WTSA News For Your Thursday, September 30th:
Four deaths and 104 new Covid 19 cases have been reported in Vermont. The numbers released Wednesday include one death and seven new positive covid tests in Windham County. In New Hampshire, there were 2 deaths and 443 new Covid 19 cases, with 26 in Cheshire County. Massachusetts reported 23 dead and 1,443 new covid cases, with one death and one new case in Franklin County.
President Biden has signed a Major Disaster declaration for public infrastructure damage in Vermont caused by severe storms and flooding from July 29-30. The declaration will provide federal assistance for repairs to public infrastructure in Bennington and Windham counties. Vermont officials have identified more than $5 million in damages to public infrastructure as a result of the storm in those two counties. Municipalities and qualifying non-profits like public utilities in Bennington and Windham counties are eligible to receive 75% federal reimbursement for storm response and recovery. Those costs include repairs to public roads, bridges, and other infrastructure that was damaged during the storm, as well as removal of debris from public rights of way.
Pandemic-related disruptions in school and childcare; inequitable divisions of household labor; increases in depression, anxiety, and substance use; and economic concerns greatly impacted Vermonters in the last year. The Vermont Commission on women has released a survey about the impacts of COVID-19 on American households. Survey respondents had clear recommendations for policies and resources that would improve their overall well-being: economic relief via stimulus payments, extended unemployment benefits, increased access to childcare; increased access to mental health supports; and greater access to technology. The survey was done between October 2020 and February 2021 by a team of researchers from University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst College, and Indiana University. Angry opponents of the Biden administration’s new vaccine mandate forced the postponement of Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting, further delaying a vote on $27 million in federal aid to boost New Hampshire’s vaccination efforts.
The Republican-controlled council, a five-member panel that approves state contracts and nominations to courts and agencies, had voted this month to table a request from the state Department of Health and Human Services to spend federal pandemic relief money on a public health program manager and a dozen workers to promote the COVID-19 vaccine and address public concerns about it. Republican lawmakers on the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee, which also must approve the request, have done the same.
Maya Richmond has been chosen to be the next Executive Director of the Windham County Humane Society. She will be taking over the position from Annie Guion, who has filled the role since 2008.Richmond earned degrees from UVM, and St. Michael’s College and worked at Middlebury College as Director of Animal Programs and Associate Director of Laboratory Support. She served as Director of Program Development and Operations at the Maryland SPCA and at the Animal Welfare Association in New Jersey.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, and Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing are bringing together the maple industry, specialty products, and maple-inspired activities in a statewide campaign. Visitors are being offered the chance to rediscover favorite Vermont maple snacks, treats and local products, as well as discover new ways to enjoy Vermont’s sweetest treat. State Ag Secretary Anson Tebbits said this is a unique way for people to think about maple even though it’s not sugaring season.
LOTTERY NUMBERS:
TRI STATE PICK 3 4-8-5
TRI STATE PICK 4 4-2-8-9
TRI STATE GIMME 5 9-16-26-30-34
TRI STATE MEGABUCKS 14-16-22-26-39 MEGA BALL 4
POWERBALL 2-7-11-17-32 POWERBALL 11
MASS CASH 1-4-9-23-29
WTSA SPORTS:
A big, 444-foot homerun from J.D. Martinez helped power Boston past Baltimore last night, 6-0. The ‘Sox and Orioles play again tonight, first pitch is at 7:05. Bo Bichette homered twice leading Toronto past the Yankees last night, 6-5. The Yankees and ‘Jays play again this evening, first pitch is at 7:05.