Vermont news

• Peter Gould: The new bondage

  14-03-2018 23:55 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Peter Gould, a writer and theater director from Brattleboro who is a professor of Peace & Conflict Studies at Brandeis University.
  I‘ve just been on an educational trip to the Arizona-Mexico border. I know you can’t make completely dependable statements based on a short visit, but I am so disturbed by what I saw and heard, that I have to share this with the VTDigger community.
  I have some history with immigrant rights. As half of the the
  
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• Margolis: The winter of Bernie’s discontent

  14-03-2018 23:55 via vtdigger.org
  Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. File photo by Bob LoCicero/VTDigger
  Editor’s note: Jon Margolis is VTDigger’s political columnist.
  Like most Vermonters, Sen. Bernie Sanders is probably looking forward to the coming of spring.Get all of VTDigger's political news.You'll never miss a political story with our weekly headlines in your inbox.Daily
  Sundays only (Weekly Wrap) Email me stories on these subjects... Business News
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• Weinberger is rested and ready to tackle new issues

  14-03-2018 23:50 via vtdigger.org
  Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger. Photo by Bob LoCicero/VT Digger
  BURLINGTON — After securing a third term as Burlington mayor, and taking a couple days off, Miro Weinberger is charging ahead.
  Weinberger is refocusing on issues he campaigned on — such as revamping city-owned buildings and continuing the fight against opioids — but also tackling new issues. Among them: Guiding the city’s response to a referendum opposing the basing of F-35 fighter jets at Burlington Intern
  
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• Al Salzman: A generation lost in debt

  14-03-2018 23:50 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Al Salzman, of Fairfield, who is a retired public school art teacher and an active painter.
  We have a new “lost generation.” The previous Lost Generation, the generation after World War I chronicled by F. Scott Fitzgerald, were the young who had become disillusioned by the brutality of the war, and subsequently by the Great Depression, and the loss of their sense of hope for the future. The new lost generation are the millions of young folk
  
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• Vermont students brave snow to say #EnoughIsEnough

  14-03-2018 23:33 via vtdigger.org
  BHS students hold signs listing phone numbers for state legislators and the governor. Photo by Gail Callahan/VTDigger
  A snowstorm barreled across Vermont closing schools across the state on Wednesday. But it didn’t prevent some students from joining their peers across the country for a walkout demanding an end to gun violence.
  Students across the country staged 17-minute walkouts in memory of the 17 people killed in a mass shooting on Feb. 14 at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in
  
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• After A Year, Taking Stock Of Vermont's Paid Sick Time Law dlvr.it/QL2PHt https://t.co/w6JksMBr3m

  14-03-2018 21:12 via twitter.com
  
  After A Year, Taking Stock Of Vermont's Paid Sick Time Law dlvr.it/QL2PHt https://t.co/w6JksMBr3m
  
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• UPDATED: Five soldiers hospitalized after avalanche on Smugglers Notch

  14-03-2018 20:40 via vtdigger.org
  U.S. Army Capt. Jason Beams, Training Division officer at the Army Mountain Warfare School in Jericho, observes soldiers climbing Smugglers’ Notch during their final phase of the Basic Military Mountaineering course in February 2015. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Mattison
  Five U.S. Army soldiers have been transported to UVM Medical Center after being caught in an avalanche at Smugglers Notch while doing rough-terrain training Wednesday afternoon.Six soldiers were initia
  
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• Six soldiers injured in avalanche on Smugglers Notch

  14-03-2018 20:40 via vtdigger.org
  U.S. Army Capt. Jason Beams, Training Division officer at the Army Mountain Warfare School in Jericho, observes soldiers climbing Smugglers’ Notch during their final phase of the Basic Military Mountaineering course in February 2015. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Mattison
  An avalanche at Smugglers Notch injured six U.S. Army soldiers Wednesday afternoon as they were training at the Army Mountain Warfare School.
  Guard spokesperson Lt. Mike Arcovitch said at 3 p.m. that e
  
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• Hey #vermont, what's a conversation we should have on the show next week? -@SamGaleRosen

  14-03-2018 19:07 via twitter.com
  Hey #vermont, what's a conversation we should have on the show next week?-@SamGaleRosen
  
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• LISTEN: Redefining Masculinity In The Age Of #MeToo dlvr.it/QL1WL4 https://t.co/HDFLy8vmX9

  14-03-2018 18:40 via twitter.com
  
  LISTEN: Redefining Masculinity In The Age Of #MeToo dlvr.it/QL1WL4 https://t.co/HDFLy8vmX9
  
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• Vermont teen is up for the count this Pi Day

  14-03-2018 18:30 via vtdigger.org
  Ari Essunfeld, a junior at Brattleboro Union High School, recites Pi while calculating various numbers during the first Windham County’s Got Talent held at the Latchis Theatre in January. Photo by Kristopher Radder/Brattleboro Reformer
  BRATTLEBORO — Ari Essunfeld walked on stage ready to wow the crowd with a big number.
  Make that a boundless, breathtaking, mega-digit number.
  The 17-year-old Brattleboro Union High School junior stepped into the spotlight of “Windham County&rsqu
  
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• Burlington’s International Women’s Day celebration

  14-03-2018 18:13 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — IWD CelebrationMarch 13, 2018
  On March 7th, the eve of International Women’s Day (IWD), one hundred people braved serious winter weather warnings to attend the 5th Annual International Women’s Day Celebration at Burlington High School. Beneath a colorful display of national flags from around the world, we ate delicious foods, made connections, and were entertained and inspired by our presenters. Participants ranged in age from 3 to 103, including women, men, and
  
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• Black Rhino Horn Stolen From UVM Recovered dlvr.it/QL0ky0 https://t.co/1kqU1Fj99W

  14-03-2018 16:44 via twitter.com
  
  Black Rhino Horn Stolen From UVM Recovered dlvr.it/QL0ky0 https://t.co/1kqU1Fj99W
  
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• Backer of mayoral format in Bennington not ready to give up

  14-03-2018 15:53 via vtdigger.org
  Mike Bethel plans a more complete amendment to the Bennington government charter. File photo/Bennington Banner
  BENNINGTON — Ardent supporters of a mayor for the town of Bennington apparently aren’t taking three strikes for an answer.
  Mike Bethel spearheaded the most recent vote on a mayoral format, which was defeated in the March 6 annual election, but he announced Tuesday that he and others will try again. He’s aiming for the November ballot.Get all of VTDigger's political new
  
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• Randolph High co-principal cited into court on sexual misconduct charge

  14-03-2018 15:49 via vtdigger.org
  David Barnett, co-principal of Randolph Union High School.
  This story by Jordan Cuddemi was published in the Valley News on March 14, 2018.
  RANDOLPH — Police have cited a Randolph Union High School co-principal into court on a sexual misconduct charge, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.RELATED STORIESRandolph principal under investigation for misconduct involving former student
  David Barnett, 50, of Waitsfield, is due to appear in Orange Superior Court next month on
  
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• Landmark College partners with George Williams College on Transitional Enrichment Program for Students with ASD

  14-03-2018 15:00 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Landmark CollegeMarch 12, 2018
  Contact:Mark [email protected]
  Chris [email protected]
  Putney – Landmark College, a global leader in educating students with learning differences (LD), is partnering with George Williams College of Aurora University to host a new 10-day Summer Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  Set to begin this June at George Williams College&
  
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• Central Vermont Council on Aging hosts ‘Powerful Tools for Caregivers’

  14-03-2018 14:56 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Central Vermont Council on AgingMarch 12, 2018
  Contact:Mary Hayden, Director of Development and CommunicationsCentral Vermont Council on [email protected]
  Barre – Are you caring for a spouse with dementia, an aging parent, or an ill family member? Or are you now raising your grandchildren? Is the stress of caregiving taking its toll on your health or your relationships? Then Powerful Tools for Caregivers is for you!
  Powerful Tools for Caregiv
  
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• Bolton Valley names Lindsay DesLauriers as Executive Vice President and COO

  14-03-2018 14:53 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Bolton ValleyMarch 12, 2018
  Contact:Josh [email protected]
  Bolton – Bolton Valley today announced that Lindsay DesLauriers has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Lindsay DesLauriers will oversee the day to day operations at Bolton Valley, with a particular focus on the management of annual budgets and long term planning and growth for the company.
  “I am really excited that Lindsay will be joining our team a
  
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• Bennington County to host entrepreneurial mindset program

  14-03-2018 14:46 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — The Entrepreneurial Learning InitiativeMarch 12, 2018
  Contact:Bree Langemo, PresidentThe Entrepreneurial Learning [email protected] 
  Jonathan Cooper, Economic Development SpecialistBennington County Industrial [email protected]
  Bennington – The Bennington County Industrial Corporation, Braathe Enterprises, and The Lightning Jar are excited to announce the continued partnership with the Entrepreneurial Learning I
  
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• Celebrate Vermont wine, March 24-31

  14-03-2018 14:25 via vtdigger.org
  News Release –Vermont Fresh NetworkMarch 12, 2018
  Contact:Tara PereiraVermont Fresh [email protected]
  Richmond – Vermont Fresh Network (VFN) is excited to invite food and wine enthusiasts to special events throughout the state in celebration of Vermont wine and ice cider during the week of March 24 – 31. Vermont wineries and cideries will be showcasing their craft at winemaker dinners, tastings, and other events hosted by VFN member restaurants and tastin
  
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• Williamstown felon jailed for selling firearms

  14-03-2018 14:20 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of VermontMarch 12, 2018
  Contact:
  Tim Atkinson, United States Attorney’s Office, District of [email protected]
  Burlington – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Lawrence A. Griffen, Jr., age 50, of Williamstown, Vermont, was sentenced to a year in jail today by Judge William K. Sessions, III, in U.S. District Court in Burlington. Griffen was arrested last
  
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• U.S. Gold medal winners highlight Craftsbury SuperTour Festival

  14-03-2018 14:15 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Craftsbury Outdoor CenterMarch 12, 2018
  Contact:Sheldon MillerCraftsbury Outdoor [email protected]
  Craftsbury – Fresh from international competition, US Nordic and biathlon Olympians will be competing in Craftsbury, March 23-28 – including the first American Nordic gold medalists, Kikkan Randall and Jessie Diggins. While three US National Championship races anchor the festival, fans and spectators will have a wide variety of opportunities to join the
  
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• South Burlington announces Shawn Burke as next Police Chief

  14-03-2018 14:10 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — City of South BurlingtonMarch 12, 2018
  Contact:Media Contact: Coralee HolmDirector of Community Engagement & [email protected]
  South Burlington – The City of South Burlington has reached a tentative agreement with Shawn Burke to be the next chief of police. Burke will fill the position upon the retirement of Chief Trevor Whipple in January 2019.
  “Shawn Burke has the exact profile that we were looking for in a Chief to follow in Trevor
  
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• Corey Parent announces bid for Vermont Senate

  14-03-2018 14:05 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Corey ParentMarch 13, 2018
  Contact:Corey Parent:802-370-0494
  St. Albans – State Representative Corey Parent (R – St. Albans) announced today that he’s a candidate to represent Franklin County and Alburgh in the Vermont Senate.
  “I want to thank the people of St. Albans for allowing me the honor to serve on their behalf for past four years. I also want to thank Senator Carolyn Branagan for her service to the people of Franklin County.” Parent said
  
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• Department of Environmental Conservation releases Vermont Groundwater Management Plan

  14-03-2018 14:00 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Agency of Natural ResourcesMarch 13, 2018
  Contact:Scott Stewart,Groundwater CoordinatorDepartment of Environmental [email protected]
  MONTPELIER — Every day, more than 60% of Vermonters depend on groundwater for drinking water, and for agricultural, commercial and industrial needs. For such a substantial resource, few people pay attention to groundwater until it runs out or becomes unsafe. Groundwater is out-of-sight and out-of-mind, whic
  
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• One House gun bill faces dim future, another moving ahead

  14-03-2018 02:58 via vtdigger.org
  Members of Vermont gun rights groups hold a banquet in the Statehouse cafeteria. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDigger
  A House-backed gun bill sent to the Senate just before the crossover deadline appears shelved in that chamber in favor of two other pieces of firearms legislation.
  Lawmakers returned to the Statehouse on Tuesday following their annual weeklong Town Meeting Day break. Hundreds of opponents of stricter gun laws gathered in the capitol building, while supporters held a smaller demonstra
  
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• WATCH LIVE: Vermont statewide 2018 Scripps Spelling Bee final

  14-03-2018 02:23 via vtdigger.org
  VTDigger is hosting the 2018 statewide final of the Scripps Spelling Bee.
  Contestants ranging in age from 8-15 will vie for the honor of representing Vermont in Baltimore, Maryland, for the national final May 29-31.
  Competition begins at 3:30 p.m. until the last word is spelled correctly. Watch it above thanks to Channel 17.
  This event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Vermont Principals’ Association, the Vermont Humanities Council, Milne Travel and the Vermont
  
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• POSTPONED: Vermont statewide 2018 Scripps Spelling Bee final

  14-03-2018 02:23 via vtdigger.org
  ***The Spelling Bee final planned for tonight has been POSTPONED to Wednesday, March 21. Tune in next week!***
  VTDigger is hosting the 2018 statewide final of the Scripps Spelling Bee.
  Contestants ranging in age from 8-15 will vie for the honor of representing Vermont in Baltimore, Maryland, for the national final May 29-31.
  Competition begins at 4:30 p.m. until the last word is spelled correctly. Watch it above thanks to Channel 17.
  This event is made possible through the generous sponsor
  
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• Castleton closes Polling Institute, eliminates two dean positions

  14-03-2018 02:11 via vtdigger.org
  Woodruff Hall at Castleton University. Photo Wikimedia Commons
  The state’s only polling institute is among the casualties as Castleton University seeks to address a $1.5 million budget gap. Two dean positions have also been eliminated.
  School faculty returned from Presidents Week break last month to news that some positions would be cut by the end of the year.
  Castleton spokesperson Jeff Weld said Tuesday that the university had cut the positions of Dean of Administration Scott Dykman and
  
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• House backs individual health insurance mandate

  14-03-2018 01:06 via vtdigger.org
  The effort to establish an individual health insurance mandate in Vermont took another step forward on Tuesday.
  The House gave preliminary approval to H.696, which would require that all state residents buy health insurance as of Jan. 1, 2019.
  The bill does not yet include a penalty for those who don’t buy insurance. Instead, a working group would study the issue and come up with recommendations later this year.
  Implementation of a penalty “would require future action by the general
  
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• ACLU puts schools on warning ahead of walkouts

  14-03-2018 01:05 via vtdigger.org
  Lia Ernst, a lawyer with the Vermont chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. Photo by Alan J. Keays/VTDigger
  On the eve of a nationwide student walkout demanding action on gun violence, the Vermont ACLU sent a strongly worded letter to school officials in the state threatening legal action if participating students face punishment beyond what would be expected for skipping class.Students at more than a dozen Vermont schools say they are planning to join peers around the nation on Wednesda
  
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• Scott backs proposal to cut costs for homeowners

  14-03-2018 00:44 via vtdigger.org
  Gov. Phil Scott speaks to reporters Tuesday. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDigger
  Gov. Phil Scott is championing a $1 million plan to attract young families and workers to Vermont by cutting the costs of owning a home.
  The governor said provisions in a bill in the house, including introducing a homeowner tax credit and expanding a down payment assistance program, would achieve many of the goals he laid out in his budget in January.Get all of VTDigger's political news.You'll never miss a political st
  
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• Senate votes to expand prisoners’ addiction treatment

  14-03-2018 00:32 via vtdigger.org
  Sen. John Rodgers, D-Essex-Orleans, vice chair of the Senate Institutions Committee. File photo by John Herrick/VTDigger
  The state Senate has advanced a bill that expands medication-assisted treatment for Vermont prisoners who are addicted to opioids.
  The version of S.166 that received preliminary approval on Tuesday would allow inmates to begin taking buprenorphine – also known as Suboxone – while behind bars even if they had not been receiving that medication before incarceration.
  
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• Future nuclear physicist faces second Scripps spelling bee

  14-03-2018 00:19 via vtdigger.org
  Seventh-grader Raghav Dhandi,12, will be participating in the Scripps Spelling Bee Mar. 14. Photo by Kelsey Neubauer/VTDigger.
  [As] a nor’easter whirled outside Main Street Middle School in Montpelier on Tuesday, seventh-grader Raghav Dhandi, 12, was granted permission to leave class for a few minutes to talk about representing the school in the Vermont Scripps Spelling Bee.It’s his second chance at the spelling bee, which starts at 2 p.m. Wednesday, at Saint Michael’s College
  
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• Lisa Manning Floyd: Education is a shared responsibility

  14-03-2018 00:18 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Lisa Manning Floyd, of Bethel, who teaches at Randolph Union High School and is a member of the Bethel School Board and the White River Valley Union District board.Last week communities in Vermont overwhelmingly approved budgets that have over the past several years been trimmed to the bone. Months ago, the governor asked Vermonters to bring in budgets that were essentially level funded, and boards all over the state of Vermont complied. As a school boa
  
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• Ron Rhodes: Clean water action needed now

  14-03-2018 00:15 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Ron Rhodes, of Pomfret, river steward for the nonprofit Connecticut River Conservancy. 
  The Connecticut River and its tributaries have pressing clean water issues, like every other watershed in Vermont, that need to be addressed. The river and the Long Island Sound, which it dumps into, are impaired for nitrogen and are subject to a U.S. EPA cleanup plan (known as a TMDL).
  Thankfully the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has spent time and money
  
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• Bram Towbin: A dam problem

  14-03-2018 00:13 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Bram Towbin, who is a member of the Plainfield Hazard Mitigation Committee.
  November’s windstorm in central Vermont that caused widespread power outages prompted Mary Powell, the president and CEO of Green Mountain Power, to address resiliency issues on VPR: Utilities need to “do every darn thing we can in the meantime to prepare for these events make sure we have the resources, the training …”
  Unfortunately the rhetoric is at o
  
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• Dan Quinlan: Vermont must act now

  14-03-2018 00:10 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Dan Quinlan, the chair of Vermont Climate and Health Alliance who is an independent consultant and who works in nonprofit management. He has worked with hospital executive teams across New England on capital investment programs centered on energy efficiency and renewable energy.
  About a year ago, a group of Vermont physicians, veterinarians, nurses, public health folks and other medical/health professionals (now the Vermont Climate and Health Allia
  
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