An estimated 29 school budgets — nearly one-third — out of the 97
that voted during Tuesday’s Town Meetings were rejected, according
to an ongoing tally by the Vermont Superintendents Association.
Concerns over runaway school budgets and a resulting average 20%
hike in property taxes were on the minds of many voters. Despite a
bill signed by the governor last week that allowed school districts to
postpone those votes and retool their budgets, all but 10 moved
forward. The numbers are striking compared to last year, when only
two district budgets were defeated. The Vermont-NEA says the results
should be a clear signal to lawmakers that the “regressive property
tax” is not sustainable.
Three Vermont communities passed cease-fire resolutions on this
Town Meeting Day. The towns of Richmond, Marshfield and Newfane
approved resolutions calling for a cease-fire in Israel’s war in Gaza.
Richmond passed their resolution condemning Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack
on Israel and the subsequent humanitarian crisis in Gaza by voice
vote, as did Marshfield. Newfane residents approved their resolution,
too, but added a line noting that both sides in the conflict
acknowledge the pain and trauma they have inflicted on the other.
There were mixed results on this Town Meeting Day for Vermont
towns that asked residents if they wanted to add cannabis
dispensaries. Vermont law requires towns and cities to ask residents
before allowing local retail sales. In Killington, voters said yes in a
tight race of 265-244. Cavendish voters also said yes 182-168. But
voters in Highgate and Ryegate said no. In Highgate, it failed 320-274.
In Ryegate, Community News Service reports it failed via floor voice
vote.
A Walgreens in Vermont was closed on Wednesday after employees
received a bomb threat. Vermont State Police said they were notified
of the threat at 9:50 a.m. for the Walgreens in West Rutland. At this time
investigators believe the threat was unfounded. Anyone with
information about the incident is asked to contact the Rutland
Barracks at 802-773-9101.
Police are investigating a shooting in Enosburgh Tuesday night that
left an 18-year-old Massachusetts man injured. Vermont State Police
say the call came in around 8:54 p.m. They say troopers arrived at the
home on Sampsonville Road and found the Fall River, Massachusetts,
teen had suffered a gunshot wound to his lower body. The victim,
who is not being identified, told police he was shot by an unknown
assailant who fled on foot. Police say a search of the area was
unsuccessful. The victim was taken to Northwestern Medical Center in
St. Albans and later transferred to the UVM Medical Center. He is
being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
WTSA SPORTS FOR THURSDAY MARCH 7th 2024
THE CELTICS ARE IN DENVER TONIGHT AGAINST THE NUGGETS, TIP OFF AT 10PM
THE BRUINS ARE BACK ON THE ICE TONIGHT AT HOME AGAINST THE MAPLE LEAFS, THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 7PM TONIGHT