Governor Peter Shumlin has signed a law that makes Vermont the first state in the nation to have a policy dictating how police officers use their stun guns. The bill calls for the creation of a policy determining how and when the weapon should be used and the adoption of that yet-to-be-written policy by police departments across the state. The new policy will only allow police to use the device if someone presents a threat to themselves or others and doing so is the only way to prevent injury.
Academics from across the country are at Middlebury College to learn about ways to encourage young people to be social entrepreneurs. The conference at Middlebury College began today and continues through Thursday at Middlebury's Breadloaf Campus in Ripton. The conference is the third such event to be hosted by Middlebury.
The New York Senate passed 23 bills recommended by the bipartisan New York State Join Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction. A press release says the bills passed to help prevent drug abuse and overdoses; increase the availability and efficacy of addiction treatment; and enhance the tools provided to law enforcement to keep heroin off the streets. In May, the task force proposed a number of bills to target prevention, treatment, and enforcement of drug-related issues after holding 18 forums throughout the state. The bills have been sent to the Assembly.
The Vermont Public Service Board will hold its second and final hearing on the proposed Phase II of the Addison Rutland Natural Gas Project on Thursday at 7 PM at the Middlebury Union High School auditorium.
Vermont officials say state revenues from income taxes have been down over the last few months, but those losses are being made up by unanticipated revenue from estate taxes. Eleven months into the fiscal year, personal income tax receipts are off about $17 million, or 3 percent of projects. But Administration Secretary Jeb Spaulding says the gains in the estate tax are more than making up for the losses in the income tax because a small number of wealthy people pasted away.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Monday, June 9, 2014
WVTK Local & State News June 9, 2014
You might want to take a closer look at your grocery bill. If you haven't noticed already, milk prices are way up from where they were a year ago. The price of milk is a lot higher than where it was last spring. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a gallon of whole milk cost $3.69 in April. That's up 7.5 percent from where it was at the same time a year ago and is the highest price shoppers have seen since way back in September of 2011. Unfortunately, analysts expect prices to continue to rise, at least for now. Farmers here aren't getting as big a cut as you might think, though. Currently, only a third of retail prices is what's called the "farm share." In the 80's, they used to get half.
Governor Peter Shumlin signed a law earlier today that will increase the state’s minimum wage. The law will increase the wage in stages, by 2018, it will increase to $10.50 an hour. Beginning in 2019, the law calls for annual increases, which will be tied to inflation. Vermont’s currently minimum wage is $8.73 an hour.
The South Burlington Police Department is investigating vandalism done at Rice Memorial High School. The incident happened sometime during the overnight hours between Saturday and Sunday. Police say vandalism consisted of light blue paint on many windows, doors, and skylights on the roof. Eggs were also thrown at several windows and doors. The vandalism was discovered a few hours before graduation ceremonies scheduled at the school.
Vermont Health Connect has missed another deadline. People were supposed to be able to make small changes to their health insurance accounts Sunday, but that's being delayed again. The contractor's original deadline was May 21, but then it was pushed back to June 8. Commissioner Mark Larson said good progress is being made, but the change isn't ready for the public yet.
Republican Randy Brock says he will not run for Vermont governor this year. Brock says he had been thinking about running for awhile. He says after considering many factors including campaign-related and personal he decided not to run. The republican lost to Democrat Peter Shumlin in the 2012 Vermont governor's race. Business owner Scott Milne says he is considering running in the republican primary. Milne says he is "disappointed" by Brock's decision.
Governor Peter Shumlin signed a law earlier today that will increase the state’s minimum wage. The law will increase the wage in stages, by 2018, it will increase to $10.50 an hour. Beginning in 2019, the law calls for annual increases, which will be tied to inflation. Vermont’s currently minimum wage is $8.73 an hour.
The South Burlington Police Department is investigating vandalism done at Rice Memorial High School. The incident happened sometime during the overnight hours between Saturday and Sunday. Police say vandalism consisted of light blue paint on many windows, doors, and skylights on the roof. Eggs were also thrown at several windows and doors. The vandalism was discovered a few hours before graduation ceremonies scheduled at the school.
Vermont Health Connect has missed another deadline. People were supposed to be able to make small changes to their health insurance accounts Sunday, but that's being delayed again. The contractor's original deadline was May 21, but then it was pushed back to June 8. Commissioner Mark Larson said good progress is being made, but the change isn't ready for the public yet.
Republican Randy Brock says he will not run for Vermont governor this year. Brock says he had been thinking about running for awhile. He says after considering many factors including campaign-related and personal he decided not to run. The republican lost to Democrat Peter Shumlin in the 2012 Vermont governor's race. Business owner Scott Milne says he is considering running in the republican primary. Milne says he is "disappointed" by Brock's decision.
Friday, June 6, 2014
WVTK Local & State News June 6, 2014
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Arizona Senator John McCain have hammered out a compromise for legislation reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs. The measure includes pieces of three VA bills, including expanding a veteran's access to health care, allowing them to see private doctors outside the VA system under certain conditions, as well as making it easier to fire VA officials. Similar legislation overwhelmingly passed in the House last month. The bill will now go to the Senate floor, possibly as soon as next week.
More than 40 people and 9 legislators gathered last night at the Isley Library to discuss Vermont’s DCF. It was one of a series of nine public meetings being held across the state to get the public’s input on child protection issues in the state. Emotions ran high as people spoke out. Some saying DCF is quick to break up families while others said DCF keeps dysfunctional families together. During the meeting, it was pointed out that substance abuse is a huge part of the problem and that DCF social workers are neither drug counselors nor mental health clinicians. Lawmakers will host their final three hearings on child protective services next Tuesday in St. Johnsbury, Montpelier and Morrisville. Committee members say they hope to present their recommendations to lawmakers by the end of the year.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released a revised draft of the Adirondack Park Trail plan for the North Country National Scenic Trail. A press release says the plan recommends following approximately 81 miles of existing foot trail and constructing 38 miles of new trails within the Park. The trail will be approximately 158 total miles in length when complete, going from Forestport to Crown Point.
While there's apparently a lot of alcohol consumption in Vermont, according to a new report, it's not as much as seven other states. A new ranking by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism ranks Vermont as 8th highest in the nation for consumption. The average is about two-point-three-three gallons per person in one year, which translates to more than 25 bottles of whiskey or 320 bottles of beer annually. The number for Vermont, however, is a bit higher: two-point-nine-two. But, the number one state, New Hampshire, is almost double that amount, with the District of Columbia coming in second. Utah was at the bottom.
More than 40 people and 9 legislators gathered last night at the Isley Library to discuss Vermont’s DCF. It was one of a series of nine public meetings being held across the state to get the public’s input on child protection issues in the state. Emotions ran high as people spoke out. Some saying DCF is quick to break up families while others said DCF keeps dysfunctional families together. During the meeting, it was pointed out that substance abuse is a huge part of the problem and that DCF social workers are neither drug counselors nor mental health clinicians. Lawmakers will host their final three hearings on child protective services next Tuesday in St. Johnsbury, Montpelier and Morrisville. Committee members say they hope to present their recommendations to lawmakers by the end of the year.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released a revised draft of the Adirondack Park Trail plan for the North Country National Scenic Trail. A press release says the plan recommends following approximately 81 miles of existing foot trail and constructing 38 miles of new trails within the Park. The trail will be approximately 158 total miles in length when complete, going from Forestport to Crown Point.
While there's apparently a lot of alcohol consumption in Vermont, according to a new report, it's not as much as seven other states. A new ranking by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism ranks Vermont as 8th highest in the nation for consumption. The average is about two-point-three-three gallons per person in one year, which translates to more than 25 bottles of whiskey or 320 bottles of beer annually. The number for Vermont, however, is a bit higher: two-point-nine-two. But, the number one state, New Hampshire, is almost double that amount, with the District of Columbia coming in second. Utah was at the bottom.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
WVTK Local & State News June 5, 2014
Vermont plans to hire a contractor to help address a backlog on Vermont Health Connect, the state's online health insurance marketplace. The chairman of the House Health Care Committee says it's intolerable that there's a backlog of 10,000 households who want to make changes to their applications or policies. Mark Larson, commissioner of the Department of Vermont Health Access, says the state will hire a contractor to try to address any problems before open enrollment begins in November. He would not say who the state is negotiating with or how much the state would pay for the work.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of a fire at Vermont Soapworks. The blaze was reported around 9 o’clock last night. Fire officials say they were able to knock down the fire relatively quickly. The amount of damage and the cause of the fire are still yet to be determined. Fire officials say that no one was in the building at the time and there were no injuries.
Vermont's new lakeshore protection standards take effect July 1st. Governor Peter Shumlin signed the bill into law yesterday. The law establishes guidelines, and requires a permit, for most landscape changes within 250 feet of Vermont's larger ponds and lakes. While legislators say this is a major step in cleaning up Lake Champlain, they admit that there are still challenges ahead, especially when it comes to enforcing this new law.
Noonie Deli in Middlebury is for sale. The owners, Bryan and Jenny Phelps, announced that they have listed their business for sale. After owning and operating the business for over four years, the Vermont couple wants to change directions and pursue other career opportunities. The staff will all remain in place and Jenny and Bryan will continue to be involved in all aspects of the operations as they seek out a buyer to bring the business to the next level.
Vermont's Attorney General wants to know how you think the state's new GMO law should be implemented. The attorney general's office put out a food labeling questionnaire. This will help the office put together rules to help with the labeling of GMO foods. That's now required because of a recently passed law. CLICK HERE to fill out the questionnaire.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of a fire at Vermont Soapworks. The blaze was reported around 9 o’clock last night. Fire officials say they were able to knock down the fire relatively quickly. The amount of damage and the cause of the fire are still yet to be determined. Fire officials say that no one was in the building at the time and there were no injuries.
Vermont's new lakeshore protection standards take effect July 1st. Governor Peter Shumlin signed the bill into law yesterday. The law establishes guidelines, and requires a permit, for most landscape changes within 250 feet of Vermont's larger ponds and lakes. While legislators say this is a major step in cleaning up Lake Champlain, they admit that there are still challenges ahead, especially when it comes to enforcing this new law.
Noonie Deli in Middlebury is for sale. The owners, Bryan and Jenny Phelps, announced that they have listed their business for sale. After owning and operating the business for over four years, the Vermont couple wants to change directions and pursue other career opportunities. The staff will all remain in place and Jenny and Bryan will continue to be involved in all aspects of the operations as they seek out a buyer to bring the business to the next level.
Vermont's Attorney General wants to know how you think the state's new GMO law should be implemented. The attorney general's office put out a food labeling questionnaire. This will help the office put together rules to help with the labeling of GMO foods. That's now required because of a recently passed law. CLICK HERE to fill out the questionnaire.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
WVTK Local & State News June 4, 2014
Governor Peter Shumlin says a new "Great Jobs in Vermont" campaign will help put job seekers in touch with job openings in businesses. The campaign is a partnership among the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, the Vermont Department of Labor and the Vermont Recruiters' Association, as well as businesses, chambers of commerce, higher education institutions, and alumni networks. The page can be seen at www.greatjobsinvermont.com.
The Vermont Ski Areas Association says the state had another successful season. 4.5 million skier & rider visits were reported for the 2013-14 season. The preliminary figures from the National Ski Areas Association rank Vermont number one in the East, and number three in the country.
Voters in six school districts, including Burlington have now approved the school budgets. That passage in Burlington Tuesday just barely made it by 68 votes, although more than 64-hundred votes were cast. The new budget approved is actually an increase over the one which failed on Town Meeting Day, but it covers a budget shortfall which was later discovered. Other districts which approved new school budgets Tuesday are Colchester, Milton, Georgia Elementary and Middle School, Elmore, and Fairfield.
Governor Peter Shumlin has signed 2 bills to help protect minors in Vermont. The first bill addresses guardianship, in a case where parents cannot properly care for their child. This includes what to do if for some reason, a caregiver cannot look after the child. The second bill will allow for a study on how to better help children with incarcerated parents, or parents who are addicted to drugs. The study will focus on what resources these children need. The Department of Corrections says on any given day, Vermont has on average 1,600 children with a parent in jail.
The state of Vermont is still trying to get the Federal Emergency Management to help pay for repairs to the fish hatchery in Roxbury. Restoring the hatchery is the state's largest remaining Irene repair project. At issue is whether FEMA should help for a replacement hatchery that meets federal clean water standards. If the hatchery, Vermont's oldest, were to be restored to its pre-Irene condition it would violate federal water quality laws.
The Vermont Ski Areas Association says the state had another successful season. 4.5 million skier & rider visits were reported for the 2013-14 season. The preliminary figures from the National Ski Areas Association rank Vermont number one in the East, and number three in the country.
Voters in six school districts, including Burlington have now approved the school budgets. That passage in Burlington Tuesday just barely made it by 68 votes, although more than 64-hundred votes were cast. The new budget approved is actually an increase over the one which failed on Town Meeting Day, but it covers a budget shortfall which was later discovered. Other districts which approved new school budgets Tuesday are Colchester, Milton, Georgia Elementary and Middle School, Elmore, and Fairfield.
Governor Peter Shumlin has signed 2 bills to help protect minors in Vermont. The first bill addresses guardianship, in a case where parents cannot properly care for their child. This includes what to do if for some reason, a caregiver cannot look after the child. The second bill will allow for a study on how to better help children with incarcerated parents, or parents who are addicted to drugs. The study will focus on what resources these children need. The Department of Corrections says on any given day, Vermont has on average 1,600 children with a parent in jail.
The state of Vermont is still trying to get the Federal Emergency Management to help pay for repairs to the fish hatchery in Roxbury. Restoring the hatchery is the state's largest remaining Irene repair project. At issue is whether FEMA should help for a replacement hatchery that meets federal clean water standards. If the hatchery, Vermont's oldest, were to be restored to its pre-Irene condition it would violate federal water quality laws.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
WVTK Local & State News June 3, 2014
Health officials say an outbreak of salmonella connected to baby chicks has sickened five people in Vermont. The Vermont Department of Health says out of the five cases, four were children. Health officials say the birds were traced back to Mt. Healthy Hatcheries in Ohio. Vermont health officials are working with other state health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the United States Department of Agriculture to investigate the outbreak.
The two health insurance companies offering coverage through the state health exchange want to raise their rates for people and small businesses. The state's largest insurance provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, has requested an average 9.8 percent increase and MVP Health Care is seeking a 15.4 percent increase. Blue Cross says the increase in premiums was due to changes in the federal and state health care reforms, an increase in the federal fee that is included in exchange pricing, reduction in federal subsidies of premiums, and expansion of dental benefits for children. The Green Mountain Care Board is expected to issue a final decision on the rates in early September. If approved, the new rates would go into effect starting on January 2, 2015.
Police in South Burlington are seeking to identify three men involved in a protest at Vermont Gas where authorities say an employee was injured. A group that opposes a natural gas pipeline to extend service to Addison and Rutland counties protested outside of the company's headquarters on May 27. Police say two men went to the rooftop of the building to display a banner. Police say another man injured a worker while trying to chain another protester to the door. The female employee was struck in the arm by the large chain. Police say trespassing as well as simple assault and disorderly conduct complaints could be filed.
A pretty unusual sight on Lake Dunmore Sunday, as Vermonters in Brandon saw a pelican out on the lake. It's only the second time a sighting of a brown pelican has ever been reported in Vermont, with the last and only other one in October 2003 on Lake Champlain in Ferrisburgh. A park ranger at Branbury State Park says the bird ended up landing between two buoys, and basically spent the rest of the day just hanging out there on the freshwater lake.
Police are warning folks particularly the elderly about a scam circulating in Vermont. Authorities have gotten several complaints about scammers claiming to be “police officers” with the IRS. The calls originate from 202-864-1220 but police believe they're actually coming from overseas. The crooks try to convince elderly victims they owe the IRS money and threaten them with jail time property and assets seizures. Police say do not give these scammers money and report the calls to the State's Consumer Assistance Program.
The two health insurance companies offering coverage through the state health exchange want to raise their rates for people and small businesses. The state's largest insurance provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, has requested an average 9.8 percent increase and MVP Health Care is seeking a 15.4 percent increase. Blue Cross says the increase in premiums was due to changes in the federal and state health care reforms, an increase in the federal fee that is included in exchange pricing, reduction in federal subsidies of premiums, and expansion of dental benefits for children. The Green Mountain Care Board is expected to issue a final decision on the rates in early September. If approved, the new rates would go into effect starting on January 2, 2015.
Police in South Burlington are seeking to identify three men involved in a protest at Vermont Gas where authorities say an employee was injured. A group that opposes a natural gas pipeline to extend service to Addison and Rutland counties protested outside of the company's headquarters on May 27. Police say two men went to the rooftop of the building to display a banner. Police say another man injured a worker while trying to chain another protester to the door. The female employee was struck in the arm by the large chain. Police say trespassing as well as simple assault and disorderly conduct complaints could be filed.
A pretty unusual sight on Lake Dunmore Sunday, as Vermonters in Brandon saw a pelican out on the lake. It's only the second time a sighting of a brown pelican has ever been reported in Vermont, with the last and only other one in October 2003 on Lake Champlain in Ferrisburgh. A park ranger at Branbury State Park says the bird ended up landing between two buoys, and basically spent the rest of the day just hanging out there on the freshwater lake.
Police are warning folks particularly the elderly about a scam circulating in Vermont. Authorities have gotten several complaints about scammers claiming to be “police officers” with the IRS. The calls originate from 202-864-1220 but police believe they're actually coming from overseas. The crooks try to convince elderly victims they owe the IRS money and threaten them with jail time property and assets seizures. Police say do not give these scammers money and report the calls to the State's Consumer Assistance Program.
Monday, June 2, 2014
WVTK Local & State News June 2, 2014
A legislative committee is holding public hearings across the state this week dealing with the state's system of child protection. There have been two deaths of children earlier this spring, children who at one point were being safe-guarded by the Department for Children and Families. The first three hearings are Tuesday, with one in the Chester Town Hall at 11 a-m, then one in the Park House in Manchester at 2:30 and the day wraps up with a third at Rutland High School starting at 6 p-m. Three more hearings are on Thursday, and the final three are next week.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Officials are reminding the public that deer fawns are being born and are asking people to avoid disturbing them or picking them up. According to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, most deer are born during the first and second weeks of June. Deer Biologist Adam Murkowski encourages people to resist the urge to assist wildlife in ways that may be harmful, and he adds that deer and moose nurse their young at different times during the day, and often leave their young alone for long periods of time. These animals are not lost. Their mother knows where they are and will return.
A New Vermont bus service is coming soon. Starting next Monday, Vermont Translines in conjunction with the Vermont Agency of Transportation are offering two new routes. Once a day, seven days a week, service will be provided from Burlington to Albany, NY, and from Rutland to the White River Junction, West Lebanon area. There will also be stops along the way, and connections to other intercity services to places like New York City, Boston, and Montreal. The new routes are being subsidized by the state with federal money.
Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin has signed the largest transportation bill in state history. Earlier today, Shumlin signed the bill that approves $685.7 million in infrastructure improvements and maintenance. The bill includes $115.7 million for paving, a 7 percent increase that's part of an ongoing plan to improve the condition of the state's highways and $140.3 million for bridges, up 6 percent over last year. The governor's office says Vermont is making progress in catching up with needed maintenance.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Officials are reminding the public that deer fawns are being born and are asking people to avoid disturbing them or picking them up. According to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, most deer are born during the first and second weeks of June. Deer Biologist Adam Murkowski encourages people to resist the urge to assist wildlife in ways that may be harmful, and he adds that deer and moose nurse their young at different times during the day, and often leave their young alone for long periods of time. These animals are not lost. Their mother knows where they are and will return.
A New Vermont bus service is coming soon. Starting next Monday, Vermont Translines in conjunction with the Vermont Agency of Transportation are offering two new routes. Once a day, seven days a week, service will be provided from Burlington to Albany, NY, and from Rutland to the White River Junction, West Lebanon area. There will also be stops along the way, and connections to other intercity services to places like New York City, Boston, and Montreal. The new routes are being subsidized by the state with federal money.
Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin has signed the largest transportation bill in state history. Earlier today, Shumlin signed the bill that approves $685.7 million in infrastructure improvements and maintenance. The bill includes $115.7 million for paving, a 7 percent increase that's part of an ongoing plan to improve the condition of the state's highways and $140.3 million for bridges, up 6 percent over last year. The governor's office says Vermont is making progress in catching up with needed maintenance.
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