HARTFORD, CONN.

Man sentenced for selling drugs to ‘Monsignor Meth’

A California man who supplied nearly 10 pounds of methamphetamine to a Connecticut drug operation run by a Catholic priest dubbed “Monsignor Meth” has been sentenced to more than five years in prison.

Forty-four-year-old Chad McCluskey, of San Clemente was sentenced Wednesday in Hartford federal court to five years, five months in prison under a plea bargain.

McCluskey and his girlfriend, Kristen Laschober, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges for supplying meth to now-suspended Monsignor Kevin Wallin. Laschober awaits sentencing.

Wallin is a former Bridgeport pastor. He pleaded guilty to a federal drug charge for selling meth from his Waterbury apartment. He faces 11 to 14 years in prison.

CONCORD, N.H.

Bill passed to tighten rules for charities’ table games

The House and Senate have voted to tighten rules for table games operated in the name of New Hampshire charities.

Lawmakers voted Wednesday to send the governor a bill establishing new financial record-keeping and reporting requirements for charities and deeper background investigations by the attorney general.

The bill clarifies the definition of so-called redemption slot machines and the Racing and Charitable Gaming Commission’s enforcement authority over them.

The measure also establishes a study commission to determine the most appropriate system to make sure gambling helps charities raise the funds they need.

Bill approved to include pets in protective orders

New Hampshire lawmakers have passed legislation that includes household pets in orders protecting victims of domestic violence.

Wednesday’s vote sent the bill to the governor. It expands the orders to include pets in cases involving stalking and domestic violence. The bill would allow judges to grant custody of any domestic pets or farm animals to the victim and issue an order barring the abuser from harming or disposing of the animal.

Supporters argue abusers sometimes take their anger out on a pet or attempt to intimidate victims by targeting a pet.

Opponents argue the bill isn’t needed because cruelty to animals already is a crime.

Bill OK’d to ban soliciting fuel customers before May 1

New Hampshire’s Legislature has approved changing when fuel dealers can contact customers to buy fuel in advance.

The bill sent to the governor Wednesday prohibits dealers from advertising or soliciting earlier than May 1 for consumers to enter into contracts for the upcoming fuel season. Currently, the contracts can’t be offered before Jan. 1.

Consumers could ask to sign contracts before May 1.

VERNON, VT.

Biomass plant proposed for site of nuclear plant

A biomass plant has been proposed to occupy the site of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant, which is shutting down at the end of year.

The idea is in its infancy. The Brattleboro Reformer reported that officials plan to organize a public forum to discuss the details.

The state has negotiated a detailed agreement with Entergy, owner of the nuclear plant, providing for millions of dollars for economic development and clean energy projects as well as a “timely decommissioning.”

— From news service reports