Vermont news

• Rutland man denies threatening to ‘shoot up’ hospital

  14-08-2017 23:35 via vtdigger.org
  Rutland Regional Medical Center. Photo by Erin Mansfield/VTDiggerRUTLAND – A 60-year-old Rutland man is denying charges he threatened in a phone call to “shoot up” Rutland Regional Medical Center late last week.
  Paul Rice Sr. entered the innocent pleas Monday in Rutland Superior Court to misdemeanor offenses of causing false alarm and disturbing the peace by phone.He was released on conditions, including that he not go the Rutland hospital unless he has a “legitimate medi
  
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• VPIRG sues EPA over toxic chemical rules

  14-08-2017 23:18 via vtdigger.org
  Paul Burns, executive director of VPIRG. Photo by John Herrick/VTDiggerA Vermont advocacy group has joined 450 organizations in suing the Environmental Protection Agency over new rules on toxic chemicals that critics say were improperly written by a chemical industry lobbyist.
  The rules are supposed to put in place an overhaul of the United States’ toxic chemical laws, called the Toxic Substances Control Act, which Congress rewrote large portions of last year.The Vermont Public Interest Re
  
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• McAllister requests acquittal or new trial

  14-08-2017 22:59 via vtdigger.org
  Norm McAllister’s attorney Bob Katims briefly talks with Franklin County Deputy State’s Attorney John Lavoie during McAllister’s July trial.ST. ALBANS — An attorney for former Republican state Sen. Norm McAllister is asking a judge to acquit his client of a prohibited acts conviction or allow a new trial on that charge.
  A jury found McAllister guilty at a trial last month of one misdemeanor count of prohibited acts that he had prostituted a woman living and working on his
  
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• Brattleboro’s homeless shelter relocated

  14-08-2017 22:50 via vtdigger.org
  Chloe Learey, executive director of Winston Prouty Center for Child and Family Development, and Josh Davis, executive director of Groundworks Collaborative, stand outside a dormitory that will be the new home of Brattleboro’s seasonal overflow shelter.BRATTLEBORO – In many ways, Brattleboro’s seasonal overflow shelter has been operating on borrowed time.
  So administrators have decided to try something different when cold weather arrives this fall.
  The overnight shelter will mov
  
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• Groups want health care provider on regulatory board

  14-08-2017 22:37 via vtdigger.org
  Dr. Allan Ramsay, a family physician, was the last doctor on the Green Mountain Care Board. Con Hogan is on his left. Photo by Erin Mansfield/VTDiggerVermont physician groups are asking Gov. Phil Scott to choose a health care provider to fill a seat on the Green Mountain Care Board that will open when Con Hogan leaves his post this fall.
  Hogan, who has served on the board since it started in 2011, will complete his term at the end of September. He is known for running the Agency of Human Service
  
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• Vermont maintains AAA bond ratings

  14-08-2017 22:04 via vtdigger.org
  Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce. File Photo by Amy Ash Nixon/VTDiggerInternational credit rating agencies say the state of Vermont has a positive financial outlook and have once again given the state’s general obligation bonds some of the highest ratings available.
  Moody’s Investor Service and Fitch Ratings have reaffirmed the state’s Aaa and AAA ratings, respectively, which are the highest score available at those agencies, on the state’s bonds. Standard and Poor&rsq
  
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• LISTEN: Responding To The Recent Violence In Charlottesville, Virginia bit.ly/2hZLASZ https://t.co/FgoeLkexnZ

  14-08-2017 21:35 via twitter.com
  
  LISTEN: Responding To The Recent Violence In Charlottesville, Virginia bit.ly/2hZLASZ https://t.co/FgoeLkexnZ
  
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• Tiffany Bluemle to be honored by Champlain College as 2017’s Distinguished Citizen

  14-08-2017 21:16 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Champlain CollegeAug. 11, 2017
  Contact:Stephen Mease, Director of Public Information and News, Champlain College802-865-6432
  [email protected]
  Professor Cyndi Brandenburg to welcome Class of 2021
  BURLINGTON, VT (08/11/2017) The incoming Class of 2021 at Champlain College will hear from two women leaders in their fields at the annual Convocation on Aug. 25.
  Tiffany Bluemle, director of Change the Story VT, will receive the 2017 Champlain College Distinguished Citizen award
  
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• Vermont Business Roundtable and Economic & Policy Resources survey shows neutral outlook

  14-08-2017 21:00 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Business RoundtableAugust 10, 2017
  Contacts:Lisa Ventriss, President, Vermont Business Roundtable(802) 865-0410
  [email protected]
  Jeffrey Carr, President, Economic & Policy Resources(800) 765-1377
  [email protected]
  (South Burlington, Vt.) Today, Lisa Ventriss, President of Vermont Business Roundtable (VBR) and Jeffrey Carr, President, Economic & Policy Resources (EPR), announced the Q3 2017 outlook results of their joint initiative, the VBR-E
  
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• VAST, AoT, Natural Resources Board reach settlement

  14-08-2017 20:55 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — VASTAug. 4, 2017
  Contact:Cindy Locke, Executive Director
  [email protected] ext. 11
  Cindy Locke, Executive Director of the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers released the following statement today.
  In a letter sent out by the Vermont Natural Resources Board (NRB) in part the following was stated:
  Recently, VAST filed a suit with the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB– an independent adjudicatory and economic-regulatory agency charged by Congress with re
  
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• Leahy statement on the racist demonstrations in Charlottesville

  14-08-2017 20:50 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Sen. Patrick LeahyAug. 14, 2017
  Press Contact:David Carle(202) 224-3693
  Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Racist Demonstrations And Violence In Charlottesville
  “This morning Marcelle and I will go to Mass honoring the life of a dear friend who just died. At Mass we will also pray – as we have throughout the weekend – that America can remember that all people are equal. There is no place in any great country for racial bias, religious bias or hatred
  
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• Sanders statement on Charlottesville demonstration

  14-08-2017 18:02 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Sen. Bernie SandersAug. 12, 2017
  Contact:Sanders Press Office
  [email protected]
  BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 12 – U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement on the white nationalist demonstration in Charlottesville, Virginia:
  “The white nationalist demonstration in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a reprehensible display of racism and hatred that has no place in our society. I am disgusted by the news, and my thoughts are with those in t
  
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• Responding To The Recent Violence In Charlottesville, Virginia bit.ly/2hZLASZ https://t.co/fYfjq7WTIq

  14-08-2017 18:01 via twitter.com
  
  Responding To The Recent Violence In Charlottesville, Virginia bit.ly/2hZLASZ https://t.co/fYfjq7WTIq
  
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• Mayor Miro Weinberger’s public appearance schedule for Aug. 14 -18, 2017

  14-08-2017 17:59 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Mayor Miro WeinbergerAugust 11, 2017
  Contact:Katie Vane802.734.0617
  Mayor Miro Weinberger’s public appearance schedule for August 14 – 18, 2017:
  Monday, August 14 – Tuesday, August 15No public appearances scheduled
  Wednesday, August 16City offices closed in observance of Bennington Battle Day8:00 am Mornings with Miro – The Bagel Café, 1127 North Avenue
  Thursday, August 17 – Friday, August 18Mayor attending Mayors Innovation Project Summe
  
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• Gov. Phil Scott’s public appearance schedule Aug. 12-18, 2017

  14-08-2017 17:55 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Gov. Phil ScottAug. 10, 2017
  Contact:Ethan Latour, Ethan
  [email protected]
  Governor Phil Scott’s Public Schedule: 8/12/17 – 8/18/17
  Saturday, August 12
  No public events scheduled
  Sunday, August 13
  12:30 – 1:30 PMBennington Battle Day ParadeBennington, VT
  Monday, August 14
  No public events scheduled
  Tuesday, August 15
  7:45 – 8:00 AM
  Interview on WNYV/WVNY
  Listen in the Middlebury, Brandon and Poultney areas at 94.1 FM
  Wednesday, August 16
  Bennin
  
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• REDC draws on Makerspace for Rutland Road Pitch competitors

  14-08-2017 17:51 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Rutland Economic Development Corp.August 9, 2017
  Contact:Lyle Jepson802-770-7061
  Rutland, Vt. – Rutland Economic Development Corporation (REDC)Over 100 people gathered at the Rutland Free Library for the Rutland stop of the annual Road Pitch on August 1, 2017. The Rutland stop was hosted by Rutland Economic Development Corporation (REDC).
  Three Rutland-area businesses pitched their ideas during the event as part of the FreshTracks Capital Road Pitch, a multi-day motorc
  
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• Free Septic Smart Workshop in Claremont, NH, on Sept. 23

  14-08-2017 17:46 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Mt Ascutney Subcommittee of the CT River Joint Commissions.Aug. 10, 2017
  Contact:
  [email protected]
  Know how your leach field works? Curious when to have your septic tank cleaned? Buying or building a new home?
  Come to the FREE Septic Smart Workshop on Saturday, September 23rd from 9:30 AM till Noon, located UPSTAIRS at the Claremont Savings Bank Community Center (152 South St, Claremont NH) to learn the ins and outs of septic systems. Industry professional
  
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• Green Mountain Care Board releases Act 165 drug list

  14-08-2017 17:36 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Green Mountain Care BoardAugust 10, 2017
  Contact:Conor Kennedy802.345.1958
  Montpelier, VT – Today the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) released a list of prescription drugs, in accordance with Act 165 of 2016, on which the State spends significant health care dollars. Act 165 requires the GMCB, in collaboration with the Department of Vermont Health Access, to identify those drugs whose wholesale acquisition cost has increased by 50 percent or more over the past five ye
  
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• Rain Garden Workshop to be held in Castleton during Vermont Clean Water Week

  14-08-2017 17:28 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Lake Champlain Sea Grant August 10, 2017
  Contact:Linda Patterson, Water Quality Educator, Lake Champlain Sea GrantEmail: [email protected]: 802-656-7668
  Rain Garden Workshop opportunity during Vermont Clean Water WeekTuesday, August 22, 2017 4:00 pm – 5:30 pmCastleton Community Center, 2108 Main St, Castleton
  Castleton – Rain gardens are a beautiful and practical way to:
  Absorb stormwater and reduce runoff
  Provide food and habitat for pollinators and o
  
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• Local groups host Electric Vehicle Expo in White River Junction

  14-08-2017 17:12 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vital CommunitiesAug. 10, 2017
  Contact:Sarah Brock, Energy Program [email protected] x109
  August 10, 2017—White River Junction, Vt. — Vital Communities, Upper Valley Sierra Club, and volunteers from several Upper Valley energy committees are joining forces to host the Upper Valley Electric Vehicle Expo on Saturday, September 9, from 12 to 4 p.m. (rain or shine) at the Dothan Brook School in White River Junction, Vt. as part of National
  
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• Scott and Leahy announce Northern Borders grants

  14-08-2017 17:08 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Office of the GovernorThursday, August 10, 2017
  Contact:Rebecca Kelley, Office of the Governor
  [email protected]
  Ted BradyDeputy SecretaryVermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development(802) 622-4200
  HARDWICK, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott and U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) were in Hardwick Thursday to announce a $250,000 Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) grant to transform the former “Greensboro Garage” on Route 15 into a
  
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• Today we'll be talking about response to Charlottesville — instead of our planned conversation on #VPR40. Tune in live at noon.

  14-08-2017 16:11 via twitter.com
  Today we'll be talking about response to Charlottesville— instead of our planned conversation on #VPR40. Tune in live at noon.
  
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• ProPublica spotlights VTDigger’s EB-5 reporting

  14-08-2017 12:15 via vtdigger.org
  ProPublica, the national investigative news outlet, produces the Breakthrough, a podcast where investigative reporters talk about their biggest stories. On Friday, VTDigger’s Anne Galloway joined the show to discuss her investigation into the multimillion-dollar Northeast Kingdom development that she thought was “too good to be true.”Host Jessica Huseman writes:
  Galloway and her team dug deep, fought multiple legal battles over records and worked to gain the trust of investors
  
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• Rutland NAACP holds rally in solidarity with victims of Charlottesville

  14-08-2017 12:13 via vtdigger.org
  Tabitha Pohl-MoorePresident, Rutland Area [email protected]
  Rutland, VT — In response to the violent display of white supremacy in Charlottesville, VA on Saturday, the Rutland Area branch of the NAACP is holding a rally at 6pm on Monday, August 14, 2017 at the Main Street Park in Rutland City. This rally will be in solidarity with the victims of the violence in Charlottesvile, and all of the counter-protestors who showed up to make clear that racism, nationalism,
  
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• LISTEN: Life — And Death — With Guns In Vermont bit.ly/2vnIb3c https://t.co/mKKFCtBSyg

  14-08-2017 01:55 via twitter.com
  
  LISTEN: Life — And Death — With Guns In Vermont bit.ly/2vnIb3c https://t.co/mKKFCtBSyg
  
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• In Grafton, black history ‘rooted in the landscape’

  14-08-2017 01:23 via vtdigger.org
  A sign warns visitors to keep out of the historic Birchdale Camp in Grafton. A team of preservationists is looking to renovate the structure. Photo by Mike Faher/VTDiggerGRAFTON – The Turner family had a name for their hardscrabble Grafton homestead, and that name reflected a long journey from slavery to freedom.
  “The home place was named Journey’s End, ’cause father never wanted to go no further after he got up there on that hilltop,” recalled Daisy Turner, whose p
  
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• Brian Fitzgerald: Removing ‘deadbeat’ dams

  14-08-2017 01:05 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Brian Fitzgerald, who is dam project coordinator at Vermont Natural Resources Council http://vnrc.org/ and coordinator of the Vermont Dam Task Force, a group dedicated to restoring Vermont’s rivers by removing or modifying dams.
  We’re mid-stride through the summer and many Vermonters are drawn to our waterways. Our rivers provide visitors and residents alike with a bounty of recreational opportunities: swimming, fishing and boating. But some
  
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• Steve Ames: An ounce of prevention

  14-08-2017 01:00 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Steve Ames, of Elmore, who is regional coordinator for Building Bright Futures, Lamoille Valley and central Vermont regions. He has worked in the early childhood field for four years; previous to that he was the executive director of River Arts in Morrisville.
  There is an increasing body of evidence showing that quality early experiences for the youngest children have long-lasting benefits for their health.
  Last week, at the Green Mountain Care Board, t
  
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• State seeks dismissal of suit against trooper, DCF workers

  14-08-2017 00:47 via vtdigger.org
  BENNINGTON — The state seeks dismissal of a suit brought by a former day care owner who alleges the actions of a state trooper and three Department for Children and Families employees forced her out of business.Assistant Attorney General Bartholomew Gengler filed a motion in late July seeking a dismissal in U.S. District Court. The AG’s office represents State Trooper Robert Zink, DCF employees Christopher Murphy, Elaine Crawford and Stacey Edmunds-Brickell, and the state as their em
  
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• Working parents affected most by minimum wage ‘benefits cliff’

  14-08-2017 00:15 via vtdigger.org
  Deb Brighton, a consultant for the Joint Fiscal Office, presents information to the Minimum Wage Study Committee on Thursday. Photo by Cyrus Ready-Campbell/VTDiggerVermonters with incomes near the federal poverty line stand to lose more in benefits than they would gain from an increased minimum wage if they have young children, experts told the Minimum Wage Study Committee on Thursday.
  The Legislature created the committee in June to explore how a minimum wage hike, likely to $15 an hour, would
  
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• Clergy’s fight for income equity seeks second wind

  14-08-2017 00:14 via vtdigger.org
  More than a dozen spiritual and social justice groups in the Vermont Raise the Wage Coalition, pictured at a Montpelier rally last fall, want the state to boost minimum pay to $15 an hour. File photo by Kevin O’Connor/VTDiggerWhen the Vermont Interfaith Action coalition of religious congregations held its first statewide convention a year ago, members celebrated the successful launch of its “Building a Moral Economy” campaign by revealing their next step: a “Raise the Wag
  
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