Loose cows cause delays on Interstate 91 in Coventry

Cows caused a ruckus on a major Vermont roadway on Friday morning. Vermont State Police said they received multiple 911 calls about cows loose and running in and out of traffic on Interstate 91 north of the Orleans exit. When troopers arrived on scene, they discovered two Scottish Highland cattle near the roadway. The owners of the cattle also arrived on scene but were unable to capture the animals. Troopers worked to contain the animals to the shoulder of the roadway, but on several occasions the cows attempted to run into the road, causing traffic concerns. Several vehicles were forced to brake evasively, according to police. Police were able to reduce the roadway to one lane and utilize beanbag rounds to deter the animals from running into active traffic. They were eventually able to get the cows away from the interstate without any collisions.
WPTZ-TV NBC 5 Plattsburgh

Opioid overdose deaths declined in 2023, state health officials say

VIDEO: Vermont health officials say new data indicates opioid overdose death rates declined last year for the first time since 2019. It comes as Vermont lawmakers work out policy differences between themselves and the governor about the best approach to keep the numbers falling. According to the Department of Health’s newly released Annual Fatal Overdose Report, opioid-related overdoses resulted in the death of 231 Vermonters in 2023, a 5% drop from 2022 when 244 Vermonters died. While officials say that new programs and harm reduction efforts are helping bend the curve, there’s still more to do. “The progress we have made is encouraging. It means we are on the right track, but we are far from out of the woods,” Vt. Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said in a statement.
WCAX-TV CBS 3 Burlington