Vermont news

• Lawmakers narrowly OK extension to otter trapping season

  22-08-2017 23:30 via vtdigger.org
  An otter in Preston Pond in West Bolton. Courtesy photo by Rob MullenA divided legislative oversight committee approved a proposed rule extending otter season by one month and making several other changes to Vermont’s trapping regulations.
  The decision, which came in a 4-3 vote last week, concluded a long and often impassioned debate.
  Otter trapping season will now begin Oct. 28 and end March 31 instead of at the end of February. Trappers will also be required to submit an annual biologica
  
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• Judge denies McAllister’s request for new trial

  22-08-2017 22:41 via vtdigger.org
  Former lawmaker Norm McAllister takes the stand on the third day of his trial in St. Albans in July. Pool file photo by Greg Lamereaux/County CourierST. ALBANS — A Superior Court judge has denied former state Sen. Norm McAllister’s request for an acquittal or a new trial following his conviction in July.
  McAllister, 65, was found guilty of one misdemeanor count of prohibited acts for prostituting a woman living and working on his Highgate farm to a friend. McAllister used the money t
  
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• Dealer.com sheds 45 workers in Burlington

  22-08-2017 22:07 via vtdigger.org
  The Dealer.com headquarters on Pine Street in Burlington. File photo by Alexandre Silberman/VTDiggerBURLINGTON — Forty-five people lost their jobs at Dealer.com on Tuesday, according to parent company Cox Automotive.
  “We held discussions with those impacted today and are working closely with them during this transition,” said Cox Automotive spokeswoman Alison Von Puschendorf in an emailed statement.
  The statement said the type of positions affected “varied across the busi
  
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• State approves land use permit for Magic Mountain projects

  22-08-2017 21:52 via vtdigger.org
  Ski Magic LLC President Geoff Hatheway at Magic Mountain Ski Area in Londonderry. Ski Magic, which purchased the 700-acre property last fall, applied for snow-making and lift upgrades. File photo by Mike Faher/VTDigger(This story is by Cherise Madigan of the Bennington Banner, in which it first appeared Aug. 21, 2017.)
  LONDONDERRY — Vermont’s Natural Resources Board has approved a permit authorizing multiple projects in Magic Mountain’s capital improvement plan, expected to tot
  
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• Judge rejects challenge to Winooski heroin conspiracy charge

  22-08-2017 21:26 via vtdigger.org
  BURLINGTON — A federal judge on Tuesday sent a heroin conspiracy case against a Connecticut man and a Vermont woman to a grand jury, ruling that probable cause exists for bringing the charge.
  Drug Enforcement Administration agents and local police arrested Nigin Gunter, 25, of Hartford, Connecticut, and Chelsea Brown, 25, in Winooski after an informant allegedly arranged to purchase heroin from Brown.
  Security footage showed Gunter ditching a bag filled with a large amount of cash and drug
  
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• Rutland general fund feels hit from post-fiscal year bills

  22-08-2017 20:39 via vtdigger.org
  Rutland City Treasurer Wendy L. Wilton. File photo by Andrew Kutches/VTDiggerRUTLAND — The previous fiscal year ended June 30 in Rutland, but bills racked up during those 12 months still kept coming in.As a result, a projected $90,000 general fund surplus that was factored in when setting the tax rate last month is now a $153,352 general fund deficit.The greatest portion of that $243,352 swing is a result of a bill that City Treasurer Wendy Wilton said she did not initially plan on. The bi
  
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• Differing views of open meeting law emerge in hearing over suit

  22-08-2017 20:27 via vtdigger.org
  BENNINGTON — A hearing in a lawsuit against the Mount Anthony Union School Board revealed sharply different interpretations of the requirements of Vermont’s open meeting law.
  An attorney representing the school board argued in Bennington Superior Court that the complaint by six residents who sued in March 2016 over meetings leading to the hiring of a new high school principal contain no valid claims under state law.
  Meanwhile, the plaintiffs contended that “the spirit of the la
  
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• Gifford’s Last Mile Ride raises $105,000 for end-of-life care

  22-08-2017 19:16 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Gifford Medical CenterAugust 22, 2017
  Contact:Robin Dutcher(802) 728-2284
  Record-setting amount raised for 12th year of fundraising event
  RANDOLPH –Nearly 400 runners, walkers, and motorcycle riders from all over the region gathered in Randolph on August 18th and 19th and raised $105,000 for the 12th annual Last Mile Ride. The popular two-day fundraiser has raised $646,000 over the years to support unique end-of-life services provided by Gifford Health Care.
  Starting i
  
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• U.S. Attorney’s Office and Hinesburg Police Department resolve ADA compliance review

  22-08-2017 19:10 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — U.S. Department of Justice United States Attorney District of VermontAugust 16, 2017
  Contact:Tim AtkinsonUnited States Attorney’s Office, District of Vermont802.951.6725
  [email protected]
  The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced today that it has resolved its review of the Hinesburg Police Department’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The compliance review focused on interactions with individu
  
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• Kelly Brush Ride rolls Sept. 9

  22-08-2017 19:06 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Kelly Brush FoundationAug. 22, 2017
  Contact:Elizabeth Langfeldt, 802-846-5298 or [email protected]
  12TH ANNUAL RIDE SUPPORTS ADAPTIVE SPORTS, SKI RACING SAFETY
  BURLINGTON, Vt. (August 22, 2017)—The 12th Annual Kelly Brush Ride powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations is ready to roll on Saturday, Sept. 9 in Middlebury, Vermont.
  The bicycle and handcycle ride supports the Kelly Brush Foundation’s mission to empower those with paralysis throu
  
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• Zoe’s Race: Raising money for Accessibility modifications

  22-08-2017 18:59 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Howard CenterAugust 22, 2017
  Contact:Martie Majoros(802) 488-6911
  [email protected]
  BURLINGTON, VT—The ninth annual Zoe’s Race will be held Sunday, August 27, at Oakledge Park in Burlington. The family-friendly event offers fundraisers the option to choose either a 1K fun run or a 5K run/walk. This year, Dr. First from the UVM Children’s Hospital will kick off the 1K fun run and award medals to all fun run participants. As in past years, the Hokum B
  
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• Two of Sierra magazine’s top ‘Cool Schools’ are Vermont colleges

  22-08-2017 18:54 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Sterling CollegeAug. 22, 2017
  Media Contact:Darron Collins, College of the Atlantic207-801-5601 • [email protected]
  Karen Martinsen Fleming, Green Mountain College(802) 287-2150 • [email protected]
  Katie Lavin, Sterling College(802) 586-7711 x111 • [email protected]
  College of the Atlantic, Green Mountain College, and Sterling College Take Top Three Spots on Sierra’s “Cool Schools” List
  —All three share environmental focus,
  
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• VEC Issues a Peak Alert for Tuesday, Aug. 22

  22-08-2017 18:47 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Electric CooperativeAug. 21, 2017
  Contacts:Lisa MorrisCell Phone: 802-730-4399
  [email protected]
  Members Are Encouraged to Conserve Electricity from 3 – 9 pm
  Johnson, VT- Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is encouraging members to conserve electricity on Tuesday, August 22 between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. This is when demand for electricity is expected to spike as a result of high temperatures throughout New England.
  Here is what people
  
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• Updated: Quiros reaches partial settlement with SEC

  22-08-2017 18:46 via vtdigger.org
  Ariel Quiros at the opening of Jay Peak Resort’s Stateside Hotel in December 2013. File photo by Hilary Niles/VTDiggerJay Peak owner Ariel Quiros has agreed to drop his challenge to allegations brought by federal regulators that he operated a “Ponzi-like” scheme to fund massive upgrades at the Northeast Kingdom Vermont ski resort and other projects.
  The only matter to be decided now in the case brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is how much, if anything, Qui
  
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• Quiros won’t fight SEC allegations; penalty to be decided

  22-08-2017 18:46 via vtdigger.org
  Ariel Quiros at the opening of Jay Peak Resort’s Stateside Hotel in December 2013. File photo by Hilary Niles/VTDiggerJay Peak owner Ariel Quiros has agreed to drop his challenge to allegations brought by federal regulators that he operated a “Ponzi-like” scheme to fund massive upgrades at the northern Vermont ski resort and other projects.The only matter to be decided now in the case brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is how much, if anything, Quiros will p
  
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• Fitch improves Burlington International Airport outlook to positive

  22-08-2017 18:44 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Mayor Miro WeinbergerAug. 21, 2017
  Contact:Gene Richards, Director of Aviation802.343.9909
  Brian Lowe, Mayor’s Office802.735.3983
  Tracks similar to Moody’s Outlook Improvement in March 2017; Affirms Airport’s “BBB-” Credit Rating; Highlights Strength of New Airline Agreement, Manageable Cost per Enplanement, and Strengthening Fiscal Profile
  Burlington, VT – On Friday, August 18, Fitch Ratings revised the Burlington International Airport&rs
  
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• Skinks, Efts, And Underpasses: Herp It Up For Vermont's Reptiles And Amphibians bit.ly/2g2o72X https://t.co/WOrDDF6OV2

  22-08-2017 18:30 via twitter.com
  
  Skinks, Efts, And Underpasses: Herp It Up For Vermont's Reptiles And Amphibians bit.ly/2g2o72X https://t.co/WOrDDF6OV2
  
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• Sterling College and The Berry Center announce partnership

  22-08-2017 18:21 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Sterling College and The Berry CenterAug. 18, 2017
  Media Contact:Katie Lavin, Sterling College802.586.7711 x111 • [email protected]
  Darra Smith, The Berry Center502.845.9200 • [email protected]
  — The Berry Farming Program of Sterling College will put Wendell Berry’s Writing to Work through Farmer and Ecology Education —
  August 18, 2017 • Craftsbury Common, VT and New Castle, KY • At an event marking the start of a yearl
  
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• American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall to visit Vermont farms

  22-08-2017 17:15 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Farm BureauAugust 21, 2017
  Contact:Lyn Des MaraisVermont Farm Bureau
  [email protected](802) 345-2958
  Richmond, Vermont, August 21, 2017: Vermont Farm Bureau is delighted to host Zippy Duvall, President of American Farm Bureau Federation on a four-day tour of Vermont farms in late August. Duvall is a third-generation farmer from Georgia. He is currently a beef and poultry farmer and has been a dairy farmer. He will be talking to a variety of Vermont farmers all
  
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• Norwich University’s Sullivan Museum & History Center presents new exhibit, ‘Explorers of Norwich’

  22-08-2017 17:12 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Norwich UniversityAug. 21, 2017
  Contact:Daphne Larkin802-485-2886
  [email protected] us on Twitter @NorwichNews
  NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich University Sullivan Museum and History Center presents “Explorers of Norwich” with an opening reception Thursday, Aug. 31, from 4-6 p.m. and a presentation to follow from 6-8 p.m.
  The state’s only Smithsonian Affiliate, the Sullivan Museum and History Center is free and open to the public. Light refreshme
  
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• Fall foliage, autumn events in Vermont in September

  22-08-2017 17:09 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Department of Tourism and MarketingAug. 21, 2017
  Contact:Philip Tortora, Communications DirectorVermont Department of Tourism and Marketing(802) 522-7323; [email protected]
  Vermont to Welcome Visitors in September for Foliage Viewing, Autumn Events
  MONTPELIER, Vt. – The return of September means the onset of beautiful fall foliage conditions in Vermont. The Green Mountain State expects to welcome more than 3 million out-of-state visitors during the fal
  
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• New Mountain Haus housing development in Stowe brings more than 70 units of housing

  22-08-2017 16:56 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Bull Rock Corp.August 10, 2017
  Contact:Gregg Beldock802.999.7000
  [email protected]
  Kevin Ellis802.371.8112
  [email protected]
  Residents Will Enjoy Recreational Opportunities in a Close-to-Town Environment
  Stowe, Vt. — Today, Mountain Haus becomes Stowe’s newest multi-family rental community. Situated on 40 acres on Mountain Road just minutes from Mt. Mansfield and Stowe’s historic downtown, Mountain Haus offers a bucolic setting in an ideal location
  
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• LISTEN: Rebroadcast: VPR's Day At The 2015 Champlain Valley Fair bit.ly/2innFwH https://t.co/83NnUeeyvb

  22-08-2017 16:45 via twitter.com
  
  LISTEN: Rebroadcast: VPR's Day At The 2015 Champlain Valley Fair bit.ly/2innFwH https://t.co/83NnUeeyvb
  
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• Rebroadcast: VPR's Day At The 2015 Champlain Valley Fair bit.ly/2innFwH https://t.co/RfeHU2dSWt

  22-08-2017 16:42 via twitter.com
  
  Rebroadcast: VPR's Day At The 2015 Champlain Valley Fair bit.ly/2innFwH https://t.co/RfeHU2dSWt
  
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• Southwestern Vermont Medical Center hosts blood drive Sept. 28

  22-08-2017 03:51 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Southwestern Vermont Medical CenterAug. 21, 2017
  Contact:Ray SmithDirector of Marketing & CommunicationsSouthwestern Vermont Health Care(802) 447-5003
  [email protected]
  svhealthcare.org
  BENNINGTON, VT—August 21, 2017—Southwestern Vermont Medical Center is hosting an American Red Cross Blood drive 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday, September 28, 2017 in its employee cafeteria.
  To make an appointment to donate, visit www.redcrossblood.org, call 1-800-
  
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• Green Mountain Power recertified as B Corp

  22-08-2017 03:46 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Green Mountain PowerAug. 21, 2017
  Contact:Kristin Carlson, Green Mountain Power1-802-229-8200
  [email protected]
  B Corps in Vermont Grow in Number
  Colchester – Just over three years have passed since Green Mountain Power was recognized as the first utility in the world to become a Certified B Corp – and the Colchester-based energy company has received recertification. B Corps are companies that believe business can be a force for good and are
  
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• HEAT Squad receives $250,000 grant to expand to Northeast Kingdom

  22-08-2017 03:43 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — NeighborWorks of Western VermontAugust 21, 2017
  Contact:Shannon Kennelly, Communications & Outreach CoordinatorTel. (802) 797-8606Email. [email protected]
  WEST RUTLAND, VT – HEAT Squad, an innovative and effective energy efficiency service developed by NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, is expanding to the Northeast Kingdom with the help of a $250,000 Northern Border Regional Commission grant.
  Pioneered by Program Manager Melanie Paskevich in 2010, when Vermonters
  
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• ‘Clean Water Week’ highlights efforts to protect resources

  22-08-2017 01:51 via vtdigger.org
  Gov. Phil Scott speaks about Vermont Clean Water Week on Monday from the terrace of the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center in Burlington. Photo by Alexandre Silberman/VTDiggerBURLINGTON – The governor joined state and local officials and others in declaring their commitment to protect the state’s waters as they kicked off Vermont Clean Water Week on Monday.
  They spoke from the terrace of the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, with Lake Champlain as the backdrop.
  “Vermont
  
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• Unemployment rate falls slightly in July

  22-08-2017 01:24 via vtdigger.org
  Vermont’s economy added 1,700 jobs in July, causing the unemployment rate to fall from 3.2 percent to 3.1 percent.
  Just as it has been for several years, the state unemployment rate continues to be far lower than the national rate, which was 4.3 percent in July.
  Vermont tied with Indiana and South Dakota for one of the lowest unemployment rates, behind North Dakota (2.2 percent), Colorado (2.4 percent), Hawaii (2.7 percent), New Hampshire and Nebraska (both at 2.8 percent), and Idaho (3 pe
  
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• UPDATED: Feds closing state’s EB-5 regional center

  22-08-2017 01:11 via vtdigger.org
  Gov. Phil Scott. File photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDiggerThe federal government is shutting down the state’s EB-5 regional center, which is under the cloud of the largest investor fraud case in the history of the EB-5 visa program.
  Gov. Phil Scott issued a statement Monday saying the state received notice Friday that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal administrator of the EB-5 program, intended to “terminate” the center.
  The action is a result of concerns raise
  
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• Scott: Feds closing state’s EB-5 regional center

  22-08-2017 01:11 via vtdigger.org
  Gov. Phil Scott. File photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDiggerThe federal government is shutting down the state’s EB-5 regional center, which is under the cloud of the largest investor fraud case in the history of the EB-5 visa program.
  Gov. Phil Scott issued a statement Monday saying the state received notice Friday that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal administrator of the EB-5 program, intended to “terminate” the center.
  The action is a result of concerns raise
  
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• Meagan Stearns: Margolis misses the mark

  22-08-2017 01:05 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Megan Stearns, of Hinesburg, who is the creative director for the Let’s Grow Kids campaign. These views are her own and do not represent Let’s Grow Kids.
  Jon Margolis’ commentary is just more finger-pointing at what our president recently labeled the “alt-left” — and a lack of courage at standing up absolutely for what is morally right — because, as white nationalist defenders complain, where will it end? As a r
  
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• John Freitag: With respect, a house divided can stand

  22-08-2017 01:00 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by John Freitag, who moved to Vermont in 1970 to do alternative military service as a conscientious objector. He is retired from the Strafford School District, and serves on the Strafford Selectboard and as moderator of the Universalist Society of Strafford.
  I had the good fortune to grow up in a household with a Republican accountant father and Democrat schoolteacher mother, where politics was often the topic of dinner conversation. I learned at that tabl
  
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• No blame, no cash as state settles fraud case against Gruber

  22-08-2017 00:08 via vtdigger.org
  MIT economics professor Jonathan Gruber was a consultant on Vermont’s examination of a publicly financed health care system. Courtesy photoThe attorney general’s office has settled with a health care consultant after a 2½-year investigation into whether he committed fraud when billing the state for services.
  The office announced the settlement Thursday with Jonathan Gruber, a professor from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who did economic modeling on single-payer hea
  
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