Recent data indicates a decline in overdose deaths both nationally and in Vermont. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a nearly 17% decrease in overdose fatalities across the country over the past year. This month marks the eighth consecutive month of reduced overdose deaths in the U.S. In Vermont, opioid-related accidental deaths this year are below the three-year average from 2021 to 2023. Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, attributes this national decrease to factors such as increased access to Narcan and enforcement measures at the southern border.
Two residents from Massachusetts are facing multiple charges following a burglary investigation on Dummerston Station Road. The Vermont State Police responded to a break-in complaint on Monday. Evidence linked Ryan Adams, 40, and Meghan Wheeler, 37, both from Greenfield, to the scene. The suspects were arrested on Tuesday for burglary, unlawful trespass, and unlawful mischief, with Adams also charged for possession of crack cocaine. They are being held on $25,000 bail at Southern State Correctional Facility and appeared in court on Wednesday. For further details, contact the Vermont State Police at the Westminster Barracks at 802-722-4600.
Many people warm up their cars on cold mornings to remove ice, but using a scraper can lower fuel expenses and benefit the environment. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation states that if each gas or diesel vehicle reduced idling by one minute daily, it would save over a million gallons of fuel annually, equating to $3.8 million in costs and a reduction of 10,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions. State law restricts idling to no more than five minutes within an hour, and experts advise warming up vehicles by driving gently and limiting idling to 30 seconds.
The National Defense Authorization Act, which allocates nearly $900 billion to the Defense Department, passed the House on Wednesday. However, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders announced his opposition, arguing that the excessive funding should instead address pressing issues such as health care, housing, and wealth inequality. He criticized the Department of Defense for mismanaging funds, with a significant portion benefiting large military contractors. Despite its passage in the House, Sanders intends to vote against it in the Senate.
The Vermont Agency of Transportation has announced the awarding of bids for 11 projects that will introduce 60 new level 3 electric vehicle chargers across the state. This $13 million investment will provide four to eight charging ports at each site, capable of charging at a minimum rate of 150 kilowatts per hour. This advancement significantly reduces charging time for EV owners, allowing for a 20-minute wait instead of over an hour at level 2 chargers. The stations will be strategically placed in downtown areas, local businesses, and shopping centers. Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn emphasized that these charging stations will be developed in collaboration with local partners to enhance connectivity for EV drivers in Vermont with the broader national charging network.
A 63-year-old man from Wardsboro, Gary Guerin, was arrested on Monday due to an active warrant for unlawful mischief, according to Vermont State Police. He was found by a trooper on Putney Road at 10:18 a.m. and subsequently taken to the Vermont Superior Court Windham Criminal Division. Specific details about the incident leading to the warrant have not been disclosed, and the investigation is ongoing.
WTSA SPORTS FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 13th 2024
THE CELTICS DEFEATED THE PISTONS LAST NIGHT 123 – 99, THE CELTICS ARE 20 -5 WITH JUST ONE GAME AWAY FROM 1ST AS THE CAVALIERS SIT AT 21 – 4. THE CELTICS TRAVEL TO WASHINGTON TO TAKE IN THE WIZARDS ON SUNDAY TIP OFF AT 6:00PM
THE BRUINS ARE ON THE ROAD IN VANCOUVER SATURDAY AGAINST THE CANUCKS . THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 10PM SATURDAY
AFTER A BYE WEEK THE PATRIOTS ARE BACK ON THE FIELD IN ARIZONA AGAINST THE CARDINALS. THE PATS ARE 3 – 10 ON THE SEASON, THE CARDINALS SIT AT 6 – 7. KICK OFF SUNDAY AT 425PM
FORMER PATRIOTS HEAD COACH BILL BELICHICK JOINS THE UNIVERSITY NORTH CAROLINA AS HEAD COACH. BILL SAYS NORTH CAROLINA JOB IS A “DREAM COME TRUE”