The Vermont House passed a bill to ban ghost guns, making them illegal to possess and transfer. The bill also requires federal firearms dealers to add serial numbers to firearms. The U.S. Department of Justice reported a 1,300% increase in recovered ghost guns from 2016 to 2022. Gun control advocates support the bill, believing it will help save lives. The bill is now awaiting the governor’s approval.
A man who spent over half his life in prison for his involvement in the 2001 stabbing deaths of two Dartmouth College professors has been granted parole. James Parker, who was 16 at the time, conspired with his best friend to rob and kill people before fleeing overseas. He pleaded guilty to being an accomplice to second-degree murder and served close to the minimum term of his 25-years-to-life sentence. Now approaching 40, he appeared before the state parole board.
Vermonters are assisting flood-impacted farmers by providing grants through Dig Deep Vermont, a volunteer-run organization. This week, 32 farmers will receive micro-grants ranging from $200 to $1,800 to support planting, feeding animals, and purchasing groceries. Dig Deep Vermont was established in January and is supported by various associations in the state.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott urges lawmakers to proceed with his property tax relief plan despite concerns about the state’s bond rating. The administration proposed borrowing from reserves to loan to school districts, with the expectation of education funding reform. Treasurer Mike Pieciak warned of potential negative impacts on the credit rating, but Governor Scott believes credit agencies may view Vermont positively with a short-term relief plan alongside education finance reform.
HCRS Health Care and Rehabilitation Services in southeastern Vermont has appointed nine new professionals in March to enhance services in Windham and Windsor counties. These hires will support the agency’s team of over 500 staff offering mental health, substance use, and developmental disability programs to 4,000 individuals annually in southeastern Vermont.
Individuals aged 65 and above are a rapidly expanding group in Vermont’s workforce. The distinction between work and retirement is becoming less clear in a state with one of the nation’s oldest populations. Some opt to continue working for a sense of purpose or to avoid boredom, while others feel compelled to do so out of financial concerns. Postponing retirement may seem grim to some, but the increasing number of older workers could benefit employers in need of filling positions, as well as offer energetic seniors an opportunity to stay active and productive.
Businesses near Quechee Gorge bridge are preparing for two years of traffic delays due to repairs. The bridge is currently down to one lane for necessary work. The road sees heavy traffic, especially in the summer and fall. Businesses are asking for patience from drivers and assure that they remain open. The repairs are projected to exceed $23 million and are scheduled to finish by summer 2026. A sidewalk will remain open for viewing and walking access to the gorge will still be available.
WTSA SPORTS FOR FRIDAY APRIL 19th 2024
THE GUARDIANS BEAT THE REDSOX YESTERDAY 5 – 4 THE GUARDIANS TOOK 3 GAMES OUT OF 4. THE REDSOX START A 3 GAME SERIES WITH THE PIRATES TONIGHT IN PITTSBURGH AT 6:40PM
THE YANKEES START A 3 GAME SERIES WITH THE RAYS TONIGHT AT 7:05 FIRST PITCH.
THE BRUINS ARE BACK ON THE ICE SATURDAY WITH GAME 1 OF THE PLAYOFFS AGAINST THE MAPLE LEAFS. THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 8PM ON SATURDAY.
NASCAR CUP SERIES THIS SUNDAY IT’S THE GEICO 400 AT TALLADEGA , RACE TIME AT 3PM ON FOX.
LOCAL BOYS BASEBALL IT’S RUTLAND TRAVELS TO BRATTLEBORO AGAINST THE BEARS TOMORROW ON SATURDAY. HEAR ALL THE ACTION ON OUR SISTER STATION 99.5 THE BEAST OR 995THEBEAST.COM, STARTING WITH THE PRE-GAME AT 10:45AM, FIRST PITCH AT 11AM WITH GIL BURNS AND LANCE CUTLER WITH THE CALL.
LOCAL GIRLS SOFTBALL IS ALSO GOING ON SATURDAY AT HOME, RUTLAND AGAINST THE BEARS, FIRST PITCH AT 11AM