🌱 Bird Feeders Taken Down + Search And Rescue Drone Team

Happy Wednesday, Burlington! Here's everything you need to know going on locallytoday.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 51 Low: 43.

Here are the top three stories in Burlington today:

1. Aleczander Stith has filed an appeal with Vermont about four ballots that were "spoiled" during the election for Ward 7's Burlington City County seat. According to Stith, the Clerk's Office did not make reasonable efforts to correct four spoiled ballots. Stith lost a recount to Ali Dieng. (WPTZ)
2. Vermont State Police report an increased demand for their drone team. The program was funded through a $125,000 grant provided by Homeland Security with 94 requests being made in 2021 for drone usage. The program is mainly for search and rescue efforts but the state Legislature ensures the program is used professionally. (WCAX)
3. Vermont Fish and Wildlife reminds Burlington residents to take down their bird feeders. Warm spring weather and melting snow is a clear indicator that bears are out of hibernation and on the prowl for food sources. The department has received multiple reports of bears going after bird feeds. (WCAX)

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Today in Burlington:

• Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas At Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (10:00 AM)
• ECHO Closed At Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Paws for the Cause Auction is officially live. Proceeds from the auction go towards the Humane Society of Chittenden County. (Facebook)
• Are you curious about what would happen if Champlain Valley vineyards receive an official designation? Click for the full story. (Twitter)
• Tom Flanagan, superintendent of Burlington School District, meets with the community today for lunch. (Twitter)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Danielle Fallon

About me: Danielle Fallon is a writer who loves using her creativity to fuel her passion for communication. She is an employee of content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.