Vermont news

• Efficiency Vermont rates rise for residents, down for businesses

  01-12-2017 22:47 via vtdigger.org
  The energy efficiency charge Vermonters pay on their electrical bills will rise 1 percent for residential customers in 2018, Efficiency Vermont announced Thursday. Meanwhile, the charge will decrease 8 percent for commercial customers and 11 percent for industrial customers.
  The 1 percent increase for residential customers will amount to an additional eight cents each month for the average customer, according to the organization’s calculations.
  The efficiency charges are the source of the
  
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• Vigils for victims and survivors of gun violence to be held across Vermont

  01-12-2017 22:25 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — GunSense VermontNovember 30, 2017
  Contact:Sharon [email protected]
  Nine Vermont vigils will join national vigils to #EndGunViolence.Vigils coincide with 5th anniversary of Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting.
  Burlington, VT– In remembrance of the fifth anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary school tragedy, as well as the 500,000 American victims and survivors of gun violence since December 2012, GunSense Vermont is joining with communities
  
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• Moody’s Investors Service upgrades Burlington’s credit rating to ‘A2’

  01-12-2017 22:20 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Office of Mayor Miro WeinbergerNovember 29, 2017
  Contact:Katie Vane802.734.0617
  Cites City’s Improved Financial Position, Sound Reserves Following Four Consecutive Years of Operating Surpluses; Affirms Burlington Electric’s A3 Rating
  Burlington, VT – Moody’s Investors Service upgraded the City of Burlington’s credit rating from A3 to A2 on Monday, November 27, 2017 (please see Burlington ratings table below). In its Credit Report, Moody’s
  
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• The Deeper Dig: O’Keefe, Murray and the mood in Middlebury

  01-12-2017 22:19 via vtdigger.org
  Books and pins on a display table at James O’Keefe’s event in Middlebury. Photo by Cory Dawson/VTDigger
  On Thursday night, the conservative activist James O’Keefe gave a talk in Middlebury promoting his undercover video operation Project Veritas.
  O’Keefe’s hidden camera recordings targeting journalists, politicians and social groups have been roundly criticized, and this event took place three days after a high-profile Washington P
  
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• House and Senate tax bills will ‘Decimate affordable housing in Vermont,’ say coalition housing advocates

  01-12-2017 22:16 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Affordable Housing CoalitionFriday, December 1, 2017
  Contact:Erhard Mahnke, Coordinator
  [email protected]
  MONTPELIER, VT — The Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition (VAHC), a state leader in housing policy, research and advocacy, today issued the following statement on the tax bill recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and under consideration in the Senate:
  At a time when Vermont already has a shortage of 10,866 affo
  
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• Leahy statement on consideration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

  01-12-2017 22:12 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Sen. Patrick LeahyNov. 30, 2017
  Press Contact:David Carle(202) 224-3693
  Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.)On Consideration of H.R. 1, The Tax Cuts and Jobs ActNovember 30, 2017
  During Thanksgiving last week, families across the country came together to give thanks for the blessings of the past year. One group in particular – corporate CEOs – had a special reason to be thankful: the Republican tax bill we are considering today. Rather than engaging in a bi
  
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• Celestial Celebration: A Look Back At A Year In Space dlvr.it/Q3t4tC https://t.co/ExDETHc1uI

  01-12-2017 21:57 via twitter.com
  
  Celestial Celebration: A Look Back At A Year In Space dlvr.it/Q3t4tC https://t.co/ExDETHc1uI
  
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• UPDATED: Woman charged with poisoning Wake Robin neighbors

  01-12-2017 20:19 via vtdigger.org
  Castor plant. Wikimedia imageEditor’s Note: This story was updated at 4:55 p.m. Friday.
  BURLINGTON — A woman is facing a federal complaint after investigators discovered the poison ricin in her home at a Shelburne retirement community on Monday.
  Betty Miller, 70, who lived at Wake Robin, is being held at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility after an initial appearance in U.S. District court Friday afternoon. Prosecutors are seeking to charge her with knowingly possessing an
  
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• FBI: Woman tried to poison residents at Wake Robin

  01-12-2017 20:19 via vtdigger.org
  Castor plant. Wikimedia imageBURLINGTON — A woman is facing a federal charge after investigators discovered the poison ricin in her home at a Shelburne retirement community on Monday.
  Betty Miller, who lived at Wake Robin, is expected to make an initial appearance in U.S. District court Friday afternoon. She is charged with knowingly possessing an unregistered biological agent.
  FBI investigators say she used instructions printed from the Internet to make ricin, an extremely toxic poison, o
  
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• LISTEN: Gov. Scott: Taxes, Education And Priorities For 2018 dlvr.it/Q3sPqv https://t.co/MrJxUXFcGu

  01-12-2017 20:11 via twitter.com
  
  LISTEN: Gov. Scott: Taxes, Education And Priorities For 2018 dlvr.it/Q3sPqv https://t.co/MrJxUXFcGu
  
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• Quiros’ defense team to receive $100,000

  01-12-2017 19:56 via vtdigger.org
  Bill Stenger, left, and Ariel Quiros at a ribbon cutting. File photo by Hilary Niles/VTDiggerAttorneys for Jay Peak developer Ariel Quiros will be getting $100,000 to cover their latest fees and costs in a massive alleged investor fraud case in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
  Melissa Visconti, a Miami-based lawyer representing Quiros, submitted a recent filing seeking approval for the release of $100,000 from a nearly $1 million Internal Revenue Service refund her client received to cover fee
  
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• Landmark Trust USA receives Thompson Trust Challenge Grant

  01-12-2017 19:39 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Landmark Trust USADec. 1, 2017
  Contact:Tristam JohnsonInterim Executive Director802-257-7783
  DUMMERSTON, VT – The Landmark Trust USA, the nonprofit group that manages Rudyard Kipling’s Naulakha in Dummerston, has been offered a challenge grant from the Thomas Thompson Trust of Boston to increase the capacity of the historic preservation organization. The Thompson Trust has agreed to provide a grant of $25,000 if the Landmark Trust USA can raise an equivalent amou
  
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• Welch, Warren introduce legislation to boost NIH and FDA medical research

  01-12-2017 19:35 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Rep. Peter WelchDecember 1, 2017
  Contact:Kate Hamilton, Press Secretary(202) 440-3340
  Funding would come from pharmaceutical companies caught breaking the law who then enter into settlement agreements
  WASHINGTON – Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) has joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in introducing legislation that would boost funding for critical medical research. The bill would pay for the new research by requiring large pharmaceutical companies that break the law an
  
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• Application fee waived through Dec. 15 for Snelling Center’s Early Childhood Leadership Institute

  01-12-2017 19:32 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Snelling Center for GovernmentDec. 1, 2017
  Contact:Suzanne TraheyEarly Childhood Leadership Institute Director
  [email protected]
  www.snellingcenter.org
  December 1, 2017 – The Snelling Center for Government is currently accepting applications for the Early Childhood Leadership Institute Class of 2018 and the non-refundable $25 application fee is being waived from December 1-15. The Early Childhood Leadership Institute is a unique leadership and pers
  
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• VPR appoints John Dillon to New England News Collaborative

  01-12-2017 19:24 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — VPRNovember 30, 2017
  Media Contact:John Van Hoesen, Senior Vice President & Chief Content Officer
  [email protected]
  Colchester, Vt. — News Director and longtime VPR News reporter John Dillon will take on a new role as Senior Reporter for the New England News Collaborative beginning in January, VPR announced today.
  The New England News Collaborative has become a signature project for VPR since the station joined a unique partnership with seven other public radio st
  
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• 15 days left to sign up for 2018 health coverage

  01-12-2017 19:16 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Department of Vermont Health AccessNov. 30, 2017
  Contact:Seán SheehanDeputy Director, Health Access Eligibility & Enrollment UnitDepartment of Vermont Health Access(802) 585-6339
  Customer Support Center to Open Next Two Saturdays (9am-1pm)
  WATERBURY, VT – State officials marked the end of the first month of Open Enrollment by thanking Vermonters for acting promptly ahead of this year’s deadline and reminding those who still need coverage to be sure to
  
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• Fake student group promoted O’Keefe talk in Middlebury

  01-12-2017 18:32 via vtdigger.org
  James O’Keefe, founder of Project Veritas. Photo by Cory Dawson/VTDiggerIf James O’Keefe was looking for controversy in Middlebury, he didn’t find it.The last time a controversial conservative speaker came to Middlebury in February — “The Bell Curve” author Charles Murray — the campus was forced into the national spotlight, and 74 students were disciplined, many for participating in a disruptive protest that left one Middlebury professor with a concussio
  
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• LISTEN LIVE: @VPRKinzel is taking your questions for @GovPhilScott on @vermontedition today, in just 5 minutes! digital.vpr.net/post/live-gov-…

  01-12-2017 18:03 via twitter.com
  LISTEN LIVE: @VPRKinzel is taking your questions for @GovPhilScott on @vermontedition today, in just 5 minutes! digital.vpr.net/post/live-gov-…
  
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• Massachusetts city seeks to sell Pownal forest

  01-12-2017 17:37 via vtdigger.org
  A sign in Pownal marks the beginning of forestland owned by the city of North Adams, Mass., which will seek proposals to purchase about 218 acres. Photo by Jim Therrien/VTDiggerPOWNAL — The city of North Adams, Mass., has issued a request for proposals for the disposition of 218 acres of mostly forested land in Pownal that was part of a former city watershed area.
  The land is adjacent to the Williamstown, Mass., border and can be accessed by White Oaks Road. The land, in several contiguous
  
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• Dartmouth-Hitchcock opioid study offers new guidelines after surgeries

  01-12-2017 17:03 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical CenterNovember 30, 2017
  Contact:Mike Barwell(603) [email protected] on Twitter: @DartmouthHitch
  LEBANON, NH — A new study by Dartmouth-Hitchcock’s Chief of Surgery Dr. Richard Barth offers surgeons specific guidelines for post-surgery prescriptions for pain-relieving opioids.
  The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, recommends that patients who have major abdominal surgery sho
  
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• Moving Light Dance Company presents 11th annual Green Mountain Nutcracker

  01-12-2017 17:02 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Moving Light Dance CompanyNov. 30, 2017
  Contact:Christine Harris, DirectorMoving Light Dance Company802- 595-3606
  [email protected]
  Experience the joy of a traditional holiday story with a unique Vermont twist
  BARRE, VT – The Green Mountain Nutcracker, Vermont’s only interpretation of the classic holiday tale with a local twist, returns to the Barre Opera House for two shows, on Saturday, December 16 at 7pm and Sunday, December 17 at 2pm.
  Now in its elev
  
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• Rights & Democracy bi-state membership assembly and human rights celebration is Dec. 10

  01-12-2017 16:59 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Rights & DemocracyNov. 30, 2017
  Contact:Shay Totten
  [email protected](802) 324-3198
  WHEN: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1-6PMWHERE: LEBANON HIGH SCHOOL (195 HANOVER ST., LEBANON, NEW HAMPSHIRE)MEDIA CONTACT: Shay Totten | [email protected] | (802) 324-3198
  FROM PROTEST TO POWER: ORGANIZING IN 2018 AND BEYOND
  LEBANON, NH – Hundreds of Rights & Democracy members from across Vermont and New Hampshire will gather on Dec. 10th for the organization’s annual membership assembl
  
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• Vermont Federal Credit Union collects donations for Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf

  01-12-2017 16:51 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Federal Credit UnionNov. 30, 2017
  Contact:Kylie J. PerryMarketing StrategistVermont Federal Credit Union(802) 923-1322, (888) 252-0202 Ext. 1322
  [email protected]
  Burlington, VT – On Saturday, November 18th, Vermont Federal Credit Union was the presenting sponsor of the Feed Your Neighbor Food Drive to benefit the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf.
  Vermont Federal Credit Union joined radio stations 99.9 The Buzz and 106.7 WIZN at Costco in Colchester to s
  
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• Vermont business group to honor Treasurer Beth Pearce

  01-12-2017 16:47 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — VBSRNovember 30, 2017
  Media Contact:Daniel Barlow, Public Policy Manager(802) 355-7461
  [email protected]
  – Pearce will be given VBSR’s ‘Public Servant of the Year’ Award –
  Burlington, VT – Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) will recognize Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce at a legislative breakfast next week for her work to establish a public retirement system, clean up Vermont’s waterways, and to address the impact
  
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• YWP: ‘Real Americans’

  01-12-2017 16:42 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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• SCOV Law Blog: Trial court rejects prosecution’s dismissal

  01-12-2017 16:30 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This piece from the SCOV Law Blog is by SCOV Law editor Andrew Delaney.
  State v. Villar, 2017 VT 109Creative Commons photo by walknboston via FlickrThis case is interesting (I’d drop a footnote here that says “if you’re a nerd,” but footnotes are a pain in these posts, so we’re going with a parenthetical). Can the prosecution dismiss a case while it’s on appeal? The trial court judge said, “Nope.” SCOV disagrees.
  Juan Villar wa
  
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• On today's program, we're taking your calls and questions as we ask @GovPhilScott about budgets, taxes and his prio… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…

  01-12-2017 15:59 via twitter.com
  On today's program, we're taking your calls and questions as we ask @GovPhilScott about budgets, taxes and his prio… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…
  
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• Do you have a question for @GovPhilScott? He joins us live on today's program to talk about his plans and prioritie… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…

  01-12-2017 14:39 via twitter.com
  Do you have a question for @GovPhilScott? He joins us live on today's program to talk about his plans and prioritie… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…
  
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• Scott administration: Property taxes to increase by more than 7 percent

  01-12-2017 12:00 via vtdigger.org
  Kaj Samsom, commissioner of the Vermont Department of Taxes. Photo by Erin Mansfield/VTDiggerPer-pupil spending is growing faster than Vermont’s economy or wages, and the average tax rate is going up 9.4 cents for both homestead and nonresidential property taxpayers. Those who pay on income can expect an increase of more than 7 percent, according to the tax commissioner.
  That’s just the state’s share; local increases could be higher.
  The state increase means the owner of a hous
  
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• Scott honors family friend at Christmas tree lighting ceremony

  01-12-2017 11:29 via vtdigger.org
  Phil Scott reads to children at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 30. Photo by Ivan Shadis/VTDiggerIn the shadow of the 25 foot tall ton and a half balsam fir towering on the Statehouse lawn, Gov. Phil Scott remembered its start as a seedling brought home from the state fair by a loved son more than 20 years ago.At Thursday night’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, Scott honored the memory of John Paul Eugair, who planted the tree in his family’s lawn before his death in 1
  
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• State will test day care centers for dry-cleaning chemicals

  01-12-2017 02:37 via vtdigger.org
  Six child care centers will be tested for dry-cleaning solvents that could be seeping into indoor air from ground pollution, state health officials said this week.
  A Department of Health spokesman said the testing this month is not in response to any known ailments. Rather, he said, it’s part of an initiative that’s been in the works for some time, to test for pollution near current and former dry-cleaning operations.The six child care centers to be tested this month were chosen beca
  
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• Ludlow and Rochester close high schools in last-chance merger votes

  01-12-2017 01:41 via vtdigger.org
  A class at Rochester School. The town adopted a proposal Tuesday that will close the local high school. Courtesy photo
  Two Vermont communities, Ludlow and Rochester, made the painful decision to close their high schools Tuesday. In all, nine towns went to the polls to vote on merger plans in time for a Nov. 30 deadline to get tax incentives and keep small-schools grants.
  Proposals are going forward that will unite Rochester and Stockbridge; Ludlow and Mount Holly; Bakersfield and Berkshire. Enos
  
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• Last-chance merger votes see two high schools closing

  01-12-2017 01:41 via vtdigger.org
  A class at Rochester School. The town adopted a proposal Tuesday that will close the local high school. Courtesy photo
  Two Vermont communities made the painful decision to close their high schools Tuesday. In all, nine towns went to the polls to vote on merger plans in time for a Nov. 30 deadline to get tax incentives and keep small-schools grants.
  Proposals are going forward that will unite Rochester and Stockbridge; Ludlow and Mount Holly; Bakersfield and Berkshire. Enosburgh supported a merge
  
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• Steve May: The far-flung victims of tainted blood

  01-12-2017 01:05 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Steve May, who is the former national director of state affairs for the Hemophilia Federation of America and past director of Advocacy for the New England Hemophilia Federation. In addition, he is a clinical social worker and is a member of the Selectboard in Richmond, where he resides.
  Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day. Across America and around the globe people lost to this earthly realm will be remembered by their families and friends. Their lives will be cel
  
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• Mark Pendergrast: The perils of being a man with a sharp sense of humor

  01-12-2017 01:00 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Mark Pendergrast, who is the author of many books. He lives in Colchester and can be reached through his website, www.markpendergrast.com.
  On Nov. 29, Garrison Keillor, the humorist and wry commentator, was fired and erased from the landscape of Minnesota Public Radio, a day after he wrote a funny article published in the Washington Post, complaining about the renaming of various people and places. It was vintage rambling Keillor. He noted, for instance
  
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• Tino O’Brien: Forward thinking for Montpelier’s new hotel

  01-12-2017 00:55 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Tino O’Brien, chair of the board of the Sustainable Montpelier Coalition and is written on the board’s behalf.
  Montpelier is buzzing with news of the new hotel coming to our downtown. There is much good news here: new jobs, new construction, new commercial activity, more people coming and going. Of course, there is no such thing as a free lunch, and we think it wise to consider how this positive new development could exemplify design that is
  
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• UPDATED: South Royalton principal pleads not guilty to voyeurism involving teen

  01-12-2017 00:19 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This story by Jordan Cuddemi was published first by the Valley News on Nov. 30, 2017.
  WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — The principal of South Royalton School pleaded not guilty to criminal charges on Thursday following allegations he surreptitiously videotaped a teenage girl in her bedroom and bathroom while she was staying in his home.
  In an interview with police, Dean Stearns acknowledged that he purchased three hidden surveillance cameras on the Internet and install
  
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• South Royalton principal pleads not guilty to voyeurism involving teen

  01-12-2017 00:19 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This story by Jordan Cuddemi was published first by the Valley News on Nov. 30, 2017.
  WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — The principal of South Royalton School has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of promoting a sexual recording and a misdemeanor voyeurism charge.
  Dean StearnsVermont State Police said a teenage girl who had been staying at his home in Sharon on a temporary basis called police Wednesday to say she believed she was being videotaped there.
  Police found that she
  
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