WTSA News For Your Thursday, February 2nd:
A Wind chill warning is in place for Friday and Saturday, Vermont’s Emergency Management Department, The Vermont Agency of Human Services, community organizations and municipalities are working to expand daytime and overnight shelter options for people experiencing homelessness during the coldest hours this weekend. Vermonters in need of heating assistance or shelter can call 2-1-1. The Vermont State Police will also provide ‘freeze patrols’ during which troopers will patrol the state’s two interstate highways during the overnight hours, when troopers typically are off duty. The purpose of the patrol is to look for and assist stranded motorists.
Vermont’s United States Attorney’s Office has launched a series of presentations in Vermont high schools aimed at educating students on identifying, reporting, and preventing hate crimes and other civil rights violations. This effort is part of the Department of Justice’s United Against Hate Program, developed by its Hate Crimes Enforcement and Prevention Initiative. Attorneys from the U.S.
Attorney’s Office and special agents from the FBI have conducted a handful of presentations in Vermont high schools and plan to visit additional schools in 2023.
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Deer Project Leader Becky Fuda is warning against feeding deer. Over 80% of the state’s forestland is privately owned, much of the Department’s management of this habitat is done through cooperative agreements with landowners. Feeding deer puts these management efforts at risk by drawing deer out of wintering habitat and removing the incentive for private landowners to conserve and manage deer yards on their property. Conservation and management of natural winter habitat is the key to long-term survival of deer in the Granite State, not the placement of human-provided food sources.
You still have a couple of weeks to offer your input about the future of the Vermont state park system. A modernization study now underway will provide a comprehensive assessment of the state park system including park amenities, operations, maintenance, revenue, and program delivery. Major challenges, and resources needed to maintain core services and enhance offerings to meet current and future demands are being identified. State Parks director Nate McKeen says the system has weathered societal changes and economic challenges of all sorts. The 100th anniversary of Vermont state parks will take place in 2024, as park visitation continues to increase.
The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center has two new grants for dairy processors, totaling a $13 million investment in the region. The funding opportunity comes as a result of the Northeast Dairy Task Force, convened by Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbets, which provided the USDA recommendations about how to address systemic organic and regional dairy issues. Governor Phil Scott says the grant will help strengthen the State’s efforts to support a vital part of the state economy.
A second Vermonter has been arrested for allegedly assaulting police during the January 6th Capitol attack. Authorities arrested Arthur Nichols Jr. of Manchester on Wednesday, and he appeared before a federal judge in Rutland. Nichols is charged with eight crimes including assaulting, resisting, and impeding officers using a dangerous weapon. Court paperwork says two years ago, Nichols worked his way to the front of the rioters and used a shield to push and hit officers over the course of several hours. Meanwhile, former Wolcott resident Nicholas Languerand is serving a 44-month prison sentence after being convicted for his actions at the capitol.
LOTTERY NUMBERS:
TRI STATE PICK 3 2-2-3
TRI STATE PICK 4 5-4-5-8
TRI STATE GIMME 5 6-11-21-26-38
TRI STATE MEGABUCKS 13-19-20-24-37 MEGA BALL 5
POWERBALL 31-43-58-59-66 POWERBALL 9
MASS CASH 7-14-16-25-26
WTSA SPORTS:
Jayson Tatum scored 31 points to lead the Celtics past Brooklyn last night, 139-96. Boston hosts Phoenix Friday night, tip-off is at 7:30.
Pavel Zacha scored twice to help the Bruins beat Toronto last night, 5-2. The NHL heads towards it’s All-Star Weekend this weekend.
Locally, as heard on 99 5 The Beast last night, in Boys Hockey, Middlebury beat Brattleboro, 5-2. Tonight, you can hear Brattleboro take on Rutland in Boys Basketball action, beginning at 6:45 with the Colonels Pre-Game show, hear the game on 99 5 The Beast Fm/ Am 1450 and at 99 5 The Beast Dot Com.