On Monday morning, firefighters in Brattleboro were dispatched to address an ammonia leak. The incident occurred at 90 Technology Drive, the location of New Chapter, a business that manufactures vitamins and supplements. Fire officials confirmed that the building was evacuated and all individuals were accounted for. The Vermont hazmat team was sent to the site and subsequently declared the area safe. Crews remained on-site until noon to conduct decontamination procedures. There were no reported injuries.
UPDATED 3/11/25 5PM
We have an update on the Ammonia leak as reported in yesterday’s March 11th WTSA News Cast. It was originally reported that the Ammonia leak originated from New Chapter Warehouse. WTSA News has learned that wasn’t the case. New Chapter issued an official statement later on Tuesday afternoon with the following:
“We can confirm that the reported ammonia leak did not originate from the New Chapter warehouse but rather from a neighboring facility located at 90 Technology Drive. As a precaution, our employees were temporarily evacuated due to the proximity of the incident. However, the leak was fully contained within the neighboring property, posing no risk to our employees or our products. Operations have since resumed safely.”
On Sunday at around 6:30 a.m., Brattleboro Police were alerted to a burglary at Ray Gun Comics, 125 Main Street. The investigation revealed a shattered front door and a stolen cash register. Surveillance footage and information from nearby businesses identified Michael J. Smith as a suspect. He was arrested later that day and held on a $200 bail, with a court appearance scheduled. Smith faces charges of Burglary, Petit Larceny, and Unlawful Mischief.
A new program in Vermont aims to enhance the state’s emergency medical service workforce through certification. In response to an EMS shortage, Green Mountain Tech and Career Center is offering online lessons to engage residents statewide. A hybrid emergency medical technician course will launch on March 24 in Hyde Park, targeting individuals aged 17 and older, not just high school students. In collaboration with the Northern Vermont Area Health Education Center, the program combines on-site and Zoom training to improve access to EMS certification amid ongoing challenges in Vermont’s EMS systems.
As tensions rise between the United States and Canada, Vermont businesses report an increase in trip cancellations from Canadian visitors. The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing has received approximately 20 calls since February from Canadians opting not to travel to the U.S. due to the rhetoric and policies of the Trump administration. Canadians account for about 5% of Vermont’s tourism, contributing over $150 million to the state’s economy, with northern regions seeing up to 30% of their tourism from Canadian visitors. At Jay Peak Resort, Canadians represent around 50% of the clientele.
Fallen US Border Agent David “Chris” Maland continues to be honored in Vermont. On Sunday night, US Border Patrol members, local first responders, and their families gathered for a benefit hockey game at the Ice Haus Arena in Jay Peak to commemorate Maland, who lost his life in the line of duty. Participants expressed that Maland was a reliable colleague, and his loss has significantly affected the law enforcement community. Proceeds from the game will support Maland’s family.
A Connecticut man was arrested for DUI after a road rage incident on Interstate 91 on Saturday evening. Vermont State Police received a complaint around 6:38 p.m. about the incident in Vernon and issued a Be On the Lookout alert for the vehicle. Approximately 40 minutes later, Springfield Police stopped a matching vehicle near mile marker 46. Officers detected signs of impairment in the driver, 22-year-old Connor Haug from Hamden, Connecticut. He was arrested for DUI and negligent operation, processed at the Westminster State Police Barracks, and later released with a citation. Haug is scheduled to appear in Vermont Superior Court on May 27.
WTSA SPORTS FOR TUESDAY MARCH 11th 2025
THE CELTICS DEFEATED THE UTAH JAZZ LAST NIGHT 114 – 108 FOR THEIR 6TH STRAIGHT WIN. THE CELTICS ARE OFF TONIGHT AND ARE BACK ON THE COURT WEDNESDAY AGAINST THUNDER AT TD GARDEN TIP OFF AT 7:30PM.
THE BRUINS ARE BACK ON THE ICE AT HOME TONIGHT AGAINST THE FLORIDA PANTHERS, PUCK DROPS AT 7PM
REDSOX AND PHILLIES IN SPRING TRAINING THIS AFTERNOON FIRST PITCH AT 1:05PM