The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office has completed the autopsy following the discovery of a body in Lake Champlain after a canoe capsized last week in North Hero. The victim is identified as Michael Bagiackas, 71, of Montpelier. The medical examiner determined the cause of death was drowning, and the manner of death was an accident. No additional information is available regarding this case.
New Hampshire State Police used a helicopter on Monday to continue the search for 78-year-old Robert Clay, who has been missing from his Spofford, N.H., home since June 24th. The aerial search covered the Chesterfield and Westmoreland areas, including sections near Brattleboro. As hunting season approaches, anyone who sees anything they believe may be related to the case is urged to call authorities.
Governor Phil Scott yesterday issued the following statement regarding access to the SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is also referred to as 3SquaresVermont and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards: “Even with state efforts, the lack of federal SNAP funding will disrupt the lives of over 63,000 Vermonters and could cause real harm. This is another area where there is bipartisan support for a lawsuit seeking to require the federal government to release contingency funding it has available for emergencies. I have directed my administration to work with Attorney General Clark to support a multi-state lawsuit.”
Treasure Mike Pieciak last week, learned that Donald Trump denied Vermont’s request for federal disaster relief funds after this summer’s devastating floods in Caledonia and Essex counties. President Trump also denied requests from Illinois and Maryland — states that went blue in the 2024 election, just like Vermont. Because of recent flooding events, Vermont has one of the highest disaster relief needs in the country. And without these funds, this means that Vermont taxpayers could be left footing the bill to rebuild and repair from this summer’s floods.
Stunningly, Governor Scott has said he will not appeal the Trump Administration’s decision. Pieciak said this money is critical to help towns rebuild and prevent future damage. He also said he hopes the Governor fights for this aid and does everything he can to deliver for Vermonters. Mike Pieciak has asked that if you want to help get these funds and get your voice heard, then Call Governor Scott’s office and tell him to fight for these critical funds so that impacted communities can get back on their feet: call (802) 828-3333, that’s 802-828-3333.
On Sunday night, shortly after 10:30, the Vermont State Police were alerted to a domestic disturbance on Winter Bell Drive in Dummerston. Troopers from the Westminster barracks responded and conducted an investigation. The investigation revealed that Jason P. Lirio, 46, of Dummerston, had assaulted a household member. Lirio was arrested for first-degree aggravated domestic assault and reckless endangerment. He was taken to the Vermont State Police Barracks in Westminster for processing. Lirio received a criminal citation and appeared in Vermont Superior Court, Windham Criminal Division, on Monday.
If you need to renew your license or register your car, it is advisable to do so promptly. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles will temporarily suspend some services next week as it completes a significant computer system upgrade aimed at enhancing transaction speed and security. The DMV has indicated that its existing computer system is over 50 years old. This upgrade will result in the closure of offices and online services for several days next week. DMV offices in Vermont will be temporarily closed during the final phase of the system upgrade. Online services, including license renewals, will not be available from Nov. 5th to Nov. 12th.
WTSA SPORTS FOR TUESDAY OCTOBER 28th 2025
IN MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL, THE CHIEFS BEAT THE COMMANDERS, 28 TO 7. THE CHIEFS IMPROVE TO 5 – 3 WHILE THE COMMANDERS FALL TO 3 – 5.
THE CELTICS GOT THEIR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON OVER THE PELICANS YESTERDAY 122 – 90. THE C’s ARE 1-3 AS THE CELTICS COME HOME ON WEDNESDAY AGAINST THE 3 – 1 CAVALIERS.
THE SENATORS BEAT THE BRUINS YESTERDAY 7 -2, THE BRUINS FALL TO 4 – 7. THE BRUINS ARE HOME TONIGHT AGAINST THE ISLANDERS, PUCK DROPS AT 7:15PM.