Vermont news

• Tractor-trailer crash narrows I-91 for possibly a week

  07-11-2017 23:12 via vtdigger.org
  (This story is by the staff of the Valley News, in which it first appeared Nov. 7, 2017.)
  HARTLAND — Transportation officials say Interstate 91 northbound traffic could remain reduced to one lane in Hartland for “a week or more” after a tractor-trailer struck a bridge guardrail Tuesday morning and came to rest partly over the Ottauquechee River.
  A tractor-trailer sits partway off a bridge on Interstate 91 northbound in Hartland on Tuesday. (Valley News photo courtesy of Matt Bi
  
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• Panel urges expanded access to hepatitis C drugs

  07-11-2017 22:52 via vtdigger.org
  More people may be eligible for hepatitis C treatment under a recent proposal.Low-income Vermonters will find it easier in the future to get live-savings drugs to cure hepatitis C.
  The board that decides which drugs are available to Medicaid patients has recommended that the state lift almost all of its restrictions on access to expensive hepatitis C medications.
  The recommendation from the advisory board came after more than two years of advocacy from the Vermont Coalition for Access to HCV Tre
  
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• How Climate Change Is Transforming Vermont's Utilities dlvr.it/Pzlt5Q https://t.co/AJwgTBbsiN

  07-11-2017 22:47 via twitter.com
  
  How Climate Change Is Transforming Vermont's Utilities dlvr.it/Pzlt5Q https://t.co/AJwgTBbsiN
  
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• Concerns raised about utilities’ natural gas dependence

  07-11-2017 22:30 via vtdigger.org
  New England will grow increasingly dependent on natural gas for its electric generation, rising from 46 percent of its supply currently to 56 percent by 2025, according to the regional grid operator’s new system plan.
  The electrical grid overseer, known as ISO-New England, is charged with ensuring that electricity is constantly available to the region. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission created ISO-New England in the 1990s.
  The projected regional dependence on natural gas could affec
  
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• Christina Griffin joins VTDigger underwriting sales staff

  07-11-2017 22:09 via vtdigger.org
  VTDigger is delighted to announce that Christina Griffin is joining the underwriting sales team.Christina has over 15 years of experience as a sales executive, manager, and consultant in biotech, capital equipment, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and media advertising.
  Christina Griffin sells underwriting for VTDigger. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDiggerAnne Galloway, executive director of the Vermont Journalism Trust and editor of VTDigger, says Christina is a key addition to the VTDigger business t
  
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• Writers for Recovery #8: Angala Devoid

  07-11-2017 22:04 via vtdigger.org
   
  Photo by Gary MillerWriters for Recovery is a series of writing workshops focused on stories of addiction and recovery. Participants write about their personal stories of struggle, perseverance, moments of doubt and inspiration and the slow but steady work of renewal and healing from addiction.
  Angala Devoid has been in recovery for fourteen years. Angala says she drank to forget her past and hide her feelings, to be liked and accepted. Once she admitted she was an alcoholi
  
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• Rutland mayor’s proposed city budget up 4.5 percent

  07-11-2017 21:47 via vtdigger.org
  David Allaire, mayor of Rutland. File photo by Erin Mansfield/VTDigger​
  RUTLAND — Mayor David Allaire presented his first proposed municipal budget as the city’s top elected official, and it shows a 4.5 percent increase over the current year.
  Allaire delivered the spending plan for fiscal year 2019 to the 11 members of the Board of Aldermen at a meeting Monday night. The budget, once the board reviews and possibly reduces it, will go to city voters for approval on Town Meeting
  
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• Southern Vermont economic plan in the works

  07-11-2017 20:56 via vtdigger.org
  Adam Grinold, executive director of Brattleboro Development Credit Corp., talks during a news conference at Dover Town Hall. Photo by Kristopher Radder/Brattleboro Reformer
  DOVER – Under the slogan “Strengthening Southern Vermont,” officials from Windham and Bennington counties are moving forward with crafting a joint economic plan.
  The U.S. Economic Development Administration has granted $70,000 toward the effort, officials announced last week. By 2019, the region will have it
  
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• Sterling College recognized as top performer in 2017 Sustainable Campus Index

  07-11-2017 20:50 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Sterling CollegeNov. 7, 2017
  Media Contact:Katie LavinOffice of the PresidentSterling College(802) 586-7711 x111
  [email protected]
  Craftsbury Common, VT November 7, 2017 – Sterling College has been recognized as a top performer in the 2017 Sustainable Campus Index, placing #1 among Baccalaureate institutions overall with a Gold rating and score of 78.28. The 2017 Sustainable Campus Index, a publication of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability i
  
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• Gifford’s independent living receives Efficiency Vermont cash incentive

  07-11-2017 20:44 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Gifford Health CareNovember 7, 2017
  Contact:Robin Dutcher(802) 728-2284
  RANDOLPH – Gifford Health Care has received an $118,500 Efficiency Vermont incentive for incorporating energy-efficient choices while constructing the Strode Independent Living at Morgan Orchards Senior Living Community in Randolph Center. The rebate represents the initial value of money saved through the selection of the energy-saving equipment, appliances, and lighting that were installed in the
  
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• Author Todd Miller touring Vermont Nov. 6-8

  07-11-2017 20:40 via vtdigger.org
  News ReleaseNov. 6, 2017
  Media contact:Amanda Garces — Phone Number: 520-333-8864Email: [email protected]
  Todd Miller’s Website: http://www.toddmillerwriter.com/about/Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2004010526480977/
  Vermont – We are excited to announce the visit of Todd Miller, author of the book, Storming the Wall: Climate Change, Migration, and Homeland Security. Sponsored by ACLU of Vermont, 350 Vermont, Justice for All, Migrant Justice, Unitarian Church of M
  
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• Give the gift of adventure and help support Vermont State Parks

  07-11-2017 20:28 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont State ParksNovember 6, 2017
  Media Contact:Rochelle SkinnerParks Sales & Service ManagerVermont State ParksDepartment of Forests, Parks & RecreationAgency of Natural Resources
  [email protected]
  MONTPELIER – This holiday season, Vermont State Parks invites you to purchase holiday gift packages, park passes, and gift certificates for friends and family. Not only will they benefit the recipient, but they’ll benefit the parks, to
  
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• Students invite comunity to Veterans Day ceremony, surprise announcement Nov. 10 at Vermont Law School

  07-11-2017 20:24 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Law SchoolNov. 6, 2017
  Contact:Maryellen Apelquist, Director of Communications, Vermont Law Schooloffice: 802-831-1228, cell: 802-299-5593, [email protected]
  SOUTH ROYALTON, Vt., Nov. 6, 2017––The Veterans Law Student Association (VLSA) at Vermont Law School invites community members to a Veterans Day ceremony, panel discussion with light refreshments, and surprise announcement beginning at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, on the VLS campus.
  The Veteran
  
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• Clothing maker Ibex lays off 12 workers, changes retail strategy

  07-11-2017 20:21 via vtdigger.org
  (This story by John Lippman first appeared Nov. 7, 2017, in the Valley News.)
  WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — Outdoor apparel maker Ibex Outdoor Clothing, citing the need to make “significant changes in the organization,” laid off 12 employees last week as it looks to adjust its business in the face of upheaval roiling the retail industry.
  “Ibex continues to operate in anticipation of more significant changes in our business in the next few months,” Ibex CEO Ted Manning said
  
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• Norwich University Applied Research Institutes announces $2.3M FEMA grant for cybersecurity consortium

  07-11-2017 20:19 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Norwich UniversityNov. 6, 2017
  Contact:Daphne Larkin802-485-2886
  [email protected] us on Twitter @NorwichNews
  NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich University Applied Research Institutes (NUARI) has been awarded a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) training grant for $2,267,000 for cybersecurity training for first responders.
  NUARI is a member of the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (NCPC). NCPC members have been developing and delivering training in
  
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• LISTEN: The Business Of Cannabis In Vermont Today dlvr.it/PzklG0 https://t.co/okWn633SNo

  07-11-2017 20:02 via twitter.com
  
  LISTEN: The Business Of Cannabis In Vermont Today dlvr.it/PzklG0 https://t.co/okWn633SNo
  
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• Debate over use of fund pits diesel vehicles vs. electric

  07-11-2017 19:36 via vtdigger.org
  Lawmakers came out in favor of buying electric buses with almost $19 million coming to Vermont from a “clean diesel” fraud case against Volkswagen.
  However, the deputy secretary of the agency that decides how to spend the fund questioned whether to put the money toward more clean diesel vehicles instead.The Agency of Natural Resources is writing a plan for the money, and in the coming weeks the agency will release the plan to the public, Deputy Secretary Peter Walke said.
  Peter Walke
  
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• Vermont GOP elects new chair with Trump bona fides

  07-11-2017 10:59 via vtdigger.org
  Vermont Republicans chose a new party chair this weekend, and it wasn’t the candidate backed by the sitting governor.
  Deborah Billado of Essex Junction was elected to a two-year term as the party’s chair over Michael Donohue of Shelburne. Billado takes the place of David Sunderland, who did not seek re-election after four years in the job.“I’m meeting with many of the party infrastructure in one-on-one meetings and talking about where we’re headed,” Billado sa
  
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• Burlington City Council deadlocked on Burlington Telecom sale

  07-11-2017 10:44 via vtdigger.org
  Ali Dieng, D/P Ward 7, proposes that the two Burlington Telecom bidders, Ting and Keep Burlington Telecom Local, come up with a combined proposal. The Burlington City Council deadlocked Monday night on the two offers. Photo by Cory Dawson/VTDiggerAfter failing to decide between the two final Burlington Telecom bidders — the fiber and mobile company Ting and the Keep Burlington Telecom Local co-op — the Burlington City Council asked both parties to come together and offer them a combi
  
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• Pownal business group organizing

  07-11-2017 03:29 via vtdigger.org
  POWNAL — A new business support group called the Pownal Business Network will hold its first meeting Wednesday and simultaneously launch a network website.
  Organizers say the initiative grew out of discussions among members of an economic development task force created as part of the Empower Pownal program.Business owners, independent contractors and others are invited to the networking gathering from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Pownal American Legion Post 90.
  “This is the first event we&rsquo
  
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• State aviation officials hear criticism from local airport operators

  07-11-2017 03:07 via vtdigger.org
  Guy Rouelle heads the Vermont Aviation Management Association, an advocacy group. Previously he led the Agency of Transportation’s aviation division for six years. File photo by Anne Galloway/VTDigger
  BENNINGTON — Concern is mounting in some quarters about Vermont’s aviation program amid structural changes and a reduction in funding.
  One particular issue is the schedule for airport upgrades — especially those that would support businesses based at state-owned facilities.
  
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• $1M property deal enables Bennington dealership move

  07-11-2017 02:01 via vtdigger.org
  BENNINGTON — The purchase of a business district parcel for $1 million has cleared the way for a local auto dealership to shift operations to a Northside Drive site.
  The property is near the entrance of the Monument Plaza, which houses a recently expanded Wal-Mart store, a PriceChopper market and other stores.
  A Bennington auto dealership is moving into this building near a busy shopping plaza. Bennington Banner file photo
  Jason Rucinski, general manager of Stephens Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram
  
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• Regulators hear arguments for new medical records system

  07-11-2017 01:51 via vtdigger.org
  Dr. John Brumsted, the CEO of the UVM Health Network and UVM Medical Center, testifies before the Green Mountain Care Board. On the right is Andy Pallito, the board’s director of health system finances. File photo by Erin Mansfield/VTDiggerOfficials for the University of Vermont Health Network told regulators Monday that a new technology system would save money and improve patient care.
  They testified in front of the Green Mountain Care Board, which will decide in the coming months whether
  
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• Ruth Hardy: Shattering some glass

  07-11-2017 01:43 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Ruth Hardy, of East Middlebury, the executive director of Emerge Vermont, an organization that recruits, trains and inspires Democratic women to run for public office.Today is Election Day. On this day a year ago, our country elected a misogynist, sexual predator as president. Over these past 12 months, I’ve heard countless stories from women about the emotional landslide they underwent from Nov. 7-9, 2016 – from exuberant anticipation to el
  
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• Louise Calderwood: All farmers care for the land

  07-11-2017 01:40 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Louise H. Calderwood, who teaches at Sterling College, is government relations director for Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance, is a maple syrup producer and an agricultural consultant. She also grazes a herd of 60 goats for meat.
  I‘ve been deeply involved in Vermont agriculture for nearly 40 years, first as an employee on a 60-cow hill farm, then as an extension agent, in state government, as co-owner of a 160-cow dairy herd, and now teachi
  
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• John McClaughry: Tax reform and fiscal responsibility

  07-11-2017 01:37 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by John McClaughry, the vice president of the Ethan Allen Institute. 
  Republicans in Congress have decided that with their embarrassing failure to “reform and replace” Obamacare, they absolutely must produce one popular legislative achievement to present to voters a year from now. Tax reform is an imperative. There’s not much else coming down the legislative pipeline.
  The one tax law change that almost everyone agrees on is reducing
  
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• Mount Snow finishes first EB-5-funded project

  07-11-2017 01:26 via vtdigger.org
  Mount Snow spokesman Jamie Storrs stands near an inflatable dam that directs water into the resort’s new 120 million-gallon West Lake snowmaking reservoir. Photo by Mike Faher/VTDiggerDOVER – Mount Snow has finished a $30 million snowmaking upgrade, and it’s a milestone moment for the resort in more ways than one.
  The West Lake water project is Mount Snow’s first expansion funded by the EB-5 foreign investment program.
  But the project also is the culmination of a decades-
  
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• Ex-auditor and lawmaker Ed Flanagan dies at 66

  07-11-2017 01:08 via vtdigger.org
  Former Vermont auditor and state Sen. Ed Flanagan, the country’s first openly gay elected state official, died Friday morning. He was 66.
  According to friend and current House member Mary Sullivan, Flanagan died surrounded by family. He had been living at a nursing facility in New Hampshire for the past several years.
  Ed Flanagan. File photoFlanagan suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident in 2005 where he was stranded for 18 hours in a ravine off Interstate 89 in Richmond. He w
  
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• Veterans share powerful stories at town hall

  07-11-2017 00:42 via vtdigger.org
  Maureen Dwyer speaks during a town hall-style event for veterans Sunday in Burlington City Hall. Photo by Ivan Shadis
  BURLINGTON — A first-of-its-kind Veterans Town Hall in Burlington on Sunday drew a dozen speakers from the local veterans community and more than 50 audience members.The event was billed as an opportunity for veterans to speak and members of the communities they served to listen. Organizers said attendees were not permitted to ask questions. Members of the press were asked
  
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