Vermont

NEWPORT – Starting September 1, Vermonters must be at least 21 years old to purchase and possess tobacco products or paraphernalia.

The new law also includes tobacco-substitute products, such as e-cigarettes.

Health officials say the increase in buying age will help protect youth from nicotine addiction and potentially toxic chemicals.

Commonly known as Tobacco 21, the new law is expected to reduce smoking rates over time.

“We’ve made great strides against tobacco use, but the popularity of e-cigarettes and vaping continues to skyrocket among our youth,” said Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD. “We are also seeing evidence of increasing rates of health problems associated with vaping.”

With the enactment of Act 27, Vermont joins 17 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and more than 480 municipalities with a Tobacco 21 law.

NEWPORT — The Fourth of July is here, and while this is generally a favorite holiday for people, it can be very stressful and dangerous for pets.

Firework shows, barbeques, and the heat can all pose issues for our companion animals.

Everyone loves the fun and festivities of the July Fourth celebrations. However, our pets do not have the same appreciation for these patriotic displays.

Dogs, cats, horses, and even livestock can react to fireworks in ways that could potentially cause injury and even death.

During upcoming celebrations, never leave pets alone outdoors, even if tethered or in a fenced in yard.

It’s not uncommon for dogs to escape or injure themselves in a frenzied attempt to escape.

In fact, many animal shelters report increases of stray intakes after the Fourth of July holiday due to the number of pets running away to avoid noise and excitement.

If you are planning on attending a fireworks celebration, keep pets at home.

A good idea is to keep small pets indoors, in an interior room without windows. Turn on the TV or radio to provide a distraction.

Keep horses in their stalls if possible and consider talking with your veterinarian prescribing mild sedatives during this time.

Be sure that your pet has current ID tags and/or a microchip so that you and your pet can be easily reunited in case he/she runs off.

Some pets may become fearfully aggressive due to the loud noises, so protect pets from kids who may not realize the consequences of waving sparklers or setting off home fireworks.

If your pet is fearful during fireworks, never punish this behavior but don’t reinforce it, either, by trying to sooth the pet by saying things like “it’s okay.”

Paying attention to your pet may positively reinforce the fearful behavior.

If hosting or attending a barbeque or picnic and your pet is invited, make sure to be very careful with all the different foods.

People like to feed pets treats but grapes, chocolate, onions, and garlic can be toxic to pets and all of these are generally available at Fourth of July BBQs.

Further, if using an outdoor grill, some animals may try to jump up and get the food off the grill, this can lead to severe burns, so keep them away from temptation.

If you’re hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant.

Finally, since it is summer, it may get too warm or humid for pets at a party.

They should be kept inside when it’s extremely hot out and they should always have access to shade and water when outdoors.

Don’t leave them outside at a party unattended as they may start to show signs of heat stroke, which can be life-threatening.

BERLIN — The State of Vermont will be auctioning off a large assortment of state vehicles and equipment to the public beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 12.

The auction will be held at the Agency of Transportation Central Garage located at 1756 US Route 302, in Berlin, across from the Wayside Restaurant.

A major collection of state vehicles and equipment including, dump trucks, plow trucks, pick-up trucks, police cruisers, fleet passenger vehicles, cargo vans, box trucks, boats, four wheelers, snowmobiles, kayaks, riding mowers, tools, tires, generators, miscellaneous parts and more will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

The event is expected to be very well attended.

“This is an absolute auction with no reserves,” said Terry Lamos, the State’s Surplus Property Manager. “All vehicles will be sold to the highest bidder rain or shine.”

This auction is on many calendars across New England and Quebec. It has become a destination event for many who come year after year in hopes of obtaining a good deal on a vehicle or piece of equipment.

State officials are hopeful that a portion of the equipment and vehicles being offered finds their way back into service in Vermont communities.

There are 16 paddle boats available at this year’s auction.

For more information and pictures of surplus equipment that will be offered at this auction, go to the Auctions International website at http://www.auctionsinternational.com/liveauctions.

MONTPELIER — Last Thursday, the state of Vermont received $58.9 million from tobacco companies, with $29 million of the total amount the result of a recent settlement with tobacco companies.

Vermont receives an annual payment each April from these companies related to the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA).

The MSA requires signatory tobacco companies to collectively pay Vermont millions of dollars annually, in perpetuity.

The Vermont legislature will determine how the settlement funds will be spent.

Legislative leaders and the Governor have pledged their intention to use half of the settlement funds to fight opiate addiction in Vermont.

States and tobacco companies signed the MSA in 1998 to settle states’ claims that major tobacco companies were deceiving the public about the health consequences of smoking.