Law enforcement to target businesses and individuals who don’t practice social distancing

MONTPELIER — Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan late on Thursday announced his office would be working with Vermont State Police and local police and sheriff’s departments to enforce Gov. Phil Scott’s March 13 social-distancing order. According to Donovan’s directive, his office can assess civil fines of up to $1,000 a day and criminal penalties of up to $500 and six months in jail for businesses and individuals that fail to follow the governor’s order, which is designed to slow the spread of the coronav … (read more)

Bruised feelings, debate follow alderman’s email to city police chief

VERGENNES — At a tense 40-minute personnel discussion at the Vergennes City Council last week, councilors talked at length about a Dec. 11 email sent by Alderman Mark Koenig to Police Chief George Merkel and its aftermath. Later last week Koenig acknowled … (read more)

Police cite Bristol man whom they shot

BRISTOL — A Bristol man who was shot by state troopers last month during a confrontation outside his home has been cited for multiple offenses.  Greg West, 28, was cited for two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of reckless endangerment and one cou … (read more)

Troopers shoot armed man at Bristol residence

BRISTOL — Vermont State Police called to a domestic disturbance at a home on Lower Notch Road in Bristol Tuesday night shot a resident of that home who police say was armed. VSP and a Bristol Police Department officer immediately rendered first aid to the … (read more)

City police chief reads to kids at library

VERGENNES — On the evening of Monday, Nov. 18, a group of approximately 20 children and almost an equal number of parents came to the Bixby Library to share an evening of reading, laughter and chocolate chip cookies (made by Mrs. Merkel) with Vergennes Po … (read more)

Vergennes, police open negotiations

VERGENNES — Talks between the newly unionized Vergennes Police Department and the City of Vergennes began on Oct. 10, but neither side would discuss any details of the meeting, including where it was held, who attended, how long it lasted, what issues wer … (read more)

Midd police struggle with homelessness surge

MIDDLEBURY — Increasing numbers of homeless folks seeking services in Middlebury are putting a strain on local police, who said they’re spending many hours responding to trespassing, assaults, disturbances and a variety of behavioral problems associated w … (read more)

Vergennes police to hold union vote within weeks

VERGENNES — According to Tim Noonan, the executive director of the Vermont Labor Relations Board, he will oversee an election at the Vergennes Police Department either later this month or in early September. The vote will determine if the officers of the … (read more)

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