On Christmas Eve morning at 4:39 a.m., the West Dummerston Volunteer Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 359 Bunker Road. Upon arrival, they found a single-family home being evacuated, with no visible flames. Further investigation revealed a stove fire with extension, leading to an update for additional first alarm companies. The fire was quickly extinguished, and crews remained to check for any further extension. Mutual aid was provided by Brattleboro, Chesterfield, N.H., and Westminster, while Guilford and NewBrook covered the station. The fire department included a statement at the conclusion of a press release, emphasizing that this incident highlights the significance of utilizing a properly installed, UL-rated stove and ensuring that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.
The St. Johnsbury community, still recovering from the serious injury of a cherished veteran police officer, is receiving a special Christmas gift this week. Various Vermont police departments, county sheriffs, and the Department of Motor Vehicles sent personnel to Caledonia County to assist with shifts for the St. Johnsbury officers on Christmas day, including the Windsor and Springfield Police Departments, along with the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department, provided coverage, enabling some St. Johnsbury officers to celebrate the holiday with their families.
U.S. Senator Peter Welch recently collaborated with other Senators to introduce the bipartisan Skinny Labels, Big Savings Act. This legislation aims to reduce drug prices by expediting the approval of generic drugs by the FDA for specific uses. Senator Welch stated, “In Vermont and nationwide, families face overwhelming healthcare costs, including for essential medications. Skinny labeling has facilitated quicker market access for generics, thereby lowering prices, which is why Big Pharma opposes it. Our bipartisan bill will safeguard skinny labeling and help patients save at the pharmacy.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Rep. Becca Balint (Vt-AL), on Saturday, December 28 at 3:00 p.m., will recognize twenty young Vermonters who are being nominated to be members of the Class of 2029 at the United States Service Academies. At the annual reception held at the Vermont State House, students from across Vermont will receive nomination certificates signed by members of the Vermont Congressional Delegation. Prior to the ceremony, Sanders, Welch, and Balint will host the nominees and current Service Academy students from Vermont for a round table discussion. Vermont high school students interested in learning more about attending the U.S. Service Academy, can visit the link on our website at wtsaradio.com and click today’s news: https://www.sanders.senate.gov/vermont/services/academies/
Stratton Mountain has contributed to the preservation of skiing in Brattleboro, a historic ski area that was among the first in Vermont to provide lift service. Long before Stratton Mountain’s establishment, skiers from Connecticut and New York frequented Brattleboro. Currently, Stratton is enhancing the Brattleboro Ski Hill’s future by investing in its operations, including a recent loan of two high-efficiency HKD snow guns to boost snow making capabilities. Thanks to this partnership, the ski hill will open for the season on December 31st, with Stratton covering lift ticket costs for the first 50 visitors. The Brattleboro Ski Hill operates entirely on a volunteer basis.
Start off the new year on the right foot with Vermont State Parks’ First Day Hikes. On January 1, 2025, everyone is invited to join free, guided hikes taking place at state parks, state forests, and other public lands across Vermont. Hikes are led by knowledgeable guides eager to share their love of Vermont’s outdoors. Hikes will take place at locations across Vermont. For the complete list of parks, click the link: https://vermontbiz.com/news/2024/december/25/hike-new-year-vermont-state-parks
WTSA SPORTS FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 26th 2024
THE 76ERS DEFEATED THE CELTICS YESTERDAY 118 – 114. THE CELTICS ARE OFF TONIGHT AND ARE BACK ON THE COURT FRIDAY AT HOME AGAINST THE PACERS, TIP OFF AT 7:30PM ON FRIDAY.
THE BRUINS HAVE TONIGHT OFF AND ARE BACK ON THE ICE FRIDAY IN OHIO AGAINST THE COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS, THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 7PM ON FRIDAY.
IN THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ITS THE 8-7 SEAHAWKS AGAINST THE 4 -11 CHICAGO BEARS, KICKOFF AT 8:15PM TONIGHT