Theft From Local Storage Unit in Weathersfield - Do You Have Information?

Weathersfield Police Department

 

We had a theft from a local storage unit....

Taken were medals of award for military service and American Flags along with bench that was smaller in size, metal with wood seat with a moose background on the rear and a kerosene stove.  

If anyone has any information please contact the Weathersfield Police Department 802-674-2185

Amended Gun Bill Gains New Momentum in Montpelier

By Kyle Midura

 http://www.wcax.com/story/28481286/amended-gun-bill-gains-new-momentum-in-montpelier

 

MONTPELIER, Vt. - 

 With a looming legislative deadline and crunched for time, members of the Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously in favor of a proposed gun bill Friday. The vote sets the matter for debate by the full Senate next week, and clears a deadline that could have blocked follow-up consideration in the House.

Sen. Joe Benning says he's not happy with the bill, but he's comfortable with it.

"We've worked very hard to make sure we are attacking the exact problem that is perceived, making sure we don't go a step beyond that," said Benning, R-Caledonia County.

The measure does not include mandatory background checks on all sales, a controversial sticking point in the original proposal. It would require courts to report the names of those deemed to be a danger to themselves or others and those found incompetent to stand trial to the national instant background check database. It also would allow state prosecutors to charge those convicted of violent or drug-related felonies found in possession of a gun, though the new charge would only be a misdemeanor.

"And those are two things that I think are practical things," said Sen. Dick Sears, D-Bennington County. "Other states have a similar law-- felon in possession-- and I think we struck a proper balance there."

"It's a constantly evolving piece of legislation. This is one stop in the process and it's going to continue forward," said Evan Hughes of the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs.

While the measure does provide those stripped of their Second Amendment rights because of mental health concerns a means to get them back, there's also a waiting period before they can make that appeal, which concerns gun rights advocates.

Lawmakers are still expected to tweak some of the bill's language next week on the floor, but substantial changes are not expected.
.
The background check language could still be added back in by the full Senate or House if it lands on representatives' desks. But members of the Judiciary Committee say they'll fight any efforts to do so, and won't bend on the matter in this year, or any other.

The governor has said he does not think the state needs more gun laws but has not threatened a veto.

Illegal Animal Fighting Bill Heading to Vermont State Senate!

S.102, An Act Relating to Forfeiture of Property Associated with an Animal Fighting Exhibition, sponsored by Senator Dick Sears (D-Bennington) and Senator Tim Ashe (D/I - Chittenden), passed the Senate Committee on Judiciary unanimously this morning and will be heading to the full Senate for a vote next week! 

ACTION: It is critical that you contact your Senator(s) NOW and ask them to vote in favor of S. 102, the illegal animal fighting bill, when it comes to the Senate floor for a vote. 

If you don't know who your Senators are or how to contact them, just click here: http://legislature.vermont.gov/people/ (Please note we only need calls to Senators at this time since it hasn't moved over to the House of Representatives yet).

The bill significantly strengthens Vermont’s animal fighting law. The measure (1) adds a provision that makes it a felony crime to possess or transfer paraphernalia and equipment related to animal fighting, (2) adds illegal animal fighting to the list of crimes (like drug crimes) where the state can seize assets related to that crime upon conviction, and (3) creates a state-wide Animal Cruelty Task Force to evaluate the state of animal cruelty investigations and response in Vermont.

Lawmakers are at the State House from Tuesday-Friday, so if you make your call today, you can leave a message with the Sargent-at-Arms at 1-800-322-5616. 

If you make your call on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, please leave a message for your legislator on their home phone. Or you can email them a message as well.

Thank you for taking action for animals today!

Weathersfield School PTA Meetings and Yankee Candle Fund Raiser

The WS PTA meets the first Tuesday of every month at 6:00 pm, here at the school.

The PTA is sponsoring a Yankee Candle Fund Raiser this spring.

If you would like to order some candles from our children, please call the school at 674-5400.

Monthly Meetings for Weathersfield Schools School Board

The WS School Board will be meeting the second Monday of every month at 6:30 pm in
the AP Room.

These meetings are open to the public.

However, since April 13th is the
start of vacation week, the April meeting will be on the 20th at 6:30.

Please mark this change on your calendars!

Weathersfield School Important Upcoming Events

Important Upcoming Events

April 9, 2015 - Honor's Dinner - Time: 6:00 pm
May 15, 2015 - 7/8 Graduation Dance - Time:  TBA
June 4, 2015 - School Report Night - Time: 5:00 to 6:00 PM
June 5, 2015 - Grade 8 Class Trip to Boston
June 15, 2015 - Grade 8 Graduation - Time: 7:00 PM
June 16, 2015 - Last Day of School for Students - Early Release Day
June 17, 2015 - Building Based In-Service Day for Teachers

Select Board Agenda 03/16/2015

Select Board Agenda
Martin Memorial Hall

5259 Route 5

Monday, March 16^th, 2015

6:30 P.M.

Regular Meeting

Please note new start time!

           

1. Call to Order

1. Comments from Select Board and Citizens on topics not on agenda

1. Review Minutes from previous meeting(s)

1. Citizen Concern

                        - Brenda Richardson

1. Weathersfield Hazardous Materials Response Ordinance
   1. Second Reading: Amend Ordinance
   2. Approve update to Service Reimbursement Rates

1. Award Bids for Town Highway 10-Wheeler Chassis and body/plow

1. Award Contract for Engineering Services for Thrasher Road Culvert #4

1. Well at Highway Garage

1. Award contract for purchase of police cruiser

1. Weathersfield Energy Group’s participation in Vital Communities Round Three of the Solarize the Upper Valley Program

1. Discuss possible Select Board Goals for 2015-2016

1. Town Meeting Follow-up Discussion

1. Final Reading: Amend Personnel Policies regarding length of probationary period for new hires

1. Project Updates: Maple Street, Amsden School Road Reconstruction, Green Valley Road Box Culvert

1. Board of Liquor Control Commissioners
   1. Scott Rogers, LLC / dba: Scott Rogers, LLC
      1.  Second Class Liquor License Renewal
      2. J.W. Sandri Inc. / dba: Sandri #204
         1.     Second Class Liquor License Renewal
         2. Abbott Brown Inc. / dba:   Inn at Weathersfield
            1.   First Class Liquor License Renewal
            2.   Third Class Liquor License Renewal
            3.   Outside Consumption Permit Renewal
            4. Coco Mart, Inc. / dba Colonial Deli Mart
               1.   Second Class Liquor License Renewal

1. Designate regular meeting times

      [ 6:30 PM or 7:00 PM]

1. Town Manager Search Process

1. Town Service Officer Appointment

             -     Jim Mullen

1. Appointments
   1. Acting Town Manager

      -     Westley Hazeltine

      B.   Ancient Roads Committee

      C.   Animal Control Officer

                  -     Cathy Sullivan

      D.  Budget Committee (Five Openings)

                  -     Richard Clattenburg

      E.   Connecticut River Development Corporation

      Representative

      Alternate

      F.   Connecticut River Joint Commission

      G.   CRJC Mt Ascutney Subcommittee

      H.  Conservation Commission (Two four year terms open)

      I.    Constable

                  -     William Daniels

      J.    Emergency Management Coordinator

                  -     John Arrison

      K.  Energy Coordinator

                  -     Julia Lloyd Wright

      L.   Fence Viewer (Three Openings)

                  -     Dan Boyer

                  M.  Martin Memorial Hall Trustees (Three Openings)

      N.  Parks and Recreation Commission (Five Openings)

      O.  River Connection Regional Partnership Representative

      P.   Southeastern Vermont Community Action, Inc. Representative

      Q.  Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commissioner

                  -     Peter Daniels

      R.   Southern Windsor County Transportation Advisory Committee

      S.   Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District

      T.   Surveyor of Wood and Lumber

                  -     Dan Boyer

                  U.  Town Pound
                              -     Home of Cathy Sullivan at 21 Hartford Street, Claremont, NH

      V.  Tree Warden

                  -     Westley Hazeltine

      W.  Veterans’ Memorial Committee

                  X.   Weathersfield Fire Commission

      Y.  Weathersfield Zoning Board of Adjustment (5 Openings)

      Z. Weigher of Coal

                             -     John Arrison

1. Approve Warrants

1. Future Meeting Agenda Items

Monday, 04/06/2015

1. Executive Session: Annual Evaluation of Town Manager

1. Adjourn

Kindergarten Registration for Weathersfield Children

Weathersfield School

Kindergarten Registration For Weathersfield Children: On Friday, April 3rd, 2015 we will be having our Kindergarten Registration / Screening! http://dlvr.it/8xFpcT

Woodlands for Wildlife - Spring Landowner Training. Sign Up Now!

Vermont Fish & Wildlife's photo.

https://www.facebook.com/vtfishandwildlife/photos/a.10150173749719725.320536.54736059724/10153130529359725/?type=1&theater

 

 

Vermont Coverts: Woodlands for Wildlife announces its Spring Landowner Training.

 Designed for woodland owners who want to learn how a healthy forest can enhance wildlife habitat, provide recreational and timber benefits. 

This intensive 3-day wildlife and forest management training workshop offers classroom and field studies geared at woodland owners. 

The training is May 15-17 in East Charleston, VT at Northwoods Stewardship Center.

To register contact Lisa Sausville at lisa@vtcoverts.org. You can also visit their website at www.vtcoverts.org.

Town Appointments Available

1. Appointments

1. Acting Town Manager
   B. Ancient Roads Committee 
2. C. Animal Control Officer

D. Budget Committee (Five Openings)

E. Connecticut River Development Corporation

Representative

Alternate

F. Connecticut River Joint Commission

G. CRJC Mt Ascutney Subcommittee

H. Conservation Commission (One four year term open)

I. Constable

J. Emergency Management Coordinator

K. Energy Coordinator

L. Fence Viewer (Three Openings)

M. Martin Memorial Hall Trustees (Three Openings)

N. Parks and Recreation Commission (Five Openings)

O. River Connection Regional Partnership Representative

P. Southeastern Vermont Community Action, Inc. Representative

Q. Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commissioner

R. Southern Windsor County Transportation Advisory Committee

S. Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District

T. Surveyor of Wood and Lumber

U. Town Pound

V. Tree Warden

W. Veterans’ Memorial Committee

X. Weathersfield Fire Commission (One Opening)

Y. Weathersfield Planning Commission

Z. Weathersfield Zoning Board of Adjustment (5 Openings)

aa. Weigher of Coal

If you are interested in being involved in the Town of Weathersfield, the following appointments are again open. Please email Town Manager Jim Mullen at townmgr@weathersfield.org or send a letter of interest, Attention: Jim Mullen, PO Box 550, Ascutney, VT 05030

This is YOUR town and YOUR voice... get involved!

Monthly Weathersfield Potluck and Program-

Tuesday, Mar. 17 noon at Perkinsville Community Church.

The speaker will be Andrew Allen,  a blind young man who currently has his own company called El Schwarez Designs which creates winter sports socks.  

All are welcome.

Bring a hot dish, salad or dessert. Beverages will be provided.

Contact Lorraine Zigman 802-263-5245; email lzigman@comcast.net

Horses Available for Adoption

 

For the first time in a very long time, we have horses available for adoption! In a plea agreement that was reached the week of February 23, ownership of all 23 Arabian Horses was officially transferred to Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society.

WPTZ Channel 5 stopped by to interview Heidi Edmunds, our Executive Director, and Jeanne Matos, our Board President, soon after the announcement was made. 

 You can watch the complete interview here:  WPTZ Interview  http://www.wptz.com/news/dozens-of-horses-in-need-of-homes/31485860?utm_source=Social&utm_medium=FBPAGE&utm_campaign=5WPTZ&Content%20Type=Story&linkId=12567883

Our goal all along has been to provide each of these horses with a life they deserve.  We can now move forward, with placing them in permanent, loving homes.

If you are interested in adopting or fostering, please contact us at 802-484-5829 to discuss. We have a separate combination Horse Foster or Adoption Application, which you can download here: http://www.lucymac.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/HorseAdoptionFosterApplication.pdf

*We strongly recommend contacting us to discuss whether or not there might be a match for you prior to submitting an application.

We also remain in need of volunteers to care for the remaining horses at their temporary shelter at Green Mountain Horse Association in South Woodstock, VT. If you are interested in becoming a direct care volunteer, please contact Jackie at jstanley@lucymac.org or 802-484-5829.

During the past three months, we have depended on our dedicated volunteers to care for the horses around the clock.  This has been one of, if not the largest cruelty case, that Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society has undertaken during its century of service. We couldn’t have done this without them!

Petition to Abolish Daylight Saving Time Throughout the USA

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/abolish-daylight-saving-time-throughout-usa/BfQyJtSL

WE PETITION THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO:

Abolish Daylight Saving Time throughout the USA.

We desire that the US government abolish the practice of shifting clocks by an hour twice a year. Known as daylight saving time, the change in clock times disrupts sleep cycles and Circadian rhythms, leading to a decrease in productivity and mental health for an extended period of time after the shifts.

 Studies about the energy savings of daylight saving time are contradictory and ignore the rise of the 24-hour store, internet commerce, and more efficient appliances and vehicles. 

Daylight saving time continues to be supported politically mostly due to entrenched business interests that desire an extra hour of sunlight after the end of the typical working day of 5 PM. 

Instead of shifting clocks twice a year, please pick either the forward or back hour and stick with it for the entire US.

Published Date: Mar 07, 2015

2nd Annual Regional Youth Summit

http://www.ocpvt.org/2nd-annual-regional-youth-summit/

March 21st, 2015

The Woodstock Inn. 9am-4pm. 

Take action. Create change together.

The Youth Summit is a meaningful opportunity to have a constructive discussion with peers and adults from the region about YOUR community and how you can take action and work collaboratively with those who share the same goals. People of all ages, socio-economic backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs together develop the skills needed to create positive change for communities and become leaders amongst peers and neighbors.

---

Who?

Students (grades 7-12) and community members that support youth activism

What?

1. Build leadership skills 2. Strengthen youth activism network 3. Develop action plans to make your community a better place for young people

Why?

Youth leadership creates positive social change to make the world a more just and healthy place

Develop skills. Receive leadership training. Network with peers and professionals. Inspire. Feel empowered. Have a voice. Discover available resources. Meet new friends. Listen. Take action. CREATE CHANGE.

Rabies Clinic on Saturday, March 14

Ascutney Volunteer Fire Association

Does your pet need its rabies shot?Stop in this Saturday, March 14th between 10am- Noon! Dog licenses and voter registrations will also be offered!

Do You Know the Location of Matthew Martin?

Weathersfield Police Department shared Springfield Police Department, Springfield, VT's photo.

https://www.facebook.com/133631763326692/photos/a.148411821848686.23134.133631763326692/898852856804575/?type=1&theater

 

Springfield Police Department, Springfield, VT

Matthew Martin, age 30, of Weathersfield has an outstanding warrant issued by Vermont Superior Court Windsor Criminal Division for the felony charges of Assault & Robbery and Grand Larceny Greater Than $900 that was issued on March 9, 2015. 

Martin failed to appear for arraignment for his alleged actions in the Windsor County South Credit Union robbery that occurred in Springfield. 

Bail on this warrant is set at $10,000.00 cash or surety. 

This is a Vermont only Warrant at this time.

Instructor Training for Hunter, Trapper or Bowhunter Education

Vermont Fish & Wildlife

 

 https://www.facebook.com/vtfishandwildlife/photos/a.10150173749719725.320536.54736059724/10153128323629725/?type=1&theater

 

We're holding a new instructor training course for people interested in teaching hunter education courses in Vermont, which will take place on Saturday, April 11 from 9 to 4 at the Stamford Fish & Game Club.

Anyone interested in becoming certified to teach hunter education, trapper education or bowhunter education courses in Vermont should contact the Fish & Wildlife Department at 802-828-1193 by April 1.

More information: www.tinyurl.com/HuntInstructor2015

Ramunto's Fundraiser for Ascutney Volunteer Fire Department

RAMUNTO'S BRICK OVEN PIZZA - CLAREMONT, NH

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=958063790871601&set=o.332531772666&type=1&theater

Grab your buddies and family members on April 8th for a midweek night of laughter and catching up with your neighbors. Print the coupon and hand it to the waitstaff for 5% of meal proceeds benefitting Ascutney Volunteer Fire Dept ! 

 

Bill Addressing Adequate Shelter for Animals - Proposed Legislation

VT House Judiciary Members 2015-2016

Maxine Grad                        496-7667                        Moretown

Willem Jewett                388-0320                        Ripton

Thomas Burditt                438-0031                        West Rutland

Charles Conquest                757-3803                        Wells River

William Frank                899-3136                        Underhill

Martin LaLonde                863-3086                        So. Burlington

Marcia Martel                748-9134                        Waterford

Betty Nuovo                        388-2024                        Middlebury

Barbara Rachelson                861-2563                        Burlington

Vicki Strong                        754-2790                        Irasburg

Gary Viens                        323-2183                        Newport

(Kate Wilson                        828-2257                        Committee Assistant)       

Please ask the committee to take up the bill that addresses dog sheltering currently before their committee and to let you know when it will be discussed. 

We are proposing that the language be added to the bill that follows.

Vermont Legislative Council 
115 State Street • Montpelier, VT 05633-5301 • (802) 828-2231 • Fax: (802) 828-2424 

MEMORANDUM 

To:        Rep. Viens     Date:        January 28, 2015 
Subject:        Adequate Shelter for Animals 

VT LEG #305171 v.1 
(dr req 15-697 — draft 1.1)        
1/28/2015 - MUG - 12:34 PM 

1        Introduced by Representative Viens of Newport City 
2        Referred to Committee on 
3        Date: 
4        Subject: Crimes; animal cruelty; shelter 
5        Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to amend the 
6        requirements for the sheltering of dogs. 
7        An act relating to adequate shelter for dogs housed outdoors 
8        It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: 
9        Sec. 1. 13 V.S.A. § 365 is amended to read: 
10        § 365. SHELTER OF ANIMALS 
11        (a) All livestock and animals which that are to be predominantly 
12        maintained out-of-doors must be provided with adequate shelter to prevent 
13        STRIKE: direct exposure to the elements. 
14        (b) STRIKE Adequate natural shelter, or a three-sided, roofed building in good repair with 
15        exposure out of the prevailing wind and of sufficient size to adequately 
16        accommodate all livestock maintained out-of-doors shall be provided. The 
17        building opening size and height must, at a minimum, extend one foot above 
18        the withers of the largest animal housed and must be maintained at that level 
19        even with manure and litter build-up. The animals will be kept free from entanglement with         equipment and exposed to other hazardous situations. Nothing in this section shall control 
20        dairy herd housing facilities, either loose housing, comfort stall or stanchion 
        ties, or other housing under control of the department of agriculture, food and 
        markets Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. STRIKE: this section shall not 
        apply to any accepted housing or grazing practices for any livestock industry. 
        (c)(1) A dog, whether STRIKE:  chained REPLACE with: tethered or penned, shall be         provided living space no less than three feet by four feet for 25 pound and smaller dogs, four         feet by four feet for 26-35 pound dogs, four feet by five feet for 36-50 pound dogs, 
        five feet by five feet for 51-99 pound dogs, and six feet by five feet for 100 pound and larger         dogs. 
        (2) The specifications required by subdivision (c)(1) of this section shall 
        apply to each dog, regardless of whether the dog is housed individually or with 
        other animals. 
        (d) A dog or cat confined in a living space shall be permitted outside the 
        cage, crate, or structure for STRIKE:  an opportunity of at least  ADD: two hours of daily 
        exercise, unless otherwise modified or restricted by a licensed veterinarian. 
        Separate space for exercise is not required if an animal's living space is at least 
        three times larger than the minimum requirements set forth in subdivision 
        (c)(1) of this section. 
        (e) A dog maintained out-of-doors must shall be provided with suitable 
        housing or shelter that assures ensures that the dog is protected from wind and 
        draft, and from excessive sun, rain, and other environmental hazards 
        throughout the year. The housing or shelter shall be enclosed and fully insulated with covered         blue board with  an "R" value of at least 13. The portal shall be of a sufficient size to allow the         dog unimpeded passage into and out of the structure. The portal shall be constructed and         maintained with a secure baffle such as "freezer doors" or other means of keeping wind,         precipitation, and the elements out of the interior. 

        The dog houses shall be elevated to prevent run off from melting snow or rain from entering the         shelter at all times.
        STRIKE: Inadequate shelter may be indicated by the shivering of the dog due to cold 
        weather for a continuous period of 10 minutes or by symptoms of frostbite or 
        hypothermia. 
        The shelter shall be constructed of insulating material that assures that the ambient temperature         of the inside of the dog house or the outside body temperature of the dog, as measured by a         thermal laser device, shall be no less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit and no more than 80 degrees         Fahrenheit.   STRIKE: of 0.9 or greater (re "R" Value)
        The shelter shall contain clean, straw bedding material of sufficient quantity to assure that the         dog can, at all times, fully burrow into the  loose bedding in order to retain the dog's normal         body heat to allow the dog to meet the minimum requirements of this statute.
        A plastic or metal barrel shall not be considered as adequate shelter for a dog.
        A chain shall not be used as a tether.
        
        (f) A dog STRIKE: chained: REPLACE with "tether" to a shelter shall be on a tether 
        STRIKE: chain at least five times the length of the dog as measured from the tip of its nose to         the base of its tail, and shall allow the dog unobstructed access to the shelter. The STRIKE:         chain or tether shall be attached to both the dog and the anchor using swivels or similar devices         that prevent the STRIKE: chain or tether from becoming entangled or twisted. The  STRIKE:         chain or tether shall be attached to a well-fitted collar or harness on the dog. 

          A dog shall not be tethered outside unattended for a period of more than 5 hours in a 24-        hour         period.
        
        (i) Failure to comply with this section shall be a violation of subdivision 
        352(3) or (4) of this title. Law enforcement shall issue a citation for each violation for each         animal of this section if not brought into compliance with the statute within 24 hours.
        (j) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, an animal may be 
        sheltered, STRIKE: chained, confined, or maintained out-of-doors if doing so is directed 
        by a licensed veterinarian or is in accordance with accepted agricultural or 
        veterinarian practices. 
1        Sec. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE 
2        This act shall take effect on July 1, 2015. 

VT LEG #304998 v.                                CT law prohibits the use of chains