Vermont news

• The Deeper Dig: Scott’s prison plan

  19-01-2018 23:45 via vtdigger.org
  A phone hangs outside one of the five-person dormitory rooms at the Southeast State Correctional Facility in Windsor. Photo by James M. Patterson/Valley News
  This week, the Agency of Human Services announced a plan to build a $150 million prison complex in northwestern Vermont. The project is part of a broader proposal to restructure several correctional and mental health facilities around the state.
  Critics say the new plan opens a door for disreputable private pri
  
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• Box-cutter assault conviction upheld on split vote

  19-01-2018 22:43 via vtdigger.org
  BENNINGTON — A Bennington man’s conviction for first degree aggravated domestic assault with a deadly weapon was upheld in a split decision by the Vermont Supreme Court.
  The justices voted 3-2 last month to uphold the July 2016 conviction of Justin Kuzawski for threatening the six-year-old daughter of his girlfriend with a box-cutter tool in July 2015.
  Kuzawski argued in appealing his conviction that the object in question could not be considered a deadly weapon, that he did not harm
  
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• 171 House Democrats to Trump: Keep government open, include bipartisan priorities

  19-01-2018 22:09 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Rep. Peter WelchJanuary 18, 2018
  Contact:Kate Hamilton (Welch), 202-440-3340
  Richard Luchette (Cicilline), 202-225-4911
  Marie Figueroa (Jeffries), 347-988-4955
  WASHINGTON- Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.), and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), joined by 168 House colleagues, today sent a letter to President Trump expressing their support for keeping the federal government open while pressing for the inclusion of urgent bipartisan priorities in any funding
  
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• Solar developer proposes new uses for old landfills

  19-01-2018 22:07 via vtdigger.org
  The Dover Transfer Station has been proposed as the site of a solar array. Photo by Kristopher Radder/Brattleboro Reformer(This story by Chris Mays was published by the Brattleboro Reformer on Jan. 17, 2018.)
  DOVER — Just off Dover Hill Road sits the site of a future solar array, if all goes according to plan.
  “It’s a landfill in the same parcel as the transfer station and the snowplow garages,” said Ralph Meima, director of project development at Green Lantern Group, a W
  
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• VEC offers expanded energy transformation incentives, helping members transition off fossil fuels

  19-01-2018 21:58 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Electric Co-opJanuary 18, 2018
  Contact:Lisa Morris, Vermont Electric Co-op, 802-635-4222.
  Johnson, VT – In 2018, Vermont Electric Co-op (VEC) is offering an expanded menu of financial incentives to VEC members for energy transformation technologies that help members move away from fossil fuels to electricity and advanced wood heating. This program includes bill credits for electric and plug-in hybrid cars as well as lower-carbon heating and cooling systems.
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• Winter Weather: The Weird, The Wacky And The Wonderful dlvr.it/QBxdTQ https://t.co/60ywHvONNb

  19-01-2018 21:53 via twitter.com
  
  Winter Weather: The Weird, The Wacky And The Wonderful dlvr.it/QBxdTQ https://t.co/60ywHvONNb
  
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• 2nd annual K-12 Statewide Math Fair is April 7 at UVM

  19-01-2018 21:52 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Council of Teachers of MathematicsJan. 17, 2018
  Contact:Kate McCannVermont Council of Teachers of [email protected]
  Burlington, Vermont: The Vermont Council of Teachers of Mathematics will be sponsoring the second annual K-12 Statewide Math Fair at the University of Vermont on April 7, 2018.  This opportunity is open to all Vermont students.  The deadline to register is February 15, 2018.
  Last spring, 32 projects were judged by fou
  
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• ReSource announces move to larger location in Williston

  19-01-2018 21:48 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — ReSOURCEJan. 17, 2019
  Contact:Janice SzaboReSOURCE: A Nonprofit Community Enterprise(802)658-4143 [email protected]
  The community nonprofit will keep its reuse and training facilities at 339 Pine Street in Burlington open and expand it to include a household goods department, additional parking, and building upgrades
  Benefits include increased retail and warehouse space, strengthening current programs and services while developing new ones, and an im
  
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• F-35 opponents force City Council to float ballot question

  19-01-2018 21:26 via vtdigger.org
  Charles Simpson, progressive candidate for the Ward 6 city council seat, and F-35 opponent, addresses Friday’s news conference. Photo by Cory Dawson/VTDigger
  BURLINGTON — A group opposed to basing F-35 fighter jets at the Burlington airport claimed a small victory after gathering enough signatures on a petition to force the Burlington City Council to discuss, once again, whether to revisit the long-running controversy.
  Activists calling themselves Save our Skies have been working for
  
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• LISTEN: With Session Underway, Senate President Tim Ashe Outlines Priorities dlvr.it/QBwvVN https://t.co/oVXYHp3GDL

  19-01-2018 19:44 via twitter.com
  
  LISTEN: With Session Underway, Senate President Tim Ashe Outlines Priorities dlvr.it/QBwvVN https://t.co/oVXYHp3GDL
  
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• YWP: ‘Clouds on fire’

  19-01-2018 18:23 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: Insurance companies battle over who pays when policies overlap

  19-01-2018 18:05 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This piece from the SCOV Law Blog is by Nicole Killoran.Progressive Cas. Ins. Co. v. MMG Ins. Co., 2014 VT 70 
  Ever wondered what happens when you’re one of several passengers in a car crash, your driver is the jerk who’s responsible, and his liability insurance doesn’t pay for everyone’s injuries? Well, I hope you’re all hydrated, because we’re about to dive into a very dry area of law to find out the answer from a case that came out
  
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• Scott administration proposes caps on spending, commission that could close schools

  19-01-2018 18:01 via vtdigger.org
  Gov. Phil Scott. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDigger
  As promised, Gov. Phil Scott has proposed significant changes to the state’s education funding system. Most of the proposals, in a memo submitted to lawmakers, focuses on caps forper pupil spending rates and cuts to the state’s rebate program.
  There are more than a dozen proposals on the table. Two ideas that generated the most consternation from lawmakers include a proposed cap for per pupil spending and an asset test for property ta
  
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• Burlington mayoral candidate Carina Driscoll statement on restoring PILOT funds

  19-01-2018 15:30 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Carina for MayorJan. 16, 2018
  Press Contact:Elise Greaves – 802-917-2302
  In response to information released by the District at a School Board meeting tonight, Independent candidate for Mayor, Carina Driscoll, released the following statement:
  “The Mayor is bolstering the city’s finances at the expense of the schools, and ultimately increasing our education property tax burden. We can’t claim fiscal responsibility if our schools suffer when the city b
  
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• Vermont State Colleges System board announces 2018 Hall of Fame inductees

  19-01-2018 15:25 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont State Colleges SystemsJanuary 17, 2018
  Contact:Tricia Coates(802) 793-1417
  Montpelier — The President and CEO of Carhartt, Inc., a prominent local banker, an advocate for immigrants, a devoted philanthropist, the leader of the Vermont division of GlobalFoundries, and an accomplished local educator are all being honored by the Vermont State Colleges System as 2018 Hall of Fame inductees.
  The third annual Hall of Fame event supports scholarships for Vermont stude
  
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• Have a question for Senate President Pro Tem @TimAsheVT? He joins us live on today's program to discuss his legisla… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…

  19-01-2018 15:25 via twitter.com
  Have a question for Senate President Pro Tem @TimAsheVT? He joins us live on today's program to discuss his legisla… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…
  
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• GMP’s Mary Powell on list of world-changing women

  19-01-2018 15:20 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Green Mountain PowerJanuary 18, 2018
  Contact:Kristin Carlson, Green Mountain Power802-229-8200
  Conscious Capitalism Media credits Powell with breaking barriers and leading with love
  Colchester, Vt – Conscious Captialism Media (CCM), a global company focused on celebrating inspiring, cutting edge stories about business as a force for good, has named Green Mountain Power president and CEO Mary Powell to its 2018 list of 30 World-Changing Women in Conscious Business. In h
  
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• UVM Extension sponsors ninth annual Hop Conference

  19-01-2018 15:15 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — UVMJan. 1, 2018
  Media Contact:Susan Brouillette(800) 639-2130 (within Vermont) or (802) 524-6501, ext. 432E-mail: [email protected]
  South Burlington–The ninth annual Hop Conference, Feb.16 in South Burlington, features speakers from throughout the country who will discuss hop agronomy, current research, management practices, marketing and other relevant topics for hop growers.
  University of Vermont (UVM) Extension will host the event at the DoubleTree by Hilton
  
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• Burlington Electric contributes to CVOEO WARMTH Support Program

  19-01-2018 15:10 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Burlington Electric DepartmentJanuary 17, 2018
  Contact:Mike Kanarick802.735.7962
  Leads by Example with $20k to Help Families with Heating Emergencies
  Burlington, VT – The Burlington Electric Department today contributed $20,000 to the WARMTH Support Program of the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) to help Burlingtonians and Vermonters with heating emergencies this winter. During last year’s 2016-17 heating season, WARMTH served 351 Burlingto
  
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• Guide for developing student creativity available for educators and communities

  19-01-2018 15:05 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Community Engagement LabJanuary 17, 2017
  Contact:Paul Gambill, Executive Director, Community Engagement [email protected]; 802.595.0087
  MONTPELIER, Vt –– Vermont’s ultimate sustainable crop is the creative capacity of its students, according to a newly published guide for the state’s educators, parents and communities.
  The pioneering 25-page guide – “Growing the Ultimate Sustainable Crop: Creative Capacity in Vermont Students” &ndash
  
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• Snelling Center for Government announces application period for the Vermont Leadership Institute Class of 2019

  19-01-2018 15:00 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Snelling Center for GovernmentJan. 17, 2018
  Contact:Ptarmigan AbbottDirector of Events and OperationsSnelling Center for GovernmentPO Box 698Shelburne, VT 05482(802) 859-3090
  January 17, 2018 – The Snelling Center for Government is now accepting applications to the Vermont Leadership Institute, Vermont’s premier civic leadership development program.   Since 1995, the Vermont Leadership Institute has been offering intensive programs for leaders in V
  
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• Scott to sign marijuana legalization bill behind closed doors

  19-01-2018 12:27 via vtdigger.org
  Gov. Phil Scott says he will sign the marijuana legalization bill behind closed doors “probably” before Monday.The governor said his general counsel is reviewing the bill to ensure that “everything that is supposed to be in there is there.” Get all of VTDigger's political news.You'll never miss a political story with our weekly headlines in your inbox.Daily
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• Commission recommends initiatives to boost recreational economy

  19-01-2018 11:37 via vtdigger.org
  The Waterbury Reservoir’s many swimming and boating possibilities drew 42,000 people this summer to the state park. Photo by Gordon Miller/Stowe Reporter
  The state is launching new programs that promote Vermont’s recreational ethic as a way to propel the economy, according to Gov. Phil Scott.At his weekly press conference Thursday, Scott announce pilot projects designed to draw more locals and out-of-state visitors to Vermont’s parks. All three initiatives — the Outdoor R
  
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• Vermont delegation opposes short-term spending bill, as Congress barrels toward shutdown

  19-01-2018 11:16 via vtdigger.org
  Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., outside the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Elizabeth Hewitt/VTDiggerWASHINGTON — All three members of Vermont’s delegation opposed a Republican-backed spending plan that would keep the government open for four more weeks Thursday.
  The short-term spending resolution passed the House, but it ground to a halt in the Senate.The package stalled with just over a day left before the Friday midnight deadline when the federal government will shut down.
  Rep. Peter Welch, D-
  
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• Officials encourage flu vaccinations as cases spike

  19-01-2018 02:04 via vtdigger.org
  (This story by Nora Doyle-Burr was published by the Valley News on Jan. 18, 2018.)
  The number of cases of flu and flu-like symptoms appear to be peaking in the Upper Valley and beyond in recent weeks.
  As the number of cases peak, public health officials are urging those who have not yet gotten a flu shot to get one and benefit from whatever protection it might afford, despite the fact that this year’s vaccine isn’t a great match for the most common flu strain.
  This season appears to
  
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• High court seeks new approach as child abuse, neglect cases rise

  19-01-2018 01:54 via vtdigger.org
  Chief Justice Paul Reiber will head the Vermont Judicial Commission on Family Treatment Courts. File photo by Erin Mansfield/VTDigger
  Vermont’s top court is forming a task force to find ways to help deal with skyrocketing child protection cases fueled by the opioid crisis.The state’s Supreme Court this week announced it was establishing the Vermont Judicial Commission on Family Treatment Courts with members from across state government and the private sector.Filings of abuse and negl
  
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• Peter Berger: The fault in ourselves

  19-01-2018 01:05 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.
  I teach analogies to my students. Solving analogies involves statements like “hot is to cold as up is to …” where you have to come up with a word that completes the thought. Arriving at the correct answer requir
  
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• Dede Cummings: Raising awareness of climate change with humor

  19-01-2018 01:00 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Dede Cummings, of Brattleboro, who is a poet and publisher, an environmental activist, a member of 350-Vermont, and the founder and publisher of Green Writers Press.
  Yes, the climate is in peril, and most of us are too busy to stop and look through the forest.
  You see, in Vermont, we are protected, somewhat. Our proximity to Canada, always good, gives us a northern edge. Our Northeast Kingdom, in fact, is a world unto itself, teeming with trout, bears,
  
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• Steve May: The troubled are our neighbors

  19-01-2018 00:55 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Steve May, of Richmond, who is a clinical social worker who has worked in addiction medicine for the last 15 years across multiple agencies in Vermont. He is a member of the Richmond Selectboard and was a Progressive and Democratic candidate for a House seat in 2016.
  People can’t simply be boiled down to a lowest common denominator. People are not mismatched socks, they are made of flesh and bone. This reality seems to have been missed by many of
  
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• Vermont bill may target one type of fluorescent lamp for ban

  19-01-2018 00:47 via vtdigger.org
  Rep. Curt McCormack, D-BurlingtonA bill under review by a Vermont House committee would mean lights out for a fluorescent bulb technology hailed when it came out as showing colors well, but since matched or surpassed in that category and easily topped by other products for energy efficiency.
  Industry lobbyists appeared before the House Energy and Technology Committee on Wednesday, with at least one trying to explain to lawmakers why future sales of the “high-CRI T12 fluorescent bulb”
  
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