New England News

The Vermont State Police say a Clarendon man is the state's first victim of bath salts.

An autopsy determined that the June 23 death of 28-year-old Christopher Tsacoyeanes was caused by an overdose of a variety of drugs commonly known as bath salts.

The office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the death was accidental substance abuse.

Police say troopers investigating the death of Tsacoyeanes recovered a large amount of chemicals at his home.

The former head of the Vermont State Police has been chosen to be Rutland's new police chief.

James Baker had been serving as interim chief in Rutland when a committee charged with finding a permanent chief for the city recommended him for the job.

The Rutland Herald says the 13-member committee was unanimous in choosing Baker. The decision must be ratified by the Rutland Police Commission, but no opposition is expected.

While Governors from across New England and Premiers from the eastern provinces of Canada were meeting at the Hilton in Burlington, outside there were protesters. On Sunday they were a bit unruly, but on Monday they were much more subdued.

A funeral service was held in Westfield Massachusetts Tuesday for a veteran police officer who was killed last week in an accident at a construction site. WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports.

   The city council in Springfield Massachusetts has taken  steps that will lead to the reopening of three branch libraries that closed because of budget cuts.  But it is a stopgap measure that has library supporters looking for long term funding solutions.  WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.