Vermont news

• Known carcinogens found in wells serving Rutland businesses

  06-04-2018 23:53 via vtdigger.org
  Firefighters spray down a mock aircraft with foam. Foam used in a 1986 crash may be a source of the PFAS in the water. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton)
  The Department of Environmental Conservation said on Friday that water from wells used by several businesses in the Rutland Airport Business Park has been found to contain known carcinogens.
  Department officials said a likely source of the contaminants in the well water is the Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport.The co
  
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• LISTEN: Burnishing The Golden Dome: What's Involved In The $2 Million Capitol Renovation dlvr.it/QNgfpb https://t.co/AIImyovvbX

  06-04-2018 20:38 via twitter.com
  
  LISTEN: Burnishing The Golden Dome: What's Involved In The $2 Million Capitol Renovation dlvr.it/QNgfpb https://t.co/AIImyovvbX
  
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• LISTEN: Progressive Leaders On School Taxes, Health Care And Minimum Wage dlvr.it/QNgZc6 https://t.co/Ts5y4ZsmXs

  06-04-2018 20:20 via twitter.com
  
  LISTEN: Progressive Leaders On School Taxes, Health Care And Minimum Wage dlvr.it/QNgZc6 https://t.co/Ts5y4ZsmXs
  
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• ‘Cyber druid’ memorialized in posthumous book

  06-04-2018 19:49 via vtdigger.org
  A photo of Ivan McBeth, a druid who lived and taught in Worcester, posted on Facebook
  This story is by freelancer Susan Green, a longtime Vermont journalist.
  In his chronicle of the Gallic Wars, Julius Caesar described the Druids, a mysterious Celtic priesthood primarily based in the British Isles. He emphasized that, among many other practices of this highly educated cult, all learning had to be communicated orally. For reasons lost to history, they were not inclined to jot down any of their kn
  
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• Southern Vermont College student authors to read at Northshire Bookstore

  06-04-2018 19:04 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Southern Vermont CollegeApril 6, 2018
  Contact:Marion Whiteford, SVC Communications, 802-447-6388, [email protected]
  (BENNINGTON, Vt.) – Three students from Southern Vermont College’s Shires Press Publishing Program will read from their newly-published works on Monday, May 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Northshire Bookstore in Manchester.
  The Program, a collaboration with the Northshire Bookstore, is a unique curriculum available through the College’s Hunte
  
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• UVM-developed technology earns Smart 50 Award

  06-04-2018 19:01 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — UVMApril 5, 2018
  Contact:Jeff WakefieldAsst. Director, News & Public AffairsUniversity of Vermont(802) 656-5799(802) 578-8830 (mobile)
  “Cognitive” Ground-Penetrating Radar Could Vastly Speed Inspection Process for Urban Development
  Digging a hole in most major cities – for new construction or infrastructure repair – is no minor undertaking.
  With a dozen or more separate utilities required to inspect the ground under the dig site for a welter of ob
  
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• Efficiency Vermont exceeds three-year performance goals

  06-04-2018 18:57 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Efficiency VermontApril 5, 2018
  Contact:Jeff BuellEfficiency Vermont802-540-7662 (o)[email protected]
  April 5, 2018 – Burlington, VT – Efficiency Vermont delivered more value for less money in its most recent three-year performance period, exceeding energy savings goals, providing highly rated customer support, and increasing operational efficiencies.
  Efficiency Vermont will request that $193,000 that it saved in its three-year budget be us
  
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• Mercy Connections names Lisa Falcone next executive director

  06-04-2018 18:55 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Mercy ConnectionsApril 5, 2018
  Contact: Marissa Strayer-BentonDirector of Communications and [email protected]
  BURLINGTON, Vermont – John Bossange, Chair of the Mercy Connections Board of Directors, announced today that Lisa Falcone has been selected as the fourth Executive Director of Mercy Connections. In a statement to supporters, volunteers, and other members of the Board, Bossange said, “The Board of Directors engaged
  
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• YWP: ‘The roof’

  06-04-2018 17:45 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: Admitting to facts

  06-04-2018 17:30 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This piece from the SCOV Law Blog is by Elizabeth Kruska.In re Gabree, 2017 VT 84
  Basic facts: Alexis Gabree was charged with two counts of grossly negligent operation with death resulting when she drove her car 17 miles per hour over the speed limit, nine feet left of the centerline, with 11 different drugs in her bloodstream. When she did this, sadly, she hit another car and two people in that car died.
  She was charged, and ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of grossl
  
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• Vermont Attorney General to ‘move on’ after lawyer empty-handed on child sex claims

  06-04-2018 16:06 via vtdigger.org
  Vermont Attorney General TJ Donovan. Photo by Elizabeth Hewitt/VTDiggerState Attorney General TJ Donovan said this week that it would be an abuse of power to investigate an attorney’s claim that a state official was arrested for sex with a minor while on official business, without further facts or evidence.
  More than two weeks ago, attorney Russell Barr made the salacious allegation that an official on state business for the EB-5 program, seeking to recruit investors for Jay Peak, had sex
  
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• Vermont AG to ‘move on’ after lawyer empty-handed on child sex claims

  06-04-2018 16:06 via vtdigger.org
  Vermont Attorney General TJ Donovan. Photo by Elizabeth Hewitt/VTDigger
  State Attorney General TJ Donovan said this week that it would be an abuse of power to investigate an attorney’s claim that a state official was arrested for sex with a minor while on official business, without further facts or evidence.
  More than two weeks ago, attorney Russell Barr made the salacious allegation that an official on state business for the EB-5 program, seeking to recruit investors for Jay Peak, had sex
  
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• The Science Coalition commends Leahy for supporting science research

  06-04-2018 15:25 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Science CoalitionApril 5, 2018
  Contact:Jeanne Moran, [email protected]
  The Science Coalition Commends Senator Patrick Leahy for Supporting FY 2018 Omnibus and Federal Funding for Fundamental Science Research
  Sen. Leahy’s Vote Will Grow Research Programs at Universities Across the Country
  WASHINGTON – The Science Coalition (TSC) applauds Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) for supporting H.R. 1625, the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018.” Sen. Le
  
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• Southwestern Vermont Medical Center presents ‘Tackling the Top 5 Student-Athlete Injuries’ panel discussion

  06-04-2018 15:20 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Southwestern Vermont Medical CenterApril 5, 2018
  Contact:Ashley Brenon JowettCommunications & Marketing SpecialistPhone: 802.447.5019 | Fax: [email protected]
  BENNINGTON, VT—April 5, 2018—Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), Northern Berkshire Orthopedics, and Williamstown Physical Therapy proudly present Tackling the Top 5 Student-Athlete Injuries. The panel discussion is scheduled for 6 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, 2018,
  
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• Dartmouth-Hitchcock to study improving care for multiple sclerosis patients in U.S.

  06-04-2018 15:15 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Dartmouth-HitchcockApril 5, 2018
  Contact:Mike Barwell(603) [email protected] on Twitter: @DartmouthHitch
  Lebanon, N.H. — Dartmouth-Hitchcock hopes to improve the quality of care for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), an incurable and debilitating disease of the central nervous system, through a three-year, national multicenter study of 5,000 people with MS.
  “MS is a progressive, disabling, costly and incurable disease that can
  
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• Southern Vermont College science professor receives Vernier Software and Technology Award

  06-04-2018 15:10 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Southern Vermont CollegeApril 5, 2018
  Contact:Marion Whiteford, SVC Communications, 802-447-6388, [email protected]
  (Bennington, Vt.) ─ Southern Vermont College is pleased to announce that Marielle Postava-Davignon, Assistant Professor in The John Merck Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, received the Vernier Software and Technology Award. This award was given for a project entitled “Climate Effects on Maple Ecology at Southern Vermont College,&rdq
  
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• Howard Center Supported Employment Program receives grant from People’s United Community Foundation

  06-04-2018 15:05 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Howard CenterApril 5, 2018
  Contact:Martie Majoros(802) [email protected]
  Burlington, VT—Project Hire, Howard Center’s supported employment program for individuals with a developmental disability, recently received a $2,500 grant from the People’s United Community Foundation.
  Kathy Schirling, Director of Marketing and Community Services at People’s United Bank and Liaison to the People’s United Community Foundation,
  
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• Nominations open for 2018 Con Hogan Community Leadership Award

  06-04-2018 15:00 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Community FoundationApril 5, 2018
  Contact:Zoe PikeThe Vermont Community [email protected] ext. 285
  Winner to Receive $15,000 Cash Prize
  Nominations are now being accepted for the $15,000 Con Hogan Award for Creative, Entrepreneurial Community Leadership. Initiated in 2015, the annual award is a tribute to Con Hogan’s life’s work and commitment to public service. The goal of the award is to encourage and reward leaders who share Con
  
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• Vermonters urge House panel to pass minimum wage bill

  06-04-2018 11:19 via vtdigger.org
  Teddy Waszazak, of Rights & Democracy and the Raise Up Vermont campaign, testifies on the Senate minimum wage bill. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDigger
  At a packed public hearing Thursday night, Vermonters urged a House committee to pass a bill that would raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2024.
  About 30 people gave testimony at the hearing. An overwhelming majority encouraged the House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs to advance S.40, the proposal the Senate passed in F
  
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• Showing at the Statehouse: the murky politics of clean water

  06-04-2018 04:26 via vtdigger.org
  Gov. Phil Scott speaks at his weekly press conference Thursday along with Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore, to his right, and Administration Secretary Susanne Young, far right. Photo by Colin Meyn/VTDigger
  Senators invited Gov. Phil Scott’s administration secretary Thursday morning to explain why the governor has threatened to veto a bill central to the state’s efforts to control water pollution. Susanne Young didn’t show up.
  It was the latest in what has become a centra
  
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• Gifford Medical Center diagnoses budget deficit

  06-04-2018 03:21 via vtdigger.org
  Dan Bennett, president and chief executive officer of Gifford Medical Center, stands outside the Randolph hospital’s main entrance. Photo by Mike Faher/VTDigger
  RANDOLPH – From 2000 to 2016, the chart plotting Gifford Medical Center’s operating margins showed a relatively steady upward trend.
  But a sudden, precipitous drop in fiscal year 2017 has attracted the attention of state regulators and spurred action from hospital administrators.
  Gifford executives say they’re add
  
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• Vermont libraries find white nationalist materials placed in books

  06-04-2018 02:59 via vtdigger.org
  At least three Vermont libraries were have discovered white nationalist propaganda on slips of paper tucked into books on their shelves, according to emailed responses to a warning sent to institutions across the state.
  Among those targeted was Southern Vermont College, where library personnel discovered material placed in the literature section of the Karen Gross Library.
  “It was on little slips of paper placed into books, the size of Monopoly money,” said SVC President David Evans.
  
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• UPDATED: White nationalist Twitter troll outed as Vermonter

  06-04-2018 02:46 via vtdigger.org
  A screenshot of Ricky Vaughn’s Twitter account shortly before it was suspended.
  An influential voice of the extreme-right on social media during the 2016 election has been identified as that of a Harwood Union High School graduate who grew up in Waterbury Center.Huffington Post reported on Thursday that the person behind the white nationalist and virulently racist and anti-Semitic online persona “Ricky Vaughn,” is Douglass Mackey, who went on to graduate from Middlebury College
  
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• Scott plans public signing as more gun bills clear Legislature

  06-04-2018 01:59 via vtdigger.org
  Gov. Phil Scott speaks to reporters last month. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDigger
  Gov. Phil Scott says he would like to sign a package of gun bills all at once now that the last two have cleared the House and Senate.
  Together, the three pieces of gun legislation recently passed by the Legislature impose landmark restrictions on guns in Vermont and allow for authorities to seize firearms in dangerous situations.Get all of VTDigger's political news.You'll never miss a political story with our weekl
  
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• Investigation ordered of Vermont gas pipeline

  06-04-2018 01:42 via vtdigger.org
  A sign alerts drivers and residents to Vermont Gas pipeline construction work. File photo by Morgan True / VTDigger
  The Public Utility Commission on Thursday ordered a comprehensive investigation of themethods and practices used by Vermont Gas Systems in the construction of a controversial, 41-mile gas pipeline from Colchester to New Haven.On Wednesday the commission had ordered a delay in the assessment against Vermont Gas of a $25,000 fine that had been recommended by the Department of Public
  
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• The Deeper Dig: All eyes on Mueller

  06-04-2018 01:29 via vtdigger.org
  Garrett Graff, a journalist based in Burlington, has written about Robert Mueller for nearly a decade. Courtesy photoFor almost a year, the Justice Department investigation into President Donald Trump’s ties to Russia, led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, has been a constant topic of interest in Washington, D.C. While new information in the case is released at a careful pace, the resulting subpoenas and indictments have dominated dozens of news cycles.Get all of VTDigger's political news
  
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• Lucy Leriche: Birth control is not an optional health care expense

  06-04-2018 01:05 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Lucy Leriche, who is the vice president of public policy for Planned Parenthood of Northern New England.
  For the 99 percent of U.S. women of reproductive age who rely on, or have relied on, birth control to function in their lives, we know that this critical component of health care is not optional. In Vermont, the unemployment rate is the fourth lowest in the country. Among women it is just 2.9 percent compared to men at 3.2 percent. Women now particip
  
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• Ruth Hardy: Examining gender and politics in Vermont

  06-04-2018 01:00 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Ruth Hardy, who is executive director of Emerge Vermont, the state affiliate of a national organization that recruits, trains and inspires Democratic women to run for public office. She lives in East Middlebury.
  The news that Vermont would be the last in the nation to send a woman to represent the state in the U.S. Congress has sparked discussion about the reasons for and significance of this historical ranking, and even whether gender is still a factor
  
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• Steve Gagliardone: Governor needs to be leader on climate action

  06-04-2018 00:55 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Steve Gagliardone, of Sharon, who is a member of Two Rivers Action Coalition, a grassroots volunteer organization that is currently working to build political support for legislation that addresses climate change and the aggressive management of carbon in our atmosphere. He is also special educator and member of his local school board.In his January 2017 inaugural address, Gov. Phil Scott used the word “change” 12 times. 2017 has come and go
  
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• Brenna Galdenzi: ‘Nuisance’ trapping rules needs revisions

  06-04-2018 00:50 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Brenna Galdenzi, the president of Protect Our Wildlife POW, a Vermont nonprofit organization.
  Vermont’s official trapping season ended on Saturday, but trapping and killing continues throughout the year under a Vermont statute that allows property owners and their agents to kill animals in order to protect property, even when no actual damage has occurred. The way the statute is written now essentially allows for a year-round open season on foxes,
  
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• Burlington mall back in court

  06-04-2018 00:06 via vtdigger.org
  The planned first phase of the Burlington Town Center project, from the corner of Cherry and St. Paul streets.
  Burlington – Citizens opposed to the construction of a 14-story town center in downtown Burlington have filed a new lawsuit against the developer saying he reneged on an agreement he had made to settle an earlier suit last summer.At issue in the suit are parking, retail space, and what the plaintiffs say is a promise broken by developer Don Sinex, to inform them of any change
  
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