Vermont news

• Community looks to unite around ‘One Burke’

  12-07-2017 23:57 via vtdigger.org
  
  Paul Costello, executive director of the Vermont Council on Rural Development, leads a community meeting Tuesday at the Burke Town School. Photo by Alan J. Keays/VTDigger
  BURKE — Uniting east and west, as well as the mountain resort and the village below, was a common theme as residents, business owners and other community members spent Tuesday working on ways to become “One Burke.”
  The Vermont Council on Rural Development is facilitating a process in the Northeast Kingdom comm
  
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• New details on tragic military plane crash

  12-07-2017 23:11
  
  We are learning more about a military plane crash in Mississippi that killed 16 people including a man from Vermont.
  
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• Keeping The 'Free' In Free Library: How Vermont Libraries Navigate Funding Challenges bit.ly/2sRdYrn https://t.co/ZgDxaxOMa3

  12-07-2017 23:11 via twitter.com
  
  Keeping The 'Free' In Free Library: How Vermont Libraries Navigate Funding Challenges bit.ly/2sRdYrn https://t.co/ZgDxaxOMa3
  
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• Administration rebuffed on call to cut energy efficiency funds

  12-07-2017 22:53 via vtdigger.org
  
  An energy consultant at Efficiency Vermont provides a tour of an energy-efficient and weatherized home. File photo by John Herrick/VTDiggerThe Public Utility Commission has rejected calls by Gov. Phil Scott’s administration to knock 8 percent off Efficiency Vermont’s budget.
  The commission, formerly called the Public Service Board, issued an order last week that will leave efficiency funding undiminished for the next three years.
  The order means Efficiency Vermont will see an annual
  
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• Middlebury motel destroyed by fire

  12-07-2017 22:38
  
  A massive fire destroyed a motel in Middlebury Wednesday. Our Alex Hirsch was there when the building came crashing down.
  
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• People’s Bank buys Burlington College at auction

  12-07-2017 22:27 via vtdigger.org
  
  Auctioneer Thomas Hirchak, under the awning, conducts the Burlington College sale Wednesday. At right is Matthew Carter, senior vice president at People’s United Bank. Photo by Mark Johnson/VTDiggerThe auction of the last piece of property owned by Burlington College took less than five minutes Wednesday morning.
  People’s United Bank, which held a mortgage on the property, was the only bidder. A senior vice president put in a bid of $3.1 million, more than the city’s assessed v
  
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• Trial begins in McAllister sex crimes trial

  12-07-2017 22:24
  
  Trial has started in the sex crimes case against a former Franklin County state senator.
  
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• Sunrise Family Resource Center awarded summer employment grant

  12-07-2017 22:09 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — Sunrise Family Resource CenterJuly 13, 2017
  Contact:Amelia Silver
  [email protected]
  Sunrise Family Resource Center Awarded a Summer Employment Opportunity Grant by the Vermont Department of Labor
  Southwestern Vermont’s Parent Child Center has been awarded a grant by VDOL for the 11th summer to provide Education and Work Experiences for out of school youth
  Bennington, Vermont – Sunrise Opportunities Program located in Bennington has been awarded a Ver
  
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• Mom wants apology over McDonald's slide covered in poop

  12-07-2017 22:06
  
  A woman says her 5-year-old son came down a slide at a McDonald's playground in New Hampshire covered in poop.
  
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• Fish and wildlife biologists to share tips on creating habitat

  12-07-2017 22:03 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — Vermont Fish and WildlifeJuly 12, 2017
  Media Contacts:Andrea Shortsleeve802-477-2257
  John Austin802-476-0197
  Fish & Wildlife Biologists to Share Techniques and Tips on Creating Wildlife Habitat in Mt. Holly on August 1
  MT. HOLLY, Vt. – Interested in creating wildlife habitat on your property? Biologists from Vermont Fish & Wildlife will present a talk on the techniques and programs available for promoting wildlife habitat at the Mt. Holly Library on Tuesday, Au
  
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• Girls on the Run Vermont wraps up season

  12-07-2017 21:55 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — Girls on the Run VermontJuly 12, 2017
  Contact:Erin Wood
  [email protected]
  Girls on the Run Vermont wraps up its 18th season with strong local impact
  Brattleboro, VT — July 12, 2017 —Each spring Girls on the Run Vermont (GOTRVT) offers a 10-week empowerment program for Vermont girls in grades 3-8. Though its program is seasonal, Girls on the Run Vermont as an organization works the entire year to strengthen its impact locally – striving to expand
  
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• West Rutland officials offer bounty on tree vandals

  12-07-2017 21:52
  Town officials in West Rutland are willing to spend $100 to find out who is breaking branches off local trees.
  
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• Kurn Hattin Homes provide summer activities

  12-07-2017 21:48 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — Kurn Hattin Homes for ChildrenJuly 12, 2017
  Contact:Maggie Rice
  [email protected]
  Summer Activities Make a Splash at Kurn Hattin Homes
  Westminster, VT—Summer is in full swing on the campus of Kurn Hattin Homes for Children. Kurn Hattin provides an activity-filled, year-round home and school for children, and the summer is no exception! Children can be found everywhere you look— from the science lab in the school, to all the way down to the barn. Th
  
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• Saint Michael’s College included in Fiske Guide

  12-07-2017 21:43 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — Saint Michael’s CollegeJuly 12, 2017
  Contact:Mark Tarnacki802.654.2795
  [email protected]
  Saint Michael’s College included again in Fiske Guide for 2018
  Saint Michael’s College is featured again in the 2018 Fiske Guide to Colleges, a highly selective guide to noteworthy schools in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
  The 2018 edition of Fiske includes just 321 schools based on factors such as academic quality and student life. Saint Michael&rs
  
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• Phoenix Books growing into new home, but not going far

  12-07-2017 21:22 via vtdigger.org
  
  Phoenix Books Assistant Manager Brian Wallace in the current Essex site. Photo by Gail Callahan/VTDiggerESSEX — Phoenix Books Essex is expanding, and the move is just around the corner from its current location in an outlet center known as the Essex Shoppes.
  “We’ve been here for 10 years,” said Phoenix Books co-owner Michael DeSanto. “We have a very strong presence in town and in the surrounding towns such as Jericho, Underhill and Colchester. It wasn’t sensib
  
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• Department of Financial Regulation can help with flood and storm insurance

  12-07-2017 20:34 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — Vermont Department of Financial RegulationJuly 12, 2017
  Contact:Dale Schaft802-828-4872
  Not sure about flood insurance, storm damage? DFR can help
  MONTPELIER – Many Vermonters have experienced flooding during the recent excessive rainfall and with more storms in the forecast, further damage from wind and water could occur. Do you have flood insurance? Does your homeowners or auto insurance cover damage from hail or falling debris?
  The Vermont Department of Financial Re
  
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• Thanks to those who have sent suggestions! We're still hoping to hear your low-cost options for fun in #VT so we ca… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…

  12-07-2017 20:25 via twitter.com
  Thanks to those who have sent suggestions! We're still hoping to hear your low-cost options for fun in #VT so we ca… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…
  
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• Company agrees to dismantle reactor at Vt. Yankee

  12-07-2017 20:22
  
  A company that specializes in dismantling nuclear reactors has signed on to help tear down an idled Vermont power plant.
  
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• Howard Center program offers mental health provider training

  12-07-2017 20:08 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — Howard CenterJuly 11, 2017
  Contact:Martie Majoros
  [email protected]
  Howard Center Parent-Child Program Offers Training for Mental Health Providers
  BURLINGTON, VT—Howard Center will host a statewide Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) training for Vermont mental health providers. PCIT is an evidence-based method to support families with young children. Thirteen clinicians from five mental health agencies in Vermont will begin the year-long training in July 2
  
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• Divers continue looking for 11-year-old boy in Winooski River

  12-07-2017 20:08 via vtdigger.org
  
  Divers search for Ali Muhinas in the Winooski River on Wednesday morning. Photo by Cyrus Ready-Campbell/VTDigger
  WINOOSKI — The search resumed Wednesday morning for Ali Muhinas, an 11-year-old boy who fell into the Winooski River below the Winooski One Hydro dam Tuesday evening and is assumed to have drowned.
  Rick Hebert, chief of the Winooski Police Department, said a couple taking photos on the south bank of the river around 7 p.m. Tuesday saw Muhinas and three friends playing near the o
  
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• Vermont Department of Labor makes changes to Unemployment Insurance program

  12-07-2017 19:07 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — Vermont Department of LaborJuly 12, 2017
  Contact:Lindsay Kurrle802-828-4301
  Vermont Employers to see Unemployment Insurance Tax Relief, Employees to see Shorter Waiting Period
  MONTPELIER, VT – The Vermont Department of Labor announced two changes to the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program starting July 1, which will reduce tax rates for employers and allow claimants to receive benefits sooner.
  Nearly 22,600 employers remit state unemployment taxes to the Department tha
  
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• Stewart Pond Dam owner fined for alteration without permit

  12-07-2017 18:32 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — Vermont Agency of Natural ResourcesJuly 12, 2017
  Media Contact:John Zaikowski
  [email protected]
  Stewart Pond Dam Altered Without Permit, Owner Fined $9,750
  Montpelier – The Agency of Natural Resources announced today that Suzanne Reider of Goshen was fined $9,750 for making alterations to Stewart Pond Dam before obtaining necessary authorization from the State.
  Dams, even small dams for backyard ponds, are significant structures that can have major
  
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• Firefighters battle blaze at Middlebury motel

  12-07-2017 18:26
  
  The Middlebury Fire Department is at the scene of a fire along Route 7.
  
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• Crews search Winooski River for missing child

  12-07-2017 18:19
  
  The search continues for a missing child who fell into the Winooski River. 
  
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• Police: NY woman collected dead dad's benefits

  12-07-2017 18:12
  
  Police say a Morrisonville woman collected her dead father’s benefits for months after he died as his body lay in the house. 
  
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• Help for Vt. child care providers struggling to meet new requirements

  12-07-2017 17:42
  
  New state child care regulations are forcing some teachers to get more training to keep the same position. Lyndon State College just launched a one-of-a-kind program that is changing the way teachers in Vermont get licensed. 
  
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• FirstLight to acquire 186 Communications

  12-07-2017 17:28 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — FirstLightJuly 12, 2017
  Media Contact:Jaymie Scotto & Associates (JSA)1-866-695-3629 ext. 6
  [email protected]
  Combination further accelerates FirstLight’s position as one of the largest providers of fiber-based, high-capacity services throughout the Northeast
  Albany, NY – July 12, 2017 – FirstLight, a leading fiber-optic bandwidth infrastructure services provider operating in the Northeast, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreeme
  
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• Merrill re-elected as chair of Vermont Commission on Women

  12-07-2017 17:03 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — Vermont Commission on WomenJuly 12, 2017
  Contact:Lilly Talbert802-828-2841
  Marcia Merrill of Jericho Re-Elected to 5th Term as Chair of Vermont Commission on Women
  (Montpelier) – The sixteen appointed members of the Vermont Commission on Women (VCW) have re-elected Marcia Merrill of Jericho to serve a 5th term as Chair. Ms. Merrill has served in this leadership role since 2006.
  Reflecting on the Commission’s work, Ms. Merrill stated, “I’m pleased and
  
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• Burlington man sentenced for bank robbery

  12-07-2017 16:55 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — U.S. Department of JusticeJuly 11, 2017
  Contact:(802) 951-6725Fax: (802) 951-6540
  Douglas Allen Imprisoned For Merchants Bank Robbery
  The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announcedthat Douglas Allen, 59, of Burlington, was sentenced today in UnitedStates District Court in Burlington to 46 months of imprisonmentfollowing his guilty plea to a charge of bank robbery. Chief U.S.District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered that Allen serve threeyears of supervise
  
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• Jury selection continues in McAllister sex crimes trial

  12-07-2017 16:36
  
  Jury selection is continuing for a third day in the trial of a former Vermont lawmaker accused of trying to extract sexual favors from a woman in exchange for rent.
  
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• Downs Rachlin Martin external affairs manager named Rotarian of the Year

  12-07-2017 16:30 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — Downs Rachlin Martin PLLCJuly 11, 2017
  Contact:Jolie Frechette802-846-8312
  Joseph Choquette III Awarded Rotarian of the Year
  (Montpelier, Vt.) Joseph L. Choquette III, external affairs manager at Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC, has been named Rotarian of the Year 2016-2017 in recognition of his dedication and service to the Rotary Club of Montpelier, Vt.
  Presented at the first club meeting of the new year on July 10 by outgoing President Susan Kruthers, Choquette was surprised an
  
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• Sununu to sign full-day kindergarten bill

  12-07-2017 16:29
  
  Gov. Chris Sununu is heading to an elementary school to sign a bill that achieves one of his top priorities: state funding for full-day kindergarten.
  
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• Mandela Fellow from Kenya to speak July 23

  12-07-2017 16:22 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — The Kura ProjectJuly 11, 2017
  Contact:Sarah Hadden(802-379-0962)
  Mandela Fellow from Kenya to speak on July 23
  The Kura Project welcomes Caroline Kashinin Senteu to Vermont when she speaks at The Dorset Church on Sunday, July 23 at 11:30am. Currently a Mandela Washington Fellow, Ms. Senteu, a resident of Kenya, will speak about the importance of role models and educational sponsors, especially in shaping the futures of young girls from impoverished neighborhoods and countrie
  
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• Federal Emergency Management Agency to begin Vermont damage assessment

  12-07-2017 16:18 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — Vermont Emergency ManagementJuly 11, 2017
  Contact:Mark Bosma802-839-6717
  Bennington Added to Preliminary Damage Assessment/FEMA Begins Assessing Vermont Damage Wednesday
  WATERBURY – Bennington County has been added to the FEMA Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) request after Vermont Officials identified additional damage this week. The PDA will be conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) beginning on Wednesday afternoon.
  Rain storms and resulting fl
  
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• University of Vermont’s Hudziak awarded Conrad Hilton Foundation grant

  12-07-2017 16:12 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — The University of Vermont FoundationJuly 11, 2017
  Contact:Mark S. Ray802-656-3537 (p)802-355-0145 (m)
  [email protected]
  movemountains.uvm.edu
  Hudziak Wins $1.8 Million Grant from Conrad Hilton Foundation
  Award Will Be Used to Test UVM Wellness Environment (WE) and WE App in Promoting Student Health, Reducing Alcohol and Drug Use
  The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation has awarded a three-year, $1.8 million grant to James J. Hudziak, a professor of child psychiatry and pediatrics at t
  
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• Last of WWII Norwegian sailors cured in Adirondacks dies

  12-07-2017 16:10
  A 97-year-old man believed to be the last of hundreds of World War II-era Norwegian sailors sent to New York's Adirondacks to be cured of tuberculosis has died.
  
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• Poll finds Cuomo approval drops amid NYC's transit problems

  12-07-2017 16:03
  
  Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo's approval ratings are slipping amid transit problems in New York City.
  
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• Burlington Telecom warns of federal threat to net neutrality

  12-07-2017 16:03 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — Burlington TelecomJuly 11, 2017
  Contact:Abbie Tykocki802-540-0948
  [email protected]
  BURLINGTON TELECOM WARNS OF FEDERAL THREAT TO NET NEUTRALITY
  Local Internet Service Provider Opposes Pending FCC Policy Reversal / Supports Open Internet
  Right now, a battle is raging at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as the country’s large, incumbent telecommunications firms try to undo key customer protections that prevent American internet customers from fac
  
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• Sanders to hold telephone town hall with Vermonters

  12-07-2017 16:00
  
  U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is scheduled to hold a telephone town hall with residents in his home state of Vermont.
  
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• FreshTracks Capital invests in Ogee

  12-07-2017 15:59 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — FreshTracks CapitalJuly 12, 2017
  Media Contacts:Holly Killary
  [email protected]
  Taylor Osumi
  [email protected] Capital Invests in Luxury Organic Skincare Company, Ogee
  Burlington, VT (July 11, 2017) – FreshTracks Capital announces its investment in Ogee, a Vermont-based company that makes luxury organic skincare and beauty products. This is the fifth company investment from FreshTracks Capital’s newly launched invest
  
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• Board approves for-profit surgical center amid opposition

  12-07-2017 15:58
  Vermont regulators have approved construction of the state's first independent surgical center despite opposition from nonprofit hospitals.
  
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• We're joined today by @healthvermont Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine and by Vermont's Drug Prevention Policy Director… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…

  12-07-2017 15:57 via twitter.com
  We're joined today by @healthvermont Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine and by Vermont's Drug Prevention Policy Director… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…
  
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• People’s United Community Foundation awards grants to Vermont nonprofits

  12-07-2017 15:51 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — People’s United Community FoundationJuly 11, 2017
  Contact:Kathleen SchirlingPhone: 802.660.1363
  [email protected]
  PEOPLE’S UNITED COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS OVER $80,000 IN GRANTS TO VERMONT NONPROFITS
  BURLINGTON, VT – The People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, announced today that it awarded $82,500 during its second grant cycle of 2017 to nonprofit organizations throughout Vermont.
  Fi
  
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• Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District helps small farms meet Nutrient Management Plans

  12-07-2017 14:52 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — Winooski Natural Resources Conservation DistrictJuly 11, 2017
  Contact:Winooski Conservation District
  [email protected] x104
  www.winooskinrcd.org
  WNRCD Seeking Small Farms in Need of Nutrient Management Plans
  Berlin/ Williston- The Winooski Natural Resource Conservation District, in conjunction with the Vermont Association of Conservation Districts, UVM Extension and USDA-NRCS, are offering a program to help small farms write Nutrient Management Plans (NMP) to
  
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• Today on the program, we get an update on the efforts to battle opioid abuse in Vermont: bit.ly/2u5M3aO #VT

  12-07-2017 14:51 via twitter.com
  Today on the program, we get an update on the efforts to battle opioid abuse in Vermont: bit.ly/2u5M3aO #VT
  
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• National Life Group to host Do Good Fest July 15

  12-07-2017 14:43 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — National Life GroupJuly 11, 2017
  Contact:Ross Sneyd802.229.3866.
  4th Annual Do Good Fest Ready To Take The Stage on Saturday
  Free Music Festival Features Guster, Adam Ezra Group, Two Other Bands
  Montpelier, Vermont – National Life Group’s fourth annual Do Good Fest, presented by The Point, will feature alternative rock band Guster and three other bands on Saturday.
  Burlington-based Kat Wright will kick off the free music festival at 4 p.m., followed by Dwight &am
  
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• Fire at Blue Spruce Motel

  12-07-2017 14:42
  
  Middleburry fire department is on scene of a fully engulfed fire along Route 7. Officials are redirecting drivers onto Vermont Route 125. They say the Blue Spruce Motel along Route 7 is fully engulfed in flames, but no one has been hurt. Route 7 has also been shut down. Neighbors to the motel say there is a lot of smoke along Route 7. 
  
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• Vernon furniture retailer creates new wildlife habitat

  12-07-2017 14:31 via vtdigger.org
  
  News Release — Vermont Woods StudiosJuly 11, 2017
  Media Contacts:Dennis Shanoff802-275-5174
  [email protected]
  Lacey McCormick512-610-7765
  [email protected]
  National Wildlife Federation Certifies New Wildlife Habitat in Vernon, Vermont
  Local furniture retailer making a difference to protect wildlife
  VERNON, VERMONT– (JULY 11, 2017) – The National Wildlife Federation (NWF), America’s largest wildlife conservation and education organization, is pleased to recogniz
  
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• 17-year-old Burlington High School student drowns in Lake Champlain

  12-07-2017 12:16 via vtdigger.org
  
  Christian Kibabu, a 17-year-old rising senior at Burlington High School, died late yesterday afternoon in a swimming accident in Lake Champlain near Oakledge Park.
  Kibabu was swimming with friends, but they were unable to assist him. The Burlington Police Department was contacted at 4:25 p.m., triggering a rapid response from a host of emergency services.
  In a Tuesday afternoon press release, Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger made it clear that no effort had been spared.
  17-year-old Christian Kib
  
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• New England Center for the Circus Arts: Founding sisters terminated from positions

  12-07-2017 12:07 via vtdigger.org
  
  Elsie Smith and Serenity Smith Forchion, the identical-twin founders of Brattleboro’s New England Center for Circus Arts, were two of six Windham County residents to receive Governor’s Arts Awards Tuesday night at the Putney School. Photo by Kristopher Radder/Brattleboro ReformerEditor’s note: This story by Bob Audette first appeared in the Brattleboro Reformer on July 11.BRATTLEBORO — In a move that is bound to send shock waves around the international circus world, the
  
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