Vermont officials are ensuring residents receive their unclaimed money just in time for the holidays. Governor Phil Scott and Treasurer Mike Pieciak announced the return of the Moneyback Program, which aims to distribute nearly $1.3 million to Vermonters. This initiative builds on a pilot program from last year, utilizing tax department data to confirm the identities and addresses of individuals with unclaimed property. Once verified, the state will send letters to inform recipients of their owed amounts, which may include uncashed checks and security deposits. Residents can also search for unclaimed property online, with the average return this year being $241.46.
A 40-year-old woman from Jeffersonville was arrested in Dummerston on Tuesday morning after Vermont State Police discovered she was driving a stolen vehicle and gave false information during the stop. At approximately 9:15 a.m., a trooper found the stolen vehicle on Waterman Road and initiated a stop. The driver, Jillian B. Schultz, had two active arrest warrants. She was taken into custody and processed at the Westminster Barracks before being lodged at the Southern State Correctional Facility. Schultz received a criminal citation to appear in Windham County Superior Court on February 18 for charges including operating without the owner’s consent, grand larceny, possession of stolen property, and providing false information to law enforcement.
Three men from Vermont are facing drug and burglary charges following a break-in at a Newport, New Hampshire residence. Newport Police responded to reports of suspicious activity near Blueberry Ridge and Greenwood Roads, discovering a burglary at 40 Blueberry Ridge Road, where the suspects were still present. Officers apprehended three individuals: Kenneth Hodge, 40, from Thetford; Mark Sutton, 25, from Waterbury; and Zebulon Jenks, 40, from Vershire. Hodge faces charges of burglary and drug possession, while Jenks has an outstanding warrant for assault and drug possession. Sutton is charged with multiple warrants from Vermont and New Hampshire, including one for allegedly striking a police officer with a vehicle. The investigation is ongoing, with additional charges anticipated.
A significant amount of activity occurs behind the scenes within the Vermont Legislature, and a new website has been launched to provide insight into the committee meetings that shape the future of legislation in our state. Tom Evslin, a retired high-tech entrepreneur, has created GoldenDomeVt.com. He notes that with a decline in the number of reporters covering the Statehouse, the website will feature free, searchable Smart Transcripts of legislative committee meetings, available immediately after the corresponding videos are uploaded.
In their final meeting of the year, Vermont’s Council on Child Poverty presented key findings for 2024. Lawmakers, nonprofit leaders, and community members gathered at the Northeast Kingdom Community Action Center in St. Johnsbury to discuss the challenges faced by residents. A significant issue identified was the lack of synergy between government and non-government organizations. The state continues to experience the aftermath of the pandemic, with many employees who aimed to assist Vermonters becoming burnt out and leaving their positions. Although COVID-19 stimulus checks reportedly lifted 40% of children out of poverty in Vermont, these effects were not sustained. The council plans to convene again during the legislative session and will release a formal report on their findings in late January.
A holiday display in New Hampshire is attracting attention due to a satanic statue in front of the Statehouse, which was recently vandalized but has now returned. This display, featuring a goat-headed figure linked to the underworld, has sparked discussions about free speech in the state known for its motto “Live Free or Die.” The Satanic Temple, based in Massachusetts, received a permit from the city’s code enforcement office to showcase the statue. Regardless of public opinion, the statue is set to be removed before January 1st, as stipulated by the permit.
WTSA SPORTS FOR WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 18th 2024
THE CELTICS ARE BACK ON THE COURT TONIGHT WHEN THEY TAKE ON THE BULLS AT HOME, TIP OFF AT 7:30PM
THE BRUINS ARE BACK ON THE ICE TONIGHT AGAINST THE OILERS. THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 9PM.
IN THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL TONIGHT ITS THE BRONCOS AND CHARGERS, KICK OFF AT 8:15PM.
IN LOCAL BOYS BASKETBALL, THE BRATTLEBORO BEARS VISIT THE WINDSOR YELLOW JACKETS, TIP OFF AT 7PM