WNTK Local News

A crash in Shrewsbury, Vermont involving a tractor trailer truck has resulted in the death of one person, reports NBC 5.

At approximately 3:30 PM, 21-year-old Ryan Ahonen crossed the center line on Route 103 and collided with the oncoming truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tractor trailer truck was uninjured. According to police, the crash is still under investigation.

If you have any information pertaining to the incident, please contact the Vermont State Police at the Rutland Barracks by calling 802-773-9101.

The Barre Opera House in Barre, Vermont has called of it’s 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reports WCAX.

According to the report, organizers have decided to commit to planning and restoration of the historical site, rather than attempt to organize performances during a pandemic. Although the Opera House helps bring in customers to local businesses, director Dan Casey says it is best to remain closed for the season. Casey states, “We determined that it made more sense to actually close the theater down for the remainder of 2020.”

Some of the features being renovated have not been touched since 1982, and beyond. These include fixing or replacing the orchestral level seating, painting the building, and fixing or replacing the rigging.

According to the Opera House, they hope to finish their $1 million campaign by next year, as well as the renovations. 

The Springfield, Vermont Farmers Market is set to open for the season on June 27th, reports the Vermont Journal.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing uncertainty and difficulty for vendors to accrue their supplies, the opening was pushed back. On the new date, June 27th, vendors will be selling at their usual location on lower Clinton Street from 10 AM to 1 PM.

New guidelines will be in place to help slow the spread of the virus, these include; face masks will be required for both customers and vendors, social distancing will be in place with a one customer at a time per booth limit, and disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer will be available at all booths. Customers are encouraged to call ahead to pre-order items, if possible, so they can be packaged and prepped for pickup. All single-serve foods will be required to be eaten off-site, and no pets will be allowed.

For further information please contact the market at springfieldfarmersmarketinc@gmail.com or call 802-885-4096.

The New Hampshire State Police and Cheshire County Sheriff’s Office have announced the finding of a body in Gilsum, reports WMUR.

According to police, the body they have found is believed to be a person who was recently reported missing. In conjunction with this finding, police have announced that they are cancelling the request for public assistance in finding Eleanor Turetsky. Turetsky had been missing since May 1st.

Officials are waiting for positive body identification before announcing the victim’s identity. 

Vermont health officials have announced the state’s latest COVID-19 statistics, reports WCAX.

As of Monday, June 1, 2020, there have been 983 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state, which have been linked to 55 deaths. To date, over 35,000 tests have been conducted. There are 32 people currently being monitored for symptoms, while 894 have completed the monitoring process. 880 VT citizens have recovered from the virus.

As of today, child cares may reopen as able, with changes based on health department guidance; museums, gyms, spas, massage therapists, nail salons, cleaning services, and similar “interior maintenance” businesses can also reopen. 

New Hampshire health officials announced the newest COVID-19 statistics for June 1, 2020, reports WMUR.

Although there were no additional deaths reported, the state now has 39 more confirmed COVID-19 tests. These 39 bring NH’s total to 4,685. So far, 245 of these cases have resulted in death, while 2,900 have recovered from the virus.

Dr. Benjamin Chan, the state’s epidemiologist, announced five new hospitalizations. To date, 456 COVID-19 patients have been hospitalized at some point due to their symptoms. The state is currently averaging 1,800 tests per day, and over 74,000 tests have been conducted.

Anyone in the state of NH can now get tested for COVID-19, with or without symptoms.

New Hampshire courts will now be accepting petitions for protection from domestic violence and stalking electronically, reports nhpr.

According to Domestic Violence Program Manager Sarah Freeman, the courts having to limit the number of people inside due to the COVID-19 pandemic has made domestic violence and stalking filings drop by about 20 percent. Freeman states, “And so we’re hoping that this additional option of electronic filing will ensure that people who may not be able to leave their home because of child care issues, because of concerns about their health status, that they’ll still be able to get this initial emergency relief.”

The trial process began on May 26th. During this beginning process, the only way to gain access to electronic filing is to go through a Crisis Center or Family Justice Center, where you will be given the appropriate online forms. The process, according to Freeman, will not be any different to the defendant than the previous way. Plaintiffs can still file at any Circuit Court location.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, online filings were not permitted. 

Voters around the state of New Hampshire are being reminded of the deadline to switch party alignment prior to the primary election, reports WCAX.

The NH Secretary of State’s office has reminded citizens that June 2nd is the final day to either change to a new party alignment, or revert back to an old one. If not done, it will not be in effect for the primary in September. Voters in NH cannot change their party affiliation on election day, although independent voters may pick a side on the day of the election.

The Secretary of State’s office tells people to check their alignment prior to the election. 

A firefighter from southern Vermont was injured Saturday night while battling a fire, reports WCAX.

Just after 10 PM Saturday night, a call went out from a house on South Street in Springfield. At the time, there were five people inside the home, and all were able to get out safely. Upon arriving, crews fought to put out the flames on the buildings roof, although it was difficult due to live wires in the vicinity.

Fire crews from Ascutney, Bellows Falls, Charlestown, Chester, Springfield, Walpole Cascade, Weathersfield, Westminster, and Windsor arrived on scene to fight the blaze. At some point, a Springfield firefighter sustained mild injuries.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

Dartmouth College in Hanover is planning to apply for federal aid to help students during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, reports WCAX.

Dartmouth is reportedly eligible for approximately $3.4 million through the COVID-19 relief bill. During a weekly online forum Wednesday, President Phil Hanlon announced that the school will be beginning the process by applying for the $1.7 million portion, which is designated for student aid by law.

Officials are set to announce whether or not students can return to campus for the Fall 2020 semester on June 29th.