It doesn't look like property tax relief will be coming to Vermont residents this year. House Speaker Shap Smith says any real tax relief would only be masking fiscal challenges being faced by the state in the future. Governor Peter Shumlin says school districts are already setting their budgets, so the state cannot make changes that impact those local budgets in a significant way.
A Moriah Man has been arrested and is facing charges after allegedly shooting another man while hunt this past season. Police say 33-year-old Shawn M. LaValley of Moriah shot 83-year-old Joseph R. Rodriguez in the abdomen with a 12 gauge shotgun December, 1 while hunting in an area off Bartlett Pond Road in Moriah. Authorities say Rodriguez has been released from the hospital but is still recovering from his injuries. LaValley has been charged with assault, as well as reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon.
Vermont State Police are investigating a horse shooting in Danby. According to reports, someone entered the property owners horse barn on Brook Road during the overnight period between January 8, and January 9. Once inside the barn the perpetrator shot one mare and one gelding, which were in different stalls. The gelding succumbed to its injuries. The mare was seriously injured and is being tended to by a veterinarian. Anyone with information pertaining to the two horses being shot is asked to contact the Vermont State Police-Rutland Barracks at 802-773-9101.
The Vermont Gas Pipeline Project might be scrapped. The contract between Vermont Gas and International Paper in Ticonderoga allows the paper company to dissolve the contract because of a scheduling delay or a cost increase. The contract also lets either party back out at their convenience. International Paper says it’s waiting for Vermont Gas Systems to submit a final cost estimate on the natural gas pipeline before the company decides whether the project still has merit.
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is reminding hunters that hunting blinds must be removed from water before February 15 on Lake Champlain or May 15 on inland waters. A press release says state law requires the blinds to be removed to protect natural areas and to prevent boating accidents once the ice melts.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Friday, January 9, 2015
WVTK Local & State News January 9, 2015
Voters in Cornwall will decide if the town should oppose or approve a pipeline agreement. Last month, the selectboard negotiated an agreement with Vermont Gas in which the town would receive some financial compensation from Vermont Gas and effectively lower the municipal tax rate by about 4-percent. Many of the town resident opposed the plan say the town should continue to fight the pipeline. On February 12, voters in Cornwall will decide if the town should go forward with the agreement. Town Officials say if the agreement is voted down, the town will continue to tap its legal fund to oppose the pipeline.
JC Penney is closing two stores in Vermont. The Texas based department store chain is closing locations at the Diamond Run Mall in Rutland and at the St. Albans Shopping Center. The closures are among 40 that are taking place nationwide at JC Penney. The company stores in Bennington, Berlin, St. Johnsbury and South Burlington are all staying open.
Dozens of protesters were arrested at the Vermont State House yesterday. Vermont State Police say they will charge 29 people with trespass, and 9 of those with resisting arrest. Police escorted people out of the Statehouse, dragging some, after they were ordered to leave when the Statehouse closed at 8:00 pm. Most were from the Vermont Worker's Center. They arrived ahead of Gov. Peter Shumlin's inaugural address, calling on him to move forward with single-payer health care. The protesters said they would not leave until House Speaker Shap Smith agreed to a public hearing about single-payer. A spokesperson for Smith said the House Health Care committee would hold public hearings throughout the session, as they usually do.
The state is investigating what it says about 130 invalid applications for driver's licenses at the Department of Motor Vehicles office in Bennington, Vermont. Glen Button, director of enforcement and safety for the state Department of Motor Vehicles, says staff recognized the addresses were invalid. Investigators spoke with about 15 of the applicants and learned some paid $2,000 in New York City for help in getting licenses in Vermont. Sue Minter, the secretary of the Vermont Agency of Transportation, says there has been no effort by the DMV to entrap anyone.
The East Middlebury Fire District No. 1 will hold its annual meeting at 7 p.m. Monday Night. The meeting will be held at Sarah Partridge Community House at 431 East Main Street. in East Middlebury.
JC Penney is closing two stores in Vermont. The Texas based department store chain is closing locations at the Diamond Run Mall in Rutland and at the St. Albans Shopping Center. The closures are among 40 that are taking place nationwide at JC Penney. The company stores in Bennington, Berlin, St. Johnsbury and South Burlington are all staying open.
Dozens of protesters were arrested at the Vermont State House yesterday. Vermont State Police say they will charge 29 people with trespass, and 9 of those with resisting arrest. Police escorted people out of the Statehouse, dragging some, after they were ordered to leave when the Statehouse closed at 8:00 pm. Most were from the Vermont Worker's Center. They arrived ahead of Gov. Peter Shumlin's inaugural address, calling on him to move forward with single-payer health care. The protesters said they would not leave until House Speaker Shap Smith agreed to a public hearing about single-payer. A spokesperson for Smith said the House Health Care committee would hold public hearings throughout the session, as they usually do.
The state is investigating what it says about 130 invalid applications for driver's licenses at the Department of Motor Vehicles office in Bennington, Vermont. Glen Button, director of enforcement and safety for the state Department of Motor Vehicles, says staff recognized the addresses were invalid. Investigators spoke with about 15 of the applicants and learned some paid $2,000 in New York City for help in getting licenses in Vermont. Sue Minter, the secretary of the Vermont Agency of Transportation, says there has been no effort by the DMV to entrap anyone.
The East Middlebury Fire District No. 1 will hold its annual meeting at 7 p.m. Monday Night. The meeting will be held at Sarah Partridge Community House at 431 East Main Street. in East Middlebury.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
WVTK Local & State News January 8, 2015
The Vermont Legislature has elected Peter Shumlin to a third term as Governor of Vermont. Of the 179 lawmakers, Scott Milne received 69 votes, incumbent Peter Shumlin got 110, and Dan Feliciano received zero. Yesterday the Legislature was gaveled into session. Shap Smith was re-elected by his colleagues as House Speaker while Senator John Campbell was re-elected as Senate President. Milne says he's not sure if he'll run again, but says it's important to be engaged in the election process.
Protestors supporting single payer were standing at the entrance of the House Chamber prior to Governor Peter Shumlin's Inaugural Address earlier today. When Speaker Shap Smith gaveled in, asking the House to come to order, the protesters kept singing and chanting. The protesters were escorted out, but came back, interrupting the inaugural address. Protesters were singing and shouting at Governor Shumlin to continue with single payer health care. Last month, Governor Shumlin announced that he is abandoning single payer as it is too expensive to consider right now.
A man accused of killing a 2-year-old boy has been sent back to jail after a judge ruled prosecutors may continue of pursuing a case against him. 27-year-old Joshua Blow of Shelburne is once again being held without bail, accused in the July death of Aiden Haskins. Last month, Judge James Crucitti denied a request by lawyers for Blow to dismiss the case for lack of evidence. Blow pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder.
Firefighters in Vergennes were busy this morning battling an apartment fire on White Street. According to officials, the flames broke out around 1 am at the multifamily apartment complex. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find the building completely engulfed in flames. Crews not only had to battle the fire but also had to deal with issues from the cold. The cause is still unknown officials say there were no injuries.
The initial budget for Vergennes Union High School for next year is an 11-percent increase of the current year’s budget. Superintendent JoAn Canning says the proposed budget is a financially responsible plan that sets the school on the right track for the future. The spending plan calls for cutting 4 full time teaching positions or the equivalent. Canning said this would not mean that classes would be cut, but rather offered less frequently. Last year, a majority of voters in each of the supervisory union’s five towns rejected the original budget proposal of $9.73 million. Voters in May approved a pared-down budget of $9.4 million, which called for the elimination of the equivalent of 3.9 teaching positions.
Protestors supporting single payer were standing at the entrance of the House Chamber prior to Governor Peter Shumlin's Inaugural Address earlier today. When Speaker Shap Smith gaveled in, asking the House to come to order, the protesters kept singing and chanting. The protesters were escorted out, but came back, interrupting the inaugural address. Protesters were singing and shouting at Governor Shumlin to continue with single payer health care. Last month, Governor Shumlin announced that he is abandoning single payer as it is too expensive to consider right now.
A man accused of killing a 2-year-old boy has been sent back to jail after a judge ruled prosecutors may continue of pursuing a case against him. 27-year-old Joshua Blow of Shelburne is once again being held without bail, accused in the July death of Aiden Haskins. Last month, Judge James Crucitti denied a request by lawyers for Blow to dismiss the case for lack of evidence. Blow pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder.
Firefighters in Vergennes were busy this morning battling an apartment fire on White Street. According to officials, the flames broke out around 1 am at the multifamily apartment complex. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find the building completely engulfed in flames. Crews not only had to battle the fire but also had to deal with issues from the cold. The cause is still unknown officials say there were no injuries.
The initial budget for Vergennes Union High School for next year is an 11-percent increase of the current year’s budget. Superintendent JoAn Canning says the proposed budget is a financially responsible plan that sets the school on the right track for the future. The spending plan calls for cutting 4 full time teaching positions or the equivalent. Canning said this would not mean that classes would be cut, but rather offered less frequently. Last year, a majority of voters in each of the supervisory union’s five towns rejected the original budget proposal of $9.73 million. Voters in May approved a pared-down budget of $9.4 million, which called for the elimination of the equivalent of 3.9 teaching positions.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
WVTK Local & State News January 7, 2015
The Vermont General Assembly convened for the start of the 2015 session today. The new Legislature took the oath of office this morning. One of the first orders of business will be to elect the governor tomorrow, a choice left to lawmakers after no candidate received 50-percent of the vote. Lawmakers are also expected to focus on a number of things, including education reform and property tax relief, and health care reform-even though single payer is off the table for now.
Vermont Gas has asked the Vermont Public Service Board to “reset” the timetable for the Addison Natural Gas Project by postponing hearings on Phase II of the project. New CEO of Vermont Gas Systems, Don Rendall, stated in a release the company was asking for the delay in part because of financial concerns. Rendall said, “We’ve been determined to get this job done effectively and to communicate it openly, honestly and quickly.”
The Vermont Health Department is urging those who have the flu to stay home to prevent others from getting sick. The Health Department says young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions such as asthma, are at an increased risk of flu complications. Flu viruses are mainly spread through droplets in the air when people cough or sneeze. Someone can get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it.
Vermont's new GMO labeling law is facing its first legal challenge. Food manufacturers are suing the state, arguing that the law requiring labels on products made from genetically modified ingredients is unconstitutional and violates federal law. One central issue of the case is whether the state is exceeding its authority by trying to regulate the safety of food. Today’s hearing is not the start of the trial. The judge is considering the state's motion to dismiss the lawsuit and the plaintiff's motion to block the law from taking effect until after the outcome of the trial.
With extremely cold weather expected to affect the region tonight and into tomorrow, here are some tips from the American Red Cross to prevent your pipes from bursting:
- Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs, but keep the outside valve open;
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing;
- Let cold water drip from faucets that are served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe, even a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing;
- If you're going to be away from your home during cold weather, set the temperature no lower than 55° F.
Vermont Gas has asked the Vermont Public Service Board to “reset” the timetable for the Addison Natural Gas Project by postponing hearings on Phase II of the project. New CEO of Vermont Gas Systems, Don Rendall, stated in a release the company was asking for the delay in part because of financial concerns. Rendall said, “We’ve been determined to get this job done effectively and to communicate it openly, honestly and quickly.”
The Vermont Health Department is urging those who have the flu to stay home to prevent others from getting sick. The Health Department says young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions such as asthma, are at an increased risk of flu complications. Flu viruses are mainly spread through droplets in the air when people cough or sneeze. Someone can get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it.
Vermont's new GMO labeling law is facing its first legal challenge. Food manufacturers are suing the state, arguing that the law requiring labels on products made from genetically modified ingredients is unconstitutional and violates federal law. One central issue of the case is whether the state is exceeding its authority by trying to regulate the safety of food. Today’s hearing is not the start of the trial. The judge is considering the state's motion to dismiss the lawsuit and the plaintiff's motion to block the law from taking effect until after the outcome of the trial.
With extremely cold weather expected to affect the region tonight and into tomorrow, here are some tips from the American Red Cross to prevent your pipes from bursting:
- Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs, but keep the outside valve open;
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing;
- Let cold water drip from faucets that are served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe, even a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing;
- If you're going to be away from your home during cold weather, set the temperature no lower than 55° F.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
WVTK Local & State News January 6, 2015
Enrollment numbers are on target, but problems are continuing with Vermont's health insurance exchange. Officials say for people signing up who have a change of circumstance, it has been taking weeks for the problems to be resolved manually. Health officials say 68-hundred people signed up for a plan for the first time , which is within the state target range. In addition, 23-thousand people renewed their policies from last year.
Preliminary reports show that Vermont traffic fatalities declined 38 percent in 2014 to the lowest number since World War II. The Vermont Highway Safety Alliance says 43 people died on the state's roadways last year, down from 70 in 2013. In 2011, 55 people died on the state's roadways. That number jumped to 77 in 2012 and 70 in 2013. Of the 43 fatalities last year 46-percent were unbelted and about 25 percent involved drugs or alcohol and about 25-percent involved speeding.
Fire officials say a water heater caused an explosion at a building located on Main Street in Ludlow Saturday. The incident happened at around 9:30 p.m. No one was inside the building during the time of the explosion. No injuries were reported. The building is being considered a total loss, with an estimated cost of $500,000. Police say while the cause of the explosion is not known, it is not being considered suspicious.
Congress is returning to work with Republicans now running the show. For the first time in eight years, the GOP is assuming control of both the House and the Senate. That means a loss of power for Vermont's congressional delegation. Senator Patrick Leahy loses the president pro tem title and his chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee. And Senator Bernie Sanders loses his spot as head of the Veterans Affairs Committee.
The state is offering some precautions as the mercury continues to dip across Vermont. Temperatures could dip well below zero at times this week, and people are urged to take steps to protect themselves and their family. People are urged to check on elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to make sure they are safe. Residents are also advised to have plenty of fuel, and emergency heating equipment in case electricity is lost.
Preliminary reports show that Vermont traffic fatalities declined 38 percent in 2014 to the lowest number since World War II. The Vermont Highway Safety Alliance says 43 people died on the state's roadways last year, down from 70 in 2013. In 2011, 55 people died on the state's roadways. That number jumped to 77 in 2012 and 70 in 2013. Of the 43 fatalities last year 46-percent were unbelted and about 25 percent involved drugs or alcohol and about 25-percent involved speeding.
Fire officials say a water heater caused an explosion at a building located on Main Street in Ludlow Saturday. The incident happened at around 9:30 p.m. No one was inside the building during the time of the explosion. No injuries were reported. The building is being considered a total loss, with an estimated cost of $500,000. Police say while the cause of the explosion is not known, it is not being considered suspicious.
Congress is returning to work with Republicans now running the show. For the first time in eight years, the GOP is assuming control of both the House and the Senate. That means a loss of power for Vermont's congressional delegation. Senator Patrick Leahy loses the president pro tem title and his chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee. And Senator Bernie Sanders loses his spot as head of the Veterans Affairs Committee.
The state is offering some precautions as the mercury continues to dip across Vermont. Temperatures could dip well below zero at times this week, and people are urged to take steps to protect themselves and their family. People are urged to check on elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to make sure they are safe. Residents are also advised to have plenty of fuel, and emergency heating equipment in case electricity is lost.
Monday, January 5, 2015
WVTK Local & State News January 5, 2015
The Vermont Attorney General's Office has determined that a Vermont State Police Trooper was justified in the use of deadly force in an incident in Bristol back in September. On September 4, 2014, Vermont State Police were called to a home on Pine Street after a report that 56-year-old Norman Michaud was threatening to kill himself. When officers arrived on scene they say they heard gunshots. While at the scene, police learned that 42-year-old Tina LaBossiere of Crown Point was at Norman's home and had a gun. A short time later, she was ordered multiple to drop her weapon. She refused and was shot by a Vermont State Trooper. After the situation was under control, police found Michaud with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No one else was injured. Both Michaud and LaBossiere were taken to Fletcher Allen Healthcare. They both survived the incident.
Voters in Brandon are being asked to approve a bond for repairs and upgrades to the water system. Officials say the town has qualified for a $756,000 federal grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. The remaining $1.7 million of the $2.5-million project would be paid for through the bond, if approved. The bond vote is set for next Tuesday, January 13, at the Brandon Fire Station. An information meeting on the bond will be held at the station tonight at 7 p.m.
Gov. Peter Shumlin has tapped Sarah Hofmann to serve as a member of the Public Service Board. Hofmann is a former deputy commissioner and public advocate at the Department of Public Service, and is currently the executive director of the New England Conference of Public Utilities Commissioners. She will begin to hear new matters at the Public Service Board starting in March. Hofmann replaces retiring board member John Burke.
The project to replace two railroad overpasses in Middlebury has been put on hold till next year. The project was suppose to start this spring. Officials say due to raising cost estimates and the longer-than-anticipated construction timeframe, they will have to post-pone the project to replace the Main Street and Merchants Row overpasses.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board is set to meet later this month to consider a number of proposals. One would allow all hunters to use crossbows during the archery season regardless of age or disability. Another would do away with spikehorn restrictions for archery and muzzleloader seasons. Spikehorn restrictions have been in place for all hunters for a decade in an effort to increase the number of larger bucks. Any rule changes approved by the board would not take effect until 2016.
Voters in Brandon are being asked to approve a bond for repairs and upgrades to the water system. Officials say the town has qualified for a $756,000 federal grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. The remaining $1.7 million of the $2.5-million project would be paid for through the bond, if approved. The bond vote is set for next Tuesday, January 13, at the Brandon Fire Station. An information meeting on the bond will be held at the station tonight at 7 p.m.
Gov. Peter Shumlin has tapped Sarah Hofmann to serve as a member of the Public Service Board. Hofmann is a former deputy commissioner and public advocate at the Department of Public Service, and is currently the executive director of the New England Conference of Public Utilities Commissioners. She will begin to hear new matters at the Public Service Board starting in March. Hofmann replaces retiring board member John Burke.
The project to replace two railroad overpasses in Middlebury has been put on hold till next year. The project was suppose to start this spring. Officials say due to raising cost estimates and the longer-than-anticipated construction timeframe, they will have to post-pone the project to replace the Main Street and Merchants Row overpasses.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board is set to meet later this month to consider a number of proposals. One would allow all hunters to use crossbows during the archery season regardless of age or disability. Another would do away with spikehorn restrictions for archery and muzzleloader seasons. Spikehorn restrictions have been in place for all hunters for a decade in an effort to increase the number of larger bucks. Any rule changes approved by the board would not take effect until 2016.
Friday, January 2, 2015
WVTK Local & State News January 2, 2015
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the entire listening area, which is in effect from Saturday Evening through Sunday Morning. We could see 3 to 5 inches of snow with some significant ice build up as well. This storm will start as light snow before changing to a mix of snow and ice and then change to all rain Sunday Morning.
The Vermont Health Department announced this morning that the flu, in Vermont, is considered “widespread”. Health officials say it is not too late to get your flu shot. However, the CDC says this year's flu strain has mutated in ways that make the vaccine less effective than experts initially hoped.
It took nearly two hours of 2015 for Vermont's first baby of the year to be born. The first baby is identified as Emma Grace Densmore, born before 2 a.m. yesterday at the University of Vermont Medical Center. She is an unlikely first baby, as her mother spent 50 hours in labor before finally giving birth nine days late. The baby is a healthy seven pounds and 14 ounces.
The lottery for personal roadside firewood lots on state forest lands opens today. A press release says the two-week registration for "cut-your-own" lots ends on January 16. Each lot costs $30 and yields about three cords of wood. This year's roadside lots are available in the towns of Duxbury, Orange, Johnson, Groton, and Sutton. Participants will need to indicate where they prefer to cut. You can register online at VTFPR.org. The department will accept one signup per household. Winners of the roadside lots will be notified in early March.
Residents of Middlebury and East Middlebury can dispose their Christmas trees for free tomorrow. Place the tree next to the curb before 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning without any ornaments, garland, or other decorations. The tree will be collected as part of the "Middlebury Merry Mulch" event that happens every year. Residents can also bring their trees to the District Transfer Station in Middlebury through the end of January so it can be turned into "Merry Mulch" in the spring.
The Vermont Health Department announced this morning that the flu, in Vermont, is considered “widespread”. Health officials say it is not too late to get your flu shot. However, the CDC says this year's flu strain has mutated in ways that make the vaccine less effective than experts initially hoped.
It took nearly two hours of 2015 for Vermont's first baby of the year to be born. The first baby is identified as Emma Grace Densmore, born before 2 a.m. yesterday at the University of Vermont Medical Center. She is an unlikely first baby, as her mother spent 50 hours in labor before finally giving birth nine days late. The baby is a healthy seven pounds and 14 ounces.
The lottery for personal roadside firewood lots on state forest lands opens today. A press release says the two-week registration for "cut-your-own" lots ends on January 16. Each lot costs $30 and yields about three cords of wood. This year's roadside lots are available in the towns of Duxbury, Orange, Johnson, Groton, and Sutton. Participants will need to indicate where they prefer to cut. You can register online at VTFPR.org. The department will accept one signup per household. Winners of the roadside lots will be notified in early March.
Residents of Middlebury and East Middlebury can dispose their Christmas trees for free tomorrow. Place the tree next to the curb before 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning without any ornaments, garland, or other decorations. The tree will be collected as part of the "Middlebury Merry Mulch" event that happens every year. Residents can also bring their trees to the District Transfer Station in Middlebury through the end of January so it can be turned into "Merry Mulch" in the spring.
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