Vermont news

• Linda Sullivan: Economic development — the Vermont challenge

  26-12-2017 23:47 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Rep. Linda Joy Sullivan, a Democrat who represents the Bennington-Rutland District in the Vermont House of Representatives and is a member of the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development. This is the first of a three-part commentary. Part 2 will be published Wednesday and Part 3 on Thursday.
  I set out here, in this first of three installments, to address one of our state’s more perplexing challenges — our inability, and perhaps e
  
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• Barrie Dunsmore: The worst year ever

  26-12-2017 23:46 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary by retired ABC News diplomatic correspondent Barrie Dunsmore first appeared in the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus and Rutland Herald Sunday edition. All his columns can be found on his website.
  This will be my last column of 2017. Traditionally, this has been an opportunity for reflection on important events of the past year, usually with a look ahead — and if possible — a positive spin that the glass is half full rather than half empty. As human be
  
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• Elayne Clift: A salute to STEM women

  26-12-2017 23:45 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Elayne Clift, who writes about women, culture and social issues from Saxtons River.
  Ask any number of people to name a woman who has made a difference in science, technology, engineering or math, now known as STEM, and they are likely to say Marie Curie, who won the Nobel Prize in both physics and chemistry for discovering radium and polonium and for researching treating tumors with radiation.
  They might know that 1940s movie star Hedy Lamarr did someth
  
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• Join us: VTDigger’s open house is Jan. 3, 4:30 p.m.

  26-12-2017 23:41 via vtdigger.org
  We are pleased to open VTDigger’s doors to our reading public on Wednesday, Jan. 3, starting at 4:30 p.m. Our annual open house is free and open to all. It’s a fun time to mingle with local business people, readers of all political stripes. You’ll see lawmakers, lobbyists, and of course, VTDigger staff and board members.
  Rep. Sam Young, D-Glover, Rep. Robin Chestnut-Tangerman, D-Middletown Springs, and Lt. Gov.-elect David Zuckerman at the VTDigger open house on Jan. 3, 2017. P
  
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• Big month on tap in Vermont Yankee case

  26-12-2017 23:31 via vtdigger.org
  An aerial photo of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant in Vernon.VERNON – January is a pivotal month for the proposed sale of Vermont Yankee.
  The state Public Utility Commission‘s second and final public hearing on the matter is scheduled for Jan. 4 in Brattleboro.
  Depositions of key figures in the sale debate will start soon after that hearing. And later in the month, the utility commission will convene technical hearings that are expected to attract a big crowd.
  Those developments com
  
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• Burlington mayoral candidate Driscoll will not seek Dem endorsement

  26-12-2017 23:02 via vtdigger.org
  Carina Driscoll, an independent, won the Progressive endorsement for Burlington mayor early this month. Photo by Cory Dawson/VTDiggerBURLINGTON — Mayoral candidate Carina Driscoll won’t seek the endorsement of city Democrats at a party caucus in January, her campaign announced last week.
  Driscoll will likely also not seek the Republican endorsement, she said Tuesday.
  A former state representative and Burlington city councilor, Driscoll had previously hinted she may seek support from
  
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• LAST MATCH: The next $15,000 will be matched. Support quality reporting in VT.

  26-12-2017 21:57 via vtdigger.org
  Thanks to a major donor, there is one more match challenge. The next $15,000 will be matched! If you’ve already given, please share this post with your friends and colleagues and help us reach this goal. If you have not yet contributed, please do so today. We have $71,159 left to raise by Dec. 31.Experience matters. Support excellent journalism.
  VTDigger is known for supporting young news hounds and making them shine, but we also have a newsroom rich with decades of combined experience. Fr
  
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• Bennington charter group does not endorse “strong mayor” structure in final report

  26-12-2017 21:03 via vtdigger.org
  Bennington Charter Review Committee members speak at a meeting earlier this year about the mayoral option for town government. The group is reviewing the current charter and will give the Selectboard recommendations for revisions. Photo by Jim Therrien/VTDiggerBENNINGTON — In its final report, the Charter Review Committee recommends allowing local option taxes, adds accountability provisions for the town manager and select board members and favors a defined ceremonial role for the board ch
  
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• Mid-year state budget proposal includes Woodside, vets’ home

  26-12-2017 20:00 via vtdigger.org
  Commissioner of Finance and Management Adam Greshin. Photo by Elizabeth Hewitt/VTDiggerThe Scott administration is proposing increasing appropriations for the state’s juvenile rehabilitation center, the Vermont Veterans’ Home and making other changes as part of the annual budget adjustment process.
  The proposal also would put money into a reserve fund and would help pay off a deficit associated with the fiscally troubled Vermont Life magazine.
  Lawmakers on the House Appropriations Co
  
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• Top 10 news stories of 2017

  26-12-2017 19:51 via vtdigger.org
  As 2017 closes, the editors at VTDigger looked back on the biggest news of the past year. We took into account electoral changes that have shifted the political landscape of both Washington, D.C. and Vermont, the legislative fights over marijuana and a statewide teacher health care contract, allegations of sexual harassment at the Statehouse and an opiate treatment center, FBI investigations of a national figure and a local town clerk, the ongoing repercussions of the fraud at Jay Peak Resort an
  
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• Leahy joins call for CDC, HHS to reverse on banned words list

  26-12-2017 17:20 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Sen. Patrick LeahyDec. 22, 2017
  Press Contact:David Carle(202) 224-3693
  Senators: Banning Words like Fetus, Transgender and Science/Evidence-Based Could Lead to Censorship, Impact Public Health Goals
  WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy joined a letter led by Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and signed by Tom Carper (D-Del.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and
  
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• Gov. Phil Scott’s public schedule Dec. 23-29, 2017

  26-12-2017 17:16 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Gov. Phil ScottDec. 22, 2017
  Contact:Ethan T. LatourAsst. Director of Policy and CommunicationsGovernor Phil Scott
  [email protected]. 802.828.3333
  governor.vermont.gov
  Governor Phil Scott’s Public Schedule: 12/23/17 – 12/29/17
  Christmas Week – limited public events scheduled.
  Tuesday, December 26
  5:30 PM
  Appear on WCAX’s “The :30”
  Watch on Channel 3 WCAX
  Friday, December 29
  7:00 – 7:30 AM
  Annual DUI education Show
  Listen on 1
  
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• Mayor Miro Weinberger’s public appearance schedule for Dec. 25-29, 2017

  26-12-2017 17:09 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Office of Mayor Miro WeinbergerDecember 22, 2017
  Contact:Katie Vane802.734.0617
  Mayor Miro Weinberger’s public appearance schedule for December 25 – 29, 2017:
  Monday, December 25City offices closed in observance of Christmas Day
  Tuesday, December 26No public appearances scheduled
  Wednesday, December 27Mornings with Miro cancelled in observance of the holidays – next Mornings with Miro to be held on January 3, 20186:00 pm Special City Council Meeting –
  
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• Vermont Business Roundtable hires executive director to support Vermont Talent Pipeline Management Project

  26-12-2017 17:00 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Business RoundtableDecember 21, 2017
  Contact:Lisa Ventriss, President, Vermont Business Roundtable802-865-0410
  [email protected]
  Today, the Vermont Business Roundtable announced that it has hired Mary Anne Sheahan of Shelburne, as Executive Director of the Vermont Talent Pipeline Management Program (VTPM).
  “The Roundtable and its VTPM partners around the state are very excited about this important next step toward the full realization of our program, which
  
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• Mayor, city leaders announce 2018 Burlington Housing Trust Fund awards

  26-12-2017 16:56 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Office of Mayor Miro WeinbergerDecember 21, 2017
  Contact:Todd Rawlings, CEDO, 802-652-4309Brian Lowe, Mayor’s Office, 802-735-3983
  City to Provide $310,455 in Projects and Capacity Funding to Support Affordable Housing in Burlington in FY18
  Burlington, VT – Mayor Miro Weinberger, City Councilor Adam Roof, and Community and Economic Development Office Director Noelle MacKay and community leaders today announced the recipients of the 2018 Burlington Housing Trust F
  
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• St. Johnsbury’s First Night North brings family fun to everyone

  26-12-2017 16:52 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — First Night North
  Contact:Catamount Arts box office115 Eastern Avenue, St. Johnsbury748-2600
  www.firstnightstj.com
  Admission buttons are on sale now for St. Johnsbury’s biggest and brightest annual performing arts festival, First Night North. On Sunday, December 31, First Night North will bring 100 shows to 18 venues in downtown St. Johnsbury, beginning at 4:00 in the afternoon and ending with midnight fireworks. Now in its 25th year, First Night North promises family-
  
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• VHCB’s Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program awards $264,169 for water quality improvements

  26-12-2017 16:46 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Housing & Conservation BoardDecember 21, 2017
  Contact:Ela Chapin, Viability Program Director, VHCB 802-828-2117; [email protected]
  The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program, a program of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, awarded $264,169 in water quality grants to farmers, in Addison, Franklin, Orange, Orleans, and Rutland counties. The grants will be used for 10 capital improvement projects totaling $2.4 million that will reduce runoff and improve m
  
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• Green Mountain Care Board approves OneCare Vermont’s ACO budget

  26-12-2017 16:40 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Green Mountain Care BoardThursday, December 21, 2017
  Contact:Conor Kennedy802-505-3055
  Montpelier, VT – Today, the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) voted unanimously to approve OneCare Vermont’s 2018 Accountable Care Organization (ACO) budget. The budget was approved with a series of conditions that the ACO must meet to better ensure that quality improvement and cost containment efforts are successful. The Board also voted unanimously to submit a Medicare rate tr
  
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• City of Winooski remembers police Lt. Michael Cram

  26-12-2017 16:36 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — City of WinooskiDec. 18, 2017
  Contact:Jessie Baker, City Manager
  [email protected]
  winooskivt.org
  It is with immense regret that we share with you that the City of Winooski has lost PoliceLieutenant Michael Cram.
  After a difficult battle with cancer, Lieutenant Cram passed away this weekend surrounded byhis family. Although losing our friend brings us immeasurable heartbreak, his memory willmotivate us for years to come. Lieutenant Cram dedicated 12 years of his life wit
  
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• Vermont Department of Public Safety responds to U.S. Justice Department

  26-12-2017 16:31 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Department of Public SafetyDecember 15, 2017
  Contact:Mark Bosma
  [email protected]
  Vermont Department of Public Safety Responds to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Inquiry Regarding Whether Vermont’s Fair and Impartial Policing Policies Comply with Federal Law
  Department of Public Safety Commissioner Thomas D. Anderson responded today to the United States Department of Justice’s (DOJ) letter of November 15, 2017, making clear that Vermont’
  
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• Get the real story from DC.

  26-12-2017 14:21 via vtdigger.org
  Elizabeth Hewitt spends her days roaming the halls of Congress and staking out our congressional delegation so you can get the scoop straight from D.C.  
  As the only Vermont news outlet with a reporter on the ground on Capitol Hill, VTDigger brings you news about the impact of federal policy decisions on Vermont.In this short video, she talks about her work.We believe it’s critical, especially at this time, to report on what is actually going on behind the scenes in Congress as it hap
  
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• Washington County prosecutor investigated over victims fund

  26-12-2017 14:02 via vtdigger.org
  Washington County State’s Attorney Scott Williams. File photo by Elizabeth Hewitt/VTDiggerA defense lawyer is challenging Washington County State’s Attorney Scott Williams’ explanation about how a charge against his client was dismissed.
  Williams’ version of events is stated in a letter to the state’s Professional Responsibility Board’s disciplinary counsel, which is investigating the prosecutor’s handling of that case and others.
  Defense attorney Colin
  
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• Schurz Communications to hold Burlington Telecom rates level for five years

  26-12-2017 13:27 via vtdigger.org
  The Indiana-based company will build out the Burlington Telecom network in the city and outlying areas over the next four years.Schurz Communications has agreed to freeze rates for broadband service as part of a deal to purchase Burlington Telecom. The Indiana-based company pledges to keep rates level for a five-year period.
  Those details are part of a purchase agreement that was released on Friday afternoon, just five days before the Burlington City Council takes a final vote on the deal.Schurz
  
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• Peter Berger: ‘This President’

  26-12-2017 00:55 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Peter Berger, an English teacher at Weathersfield School, who writes “Poor Elijah’s Almanack.” The column appears in several publications, including the Times Argus, the Rutland Herald and the Stowe Reporter.
  Every Christmas Poor Elijah treats himself to “A Christmas Carol.” Ebenezer Scrooge is a powerful man. His tyranny extends over his debtors, his workers, his family and London’s huddled masses. Happily by the sto
  
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• Christopher Pearson: Farmers, money, cows and water quality

  26-12-2017 00:55 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Sen. Christopher Pearson, P-D, who represents Chittenden County in the Vermont Senate and serves on the Senate Natural Resource & Energy Committee.
  For years farmers have been punished by low milk prices. That hurts everyone because farmers are central to Vermont’s economy and our way of life. We need local food. We need our lands in production. In other words, we need farmers to earn a fair price for milk.
  It’s also essential to recogni
  
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