
The Foundation of CVPH will be hosting two fitness fundraisers this year. The first is a 5k Run/Walk this Saturday. Then, on July 11, its the CVPH Mayor's Cup Mountain to Lake Bike Ride. The proceeds from the 2 fundraisers will help the Foundation at CVPH provide and support community health education and as well as a number of patient care enhancement initiatives.
A construction contract for the new Crown Point Bridge has been awarded. The New York State Department of Transportation and Vermont Agency of Transportation jointly announced Friday that the contract has been formally awarded to Flatiron Constructors of Boulder, Colorado. Construction is expected to start right away and should be done by September of next year.
Bristol residents began talking last week about where and how gravel extraction should happen in the town. The conversation was the second in a series of three round-table forums designed to change the process of town planning in Bristol for the time being. The three town forums will play a large role in directing the planning commission’s next move. The third and final forum will take place on Saturday, June 5, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Mount Abe cafeteria.
Vergennes aldermen have taken a look at the first draft of a proposed $1.6 million 2010-2011 city budget that if adopted would not require an increase in the portion of the city tax rate that supports municipal spending. There will be several budget workshops to go over the draft. The first meeting will be held on June 8; residents are welcome to the 6 p.m. meeting at the fire station.
Middlebury voters will be asked this summer to endorse a $3 million, 20-year bond to chip away at a mounting backlog of needed repairs to the town’s water system infrastructure.
For the second time in recent months, a longtime member of both the Vergennes Planning Commission and the Development Review Board has decided to step down. Mark Hattler submitted his resignation to aldermen via email. He has been a member of both boards since January 2001. Hattler’s decision follows the departure earlier this spring of longtime planning chairman Neil Curtis, who resigned after a move out of Vergennes. Hattler’s primary reason for resigning is to spend more time with his children.
Bristol residents in the village police district voted down the proposed police department spending plan for fiscal year 2011 in a narrow 15-14 paper ballot vote. The proposed 2010-2011 budget would have meant a 12.5 percent hike in the amount to be raised by taxes if residents had approved the budget.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that Fair Haven had been approved for a $67,500 grant and $157,500 loan toward the purchase of a new fire truck estimated at around $450,000. The remainder of the money is expected to come from a reserve fund. Bids on the new truck are due in later this week.
The year's final tax deadline in Rutland has come and gone and despite the hit the region's economy took in the past year, tax delinquencies remained low and on par with last year. Taxpayers have until June 30 to pay taxes due this year and the city expects the overdue figure to whittle down as the date gets closer.
For more than 60 years, thousands of people have flocked to Vergennes on for Vermont's largest Memorial Day parade. And while it's the largest, with all the high school marching bands, color guards and veterans groups, it still has the small town feel, despite so many people coming from other communities to watch it. This year’s theme was "Never to be Forgotten".
An investigation into the death of a woman in a Vermont prison says there were problems with communication and health care staffing. The Rutland Herald says a report released last week by the nonprofit group Disability Rights Vermont found the death of 23-year-old Ashley Ellis of Rutland could have been prevented if the Department of Corrections and the health care contractor Prison Health Services had done a better job.
Vermont lawmakers will decide this week whether to return for a special veto session on June 9. Governor Jim Douglas vetoed a bill changing the current use program. Douglas says the bill would have increased taxes for owners of farms and forestland. Lawmakers have the option of letting the veto stand and waiting until next year to address changes.
A fire yesterday afternoon completely destroyed a vacant historic building in Barre. The blaze at the old Key Bank took more than 100 firefighters to control. Renovations on the building were scheduled to start next month. Officials say this may change the timetable, but they will rebuild the building. Firefighters are not sure what caused the blaze, or if it is suspicious.
Two Burlington Schools will be closing their doors this month. A couple of months ago, officials announced this would be the last year for St. Joseph's School on Allen Street in Burlington. Now another catholic school will be closing as well. The North Avenue Christian School will also be closing this month. School officials blame the economy for the low enrollment.
The 22nd Annual Key Bank Vermont City Marathon over the weekend was a huge success with more than 8,000 competitors. The winner in the men's division was 25-year-old John Crews of Raleigh, North Carolina. He also won last year. As for the ladies' division, Heidi Westerline of Walpole, New Hampshire, claimed her 4th women's title in 5 years.
Some of our solders stationed in Afghanistan also ran the Vermont City Marathon. About 200 soldiers at Camp Phoenix held their own race, which included a full marathon and a relay. Another 40 ran a complete marathon at Bagram Airfield. Due to the time difference, they were actually done before the runners in Burlington lined-up. The results were official.
Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine has ranked Burlington one of the Top 10 Cities for the next decade. The magazine looked at economic and other indicators while using a formula to identify places with growth in high-quality jobs and income. Austin, Texas was at the top of the list. Burlington was ranked number 8. The list comes out in Kiplinger's July issue.
Another leak of radioactive material has been found and fixed at the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. Crews found the leak Friday while the plant was powering back up after a month long shutdown for refueling. Plant and federal regulatory officials said it poses no threat to public health or safety. The plant should be back to full power in the next couple days.
The Foundation of CVPH will be hosting two fitness fundraisers this year. The first is a 5k Run/Walk this Saturday. Then, on July 11, its the CVPH Mayor's Cup Mountain to Lake Bike Ride. The proceeds from the 2 fundraisers will help the Foundation at CVPH provide and support community health education and as well as a number of patient care enhancement initiatives.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg){kind=small}
