A Vergennes woman was killed in a car accident in Ferrisburgh last night. The Vermont State Police and Vergennes Police Department responded to the scene along with Ferrisburgh and Vergennes Fire and Rescue personnel. Shortly after first responders arrived on scene, the operator the vehicle motor vehicle, 55-year-old Dana Philips of Vergennes was pronounced dead at the scene. 37-year-old Joseph Mischik of Monkton was a passenger in the motor vehicle and was transported to UVM Medical Center with a minor leg injury. Investigators say the vehicle was traveling northbound on Route 7 when it traveled off the roadway. The motor vehicle struck several culverts before coming to a stop. Police say that the case is still under investigation and no criminal charges are pending at this time.
A Killington woman is admitting that she stole over ten-million-dollars worth of insurance premiums. Prosecutors say Bonney Hebert brokered contracts between colleges and universities and health insurance providers. She allegedly collected over ten-million dollars in premiums from Rutgers University in New Jersey and never turned the money over to Aetna. Hebert will be sentenced in August, and she still owes close to eight-million dollars in restitution to Connecticut based Aetna.
The education reform bill approved by the Vermont legislature is now law. Governor Peter Shumlin visited a Bolton elementary school yesterday to sign the bill into law seeking to address declining enrollment and soaring education costs through consolidation. There are 277 school districts in Vermont, and the goal is to merge them into larger school systems. Shumlin says this is a game changer for Vermont, allowing local communities to right size their infrastructure and focus on delivering high-quality education.
The Main Street & Merchants Row Railroad Overpass Bridge Replacements Project Public Information Meeting will take place tonight starting at 6 PM at the Municipal Gym. During the meeting, local Project Manager Bill Finger will provide a brief summary of the status of the project, anticipated to begin in the spring of 2016. Town officials will also outline plans for the development of a marketing strategy for the downtown before, during and after construction.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Friday, May 29, 2015
WVTK Local & State News May 29, 2015
Vermont State Police are investigating a burglary at a home on Lime Kiln Road in New Haven that happened sometime between May 26 and May 29. Police say items were taken from the residence, including prescription medication. Entry was made through the front door. Anyone with information is asked to contact Vermont State Police at (802)-388-4919.
The plan passed by the legislature to spend over 600-million-dollars on transportation improvements is now law. Governor Peter Shumlin signed the bill near a bridge that is being replaced in Colchester yesterday. He says in order for Vermont's economy to flourish, it needs a strong transportation system, and these investments position the state for success. The governor also says the state is working to save costs on some projects in order to add more to the list.
Vermont Health Connect is currently off-line while the site undergoes some major upgrades. During the system update, customer service staff will have limited access to back-end systems and will be unable to help with many basic requests. Customers with non-urgent questions and requests are encouraged to wait to call when the system is back online next week.
A new report highlights the high cost of renting a home in Vermont. The National Low Income Housing Coalition says Vermont is the 13th most expensive in the country for renters. It says that people have to earn more than 20-dollars an hour in order to afford the rent for a two bedroom home. It also shows that someone earning the minimum wage of nine-dollars and 15-cents an hour would have to work 70-hours a week to afford a one bedroom home.
For those of you who love the outdoors, you may want to check out a new app that’s designed to help you fight tick dangers. It’s a free app for apple and android users called TickClick. The idea behind the app is to help you determine if you or your pet has been bitten by a tick. The creators say, TickClick will allow you to identify what tick has bitten you, the life stage it's in, the diseases the tick may carry, and links to the CDC website.
The plan passed by the legislature to spend over 600-million-dollars on transportation improvements is now law. Governor Peter Shumlin signed the bill near a bridge that is being replaced in Colchester yesterday. He says in order for Vermont's economy to flourish, it needs a strong transportation system, and these investments position the state for success. The governor also says the state is working to save costs on some projects in order to add more to the list.
Vermont Health Connect is currently off-line while the site undergoes some major upgrades. During the system update, customer service staff will have limited access to back-end systems and will be unable to help with many basic requests. Customers with non-urgent questions and requests are encouraged to wait to call when the system is back online next week.
A new report highlights the high cost of renting a home in Vermont. The National Low Income Housing Coalition says Vermont is the 13th most expensive in the country for renters. It says that people have to earn more than 20-dollars an hour in order to afford the rent for a two bedroom home. It also shows that someone earning the minimum wage of nine-dollars and 15-cents an hour would have to work 70-hours a week to afford a one bedroom home.
For those of you who love the outdoors, you may want to check out a new app that’s designed to help you fight tick dangers. It’s a free app for apple and android users called TickClick. The idea behind the app is to help you determine if you or your pet has been bitten by a tick. The creators say, TickClick will allow you to identify what tick has bitten you, the life stage it's in, the diseases the tick may carry, and links to the CDC website.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
WVTK Local & State News May 28, 2015
Voters in the Addison Northwest Supervisory Union will go to the polls to decide the fate of the Vergennes Union High School budget on June 9th. School Board members cut $55,000 from the proposal that was defeated on May 5th. The new spending plan for the 2015-2016 school year is just over $10-million. Despite the $55,000 cut, the latest VUHS budget is still seeking an increase of $845,000 from the current VUHS budget. Also on Tuesday, June 9th, voters in the Addison Northeast Supervisory Union will try for a third time to approve a budget for Mount Abraham Union High School. The proposed version up for a vote is $75,000 less than the previous version defeated on April 14th.
Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin today signed a bill that repeals the philosophical exemption to Vermont's vaccine law. Shumlin said, "Vaccines work and parents should get their kids vaccinated. I know there are strong feelings on both sides of this issue. I hope this legislation will have the effect of increasing vaccination rates." The changes go into effective in July 2016.
More than one million dollars in federal assistance has been sent to Vermont to help cover the costs of the winter storm from December 9-12, 2014. The storm wreaked havoc on Vermont's infrastructure, downing power lines and trees. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says the aid includes about $670,000 for emergency protective measures, and about $384,000 in permanent repair work. Another two million dollars in FEMA aid is expected, most of which will be for the Vermont Electric Cooperative.
Two decades and counting. An expansion project at Middlebury's State Airport still will not begin for at least another two fiscal years. The airport is home to a 2,500 foot runway, one of the smallest in Vermont. Deputy Secretary for Vermont's Agency of Transportation, Chris Cole says the project is not budgeted for until 2017. Despite the wait, Cole says upgrades to the airport are essential to improve safety.
Vermont State Police were kept busy over the Memorial Day weekend. State troopers investigated 33 crashes on Vermont roads over the long weekend, with three involving deaths. Police also made 12 DUI arrests, wrote close to 400 speeding tickets and helped 42 disabled drivers. There have been 14 traffic deaths since the beginning of the year, with almost half of them involving people who were not properly restrained.
Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin today signed a bill that repeals the philosophical exemption to Vermont's vaccine law. Shumlin said, "Vaccines work and parents should get their kids vaccinated. I know there are strong feelings on both sides of this issue. I hope this legislation will have the effect of increasing vaccination rates." The changes go into effective in July 2016.
More than one million dollars in federal assistance has been sent to Vermont to help cover the costs of the winter storm from December 9-12, 2014. The storm wreaked havoc on Vermont's infrastructure, downing power lines and trees. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says the aid includes about $670,000 for emergency protective measures, and about $384,000 in permanent repair work. Another two million dollars in FEMA aid is expected, most of which will be for the Vermont Electric Cooperative.
Two decades and counting. An expansion project at Middlebury's State Airport still will not begin for at least another two fiscal years. The airport is home to a 2,500 foot runway, one of the smallest in Vermont. Deputy Secretary for Vermont's Agency of Transportation, Chris Cole says the project is not budgeted for until 2017. Despite the wait, Cole says upgrades to the airport are essential to improve safety.
Vermont State Police were kept busy over the Memorial Day weekend. State troopers investigated 33 crashes on Vermont roads over the long weekend, with three involving deaths. Police also made 12 DUI arrests, wrote close to 400 speeding tickets and helped 42 disabled drivers. There have been 14 traffic deaths since the beginning of the year, with almost half of them involving people who were not properly restrained.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
WVTK Local & State News May 27, 2015
Longtime Vermont Journalist Marselis Parsons passed away earlier today due to cancer. According to WCAX, Parsons began his career at Channel 3 in 1967. He was 70-years-old. Parsons retired from WCAX six years ago. During his 43 years at Channel 3, he was the news director, he was also a reporter, and an anchor.
The IRS says hackers gained access to taxpayer information in a series of attacks that began in February. Using information stolen during other hacks, the data thieves used the agency's online tax transcript service to gain access to Social Security numbers, dates of birth and street addresses. The IRS says an additional 100-thousand attempts to gain information were turned back. The agency reaching out to victims and offering to pay for credit protection services.
The Railroad Overpass Bridge Replacements Project Public Information Meeting scheduled for tonight has been postponed. The meeting has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, June 3rd, at 6 PM in the Municipal Gymnasium. During the meeting next week, Local Project Manager Bill Finger will provide a brief summary of the status of the project, which is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2016. Town Officials will also outline plans for developing a marketing strategy for the downtown before, during and after construction.
Vermont's unemployment rate dropped two tenths of 1 percent to 3.6-percent in April, which tied for the fourth lowest in the country. Governor Peter Shumlin says the numbers point to continued economic growth and recovery from the last recession. Vermont's April unemployment rate was a third lower than the national average of 5.4 percent. Vermont added 1,800 jobs in April, continuing a trend and outpacing population growth.
The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife has a new program to help conserve open spaces and wildlife habitat in the state. The department's new "All In" Habitat Stamp is fashioned on the federal duck stamp. The stamp is available for purchase on the department's website and is available on 2015 hunting or fishing licenses when purchased online.
The IRS says hackers gained access to taxpayer information in a series of attacks that began in February. Using information stolen during other hacks, the data thieves used the agency's online tax transcript service to gain access to Social Security numbers, dates of birth and street addresses. The IRS says an additional 100-thousand attempts to gain information were turned back. The agency reaching out to victims and offering to pay for credit protection services.
The Railroad Overpass Bridge Replacements Project Public Information Meeting scheduled for tonight has been postponed. The meeting has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, June 3rd, at 6 PM in the Municipal Gymnasium. During the meeting next week, Local Project Manager Bill Finger will provide a brief summary of the status of the project, which is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2016. Town Officials will also outline plans for developing a marketing strategy for the downtown before, during and after construction.
Vermont's unemployment rate dropped two tenths of 1 percent to 3.6-percent in April, which tied for the fourth lowest in the country. Governor Peter Shumlin says the numbers point to continued economic growth and recovery from the last recession. Vermont's April unemployment rate was a third lower than the national average of 5.4 percent. Vermont added 1,800 jobs in April, continuing a trend and outpacing population growth.
The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife has a new program to help conserve open spaces and wildlife habitat in the state. The department's new "All In" Habitat Stamp is fashioned on the federal duck stamp. The stamp is available for purchase on the department's website and is available on 2015 hunting or fishing licenses when purchased online.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
WVTK Local & State News May 26, 2015
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is launching his Presidential Campaign today in Burlington. In 1981 Sanders started his political career in Burlington being elected Mayor. During the celebration at the Burlington Waterfront, Sanders laid-out an "Agenda for America" to address the major crises we face and a vision of government that "works for all our people." Sanders started by vowing to start a “political revolution” to address core economic issues, massive student debt and the role of big money in politics. Sanders will travel to New Hampshire tomorrow and then head to Iowa on Thursday.
The 58th Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research is underway at the University of Vermont. Hundreds of scientists from around the world are attending presentations on various topics. Organizers are trying to expand the event beyond the Great Lakes of North America to include large bodies of lakes worldwide.
Power has been restored to more than 3,000 customers in the city of Rutland. A Green Mountain Power representative said the power was knocked out before 2 o’clock this afternoon. Crews said there was an issue with a substation. Power was restored by about 3 p.m.
A new inpatient building is being added to the UVM Medical Center. The 187-million-dollar project hopes to start construction this summer. The facility will offer 128 single-bed rooms on four floors. Spokesman Dawn LeBaron said the new addition will not raise rates for patients.
A new study is out revealing the best places for veterans to retire. WalletHub's 2015 ranking shows Vermont is ranked 29th among the 50 states. The survey considered cost-of-living, amount of affordable housing, access to healthcare and other factors. Vermont is in second place for job opportunities, and third for most veteran-owned businesses.
The 58th Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research is underway at the University of Vermont. Hundreds of scientists from around the world are attending presentations on various topics. Organizers are trying to expand the event beyond the Great Lakes of North America to include large bodies of lakes worldwide.
Power has been restored to more than 3,000 customers in the city of Rutland. A Green Mountain Power representative said the power was knocked out before 2 o’clock this afternoon. Crews said there was an issue with a substation. Power was restored by about 3 p.m.
A new inpatient building is being added to the UVM Medical Center. The 187-million-dollar project hopes to start construction this summer. The facility will offer 128 single-bed rooms on four floors. Spokesman Dawn LeBaron said the new addition will not raise rates for patients.
A new study is out revealing the best places for veterans to retire. WalletHub's 2015 ranking shows Vermont is ranked 29th among the 50 states. The survey considered cost-of-living, amount of affordable housing, access to healthcare and other factors. Vermont is in second place for job opportunities, and third for most veteran-owned businesses.
Friday, May 22, 2015
WVTK Local & State News May 22, 2015
Vermont State Police are still trying to locate Denise Hart, a Connecticut woman who has been missing since the end of January. Hart borrowed an acquaintance's car on January 25th in Sudbury and that was the last time she was seen or heard from. The car was found several hours later engulfed in flames in Cornwall, and police say there's a strong possibility of foul play. Police yesterday conducted searches for Hart in Sudbury, Orwell, Whiting and Cornwall and did not locate any evidence in the case.
Vermont State Police arrested man accused of leaving the scene of an accident on Vermont Route 22A yesterday afternoon. Police say they located the vehicle that fled the scene abandoned in a nearby sand pit. A K9 was able to track the operator, 26-year-old James Turner of Shoreham, to a nearby residence. Turner is charged with leaving the scene of an accident and providing false information to a police officer. He was released on a citation to appear in court at the end of July.
According to the Fire Facility Committee the cost of the new Bristol Fire Department is estimated at $2.8-million. The new firehouse would replace the current 128-year-old firehouse at 32 North Street. The proposed 11,000-square foot building would include a 3 bay garage and a kitchen, training and community room and a space for storage and exercise equipment. Not included in the estimate was the cost of the land on which the firehouse would be built. A second meeting for public input on the estimated cost will be held next Tuesday at the Bristol Town Office in Holley Hall at 7 p.m.
Police arrested a man they say tried to lure a child during a sting operation. On April 21, police conducted an undercover underage prostitution operation at a local motel. Officers posed as 14-year-old girls for the sting. Police say one of the men, 39-year-old David Bowen of Florence, Vermont., was unable to meet the night of the operation, but kept in contact with one of the undercover officers whom he believed was a 14-year-old prostitute. Bowen is accused of arranging a time to meet for sex with the undercover officer. Police arrested Bowen at the arranged location without incident. He is charged with prohibited acts and attempting to lure a child.
Be careful on the roadways this weekend … not only will there be construction delays on many of the roads and highways but police will be out in force as part of the nationwide campaign, Click It or Ticket It. Law enforcement agencies across the state will be enforcing seatbelt, child restraint, and other motor vehicle laws during sobriety and vehicle safety checkpoints. Officials hope to reduce crashes and address poor driving behavior. Impaired and Distracted driving along with the lack of seatbelt use continue to be the major contributing factors into deaths on our roadways.
Vermont State Police arrested man accused of leaving the scene of an accident on Vermont Route 22A yesterday afternoon. Police say they located the vehicle that fled the scene abandoned in a nearby sand pit. A K9 was able to track the operator, 26-year-old James Turner of Shoreham, to a nearby residence. Turner is charged with leaving the scene of an accident and providing false information to a police officer. He was released on a citation to appear in court at the end of July.
According to the Fire Facility Committee the cost of the new Bristol Fire Department is estimated at $2.8-million. The new firehouse would replace the current 128-year-old firehouse at 32 North Street. The proposed 11,000-square foot building would include a 3 bay garage and a kitchen, training and community room and a space for storage and exercise equipment. Not included in the estimate was the cost of the land on which the firehouse would be built. A second meeting for public input on the estimated cost will be held next Tuesday at the Bristol Town Office in Holley Hall at 7 p.m.
Police arrested a man they say tried to lure a child during a sting operation. On April 21, police conducted an undercover underage prostitution operation at a local motel. Officers posed as 14-year-old girls for the sting. Police say one of the men, 39-year-old David Bowen of Florence, Vermont., was unable to meet the night of the operation, but kept in contact with one of the undercover officers whom he believed was a 14-year-old prostitute. Bowen is accused of arranging a time to meet for sex with the undercover officer. Police arrested Bowen at the arranged location without incident. He is charged with prohibited acts and attempting to lure a child.
Be careful on the roadways this weekend … not only will there be construction delays on many of the roads and highways but police will be out in force as part of the nationwide campaign, Click It or Ticket It. Law enforcement agencies across the state will be enforcing seatbelt, child restraint, and other motor vehicle laws during sobriety and vehicle safety checkpoints. Officials hope to reduce crashes and address poor driving behavior. Impaired and Distracted driving along with the lack of seatbelt use continue to be the major contributing factors into deaths on our roadways.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
WVTK Local & State News May 21, 2015
A series of protections inserted into Vermont's assisted suicide law are now permanent. Governor Peter Shumlin signed a bill yesterday that makes protections in the law permanent. They include a mandatory 48 hour waiting period for a doctor to issue the deadly prescription to a terminally ill person. Shumlin signed the bill yesterday at a South Burlington natural food store owned by the sister of Maggie Lake, who requested a lethal prescription after suffering with cancer for close to a decade.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is officially launching his Presidential campaign next week in Burlington. Details of the event were released yesterday, with Sanders announcing that the launch will occur next Tuesday along Lake Champlain in Waterfront Park. Also yesterday, Governor Peter Shumlin posted to his Twitter account that he's endorsing Hillary Clinton for President, not Sanders.
The Winooski Police Department is investigating a robbery at the Champlain Farms located on East Allen Street. INvestigators say a man entered the store around 9 o’clock last night and took off with an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect was last seen on foot heading toward East Allen Street. He is described as being white, 5'11 tall, wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, and possibly a gray t-shirt. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Winooski Police Department at (802) 655-0221.
Nearly $90,000 in state grants will go to three Essex County farms, to help encourage young farmers to stick with the profession. The grants come from the New Farmers Grant Fund. The goal of the program is to continue growing New York's agricultural sector. The grant recipients are: Blue Pepper Farm in Jay: $34,000, Full and By Farm in Essex: $18,576, Fledgling Crow Vegetables in Keeseville: $37,248. The money will help the farms use innovative agricultural techniques, and encourage young farmers to consider the job as a career. $610,000 in total will go to 19 farms across the Empire State.
A new report from the United Health Foundation says Vermont’s seniors are the healthiest in the nation. The report looked at such factors as behaviors, community and environment, policy, clinical care and outcomes. Some of the strength that the Green Mountain State has includes low intensive care unit use and ready availability of home-delivered meals. New Hampshire was ranked second healthiest for seniors in the country while New York was ranked 21st.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is officially launching his Presidential campaign next week in Burlington. Details of the event were released yesterday, with Sanders announcing that the launch will occur next Tuesday along Lake Champlain in Waterfront Park. Also yesterday, Governor Peter Shumlin posted to his Twitter account that he's endorsing Hillary Clinton for President, not Sanders.
The Winooski Police Department is investigating a robbery at the Champlain Farms located on East Allen Street. INvestigators say a man entered the store around 9 o’clock last night and took off with an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect was last seen on foot heading toward East Allen Street. He is described as being white, 5'11 tall, wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, and possibly a gray t-shirt. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Winooski Police Department at (802) 655-0221.
Nearly $90,000 in state grants will go to three Essex County farms, to help encourage young farmers to stick with the profession. The grants come from the New Farmers Grant Fund. The goal of the program is to continue growing New York's agricultural sector. The grant recipients are: Blue Pepper Farm in Jay: $34,000, Full and By Farm in Essex: $18,576, Fledgling Crow Vegetables in Keeseville: $37,248. The money will help the farms use innovative agricultural techniques, and encourage young farmers to consider the job as a career. $610,000 in total will go to 19 farms across the Empire State.
A new report from the United Health Foundation says Vermont’s seniors are the healthiest in the nation. The report looked at such factors as behaviors, community and environment, policy, clinical care and outcomes. Some of the strength that the Green Mountain State has includes low intensive care unit use and ready availability of home-delivered meals. New Hampshire was ranked second healthiest for seniors in the country while New York was ranked 21st.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg){kind=small}
