Law enforcement officials are urging holiday travelers to fasten their seat belts, as recent data indicates a minor decrease in seat belt usage throughout Vermont. The Agency of Transportation has reported nearly 500 serious injuries and 136 fatalities from 2020 to 2024 in accidents involving individuals not wearing seat belts. This week, police will enhance patrols as part of the Buckle Up campaign, ensuring that all travelers reach their destinations safely. In addition to enforcing seat belt laws, officials advise drivers to reduce their speed, exercise patience, and refrain from driving under the influence during the holiday travel season.
On Monday evening, shortly before 10 PM, Troopers from the Vermont State Police responded to multiple reports regarding a driver traveling the wrong way, heading southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 91, close to mile marker 24.4 in Westminster. The Troopers successfully halted the vehicle near mile marker 14.6 in the northbound lane in Dummerston. The driver was identified as Julie Anne Burch, aged 44, from Putney. During their conversation with Burch, the Troopers noticed indications of impairment. She was apprehended without any incidents and taken to the Westminster Barracks for processing. Subsequently, Burch was released with a citation to appear in the Windham County Superior Court – Criminal Division on December 9th to answer the charges.
Two men are facing numerous drug and weapons charges following a fentanyl trafficking investigation linked to a trespassing report earlier this month in Windham County. According to the Windham County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a trespassing call on November 8, 2025, at a location on Shag Bark Hill in Putney. Upon arrival, deputies found a vehicle attempting to leave the property and identified the two occupants as Michael Sykie, 45, from Charlestown, New Hampshire, and Joshua Snide, 40, from Chester, Vermont. Deputies reportedly noticed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle, and after both men declined a search, the vehicle was seized pending a warrant. Sykie later surrendered on November 20, 2025, and was processed for several charges, including fentanyl trafficking, possession of cocaine, and possession of a deadly weapon during a felony. Both men were also charged with violation of release conditions and unlawful trespass. A court date has been set for January 27th.
After 50 years, New Hampshire police have announced the resolution of a cold case murder in Concord. Judy Lord, aged 22, was discovered strangled in her apartment in 1975, with her 20-month-old son present. Now, five decades later, Attorney General John Formella reports that a case review and new DNA testing have identified her neighbor, Ernest Theodore Gable, then 24, as her murderer. However, Gable will not be prosecuted as he was fatally stabbed in Los Angeles in 1987.
The Vermont Department of Health announced last week that COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to be low following a rise in cases that started in August and extended into early fall. Other metrics, such as wastewater virus levels, indicate a rise in COVID-19 and Norovirus both in Vermont and across the nation, while COVID outbreaks have also seen a slight increase. Last week, there were 4 outbreaks (the same as the previous week), with 4 occurring in Long-Term Care Facilities and none in schools. Similar to hospitalizations, outbreaks have experienced a minor increase since mid-summer but have since declined.
On Monday, Vermont Senator Peter Welch visited key establishments along Church Street in Burlington to advocate for local businesses following a challenging year. To emphasize the significance of supporting local commerce, Welch toured the Outdoor Gear Exchange and other shops on Church Street, including Phoenix Books. This weekend, Vermonters are encouraged to shop locally in support of Small Business Saturday.
WTSA SPORTS FOR WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 26th 2025
THE CELTICS ARE BACK ON THE COURT TONIGHT AT TD GARDEN AGAINST THE PISTONS TIP OFF AT 5:00PM.
THE BRUINS ARE IN NEW YORK TONIGHT AGAINST THE ISLANDERS, PUCK DROPS AT 7:00PM.