Both Vermont and New York workers are getting a minimum wage pay boost that started on Wednesday. Vermont’s minimum wage is going up 34 cents — from $13.67 to $14.01. Tipped wages are going up 17 cents to $7.01. In New York, the minimum wage is going up 50 cents. Upstate New Yorkers will now make $15.50 an hour. Those in New York City, Long Island, or Westchester County will now get $16.50 an hour. New Hampshire’s minimum wage is pegged to the federal standard, which will stay at $7.25 and is the only New England state that uses the federal minimum wage.
A 49-year-old man from Guilford, Vermont, died after crashing into a utility pole on Brattleboro Road (Route 5) on Tuesday morning just before 6 a.m. According to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office spokesperson,the man, driving a Honda Civic, crashed near 546 Brattleboro Road. The victim, who was the car’s only occupant, was transported by Northfield EMS to Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, where he was declared dead. The cause of the crash is under investigation and the identity of the man is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Several new policies were implemented in the region on January 1. A new law in Vermont mandates that municipal officers must avoid conflicts of interest and recuse themselves if such a conflict arises. Additionally, electric vehicle owners will face increased costs this year due to a new infrastructure fee added to the regular registration fee for all plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles. This fee, which is $44.50 for plug-in hybrids and $89 for electric vehicles, compensates for the lack of gas and diesel tax contributions that fund transportation maintenance. Furthermore, a new law requires insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screenings, providing annual fecal blood tests or a colonoscopy every ten years for insured individuals over 50, along with additional screenings for those at higher risk.
On Wednesday, Officers conducted an investigation about recent complaints concerning David Mears at Brueggers located 499 Canal St. In conducting the investigation it was determined that Mears had acted disorderly on multiple occasions at that location. Based on this investigation Mears was charged with the offenses of Stalking, four counts of Aggravated Disorderly Conduct and four counts of Violation of Conditions of Release. Mears was arrested and transported to the Brattleboro PD where he was held in lieu of $1,000 bail. Mears is scheduled to appear in Windham County Superior Court in later this afternoon.
A Burlington man who police say is connected to a string of car break-ins has been arrested in Brattleboro. Police say Yesi Garelnabi, 33, is responsible for multiple thefts from cars. He had a warrant for his arrest when police in Brattleboro arrested him. They say he also had stolen credit cards and a stolen backpack. He was released on conditions but was re-arrested a short time later after being accused of stealing from another car.
More Vermonters behind bars can get a college education and it doesn’t stop when they get out. It’s part of a new partnership between the Community College of Vermont and the Department of Corrections. Under DEC’s Post-Secondary Education Initiative, free community college classes will be available to inmates in Vermont correctional facilities. The expanded program offers reentry vouchers so Vermonters leaving prison can stay in school for a full year after release. Students are eligible for two class vouchers a semester.
Residents of the Brattleboro area celebrated the new year at the Brattleboro Ski Hill, marking the start of the ski season. Todd Fahey from the Ski Hill expressed that such opportunities are rare in small communities. Although recent weather led to the cancellation of other snow-related events for Brattleboro’s First Night, the Ski Hill remained active, aided by support from Stratton Mountain Resort. Craig Panarisi noted that with the forecast of colder weather, they decided to lend two new HKD snow making guns to enhance snow production. Fahey emphasized the importance of these efficient machines as climate change reduces snow making windows. Panarisi added that larger ski areas should assist smaller ones whenever possible.
WTSA SPORTS FOR THURSDAY JANUARY 2nd 2024
THE CELTICS ARE ON THE ROAD TONIGHT IN MINNESOTA AGAINST THE TIMERWOLVES, TIP OFF AT 7:30PM.
THE BRUINS ARE IN NY TO TAKE ON THE RANGERS TONIGHT, THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 7PM
IN LOCAL GIRLS BASKETBALL TONIGHT, THE BRATTLEBORO BEARS VISIT ST JOHNSBURRY, TIP OFF AT 7PM