"Utility expanding Cow Power program in Vermont
Customers of Vermont’s largest electric utility can now take advantage of the Cow Power program that generates power by using methane produced from cow manure to run generators. GMP said the Vermont Public Service Board recently approved expanding the GMP Cow Power Program to the utility’s entire service territory. Customers who choose to use “cow power” pay an extra 4 cents per kilowatt-hour."
Looks to me like it stinks on both ends.
"Maple festival celebrates sweet crop in Vermont
Vermont is celebrating its signature crop at the maple festival in St. Albans. The 47th annual event started Friday and runs through Sunday with a parade, pancake breakfast, maple cooking demonstrations, music, and the annual sap run from Swanton to St. Albans. Vermont is the country’s largest producer of maple syrup. The state produced more than 1 million gallons in 2011, but less in 2012 because warmer weather cut the season short."
Related: A Sappy Story From the Boston Globe
"Teacher accused of PTO embezzling
An elementary school teacher who police say embezzled about $3,500 while serving as treasurer of the Richford Parent Teacher Organization has been placed on paid leave from her teaching duties. Vermont State Police said Shawna Steinhour, 35, embezzled the money from October 2011 to March 22 of this year. Franklin Northeast School Superintendent Jay Nichols told the Burlington Free Press that Steinhour will be on an indefinite paid leave while the matter is being investigated. She is due in Vermont Superior Court in St. Albans on May 20."
"Vermont police seek shooting suspect
Police in Middlebury, Vt., are looking for a suspect in the shooting of a 65-year-old man outside his apartment on Saturday. Police are not releasing the name of the victim, but told the Burlington Free Press that the gunman is male, 17 to 19 years old, about 6 feet tall, with a thin to average build and a goatee, and wearing blue jeans and a dark-colored vest. The suspect was accompanied by two people, whom police did not describe. Authorities did not describe the severity of the wound."
"Vt. man dies in snowmobile accident
Vermont State Police say a 25-year-old Pittsfield man died after his snowmobile crashed into a tree at about 11 p.m. Friday. Police say Bartholomew Dougherty crashed after his snowmobile left the roadway in Pittsfield for an unknown reason. Police said Dougherty was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and that alcohol may have been a factor (AP)."
"Three teens charged with vandalism
Three Vermont teenagers are facing multiple charges in connection with a pellet-gun vandalism spree that allegedly damaged more than 100 vehicles, businesses, and homes, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Police said an 18-year-old from West Rutland and two 17-year-olds, from Castleton and West Rutland, have been charged with felony and misdemeanor counts of malicious mischief for allegedly shooting out windows with a pellet gun between 3 a.m. Wednesday and Friday afternoon in Rutland and West Rutland. Rutland Police Chief James Baker said it’s the worst vandalism in the city in recent memory, with at least 111 reports filed in Rutland alone."
"Vermont may expand bear hunting season
The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife wants to help control the state’s growing black bear population by expanding the hunting season. Vermont’s black bear population, estimated at 6,000, has been growing at an annual rate of about 4 percent, and officials say that’s the upper limit of goals set in the state’s 10-year big game management plan. Beginning this fall, the regular bear hunting season will be extended an additional four days in the November deer rifle season. There will be no extra charge for the bear tag on a hunting license during deer rifle season. Hunters who want to hunt bear before rifle season must purchase an early-season bear tag for $5."
