The Vermont Attorney General’s Office has stated that an executive order signed by the governor, which aims to promote housing construction, partially exceeds his authority. Governor Scott signed this executive order in September, asserting that it would facilitate the construction of new housing. Among its various provisions, the order mandates monthly performance metrics, which include average permit processing times, the total number of permits issued, and the identification and resolution of regulatory barriers.
In an opinion released on Thursday, Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark determined that while the majority of the order’s sections are lawful, it exceeds the governor’s authority in two specific areas: one pertaining to the regulation of wetlands and the other concerning building energy standards. She indicated that these modifications could potentially be pursued legally through the rule making process. The governor, however, has insisted that these actions fall within his jurisdiction.
A man from Guilford was cited for unlawful mischief after a report of vandalism on November 18. Tyler Johnson, aged 34, from Guilford, was alleged to have damaged a vehicle on Linden Road, as stated by the Vermont State Police. A trooper from the Westminster Barracks responded to the report around 8:40 a.m. An investigation indicated that Johnson had indeed caused damage to the vehicle, according to police. Johnson received a citation and appeared in the Vermont Superior Court, Windham Criminal Division, yesterday to respond to the charge.
Following a year-long investigation, a man from New Hampshire is facing charges for possessing materials related to child sexual abuse. According to the Newport Police, Christopher Nix Jr., aged 21, from Newport, was discovered in possession of images depicting child sexual abuse. The investigation was initiated after receiving a cyber tip last November. The execution of a search warrant on Tuesday led to Nix’s arrest. Police reported that during the execution of the warrant, he attempted to destroy evidence and physically resisted arrest.
A new application has been made available for grant awards aimed at assisting farmers in enhancing water quality through “capital projects”. This application was issued by a program from the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, known as the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program. According to one announcement, the funds will “support farm businesses investing in capital projects that enhance water quality, with eligible expenses potentially covering construction, renovation, and equipment purchases.” Previous grants have reportedly enabled farmers to upgrade feed storage, equipment, and additional resources.
A man from Massachusetts was apprehended on charges of driving under the influence after a trooper discovered his inoperable vehicle on Interstate 91. Timothy St Hilaire, aged 36, from Athol, Massachusetts, was taken into custody around 4:37 p.m. on Sunday near Exit 5 of the I-91 access road. A trooper from the Vermont State Police Westminster Barracks encountered the disabled vehicle and initiated contact with St Hilaire. According to police reports, St Hilaire exhibited signs of impairment. Following an investigation, he was arrested on suspicion of DUI. St Hilaire is set to appear in the Vermont Superior Court, Windham Criminal Division, on December 9 at 8:30 a.m.
Following the substantial snowfall of several feet within a single week at Jay Peak Resort, November snow records have been officially surpassed, attracting hundreds of enthusiastic skiers to the mountains prior to the official commencement of the winter sports season. However, amidst this early enthusiasm, officials are advising guests to exercise caution, as some visitors have engaged in unsafe and potentially hazardous behaviors in the snow during their stay. According to Steve Wright, the General Manager of Jay Peak Resort, certain thrill-seekers have disregarded closed trail warnings, ventured into restricted areas, unlawfully accessed lift shacks, and even ignited small fires. One individual attempted a perilous backflip on terrain that had not yet opened, resulting in a serious injury. Wright underscored that while the staff is preparing for the resort’s official opening, early trespassing endangers both guests and employees.