WTSA News For Your Wednesday, February 17th:
Vermont reported one new death and 53 new cases of the virus on Tuesday. There were two new cases reported in Windham County. New Hampshire reported one new death and 258 cases statewide. There were 18 new positive tests in Cheshire County. Massachusetts reported 49 deaths and 967 cases statewide. Franklin County reported four new cases.
Vermont’s next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout began Tuesday with a dash to get registrations for those in the 70-plus age group. And with more vaccines being promised by the federal government, state officials say the process is moving along well. Officials said that with the strong demand, they are now nearly halfway through signing up the 70-plus group. Meanwhile, Vermonters who already got their first shot described a seamless process. State leaders estimate it will be about two weeks before we move onto the next age band comprised of 44,000 residents 65 and over. And then, those 18 to 65 with underlying conditions.
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles has launched the use of new devices that will enable people who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate easily and effectively with staff at all DMV locations. The devices, called UbiDuo 3, contain two keyboards with two small screens to enable the customer and the DMV employee to communicate while opposite each other on either side of the service counter. The UbiDuo enables people who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate with others without a sign language interpreter by using two-way, simultaneous, real-time keyboards.
A proposal to salvage the cash-strapped Vermont State College System by consolidating three of the four schools is on the agenda this week. But some critics of the plan say the plan will actually turn away potential students. The Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees’ in December approved a five-year plan that calls for merging Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College, while leaving the Community College of Vermont as a standalone institution. The systems board of trustees has a meeting Monday to discuss the proposal further.
8 New Hampshire House democrats filed suit in U.S. District Court asking that members with disabilities be given a way to attend the next live house session This past November, the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled that remote participation is permissible under the New Hampshire Constitution. However, the new House Republican Majority has repeatedly refused to allow any members that option; even denying those with disabilities which put them at severe risk from Covid-19.
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department was notified of a single snowmobile crash with injury on trail 387 in the town of Claremont on Saturday. The operator was riding at the end of the group of six when the snowmobile went off to the right side of the trail and stuck a tree. The operator, a minor from Keene, NH, suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the crash. The operator was transported by a family member on a snowmobile to the nearest road. Golden Cross Ambulance evaluated and transported the operator to Valley Regional Hospital to be treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
LOTTERY NUMBERS:
TRI STATE PICK 3 7-3-1
TRI STATE PICK 4 9-7-9-8
LUCKY FOR LIFE 1-21-22-34-45 LUCKY BALL 11
MEGA MILLIONS 1-36-44-54-66 MEGA BALL 10
MASS CASH 8-12-22-26-30
WTSA SPORTS:
Jaylen Brown scored 27 points to lead the Celtics past the Denver Nuggets last night, 112-99. Boston hosts Atlanta Friday night, tip-off is at 7:30.
Locally, you can catch your Brattleboro Colonels Girls Hockey team in action tonight as they take on Harford at Nelson Withington Rink. Hear the game on 99 5 Fm/Am 1450 The Beast beginning at 7:15 with the Colonels Pre-Game show. Gorty Baldwin and Will Lapinsky will be rink side calling the game.