A recent report suggests that the Vermont National Guard may be making strides in tackling sexual harassment. In 2022, the Guard recorded over eight complaints, which they committed to addressing. However, a report to lawmakers indicates that only two harassment reports were received last year. Since 2013, the Guard has been mandated to publish an annual report on sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination within its ranks.
Vermont Senator Peter Welch participated in confirmation hearings for Pam Bondi’s appointment as U.S. Attorney General. He questioned Bondi on her ability to resist pressure from President Trump regarding investigations of his political adversaries and inquired about her collaboration with Vermont Governor Phil Scott on appointing the U.S. Attorney for Vermont. Both Welch and Bondi agreed on the importance of establishing a residential reentry program in Vermont to assist individuals recently released from prison.
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center has announced that COVID vaccination is no longer a requirement for kidney transplant patients, following a new agreement with the New Hampshire Attorney General. While the hospital now strongly recommends the vaccine for transplant eligibility, it is not mandatory. This decision was influenced by a transplant candidate’s concerns raised with New Hampshire’s Consumer Protection Bureau.
Planned Parenthood representatives in Vermont presented their strategies in light of the new Trump administration yesterday. The organization offers services related to reproductive health, family planning, and abortion. With the Trump administration now in power, they anticipate potential federal and financial obstacles in the coming year. At noon yesterday, Planned Parenthood officials and supporters convened at the Statehouse to outline their efforts to ensure that residents of Vermont continue to have access to sexual and reproductive health care.
A Burlington man, Eric Jones, 34, was charged with aggravated assault on Tuesday for allegedly attacking an off-duty police sergeant with a meat cleaver at the Burlington Police Station. The incident occurred in the lobby of the Uniform Services Bureau shortly after 5:30 a.m. Jones has a criminal record that includes two misdemeanors and charges for assault and assault on an officer. The Burlington Police Officers Association noted that this is not the first such incident at the station, referencing a similar assault on an officer in 2023.
A Keene police officer sustained minor injuries in a collision between a police cruiser and a pickup truck on Route 9 late Wednesday afternoon. The incident took place around 3:30 p.m. near Concord Hill during a traffic stop. Both vehicles were significantly damaged and needed towing. The pickup truck driver was uninjured and left in a private vehicle. The officer was assessed at Cheshire Medical Center and was cleared to resume duty shortly thereafter.
Authorities in Winchester and Swanzey are advising residents to secure their vehicles and report any suspicious behavior amid a series of car break-ins in recent weeks. Winchester Police Chief David Rice reported that approximately 25 vehicles have been affected across 14 incidents, with some targeting multiple cars in a single driveway. The police suspect that the thieves are taking advantage of unlocked cars to steal small valuables, including a backpack with gaming equipment in one instance.
In recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Brattleboro Town Offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, except for emergency services. Parking will be free at metered spaces and pay-and-display lots on that day, although other violations will still be enforced. Brooks Memorial Library will also be closed. Trash, recycling, and composting collections will proceed as scheduled, unaffected by the holiday.
WTSA SPORTS FOR FRIDAY JANUARY 17th 2025
THE CELTICS ARE BACK HOME TONIGHT AGAINST THE MAGIC, TIP OFF AT 7PM.
THE BRUINS ARE LOOKING FOR THEIR 3RD WIN IN A ROW WHEN THE B’S HEAD TO OTTAWA TO TAKE ON THE SENATORS ON SATURDAY, THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 3PM.
THE NFL DIVISIONAL ROUND IS THIS WEEKEND STARTING ON SATURDAY, THE TEXANS AND CHIEFS AT 4:30PM AND THE COMMANDERS AND LIONS AT 8PM. SUNDAY IT’S THE RAMS AND EAGLES AT 3PM. AND RAVENS AND BILLS AT 6:30PM SUNDAY.
IN LOCAL GIRLS BASKETBALL ON SATURDAY, RUTLAND VISITS THE BEARS, TIP OFF AT 1PM AT BUHS. HEAR ALL THE ACTION ON OUR SISTER STATION 995 THE BEAST AND STREAMING AT 995 THE BEAST DOT COM. FROM THE COTA AND COTA BROADCAST BOOTH, GREG FENNEL AND JAY CUDWORTH ON THE CALL STARTING AT 12:45PM
IN LOCAL BOYS BASKETBALL, THE BEARS VISIT MT ANTHONY ON SATURDAY, TIP OFF AT 2:30PM
LOCAL BOYS ICE HOCKEY, RUTLAND VISITS THE BEARS ON SATURDAY, THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 4:45PM IN BRATTLEBORO