Vermont news

• Burlington school board imposes work terms on teachers’ union

  01-09-2017 23:51 via vtdigger.org
  A Burlington city school bus at the district headquarters. Photo by Jess Wisloski/VTDigger.BURLINGTON — For the second consecutive year school board imposed terms on the teachers’ union after months of stalled negotiations failed to yield a contract.
  The Burlington School Board voted to impose terms early Friday morning after marathon negotiations that began Thursday failed to yield a compromise, and the current contract expired at midnight.
  Burlington is the second district in Chitt
  
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• City of Burlington launches new online business tool for startups

  01-09-2017 23:46 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — City of BurlingtonSeptember 1, 2017
  Contact:Gillian Nanton, CEDO Assistant Director of Sustainability, Housing, and Economic Development
  [email protected], 802-865-7179
  Diana Colangelo, CEDO Projects and Policy Specialist
  [email protected]
  Business Portal Will Make It Easy for Entrepreneurs to Apply for City Permits and Find Helpful Resources All in One Place
  Burlington, VT – Today, the City of Burlington Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO
  
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• Gov. Phil Scott’s public schedule Sept. 2-8, 2017

  01-09-2017 23:35 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Gov. Phil ScottSept. 1, 2017
  Contact:Ethan Latour
  [email protected]
  Governor Phil Scott’s Public Schedule: 9/2/17 – 9/8/17
  Saturday, September 2
  No public events scheduled
  Sunday, September 3
  No public events scheduled
  Monday, September 4
  Labor Day
  Tuesday, September 5
  No public events scheduled
  Wednesday, September 6
  1:30 PMGovernor’s Weekly Press ConferenceFrench Block (32-42 Main St.), Montpelier, VT
  5:30 PMVermont Veterans Golf Tournament Banquet
  
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• Arts Endowment Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation awards $54,740 in grants

  01-09-2017 23:27 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Community FoundationAugust 31, 2017
  Contact:Lauren BrunoVermont Community Foundation802-388-3355 ext. 222
  [email protected]
  The Vermont Arts Endowment Fund, a component funds at the Vermont Community Foundation, has awarded a total of $54,740 to 22 artists and arts organizations across the state. Grants were awarded primarily to support the commissioning, creation, and presentation of new work or to assist Vermont artists wishing to take their work in different di
  
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• Efficiency Vermont and Vergennes Partnership celebrate success on Vergennes Day

  01-09-2017 23:21 via vtdigger.org
  Press Release — Efficiency VermontAug. 31, 2017
  Media Contact:Alayna HowardEfficiency Vermont
  [email protected]
  Six month community-wide energy efficiency effort results in 98,000 kWh savings
  August 31, 2017, Vergennes, VT – Last Saturday Efficiency Vermont joined in the festivities of Vergennes Day to celebrate the success of a six month energy-saving effort in Vermont’s oldest city. Between January 1st and August 16th, 2017, the Vergennes Partnership worked with Ef
  
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• Scott appoints Mattos to open seat in Legislature

  01-09-2017 23:19 via vtdigger.org
  Rep. Christopher Mattos, who was appointed to the Vermont House by Gov. Phil Scott on Sept. 1, 2017. Courtesy Photo.Gov. Phil Scott has appointed a realtor and lifelong Vermonter to replace former Rep. Ron Hubert, R-Milton, who resigned his position earlier this summer.
  Chris Mattos, a senior financial specialist at the University of Vermont Medical Center and real estate agent at Century 21 Jack Associates, will fill the open Chittenden-10 district seat. He has a bachelor’s degree in busi
  
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• UVM faculty union criticizes South Burlington school board

  01-09-2017 23:17 via vtdigger.org
  In a tersely worded statement, the faculty union at the University of Vermont criticized the South Burlington school board for imposing a contract on their teachers.
  “The Executive Council of United Academics vigorously objects to the South Burlington School Board’s decision to try to impose a contract on their teachers unilaterally, forcing the teachers of South Burlington to choose between going on strike or accepting a contract they find in their best judgement to be unreasonable,
  
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• Northfield Saving Bank’s Tom Leavitt appointed to VHFA board

  01-09-2017 23:17 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Housing Finance AgencyAug. 31, 2017
  Contact:Leslie Black-Plumeau(802) 652-3429
  [email protected]
  BURLINGTON-Executive Director Sarah Carpenter announced Governor Phil Scott has appointed Thomas S. Leavitt of Waterbury Center to VHFA’s Board of Commissioners.
  Leavitt, has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Northfield Savings Bank since 2014. Prior to Northfield Savings Bank, Leavitt was President and CEO of MountainOne Financial in North Adams,
  
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• Vermont Law School presents ‘Environmental Injustice: The Flint Water Crisis’ with Kathleen Falk Sept. 12

  01-09-2017 23:08 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Law SchoolAug. 31, 2017
  Contact:Maryellen Apelquist, Director of Communications, Vermont Law Schooloffice: 802-831-1228, cell: 802-299-5593, [email protected]
  SOUTH ROYALTON, Vt., Aug. 31, 2017––Kathleen Falk, who served with the United States Department of Health and Human Services under the Obama administration, will discuss “Environmental Injustice: The Flint Water Crisis” from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, in Chase Community
  
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• Greg Guma: Peter Diamondstone’s long socialist road

  01-09-2017 23:00 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Greg Guma, the Vermont-based author of “Dons of Time,” “Uneasy Empire,” “Spirits of Desire,” Big Lies, and “The People’s Republic: Vermont and the Sanders Revolution.” His latest book is “Green Mountain Politics: Restless Spirits, Popular Movements.”
  Peter Diamondstone was justly proud that with only one exception he had been on Vermont’s general election ballot every two years sinc
  
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• What’s new for the 2017-18 ski and snowboard season in Vermont

  01-09-2017 22:57 via vtdigger.org
  News Release 00 Ski VermontAug. 31, 2017
  Contact:Chloe ElliottCommunications Manager, Ski Vermont802-223-2439, [email protected]
  Winter will be here before we know it and to prepare for another great season Vermont’s resorts have been hard at work improving and expanding upon their resort offerings like season passes, base lodges, off slope activities and of course, trails, lifts and snowmaking.
  So, what’s new for the 2017-18 season? Find out below and start planning your sick day
  
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• Rosemarie Jackowski: Labor pains 2017

  01-09-2017 22:55 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Rosemarie Jackowski, of Bennington, an advocacy journalist and peace activist who is the author of “Banned in Vermont.” She has been the Liberty Union candidate for Vermont attorney general in the past few elections.
  We celebrate Labor Day by honoring workers — especially the forgotten workers. Stay-at-home mothers who homeschool their children are often forgotten. Others are those who work in school cafeterias, those who empty bedpans
  
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• Burlington pulls plug on Moran development, mulls demolition

  01-09-2017 22:35 via vtdigger.org
  Tad Cooke, left, and Erick Crockenberg of New Moran. VTDigger photo by Phoebe Sheehan.BURLINGTON — The city has concluded talks with a nonprofit that had hoped to redevelop the former Moran coal plant on the Burlington waterfront, and announced Friday that it’s exploring options to demolish the historic structure.
  New Moran, Inc., had pitched a mixed-use project for the terraced brick structure, but the city terminated an agreement with the company in July 2016 due to concerns about
  
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• AARP Vermont is accepting applications for Community Action Grant Program

  01-09-2017 21:47 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — AARP VermontAugust 31, 2017
  Contact:David Reville, Communications DirectorAARP Vermont802-951-1303
  BURLINGTON, VT — Change always starts with a good idea and energy…and sometimes a little jump start! As a way to encourage and support grassroots action to make Burlington more livable, AARP Vermont is once again offering Community Action Grants to provide modest funding and technical support to community groups or individuals. The initiative is part of the Livable
  
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• Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance celebrates inaugural year

  01-09-2017 21:42 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Dairy Producers AllianceAugust 31, 2017
  Contact:Amanda St. Pierre802 777-4794
  [email protected]
  Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance members gathered this week to enjoy the Champlain Valley Fair and celebrate their first Annual Meeting as an organization devoted to promoting and protecting Vermont’s Dairy industry. More than 40 people attended the afternoon meeting including several members from the Vermont Legislature: Senators Robert Starr (D-Essex Orleans), Dusti
  
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• Fall Gardening Tips With Charlie Nardozzi bit.ly/2vyGmny https://t.co/W3T6RtnepX

  01-09-2017 21:32 via twitter.com
  
  Fall Gardening Tips With Charlie Nardozzi bit.ly/2vyGmny https://t.co/W3T6RtnepX
  
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• LISTEN: Fish And Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter On The State Of The State's Wild Population… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…

  01-09-2017 20:37 via twitter.com
  LISTEN: Fish And Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter On The State Of The State's Wild Population… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…
  
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• New charges for Poultney man who had dead body on his property

  01-09-2017 20:28 via vtdigger.org
  Injecting heroin. Wikipedia image.RUTLAND – A Poultney man who owns a property where police found a dead woman earlier this year is facing new charges _ but not in connection with her death.
  Wayne Oddo, 53, had his name added to those of others earlier indicted on drug charges in connection with his property allegedly being used for dealing and using drugs.
  The development comes nearly six months after police found the body of Alexandra Rooker, 26, of Fair Haven, in a shed on Oddo’s
  
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• Grant to study changing face of Vermont farming

  01-09-2017 20:07 via vtdigger.org
  Jake Mendell and Taylor Hutchinson, owners of Footprint Farm in Starksboro, Vermont. The University of Vermont and three partners have received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to promote understanding of the changing demographics of Vermont’s agricultural community. UVM Photo by Brian Jenkins)
  The face of Vermont farming is changing and a new project by the University of Vermont aims to get out the word and break up stereotypes too.
  A visit to a local farmer’s
  
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• Paddling in protest: Boaters call attention to water pollution

  01-09-2017 18:25 via vtdigger.org
  A sign marks where Montpelier’s wastewater system sends sewage into the Winooski River’s North Branch during heavy rains. Photo by Mike Polhamus/VTDiggerProtesting the release of raw sewage into Vermont rivers and streams, dozens of boaters embarked in kayaks and canoes upon the Winooski River on Thursday, prompting small crowds to form on Montpelier’s downtown bridges to gape at the flotilla shouting below.The demonstrators sought to end Montpelier’s practice of sending
  
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• YWP: ‘End of Summer Poem’

  01-09-2017 17:47 via vtdigger.org
  Young Writers Project, an independent nonprofit based in Burlington, engages young people to write and use digital media to express themselves with clarity and power, and to gain confidence and skills for school, the workplace and life.Check out the most recent issue of The Voice, Young Writers Project’s monthly digital magazine. Click here.Each week, VTDigger features a writing submission – an essay, poem, fiction or nonfiction – accompanied by a photo or illustration from Yo
  
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• The Deeper Dig: Teflon Town

  01-09-2017 17:29 via vtdigger.org
  Former ChemFab employee David Barber walks along the west wall of the former manufacturing facility. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDiggerThis week, VTDigger and the Bennington Banner published a five-part series called Teflon Town, examining the toxic legacy of a North Bennington manufacturer that state officials have blamed for contaminating the surrounding area with dangerous levels of the chemical PFOA.
  Two of VTDigger’s reporters have been working on this story for over a year. O
  
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• SCOV Law Blog: Proper paperwork required

  01-09-2017 17:04 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This piece from the SCOV Law Blog is by SCOV Law editor Andrew Delaney. 
  Airi v. Nagra, 2017 VT 42
  Creative Commons photo by walknboston via FlickrThe lesson from this appeal is that if you appeal a trial court judgment and don’t order transcripts, you’re gonna have a bad time.
  Mr. Nagra appeals from the trial court’s judgment in favor of Mr. Airi. Briefly, Mr. Airi agreed to do some hotel-management work for either Mr. Nagra or for Mr. Nagra’s c
  
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• We're talking with @VTFishWildlife Commissioner Louis Porter on today's show. What are your wildlife questions? bit.ly/2wqMGL7 #VT

  01-09-2017 16:17 via twitter.com
  We're talking with @VTFishWildlife Commissioner Louis Porter on today's show. What are your wildlife questions? bit.ly/2wqMGL7 #VT
  
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• Sheriff Keith Clark Goes Public About His Struggle With Depression bit.ly/2vxmmBz https://t.co/X5ApMb1XHR

  01-09-2017 15:34 via twitter.com
  
  Sheriff Keith Clark Goes Public About His Struggle With Depression bit.ly/2vxmmBz https://t.co/X5ApMb1XHR
  
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• LISTEN: Sheriff Keith Clark Goes Public About His Struggle With Depression bit.ly/2vxmmBz https://t.co/O4T7E2driW

  01-09-2017 15:34 via twitter.com
  
  LISTEN: Sheriff Keith Clark Goes Public About His Struggle With Depression bit.ly/2vxmmBz https://t.co/O4T7E2driW
  
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• Teflon Town: Legal action to address PFOA-related impacts will take years

  01-09-2017 08:14 via vtdigger.org
  The post Teflon Town: Legal action to address PFOA-related impacts will take years appeared first on VTDigger.
  
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• Murder suspect seeks to go home to scene of husband’s death

  01-09-2017 02:50 via vtdigger.org
  RUTLAND — A Mount Tabor murder suspect is asking to be released on home detention to the house where she is accused of killing her husband.
  Peggy Shores, 52, has been held without bail since her arraignment in February on a charge of second-degree murder in the shooting death of David Shores, 54, at their home in December.
  Peggy Shores has pleaded not guilty to a charge that she fatally shot her husband, David Shores. Photo courtesy of Vermont State PoliceHer previous attempts to get out o
  
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• Four tiny high schools in mix in district merger dance

  01-09-2017 02:32 via vtdigger.org
  South Royalton School was the polling site for a merger vote in April. File photo by Tiffany Danitz Pache/VTDiggerIt’s a game of musical chairs involving four tiny Vermont high schools — so musical, in fact, it even involves school band members.
  On the dance bill are high schools in Bethel, Rochester and Royalton. And the question, animated by Vermont’s Act 46 law calling for unifying small school districts, is which might end up merging with which.
  Up for a vote in April was a
  
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• Four tiny high schools in district merger dance

  01-09-2017 02:32 via vtdigger.org
  South Royalton School was the polling site for a merger vote in April. File photo by Tiffany Danitz Pache/VTDiggerIt’s a game of musical chairs involving four tiny Vermont high schools — so musical, in fact, it even involves school band members.
  On the dance bill are high schools in Bethel, Rochester and Royalton. And the question, animated by Vermont’s Act 46 law calling for unifying small school districts, is which might end up merging with which.
  Up for a vote in April was a
  
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• Liberty Union co-founder Peter Diamondstone dies at age 82

  01-09-2017 02:05 via vtdigger.org
  Liberty Union Party co-founder Peter Diamondstone during a 2014 broadcast debate.BRATTLEBORO — Liberty Union Party co-founder Peter Diamondstone ran in every one of Vermont’s two dozen general elections since the party’s start in 1970.
  “I choose to be ‘the dandelion on the manicured lawn of the wealthy,’” he explained in 2014.
  But the perennial candidate for attorney general, lieutenant governor, governor, congressman and U.S. senator’s nearly half
  
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• Vermont sends first responders to Texas to aid Harvey relief

  01-09-2017 01:27 via vtdigger.org
  Fifteen first responders affiliated with the Vermont Department of Public Safety have deployed to Texas to help with relief efforts from Hurricane Harvey.
  The storm battered almost the entire Gulf Coast region of Texas starting early Saturday and lasting into this week. The storm has since moved into states like Louisiana but has been downgraded to a tropical depression.
  The city of Houston, which is roughly the size of Rhode Island, experienced historic flooding. Helicopters and boat crews &mda
  
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• Gus Speth: Let statues mark civil rights struggle, too

  01-09-2017 01:05 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Gus Speth, who is a senior fellow at Vermont Law School and former dean of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. It was published in the Valley News on Aug. 28.
  On a grand pedestal high over the public square in the center of the small South Carolina town where my wife and I grew up in the 1940s and ’50s, there stands a statue of an anonymous Confederate soldier, facing south. I grew up with it but paid it little attention. I didn
  
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• Susanmarie Harrington: Stalled negotiations

  01-09-2017 01:00 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Susanmarie Harrington, who is a Burlington school commissioner from Ward 5.
  As we reach the Aug. 31 expiration date for the current teacher contract between the Burlington School Board and the teachers union, the Burlington Education Association (BEA), it’s helpful to review the evolution of the negotiation process and consider a path to a timely settlement.
  Timeline of negotiations
  Since late October, the board has consistently sought to advance
  
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• First donation from Scott inaugural haul will aid veterans group

  01-09-2017 00:52 via vtdigger.org
  Gov. Phil Scott speaks Thursday about donating a motorcycle to a veterans group to be raffled off. It was purchased with proceeds of his inaugural ball. Photo by Mark Johnson/VTDiggerESSEX JUNCTION — Gov. Phil Scott announced a major donation to a veterans group Thursday, the first of half a dozen he will make to Vermont organizations from proceeds of his inaugural ball.
  Scott gave a motorcycle to the Vermont Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, which is raffling off the bike to support
  
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