The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) and the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1 bird flu, in a non-commercial backyard flock in Franklin County. Samples collected on December 19 were confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Iowa. This marks the fourth occurrence of HPAI in Vermont’s domestic flocks since spring 2022, highlighting the need for continued vigilance against the disease. While HPAI poses a low risk to human health, the Vermont Department of Health is monitoring individuals who had contact with the infected birds. No human cases have been reported in Vermont or New England during the current outbreak, and lab tests indicate that this strain does not affect dairy cattle herds in other states.
Effective January 1, 2025, Massachusetts will implement the CARB Low NOx Omnibus rule, prohibiting commercial truck dealers from selling or leasing diesel trucks manufactured after December 31, 2024, to customers intending to register them in the state in 2025. While diesel vehicles offer better fuel efficiency than gasoline vehicles, they produce higher carbon dioxide emissions, with 1 liter of diesel fuel generating approximately 13% more CO2 than gasoline. The new regulations are projected to prevent over 7 billion tons of carbon emissions over the next thirty years and yield nearly $100 billion in annual net benefits, including reduced healthcare costs, fewer fatalities, and over $60 billion in savings on fuel, maintenance, and repairs, according to the EPA.
A bipartisan bill, backed by U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, to support autism education, research, and resources has been signed into law. The Autism CARES Act of 2024 renews and expands federal support for research, services, and training related to autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Senator Hassan, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions (HELP) Committee, helped advance this legislation through the Senate. This legislation is part of Senator Hassan’s ongoing efforts to support people who experience disabilities.
New resources are now accessible for aging Vermonters and their caregivers. CareForTom.org offers guidance on various aspects of aging, including financial issues, finding living facilities, and determining when to cease driving. The nonprofit was established by a Vermont woman inspired by her own experiences with elder care. Nicole Junas Ravlin stated, “Until you experience the loss of a parent or older loved one, you cannot fully understand the exhaustion involved in assisting them during these critical times, where urgency accompanies nearly every decision.”
The Brattleboro Union High School Music Department is once again providing the Merry Mulch Christmas tree collection service for local residents. Endorsed by the Vermont Department of Agriculture and the New Hampshire/Vermont Christmas Tree Association, this program has been running for over 30 years. For a $15 donation, BUHS Music Boosters will collect un-decorated trees from homes and chip them into mulch, alleviating the need for residents to transport their own trees, as the town does not offer curbside pick-up. Pick-up dates are scheduled for January 4, 11, and 18. Residents must pre-arrange pick-ups by calling 603-533-1341, 718-986-9883, or 802-689-0581 at least two days in advance. Proceeds will support the Brattleboro Union High School Music Department.
The Town of Brattleboro is offering free parking downtown this weekend. Parking will be free today (Dec. 27th) and through the weekend, Dec 28th and the 29th to coincide with the busy holiday season. Since launching the new parking system in late November, Town staff have been making improvements to it based on public feedback. Several upgrades are currently in development, including additional signage, step-by-step instructions displayed on the sides of the parking kiosks, revisions to the parking zone/kiosk map, and the creation of a “how-to” video that will guide drivers through the three parking methods available downtown.
WTSA SPORTS FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 27th 2024
THE CELTICS ARE BACK ON THE COURT TONIGHT AT HOME AGAINST THE PACERS, TIP OFF AT 7:30PM
THE BRUINS ARE BACK ON THE ICE TONIGHT IN OHIO AGAINST THE COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS, THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 7PM
THE PATRIOTS PLAY THIS SATURDAY AGAINST THE CHARGERS KICKOFF AT 1:00PM ON SATURDAY
IN LOCAL BOYS BASKETBALL, GREENFIELD MA VISITS THE BRATTLEBORO BEARS TONIGHT. HEAR ALL THE ACTION ON OUR SISTER STATION 995 THE BEAST AND STREAMING LIVE WITH THE BEARS COTA & COTA RADIO NETWORK WITH 995 THE BEAST DOT COM STARTING WITH THE PREGAME AT 6:45PM, TIP OFF AT 7PM FROM THE COTA AND COTA BROADCAST BOOTH WITH GREG FENNEL AND JAY CUDWORTH ON THE CALL.