Vermont has implemented several changes to your wallet on the New Year. DMV services cost an extra $10-$15, minimum wage rose 49 cents to $13.67/hour, and the minimum tipped wage increased to $6.84/hour. In addition, sports betting will be available online starting Jan. 11.
Vermont Health Connect’s open enrollment ends Jan. 15. Eligible Vermonters can sign up by then for coverage starting Feb. 1. The Department of Health Access reports 90% enrolled qualify for financial assistance, meaning lower premiums. Thousands now pay under $25 a month. Enroll at VermontHealthConnect.gov or call 1-855-899-9600 for help.
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu says the race for the state’s GOP presidential primary is narrower than polls suggest and that voters should unite around one candidate — Nikki Haley. Sununu, who has endorsed Haley and traveled around the state on a campaign swing last week, says it comes down to the two front-runners and that Chris Christie should get out of the way. The Iowa caucus will be held on January 15th and New Hampshire will hold its primary a week later.
A backyard flock of 40 birds in Orleans County was infected with avian influenza, also known as bird flu, a month ago – the third time the disease has been confirmed in Vermont history. Bird flu spreads to backyard and poultry flocks from waterfowl through saliva, mucus or feces. Since the disease reached Vermont a year ago, poultry farms have increased biosecurity measures. For example, Happy Bird Poultry Farm has barred visitors to its barn housing 4,000 chickens. The Agency of Agriculture urges people to report sick birds so they can assess each situation and test and treat birds as needed.
Today (Wednesday 01/03/24) marks the first day of the new legislative session in Montpelier. Some of the key priorities among lawmakers and Gov. Scott will likely be housing, childcare, flood recovery and resiliency following Julys historic storms. The Vermont House of Representatives will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m., with a Senate childcare bill already on the agenda after it was tabled last session.
On Wednesday, January 3, the Highway Division will be replacing a failed culvert on Goodenough Road. The closure will be near 342 Goodenough Road. Residents and Emergency Services can access 42 –342 Goodenough Road via Hinesburg Road and 446 – 528 via Akley Road. Please plan accordingly and avoid the area if possible.
A Vermont man has died following a crash in early December in Dummerston. Vermont State Police said 77-year-old Donald Pratt of Vernon was driving north on Interstate 91 on the afternoon of Dec. 4 when his vehicle left the roadway and went down an embankment. Pratt’s vehicle then hit a tree, causing heavy front-end damage. He was taken to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital before being transferred to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, where he ultimately died several weeks later. Police said Pratt was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The reason for the crash is still unknown, and police continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 802-722-4600.
WTSA SPORTS for WEDNESDAY January 3rd 2024
THE THUNDER BROKE THE CELTICS 6 GAME WINNING STREAK LAST NIGHT 127 – 123. NEXT GAME FOR THE C’S IS FRIDAY AT HOME AGAINST THE UTAH JAZZ, TIP OFF AT 7PM
IT WAS THE BOSTON BRUINS OVER THE COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS LAST NIGHT 4 – 1. NEXT GAME FOR THE BRUINS IS THURSDAY AT HOME AGAINST THE PENGUINS, PUCK DROP AT 7PM.