Vermont news

• After The Governor's Veto, The Fate of Vermont's Toxic Substances Bill dlvr.it/QQDyR5 https://t.co/DZqnNjQy6X

  20-04-2018 23:14 via twitter.com
  
  After The Governor's Veto, The Fate of Vermont's Toxic Substances Bill dlvr.it/QQDyR5 https://t.co/DZqnNjQy6X
  
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• Faulty valve blamed for Burlington sewage release

  20-04-2018 20:32 via vtdigger.org
  Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains in New York as seen from the waterfront in Burlington. File photo by Roger Crowley/for VTDigger
  A faulty valve in Burlington’s wastewater treatment plant this week led to the release of more than 7 million gallons of partially treated wastewater into Lake Champlain. Operators say the discharge also included some partially treated sewage.
  The release poses little risk of harming human health, officials say, and it is not expected to appreciably co
  
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• LISTEN: Baby Boomers, How Can Vermont Help You Age Well? dlvr.it/QQD6FK https://t.co/2nWgsjIP6X

  20-04-2018 20:15 via twitter.com
  
  LISTEN: Baby Boomers, How Can Vermont Help You Age Well? dlvr.it/QQD6FK https://t.co/2nWgsjIP6X
  
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• School safety review shows holes; new funds on the way

  20-04-2018 19:06 via vtdigger.org
  Public Safety Commissioner Tom Anderson discusses school safety accompanied by other officials at a press conference on Thursday. Photo by Colin Meyn/VTDigger
  Many Vermont schools are in need of safety and emergency response upgrades, according to a survey carried out by Gov. Phil Scott’s administration in preparation for a new grant program that will make $5 million available for needed improvements.
  “Overall the results show we are doing a lot of things very well in Vermont schools
  
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• Conservation Law Foundation details Vermont Yankee concerns

  20-04-2018 18:35 via vtdigger.org
  The now-idled Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon. Photo courtesy of Vermont Business Magazine
  Though a recent settlement deal quieted criticism of Vermont Yankee’s proposed sale, at least one group is maintaining staunch opposition.
  In recent documents filed with the state, the Conservation Law Foundation raises financial, liability and transparency questions about Entergy’s sale of the idled Vernon nuclear plant to New York-based NorthStar.
  Three state agencies and several
  
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• Vermont specialties take top awards, reach new markets

  20-04-2018 17:33 via vtdigger.org
  Allison Hooper, co-founder of Vermont Creamery in Websterville, has been named to the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America. Photo by Tim Calabro/Vermont CreameryVermonters are used to neighbors winning medals at places like Sochi and Pyeongchang.
  But Sofi?
  “It’s the Oscars of our industry,” Chris White says of the Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation awards. “It’s truly a big deal.”
  That’s why White, owner of Mo
  
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• YWP: ‘Train Songs I and II’

  20-04-2018 17:30 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: A case of reciprocal discipline

  20-04-2018 17:15 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This piece from the SCOV Law Blog is by SCOV Law editor Andrew Delaney.
  In re Moyer, 2018 VT 29 (mem.)
  If a lawyer has multiple law licenses, and the lawyer gets in trouble in one of the places he has a license, then he’s generally subject to reciprocal discipline. It’s kind of like if you lose your driver’s license in one state, you generally lose it in all states. This case is not an exception to the rule.Get all of VTDigger's criminal justice news.You'll
  
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• Senate budget writers eye investment in psychiatric beds

  20-04-2018 17:13 via vtdigger.org
  Sen. Jane Kitchel, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, responds to Gov. Scott’s budget address. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDiggerMembers of the Senate Appropriations Committee will likely bolster state spending on mental health as they finalize their budget bill in the coming days.Sen. Jane Kitchel, D-Caledonia, chair of the panel, says lawmakers are considering proposals to boost pay for mental health workers. They are also looking to fund additional psychiatric beds in the fisca
  
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• Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources Secretary invites you to share your thoughts in Montpelier, April 24

  20-04-2018 16:14 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Agency of Natural ResourcesApril 17, 2018
  Contact:Elle O’CaseyAgency of Natural [email protected] 
  Montpelier – As part of an ongoing community series, Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) Secretary Julie Moore will host a conversation on April 24th in Montpelier. The series, Tell Me More with Secretary Moore, is a chance for the public to hear from and talk directly with the Secretary and Agency staff about environmental issues
  
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• Scientists struggle to identify emerald ash borer battlefront

  20-04-2018 16:13 via vtdigger.org
  Photo courtesy of Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and MarketsEditor’s note: This story is by Matt Hongoltz-Hetling first appeared in the Valley News.WOODSTOCK — Hundreds of foresters and loggers from around the state descended on the Woodstock Union High School auditorium on Wednesday to learn more about the ongoing war between humans and harmful forest pests.
  In some cases — like the emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that was documented in Vermont for the first time in
  
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• FOVLAP asks Vermonters to obey tougher law to prevent spread of invasive species

  20-04-2018 15:54 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Federation of Vermont Lakes and PondsApril 16, 2018
  Contact:Don WeaverFederation of Vermont Lakes and [email protected]
  Montpelier – As summer beckons, FOVLAP calls upon Vermonters to obey the law and clean their boats and trailers of all plant fragments and tiny animals before transporting them to other water bodies; otherwise, they risk hefty fees and fines and we risk infestations of nuisance and invasive species that will wreck the health, beauty an
  
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• The Deeper Dig: Precedent and politics in the Sawyer case

  20-04-2018 04:16 via vtdigger.org
  Jack Sawyer, 18, appears in Vermont Superior Court in Rutland on Feb. 16, 2018. Pool photo/Ryan Mercer/Burlington Free PressThe case of a Poultney teen accused of plotting a school shooting in Fair Haven has already drawn attention for inspiring the historic set of gun restrictions signed into law by Gov. Phil Scott last week.Get all of VTDigger's criminal justice news.You'll never miss our courts and criminal justice coverage with our weekly headlines in your inbox.Daily
  Sundays only (Weekly Wr
  
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• Lawmakers pursue two courses of action in wake of Sawyer decision

  20-04-2018 04:12 via vtdigger.org
  Maxine Grad speaks to fellow House Judiciary Committee members while taking testimony on new domestic terrorism crimes on April 19, 2018. Photo by Colin Meyn/VTDigger
  House and Senate judiciary committees are taking two paths as they look to respond to a court ruling that may lead to the the most serious charges being thrown out against an 18-year-old Poultney man accused of threatening “mass casualties” at his former high school.
  The Senate panel on Thursday approved making changes
  
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• Governor suggests one-time funds for school spending deal

  20-04-2018 02:48 via vtdigger.org
  Gov. Phil Scott speaks at a press conference. File photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDigger
  Gov. Phil Scott made the latest move Thursday in what is expected to be a end-of-session showdown with legislators over education funding, saying that he is willing to use one-time money to plug the spending gap this year in exchange for longer term savings commitments.Previously, the governor said that he was looking for $40 million in additional cuts for the coming fiscal year, which legislators said was simply
  
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• Burlington’s mayor starts third term with a little reshuffling

  20-04-2018 01:46 via vtdigger.org
  Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger. File photo by Bob LoCicero/VT Digger
  BURLINGTON — Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger has begun his third term with a number of staff changes, starting with the elevation of Jordan Redell, the 2014 University of Vermont grad who managed his campaign, to the position of chief of staff. Redell replaced Brian Lowe, whom Weinberger named as the city’s chief innovation officer. Lowe replaced Beth Anderson, whom Weinberger named as the city’s chief admi
  
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• Sanders signs onto bill to decriminalize marijuana at federal level

  20-04-2018 01:16 via vtdigger.org
  Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., have both signed on as co-sponsors of a marijuana legalization bill. File photo by Elizabeth Hewitt/VTDigger
  WASHINGTON — Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., signed onto a bill that would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level and punish states that have harsh marijuana laws Thursday.
  The legislation, introduced last year by Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., would remove marijuana from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s list of mo
  
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• Jim Douglas: Portability is about equality

  20-04-2018 01:10 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by former Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas.
  The demographic challenges facing Vermont have been a long time in the making. As governor, I was sounding the alarm over 15 years ago: Vermont must do what it can to attract and keep young people in our state.
  My administration saw it in terms of a state economy driven by well-paying jobs, an excellent educational system for Vermont families and – most importantly – a shared understanding that Vermont actual
  
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• Vermont Law School report addresses barriers to low-income solar ownership in Vermont

  20-04-2018 01:06 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Law SchoolApril 17, 2018
  Contact:Maryellen Apelquist, Director of CommunicationsVermont Law [email protected]
  South Royalton – The Institute for Energy and the Environment (IEE) at Vermont Law School today released “Low-Income Solar Ownership in Vermont: Overcoming Barriers to Equitable Access,” a report prepared for the Vermont Low Income Trust for Electricity (VLITE), Inc. The report examines how to give low-income custom
  
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• Bill Kimball: Vermont’s Children are Our Children

  20-04-2018 01:05 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Bill Kimball, who is superintendent of the Washington Central Supervisory Union.
  I have been wondering lately, and as superintendent for Washington Central for the past six years, about the collective responsibility to ensure equity for all of Vermont’s children?Over the past few years, there has been legislation at the federal and state level that is placing increasing demands on our school systems.The intent is to improve education for every chi
  
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• NewStory Center to hold 3rd annual Walk a Mile Rutland County

  20-04-2018 01:02 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — NewStory CenterApril 17, 2018
  Contact:Jennifer Yakunovich, Development DirectorNewStory [email protected]
  Rutland, Vermont – NewStory Center will hold the 3rd Annual Walk a Mile Rutland County on Sunday, April 29 in Depot Park in Downtown Rutland. Registration will begin at 12:00 p.m. with the walk beginning at 1:00 p.m. General registration is $25 and student registration is $15. Participants can register by visiting www.nscvt.org.
  This year’s event wi
  
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• Brenda Siegel: Minimum wage increase is a win win

  20-04-2018 01:00 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s Note: This commentary is by Brenda Lynn Siegel, of Newfane. She is executive director of the Southern Vermont Dance Festival, vice chair of the Newfane Democratic Committee and delegate to the Windham County Committee.Imagine a Vermont where all of our friends, neighbors and family members have what they need.
  Imagine a Vermont where our businesses are patronized and our economy thrives.
  This Vermont can only happen if we choose to create policies that lift all of us up; it is no
  
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• Manchester hosts Independent Television Festival, October 10-14

  20-04-2018 00:56 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Independent Television FestivalApril 16, 2018
  Contact:Meredith WhatleyMountain Media [email protected]
  Manchester – The Independent Television Festival (ITVFest) called “the Sundance of independent television,” welcomes thousands of attendees to the Green Mountains of Vermont for five days of screenings, lively panel discussions, and networking events with some of the television industry’s best independent producers, content crea
  
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• Erin Sigrist: Minimum wage increase may hurt those it is intended to help

  20-04-2018 00:55 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s Note: This commentary is by Erin Sigrist, who is President of the Vermont Retail & Grocers Association.
  Each year, Vermont’s grocers and retailers hire hundreds of high school and college students for their first jobs. They train them to use a cash register, to show up for work on time and in clean clothes, to interact with customers in a polite and professional manner, to problem solve when a customer requests something that’s out of stock. Some of these employees
  
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• Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal to address human rights, fracking and climate change, May 14

  20-04-2018 00:49 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — 350VermontApril 16, 2018
  Contact:Attorney Vanessa [email protected] — The historic Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal Session on Human Rights, Fracking, and Climate Change will take place this May 14th – 18th, co-hosted by the Spring Creek Project for Ideas, Nature, and the Written Word at Oregon State University, Corvallis, and live-streaming online.
  For the first time in its nearly 40-year history, this session of the Permanent Peoples&r
  
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• Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center announce events this mud season

  20-04-2018 00:43 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Spruce Peak Performing Arts CenterApril 17, 2018
  Contact:Hope SullivanSpruce Peak Performing Arts [email protected]
  Stowe – From Sundays at the Movies, Theatre to Inspire, Latin Rockabilly, Celtic Rock, and Classical Inspiration, Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center has you covered for a shiny, happy mud season!
  We start off with a classical bang!
  On Sunday, September 22, at 3pm 130+ Vermont musicians and singers will perform Gustav Mahler’s Sympho
  
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• Senate overrides Scott veto of toxic chemicals bill

  20-04-2018 00:38 via vtdigger.org
  The intent of the bill is to future Chemfabs, the North Bennington manufacturer connected to widespread pollution of residential wells. File photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDigger
  Senate Democrats on Thursday voted to override a veto by Gov. Phil Scott of a bill to restrict and regulate the use and sale of toxic chemicals in the state.
  The bill, S. 103, would put into law recommendations of a working group established in 2016 in response to the discovery of poisoning of hundreds of residential wells i
  
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• Sanders introduces legislation to hold opioid makers accountable

  20-04-2018 00:35 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Sen. Bernie SandersApril 17, 2018
  Contact:Josh Miller-LewisOffice of Sen. Bernie [email protected]
  Washington, D.C. – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced legislation Tuesday to hold drug companies accountable for the extraordinary harm they have caused by fueling the opioid crisis.
  Sanders’ bill, the Opioid Crisis Accountability Act of 2018, prohibits illegal marketing and distribution of opioids, creates criminal liability for top co
  
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• State Treasurer Pearce recognizes students for achievement in financial literacy programs

  20-04-2018 00:32 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — State Treasurer Beth PearceApril 17, 2018
  Contact:Tim Lueders-Dumont802-828-1451
  Montpelier — State Treasurer Beth Pearce joined with Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman last Thursday to recognize student achievement in the “Reading is an Investment” program and the “Be Money Wise” financial literacy poster contest. Both programs are administered by the Treasurer’s Office to engage student interest in money management skills.
  “Teachi
  
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• Vermont delegation calls for Pruitt to resign from EPA

  20-04-2018 00:24 via vtdigger.org
  EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. Photo courtesy of Environmental Protection Agency
  WASHINGTON — The members of Vermont’s congressional delegation joined a call this week for the head of the Environmental Protection Agency to step down.
  EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has come under fire for reports of frequent trips to his home state of Oklahoma and travel overseas at taxpayer expense. His security detail is reportedly three times the size of those for people who previously held the po
  
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