AROUND THE NEK - Since the start of this year, the United States has been plagued with acts of violence in schools across the country. This is not a new issue, however it has become much more prominent after we welcomed the new year.
LYNDON - The Vermont State Legislature is looking to pass a bill that will reform the ways in which Vermont tax payers give funds for education. A new bill has been passed by the House which would cut property taxes, and reallocate the payments to an increase in the state income tax.
LYNDONVILLE- The first of April is traditionally thought of as a day of light-hearted jokes and foolery. But where did this tradition come from? Morrigan Stark of the Grindstone Cafe and Wellness Center in Lyndonville told us a bit about the origin of the day of the fool and how it’s not just about playing tricks on your friends and family.
AROUND THE NEK- Rural Community Transport has providing free transportation to the Northeast Kingdom since 1991. Most people have seen or taken their well-known red or white buses, but not many know about another service they provide.
LYNDONVILLE- The Kingdom East School District is preparing for voters to approve a budget of $33.9 million dollars. Jennifer Botzojorns, Superintendent of the Kingdom East school district says the budget is meant for the seven schools in the district.
AROUND THE NEK- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2016 America saw over 64,000 drug overdose deaths. In that same year Vermont saw 106 deaths from opioid related over doses.
ST. JOHNSBURY - Maple producers in the state of Vermont are getting prepared for the 25th annual Maple Open House weekend which celebrates the sugaring season. Jeff Goodwin of Goodwin Family Maple in St. Johnsbury explained the process of how he makes his maple products, the tools they use to make the products, and some history of how maple gathering all started.
NEWBURY - A portion of Interstate 91 southbound between exits 17 and 18 will be closed in April for the purpose of regular ledge maintenance. The project has raised concerns for emergency services as travel times will be impacted if they are not able to use that section of the interstate.
LYNDON- With these past few snow storms hitting the Northeast Kingdom there has been a high demand for salt.
LYNDONVILLE - The lawmakers in the state of Vermont are looking to change car inspection laws, allowing for "minute" issues and problems to become "recommended" fixes instead of required fixes. The law change would allow for vehicles experiencing minor problems... such as a broken tail light... to pass inspection under the recommendation that the light be fixed. There are quite a few Vermont residents who agree with this action plan.
EAST BURKE- The Kinglets Nature preschool in East Burke is trying to make efforts of becoming a non profit by having a Go Fund Me account. The account was started by a dedicated parent Erin Patoine who had wanted to try and provide supplies for the kids at the preschool.
BARNET - Zach Mangione, owner of Cross Farm in Barnet, proves that you don't have to come from a long line of farmers to succeed in the agriculture industry.
Mangione grew up in the suburbs of Albany, New York, where he became accustomed to a congested lifestyle, but craved the simplicity of the outdoors.
ST JOHNSBURY- Rural Community Transportation known as "RCT" is making upgrades to the services which will benefit all users.
RCT is now using a new app called "Swiftly" and is changing the game for them.
LYNDONVILLE - Due to the winter storm, the Food Share program held at the Lyndonville Armory, that serves those who need food assistance in our community, had a lower attendance than usual.
SUTTON- The people in the town of Sutton had gathered around today for town meeting day to vote on what they should do with the town's current Grange Hall. Many feel that the town should burn it down or remake it into a town gathering place.
SUTTON- The people in the town of Sutton had gathered around today for town meeting day to vote on what they should do with the town's current Grange Hall. Many feel that the town should burn it down or remake it into a town gathering place.
BARNET- Yet another Town Meeting Day is in the books. There were some changes in this year's meeting and the main topic of discussion was about CALEX Ambulance Service. This year voters are deciding on whether they should appropriate $26,428.00 to Calex Ambulance Service which is a $1,705.00 increase from last year. What's different is that Barnet and Calex are in the process of negotiating a three year budget contract.
ST. JOHNSBURY - A new phone scam has made its way to the Northeast Kingdom, and it has become an issue for Vermonters who own Apple products. The scam is a set up as a network of criminals who call your phone and get you to exchange personal information under the belief that there is something wrong with your Apple software.
SUTTON- Voters in the town of Sutton will have to decide on whether or not they should move or tear down the town's current grange hall. As town meeting day is approaching people will have to decide on what they should do with the town grange hall.
PEACHAM - Residents of the Peacham Fire District have voted to install a new waterline system throughout their sector of town. At this point, the budget for the project amounts to three hundred eighty thousand dollars, but is subject to reduction if the district is able to receive any state or federal construction grants.
PEACHAM - For nearly two decades, Terry and Ron Miller have been raising alpacas at Snowshoe Farm in Peacham. Their decision to start the business was inspired primarily by Terry's love for knitting.
LYNDON- By the year 2020, the Vermont minimum wage could become $15 dollars an hour. The minimum wage is now $10.50 and will continue to increase on a yearly basis.
LYNDON- Every winter season the Lyndonville Fire Department has to deal with fire hydrants being cover in snow. Having these cleaned off can benefit the department in a significant way.