• $2.7M in tax incentives driving projects in 19 communities

    Gov. Phil Scott discusses downtown and village center tax credits Wednesday across the street from the French Block in Montpelier. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDiggerTwenty-two projects in downtowns large and small across Vermont are receiving tax incentives that officials said made the projects financially possible and leveraged significant private investment.
    Gov. Phil Scott announced $2.7 million in tax breaks Wednesday that will support more than $53 million in downtown and village center const
  • Andrew Rudin: Questioning Efficiency Vermont’s claims

    Editor’s note: This commentary is Andrew Rudin, who is an energy consultant with 40 years’ experience. He collects articles about efficiency in general and post them on a website. He lives in West Danville and Philadelphia.IJanuary 2015 VTDigger published my critique of Efficiency Vermont. Here is an update with data from calendar year 2015, the year with the most recent data.
    According to page 64 of Efficiency Vermont’s 2015 Annual Report, the cost of its “saving”
  • Bennington building near redevelopment site sells for $425,000

    A local business owner has purchased a majority interest in the Drysdale Building on South Street in Bennington. The historic former department store is next to the key Putnam Block buildings, which are planned for a $53 million redevelopment project. Photo by Jim Therrien/VTDiggerBENNINGTON — A majority interest in a downtown landmark adjacent to the proposed Putnam Block redevelopment site has been sold.
    Matteson Acres LLC purchased more than 70 percent of 113-15 South St. — the fo
  • Bennington building near redevelopment sells for $425,000

    A local business owner has purchased a majority interest in the Drysdale Building on South Street in Bennington. The historic former department store is next to the key Putnam Block buildings, which are planned for a $53 million redevelopment project. Photo by Jim Therrien/VTDiggerBENNINGTON — A majority interest in a downtown landmark adjacent to the proposed Putnam Block redevelopment site has been sold.
    Matteson Acres LLC purchased more than 70 percent of 113-15 South St. — the fo
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  • Burlington teachers picket for further talks

    Burlington Education Association members picket Tuesday in Burlington to push for reopening of contract negotiations. Photo by Kelsey Neubauer/VTDiggerBURLINGTON — City teachers have been picketing in the pouring rain to urge the school board to reopen negotiations with their union.
    The Tuesday afternoon informational picket — and others planned for today — aimed to inform the public of the school board’s recent decision to impose working conditions rather than continuing
  • New flag competition for city of Burlington begins today

    News Release — Burlington City ArtsSept. 5, 2017
    For More Information About Flag Competition:Andrew KrebbsCommunications Director, Burlington City ArtsP 802.865.5355C 205.541.6098E [email protected]
    To Reach Mayor Miro Weinberger:Katie VaneCommunications & Projects CoordinatorP 802.734.0617E [email protected]
    Burlington City Arts seeks public submissions until October 15
    Burlington, VT (September 6, 2017): Today Burlington City Arts announced that it is seeking public
  • Governor’s Award for Business Excellence in Supporting Mature Workers 2017 honorees announced

    News Release — Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent LivingSeptember 5, 2017
    Media Contact:Monica White, Director of Operations, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
    [email protected]
    Governor Phil Scott is pleased to announce that four outstanding Vermont companies will be honored with Governor’s Awards for Business Excellence in Supporting Mature Workers at a noontime ceremony at the Killington Grand Hotel on Thursday, Septembe
  • Burlington celebrates Open Streets BTV on Sept. 17

    News Release — City of Burlington – Parks, Recreation & WaterfrontSept. 5, 2017
    Contact:Open Streets BTV
    [email protected]
    On Sunday, September 17th , Open Streets BTV invites people of all ages to bike, stroll, roll, skate and celebrate one of Burlington’s largest public spaces – our streets!
    Come enjoy miles of safe streets for exercise and play, parks filled with food and activities. Jump in the fun at any time or point along the route! There will be a wide v
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  • Northern Stage producing artistic director Carol Dunne awarded Helen Gurley Brown Genius Grant

    News Release — Northern StageSeptember 5, 2017
    Media Contact:Irene Green
    [email protected] x126
    Northern Stage Producing Artistic Director Carol Dunne Awarded Helen Gurley Brown Genius Grant as 21st Season and New Education Programs are Launched
    The Pussycat Foundation, established in the spirit of Cosmopolitan Magazine editor Helen Gurley Brown, has awarded Northern Stage’s Producing Artistic Director Carol Dunne a Genius Grant of $250,000 for her achievements in
  • Upper Valley Aquatic Center completes building renovation; grand opening is Sept. 23

    News Release — Upper Valley Aquatic CenterSept. 5, 2017
    Contact:Lisa Vallejo SorensenCommunications DirectorUpper Valley Aquatic Center(802) 296-2850 ex.111
    Meet the People Who Made It Happen
    Most swimmers tend to specialize in a specific event. Once a breaststroker, always a breaststroker.
    However, it never hurts to pick up a different stroke. A versatile swimmer is a valuable swimmer to a team. You never know when you might have to fill in for a freestyler, backup a backstroker or replen
  • Tunbridge Fair offering more recycling opportunities

    News Release — CVSWMDAug. 28, 2017
    Contact:Cassandra HemenwayOutreach ManagerCentral Vermont Solid Waste Management District802-229-9383 x102
    [email protected]
    cvswmd.org
    Tunbridge, VT (August 28, 2017) – The Tunbridge World’s Fair is stepping up its recycling game this year, with 20 extra blue bins provided through a grant by the Dr Pepper Snapple Group & Keep America Beautiful. Out of 300 grant applicants, the Tunbridge Fair is the only recipient from Vermont. Also, f
  • Sharon Twigg named new associate academic dean at Johnson State College

    News Release — Johnson State CollegeSept. 5, 2017
    Contact:Melissa Weinstein, 635-1247, [email protected]
    JOHNSON, VERMONT — Sharon Twigg, chair of the writing and literature department at Johnson State College, has been named JSC associate academic dean in a new position that will focus on undergraduate program assessment and student retention.
    Twigg, interim academic dean in the 2016-17 academic year, joined the faculty in 2008. As associate academic dean, she will develop a
  • Vermont Climate Action Commission to host statewide ‘Listening Tour’

    News Release — Vermont Agency of Natural ResourcesSeptember 5, 2017
    Media Contacts:Peter Walke, Agency of Natural Resources802-828-1294
    [email protected]
    Tom Rogers, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department802-377-2628
    [email protected]
    MONTPELIER, VT – The Vermont Climate Action Commission will be hosting a series of public scoping sessions through the state in September and October to gather input and recommendations from Vermonters. The Commission hopes to hear people&rsq
  • Warden Jenna Reed becomes Vermont’s newest K9 game warden unit

    News Release — Vermont Fish & Wildlife DepartmentSeptember 5, 2017
    Media Contacts:Major George Scribner, 802-828-1529Lt. David Gregory, 802-751-0103Warden Jenna Reed, 802-334-8881
    NEWPORT, Vt. – Warden Jenna Reed of Newport and her K9 partner, a German shepherd named Moose, recently graduated from a six-week training program to become the state’s newest K9 game warden unit. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department currently has three other K9 units stationed in Wells Rive
  • In celebration of Pride, the Samara Fund announces $65,000 to support Vermont’s LGBTQ community

    News Release — Vermont Community FoundationSeptember 5, 2017
    Media Contact:Elisabeth MarxVermont Community Foundation802-388-3355 ext. 241
    [email protected]
    Suggested TweetIn celebration of #PrideVT the @SamaraFundVT announces $65,000 to support Vermont’s #LGBTQ community. Learn more: http://ow.ly/zjZ030eVitB
    The Samara Fund, a component fund of the Vermont Community Foundation, announces awards of $65,000 in grants and scholarships in its sixth annual competitive grant round at th
  • SunCommon hosting benefit for Hurricane Harvey today in Waterbury

    News Release — SunCommonSeptember 5, 2017
    Contact:Emily McManamySunCommon802.882.8653
    [email protected]
    WATERBURY, VT — SunCommon, a Waterbury-based solar company, is hosting a benefit film screening at their Waterbury headquarters to encourage Vermonters to donate to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. The devastation brought by Tropical Storm Irene to Vermont in 2011, and specifically the Waterbury area, required the community to gather together as friends and neighbors while receiv
  • ‘Big Pharma, Market Failure’ to be screened in Bennington

    News Release — Bennington Rights & DemocracySeptember 2, 2017
    Contact:Lee Russ, 802-445-1029; [email protected]
    Free Movie, Free Popcorn
    BENNINGTON VT–Bennington Rights & Democracy is showing the movie “Big Pharma, Market Failure” three times in Bennington over the next few weeks.
    It’s your chance to find out what’s behind America’s ever-increasing prescription drug prices: why we spend over $320 billion a year on prescription drugs; why the s
  • Vermont Farmers Food Center awarded NEH Grant for oral history project

    News Release — Vermont Farmers Food CenterSeptember 1, 2017
    Media Contact:Heidi Lynch, Vermont Farmers Food Center, Program Coordinator 802-342-4219 Email: [email protected]
    Rutland, VT — The Vermont Farmers Food Center (VFFC) and Shrewsbury Institute for Agricultural Education (SAGE) announce the award of a grant from The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for Root Words— a collaborative project that will collect and present the stories of rural Verm
  • VCRD announces Middlebury as next Climate Economy Model community; all invited to kickoff event Sept. 18

    News Release — Vermont Council on Rural DevelopmentSeptember 1, 2017
    Contact:Jon CopansPhone: (802) 225-6393 or [email protected]
    VCRD ANNOUNCES MIDDLEBURY AS THE NEXT CLIMATE ECONOMY MODEL COMMUNITY: THE FULL COMMUNITY IS INVITED TO THE KICK-OFF EVENT AND FREE COMMUNITY DINNER SEPTEMBER 18
    MIDDLEBURY – Vermont Council on Rural Development, joined by partners Efficiency Vermont and Green Mountain Power, announces that Middlebury will be the second community to participate in the Climat
  • Let’s Grow Kids honors 4 Vermonters as ‘Early Childhood Superheroes’

    News Release — Let’s Grow KidsSeptember 1, 2017
    Contact:Nicole Haley, 802.391.0545 or [email protected]
    Burlington, Vermont—Let’s Grow Kids has recognized four Vermonters as Early Childhood Superheroes for going above and beyond to help young children reach their full potential.
    The honorees include:
    Mandi Menard, of St. Albans, is co-owner of KinderStart Preschool in Williston, where she serves as both the program director and lead preschool teacher. In addition to
  • Author Walter Mosley headlines Sept. 16 Johnson State College Alumni Weekend

    News Release — Johnson State CollegeSept. 1, 2017
    Contact:Lauren Philie, 635-2356, [email protected]
    JOHNSON, VERMONT — Acclaimed author and Johnson State College graduate Walter Mosley will receive an alumni award and give a reading Sept. 16 as part of JSC’s Alumni Reunion and Family Weekend.
    The event will feature readings by JSC faculty members who are authors, including Bachelor of Fine Arts program director Liz Powell and Tyrone Shaw and Jensen Beach, who teach in the
  • Paula Josa-Jones to speak on her new book, ‘Our Horses, Ourselves,’ in fundraiser for Vermont Foodbank

    News Release — Phoenix BooksSept. 4, 2017
    Contact:Kristen EatonPhoenix Books802.872.7111 (p)802.872.7112 (f)
    [email protected]
    www.phoenixbooks.biz
    Burlington, Vermont – September 4, 2017: On Wednesday, September 27th at 7pm, Phoenix Books Burlington will host Paula Josa-Jones for a talk on her new book, Our Horses, Ourselves.
    For years, horse trainers and equine experts have sought new ways to tap into that which for many remains elusive: the ability to use the human body, an
  • Joanna Tebbs Young to speak on Vermont historian Lilian Baker Carlisle

    News Release — Phoenix BooksSept. 4, 2017
    Contact:Kristen EatonPhoenix Books802.872.7111 (p)802.872.7112 (f)
    [email protected]
    www.phoenixbooks.biz
    Rutland, Vermont – September 4, 2017: On Tuesday, September 26th at 6:30pm, Phoenix Books Rutland will host Joanna Tebbs Young for a talk on her new book, Lilian Baker Carlisle.Overlooking Lake Champlain in the Old North End of Burlington, Vermont, sits a house. Inside that house is a closet. Inside that closet, a lifetime. Piled f
  • Five handcyclists to ride full 100 miles of Kelly Brush Ride

    News Release — Kelly Brush FoundationSept. 5, 2017
    Contact:Elizabeth Langfeldt, 802-846-5298 or [email protected]
    12TH ANNUAL RIDE SUPPORTS ADAPTIVE SPORTS, SKI RACING SAFETY
    BURLINGTON, Vt. (Sept. 5, 2017)—Five handcyclists are set to ride the full 100-mile course in the 12th Annual Kelly Brush Ride powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations to support the Kelly Brush Foundation’s mission to empower those with paralysis through sport and recreation and to
  • Jonathan Lesser: Numbers don’t add up

    This commentary is by Jonathan A. Lesser, Ph.D., who is the president of Continental Economics and the author of the new report “New York’s Clean Energy Programs: The High Cost of Symbolic Environmentalism,” published by the Manhattan Institute. In 2003-04, he was the director of planning at the Vermont Department of Public Service.
    Vermont, along with 19 other states, has a long-term greenhouse gas reduction mandate. The original mandate, signed into law in 2006, called for a
  • Hilaire Mitchell: Families need a liveable wage

    Editor’s note: This commentary is by Hilarie Mitchell, of South Hero.
    As a working mother of four beautiful children, I have been following the discussion in Vermont around raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour over the next few years. My husband and I face challenges every day that I know are shared by tens of thousands of Vermont workers who don’t earn a livable wage.
    I have worked in the medical field for the past 12 years, starting in a private medical practice to working in a
  • State OKs reduction in Vermont Yankee security

    A map from Entergy illustrates its request to scale back the security zone at Vermont Yankee from the current green to the area bounded in red.VERNON – State regulators have signed off on a big security change at Vermont Yankee.
    The Public Utility Commission last week approved Entergy’s plan to downsize the idled nuclear plant’s “protected area” from 10.5 acres to 1.3 acres. The move is expected to save about $1.2 million a month, mostly in security costs.
    The commi

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