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Burlington City Council faces tough budget decisions; proposed tax hike could impact residents, businesses

Jason Eaton, accused of shooting three Palestinian students in Burlington, Vermont, deemed competent to stand trial. Despite earlier claims of acting under government instructions, Eaton faces three counts of attempted second-degree murder. The incident, which left one victim paralyzed, is not being prosecuted as a hate crime due to lack of evidence. Eatons defense seeks an independent evaluation and plans to move the case out of Chittenden County. The next hearing is set for sixty days, aiming for a late spring trial.

Lowell, Vermont, faces a new energy dilemma: a proposed solar farm. Despite residents support for a wind project in 2010, the current solar proposal is met with strong opposition. The Lowell Select Board voted against it and plans to spend up to $50,000 on legal fees to fight the project. The solar project, planned by MHG Solar, is opposed due to its use of agricultural land, lack of additional tax revenue, and the towns lack of expertise for legal battles. The Public Utility Commission will decide if the project serves Lowell and Vermonts best interests.

The school board is grappling with a challenging budget decision, as both proposed plans fall short of the approved forty-three point two million dollars. The core issue is either significant program cuts or a complete system reconfiguration. One plan suggests reducing elementary schools from five to three, requiring voter approval in Calais and Worcester. The other plan keeps all five schools but involves spending cuts and tax increases. The superintendent believes the three-school option maintains necessary staffing levels, while the five-school plan threatens core educational values. The board will consider special elections in Calais and Worcester for school closures, with a final budget adoption likely by January twenty-third.

Rutland Towns proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year features a 7.41% increase in taxes, with significant hikes in the highway department (37.59%) and police budget (10.19%). The town anticipates collecting $1.4 million from its local option tax, a 25% increase due to a new state law. The budget process was similar to previous years, with a focus on retaining employees by granting a 3% cost-of-living increase. The tax rate will be set in July, and officials are optimistic about voter understanding of the proposed increases.

Four displaced in Peru, NY house fire; Red Cross offers immediate aid

63-year-old Douglas Warren Bedell, a Williamstown man, is accused of showing a bank teller a photo of his genitals, leading to a felony charge of lewd and lascivious conduct. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison. The incident occurred at a credit union on South Main Street, where Bedell was a customer. He allegedly showed the teller a photo of himself receiving a sex act from another person, causing discomfort and leading to his account closure. Bedell has pleaded not guilty and was released with conditions, including a prohibition against violent or threatening behavior.

Northern New York experienced varying snowfall totals this past Saturday, with Lake Placid in Essex County receiving the highest accumulation at 1.5 inches. Other areas, such as Olmstedville, Saranac Lake, Edwards, and Heuvelton, reported lesser amounts ranging from 0.9 to 1 inch. Clinton Countys snowfall totals were not provided in this report.

Two local artisans, Laura Zindel and Andrew Pearce, gain national recognition in the Alliance for American Manufacturings 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide. Zindels handmade dishware and Pearces woodworking pieces, crafted from local materials, are featured, promoting local businesses and diverse craftsmanship.