Vermont news

• Prosecutors to reveal findings on officer-involved shooting next week

  29-11-2017 23:25 via vtdigger.org
  RUTLAND — A news conference with prosecutors has been set for Tuesday to discuss their findings in the investigation of a shooting this summer involving five troopers that left a Poultney man dead.
  The news conference will take place at 9 a.m. at the Vermont State Police barracks in Rutland.
  The Rutland County state’s attorney’s office and the Vermont attorney general’s office are conducting separate reviews of the case based on an investigation by the Vermont State Polic
  
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• Vermonters join suit over alleged electricity price-fixing

  29-11-2017 22:28 via vtdigger.org
  John Odum, standing at left, is one of the plaintiffs in the suit. File photo by Mike Polhamus/VTDiggerTwo Vermont residents are among a dozen plaintiffs suing on behalf of 7 million New Englanders who allegedly paid billions extra for electricity as the result of price-fixing by two of the region’s largest energy companies, Avangrid and Eversource.
  Montpelier resident John Odum and South Royalton’s David Leighton, along with their fellow plaintiffs, claim the companies artificially
  
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• Entergy contends Vermont Yankee testing could be dangerous

  29-11-2017 21:36 via vtdigger.org
  Joe Lynch, government affairs manager for Entergy Vermont Yankee. File photo by Randolph T. Holhut/The Commons
  VERNON – Could pollution testing pose dangers at Vermont Yankee?
  Owner Entergy warns that it does, in its latest response to state officials who want more information about contamination at the idled Vernon nuclear plant.
  In new regulatory filings, an Entergy administrator says “invasive” environmental sampling could cause radiological and nonradiological contamination
  
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• Winter Driving: Tires, Tactics And Road Salt dlvr.it/Q3WMBj https://t.co/CLW2gHCeth

  29-11-2017 20:52 via twitter.com
  
  Winter Driving: Tires, Tactics And Road Salt dlvr.it/Q3WMBj https://t.co/CLW2gHCeth
  
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• LISTEN: As Problems Grow, Schools Deal With How Social Media, Troubled Homes Affect Students dlvr.it/Q3VyK8 https://t.co/haBqw6Q7wQ

  29-11-2017 20:01 via twitter.com
  
  LISTEN: As Problems Grow, Schools Deal With How Social Media, Troubled Homes Affect Students dlvr.it/Q3VyK8 https://t.co/haBqw6Q7wQ
  
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• LISTEN: Dorothy's List: Friends Come In Many Forms In 'When Friendship Followed Me Home' dlvr.it/Q3VrYJ https://t.co/LCSQEO7dfe

  29-11-2017 19:42 via twitter.com
  
  LISTEN: Dorothy's List: Friends Come In Many Forms In 'When Friendship Followed Me Home' dlvr.it/Q3VrYJ https://t.co/LCSQEO7dfe
  
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• Dorothy's List: Friends Come In Many Forms In 'When Friendship Followed Me Home' dlvr.it/Q3VrX4 https://t.co/jfWXg8jXJO

  29-11-2017 19:42 via twitter.com
  
  Dorothy's List: Friends Come In Many Forms In 'When Friendship Followed Me Home' dlvr.it/Q3VrX4 https://t.co/jfWXg8jXJO
  
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• South Burlington teenager pleads guilty in racist graffiti case

  29-11-2017 19:05 via vtdigger.org
  Tyler Austin appears in Chittenden Superior Court in Burlington on Wednesday. He pleaded guilty to charges stemming from his painting a racist message on the South Burlington High School playing field. Pool photo by Glenn Russell/The Burlington Free Press
  BURLINGTON — A recent South Burlington High School graduate pleaded guilty Wednesday to two misdemeanors for painting racist graffiti targeting a black student.
  Tyler Austin, 19, was originally charged with felony unlawful mischief and mi
  
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• Ricin found at Wake Robin in Shelburne

  29-11-2017 18:15 via vtdigger.org
  State law enforcement officials say a highly poisonous substance was found on Sunday at Wake Robin, a retirement community in Shelburne.
  The Vermont Department of Health Laboratory confirmed that the material was Ricin on Wednesday morning.Ricin is “an extremely toxic poison” that is found in castor beans. In powder form, ricin can be inhaled or ingested.No one was exposed to the substance, according to the Vermont State Police and the Vermont Department of Public Safety, and officia
  
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• Vermont State Board of Education adopts updated technology standards for students

  29-11-2017 17:36 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Agency of EducationNov. 27, 2017
  Contact:Haley Jones, [email protected]
  BARRE, VT. – At its November meeting, the Vermont State Board of Education unanimously adopted the International Standards for Technology Education (ISTE) Standards for student learning. The adoption of this framework is aligned with the state’s Education Quality Standards (EQS). These standards outline what Vermont students should know and be able to do with respect to informat
  
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• 2007 Capitol Christmas tree volunteers reunite at Veterans’ Home

  29-11-2017 17:20 via vtdigger.org
  Members of the 2007 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree group gather together around the donated tree from Don Keelan’s tree farm in Arlington. Photo by Holly Pelczynski/Bennington Banner
  (This story by Derek Carson was published in the Bennington Banner on Nov. 27, 2017.)
  BENNINGTON — Volunteers who 10 years ago helped transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree from Bennington to Washington, D.C., gathered at the Vermont Veterans’ Home, one of the tree’s last stops before heading
  
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• Vermont Electric Cooperative holds rates steady for fourth consecutive year

  29-11-2017 16:42 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Electric CoopNovember 29, 2017
  Contact:Andrea Cohen, 802-696-9036
  [email protected]
  Johnson, VT – Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) will not seek a rate increase for January 2018, marking the fourth consecutive year that VEC has kept rates flat.
  Earlier in the year, VEC anticipated that a rate increase would be necessary, but VEC staff worked hard to identify savings in power supply and transmission as well as in other areas.
  “Going into 2018 w
  
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• Today we'll look at how social and personal problems impact student behavior and the adjustments schools are making… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…

  29-11-2017 15:55 via twitter.com
  Today we'll look at how social and personal problems impact student behavior and the adjustments schools are making… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…
  
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• Herring runs for mayor of Barre

  29-11-2017 11:55 via vtdigger.org
  BARRE — Lucas Herring, a city council member, is running for mayor. He made the announcement at a press conference at the American Legion Post in Barre Tuesday.
  Herring is the first to make a bid a run for the seat since longtime Barre City Mayor Thom Lauzon said he was unlikely to seek another term.
  Speaking to 20 well-wishers, including fellow Barre City Council members and Lauzon, Herring said he hoped he could unify the council, which has split on major issues facing the city
  
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• Vermont requests federal disaster declaration

  29-11-2017 11:24 via vtdigger.org
  Contact:Rebecca Kelley, Office of the [email protected] Mark Bosma, Vermont Emergency [email protected]  VERMONT REQUESTS FEDERAL DISASTER DECLARATION Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott has made a request for federal disaster funds to assist communities and public utilities in 10 Vermont counties in paying for repairs to public infrastructure damaged in wind and rain storms on October 29 and 30. Communities and
  
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• Two Vermont startups get boost from Oprah Winfrey

  29-11-2017 11:18 via vtdigger.org
  Winooski’s Mount Mansfield Maple Products had high hopes of making Oprah Winfrey’s annual “Favorite Things” list after its candy won a confectionery award at the largest specialty food show in North America.
  Woodstock’s Farmhouse Pottery, for its part, figured its ceramic trees would catch the media maven’s eye after she highlighted its small bell pitcher and “rustic-chic” fly-swatters in summer issues of her magazine.
  Winfrey, however, had other
  
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• Gov. Phil Scott’s public schedule for the week of Nov. 29

  29-11-2017 10:35 via vtdigger.org
  Governor Phil Scott’s Public Schedule: 11/28/17 – 12/1/17
  Wednesday, November 29
  1:30 PMGovernor’s Weekly Press ConferenceFifth Floor Conference Room, 109 State Street, Montpelier, VT
  4:00 – 5:00 PMSt. Johnsbury Buick Grand Opening500 Memorial Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT
  Thursday, November 30
  9:00 – 10:00 AMGovernor’s Statewide School Safety Training ConferenceSheraton Burlington Hotel, 870 Williston Road, South Burlington, VT
  12:00 – 12:30 PMVermont Press
  
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• Talk of taxing tuition waivers has students, colleges alarmed

  29-11-2017 03:02 via vtdigger.org
  Jeb Spaulding, chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges. File photo by Anne Galloway/VTDiggerWASHINGTON — Tatiana Gladkikh is in her first year of studying for her doctorate in natural resources at the University of Vermont.
  The 27-year-old, a Russian citizen, receives a stipend for her studies and work at the university.
  But a change to tax law that is under consideration in Congress could significantly increase her tax burden, which she said would put her in a financial bind.
  “The
  
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• Proposed tax on tuition waivers alarms students, colleges

  29-11-2017 03:02 via vtdigger.org
  Jeb Spaulding, chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges. File photo by Anne Galloway/VTDiggerWASHINGTON — Tatiana Gladkikh is in her first year of studying for her doctorate in natural resources at the University of Vermont.
  The 27-year-old, a Russian citizen, receives a stipend for her studies and work at the university.
  But a change to tax law that is under consideration in Congress could significantly increase her tax burden, which she said would put her in a financial bind.
  “The
  
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• GMP rates expected to rise 5 percent

  29-11-2017 02:10 via vtdigger.org
  Green Mountain Power’s rates are tied to the value of its infrastructure. File photo by Mike Faher/VTDiggerGreen Mountain Power’s electric rates are slated to rise by 5 percent in 2018 if the Public Utility Commission approves a deal the state’s largest utility reached this month with the Vermont Department of Public Service.
  The deal incorporates approximately $18 million due to GMP customers as a result of terms the company agreed to when it purchased Central Vermont Public S
  
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• Poultney man who beat his mother to death gets eight years

  29-11-2017 01:58 via vtdigger.org
  Roderick Geronimo at his manslaughter sentencing in Rutland Superior Court on Tuesday. Pool photo by Robert Layman/Rutland Herald
  RUTLAND — Experts agreed that Roderick Geronimo suffered from a “psychotic episode” when he beat his 82-year-old mother to death because he said he believed she was possessed by the devil and he had to save her from damnation.
  However, prosecutors and Geronimo’s attorney differed Tuesday on what caused the episode and how much time he should se
  
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• ‘Banker with a conscience’ John Ewing dies, leaving environmental legacy

  29-11-2017 01:09 via vtdigger.org
  John Ewing. File photo by Dorothy Weicker/Vermont Folklife Center
  A banker who became one of the leaders in Vermont’s environmental community has died.John Ewing, the former president of the Bank of Vermont who founded a group to combat suburban sprawl, died Monday of cancer. He was 85 and lived in Burlington overlooking the Winooski River.
  Colleagues recalled his commitment to the environment. He and land use planner Beth Humstone started the Vermont Forum on Sprawl in 1997. She called Ew
  
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• Skyler Bailey: Surprising findings on carbon tax effect in Europe

  29-11-2017 01:05 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Skyler Bailey, of Burlington, where he works in medical administration.There is a strong push within progressive circles to enact a carbon tax in Vermont. A variety of proposals have been put forward, initially with climate-related earmarks for the raised revenue, then with plans to use some of the funds to mitigate other taxes to varying degrees. The most recent proposals have been “revenue neutral,” as proponents seem to have accepted that
  
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• John Fairbanks: The tax bill trainwreck

  29-11-2017 01:00 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This op-ed is by John Fairbanks, a Vermonter currently living and working in Washington, D.C.
  We are passengers on a speeding train headed over a fiscal cliff.
  The majority in Congress is racing furiously to finish its tax bill. The House passed its version on Nov. 16. The Senate is expected to begin debate this week and pass it on a party-line vote soon after. The bill will then go to conference committee to iron out differences between the two versions. If all goes as plan
  
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• Don Keelan: The tax law changes, but not reformed

  29-11-2017 00:55 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Don Keelan, a retired certified public accountant and resident of Arlington. The piece first appeared in the Bennington Banner.
  It appears that our Vermont congressional delegation is having a conniption over the House of Representatives’ and Senate’s announcement of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act proposed legislation. My suggestion to them is to relax and take a deep breath. From their long tenure in Washington, having seen countless “tax
  
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• Developers halt Swanton Wind plans, blaming opposition in high places

  29-11-2017 00:42 via vtdigger.org
  Lawn signs oppose a wind project proposed in Swanton. File photo by Mike Polhamus/VTDigger
  Backers of a planned seven-turbine wind energy project in Swanton said this week they’re withdrawing their application for a state permit.
  A combination of factors led to the decision, said Nick Charyk, a spokesman for the Swanton Wind project, who characterized this as “a pause, not a halt.”
  The factors he cited include Gov. Phil Scott, who campaigned in part on opposition to further lar
  
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• P.S. More book talk on Wednesday's show, when we'll air the latest #DorothysList episode! We'll hear from students… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…

  29-11-2017 00:08 via twitter.com
  P.S. More book talk on Wednesday's show, when we'll air the latest #DorothysList episode! We'll hear from students… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…
  
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• Vermont joins in supporting contraceptives coverage mandate

  29-11-2017 00:07 via vtdigger.org
  WASHINGTON — Vermont Attorney General TJ Donovan is among almost two dozen state attorneys general opposing a new Trump administration rule that allows employers to opt out of offering insurance coverage for contraception.
  A rule issued in October allows employers not to cover birth control for employees in their health care plans if they have a religious objection.
  Vermont Attorney General TJ Donovan. File photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDiggerThe new rule rolled back an Obama-era mandate, whic
  
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• Vermont AG supports contraceptives coverage mandate

  29-11-2017 00:07 via vtdigger.org
  WASHINGTON — Vermont Attorney General TJ Donovan is among almost two dozen state attorneys general opposing a new Trump administration rule that allows employers to opt out of offering insurance coverage for contraception.
  A rule issued in October allows employers not to cover birth control for employees in their health care plans if they have a religious objection.
  Vermont Attorney General TJ Donovan. File photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDiggerThe new rule rolled back an Obama-era mandate, whic
  
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