Vermont news

• UVM Medical Center nurses authorize two-day strike

  13-06-2018 23:29 via vtdigger.org
  Julie MacMillan, a registered nurse at UVM Medical Center and the nurses’ union’s lead negotiator, speaks Wednesday at a press conference outside the hospital. Photo by Mike Faher/VTDigger
  BURLINGTON — University of Vermont Medical Center nurses have authorized a two-day strike, but they’re not prepared to walk off the job just yet.
  Instead, members of the Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals say the overwhelming strike vote — with 94 percent of the
  
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• DHS plan ‘strengthens’ northern border strategy

  13-06-2018 23:00 via vtdigger.org
  A tree marks the U.S.-Canadian border on a road along the shore of Lake Champlain. File photo by Elizabeth Hewitt/VTDigger
  WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security has announced a new plan outlining a “strengthened” security strategy along the U.S.-Canada border.
  The 24-page plan, released Tuesday, sets goals for approaching enforcement of the northern border.Get all of VTDigger's political news.You'll never miss a political story with our weekly headlines in your inbox
  
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• Campaign 2018: Democrat James Ehlers On Why He's Seeking The Governor's Office dlvr.it/QXC272 https://t.co/nHCsYkmIyZ

  13-06-2018 22:51 via twitter.com
  
  Campaign 2018: Democrat James Ehlers On Why He's Seeking The Governor's Office dlvr.it/QXC272 https://t.co/nHCsYkmIyZ
  
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• State to reap $6.5 million in latest settlement with VW

  13-06-2018 22:32 via vtdigger.org
  The latest Volkswagen settlement, this one for deceptive advertising claims, will bring the state $6.5 million. Pixabay photo
  Vermont will reap $6.5 million in a new settlement with Volkswagen and its subsidiaries, Audi and Porsche, which the state says violated consumer protection laws by making deceptive claims in advertising “clean diesel” vehicles.
  The Vermont Attorney General’s Office announced the settlement Wednesday and said the windfall would allow consumers who purcha
  
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• Update on what @JaneLindholm is doing. https://t.co/X8XOxfWsIL

  13-06-2018 21:41 via twitter.com
  
  Update on what @JaneLindholm is doing. https://t.co/X8XOxfWsIL
  
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• Developer plans second solar project in Bennington

  13-06-2018 21:34 via vtdigger.org
  A Manchester developer is proposing a second solar generating project in Bennington. Photo by Pixabay
  BENNINGTON — MHG Solar is proposing a second 500-kilowatt solar generating facility in Bennington, sited amid a wooded parcel off Gore Road.
  The Manchester-based solar firm earlier this year proposed a similar array off Shields Drive in Bennington’s Maneely Corporate Park and has proposed other solar facilities this year in Pawlet, Poultney and Wells, all approximately 500-kilowatt c
  
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• Veteran officer challenging incumbent Bennington sheriff

  13-06-2018 21:14 via vtdigger.org
  James Gulley Jr. is running against Bennington County Sheriff Chad Schmidt in the Democratic primary. Courtesy photo
  BENNINGTON — If elected the next Bennington County sheriff, James Gulley Jr.’s plans for the department include expanding efforts to combat drug-related criminal activity — without an increase in taxes.
  To help meet the later goal, Gulley said he’d “roll back” into the budget a 5 percent administrative fee designated for the sheriff in contracts
  
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• Republican Kevin Hoyt qualifies for Bennington House race

  13-06-2018 20:38 via vtdigger.org
  Kevin Hoyt, R, Bennington House candidate. Courtesy photo
  BENNINGTON — Republican Kevin Hoyt has qualified for the Bennington House 2-1 House district race.
  Hoyt was four voter signatures short of the required 50 on petitions he submitted last month prior to the deadline for major party candidates, but he had 10 business days to gather the remaining signatures, which have now been submitted and certified by the town clerk’s office.Get all of VTDigger's political news.You'll never mis
  
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• State takes aim at prescription drug prices

  13-06-2018 20:10 via vtdigger.org
  A bill signed by Gov. Phil Scott will require more drug-pricing transparency. U.S. Air Force photo
  While the possibility of importing prescriptions from Canada grabbed headlines this spring, Vermont officials have been working on other measures designed to drive down drug costs.
  Gov. Phil Scott has signed S.92, which features two different approaches to the state’s prescription problem: It requires more detailed financial reporting from insurers and drug companies; and it promotes lower-pr
  
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• Accel-VT opens application process for climate economy entrepreneur program

  13-06-2018 19:58 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Accel-VTJUNE 12, 2018
  CONTACT:ALEXANDRA MACLEAN1-802-272-0443
  ACCEL-VT SEEKS AGRICULTURE AND FOOD TECHNOLOGY BUSINESSES FOR 2018 BUSINESS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
  Montpelier, Vt., – Accel-VT has opened the 2018 application process for its fall climate economy entrepreneur program. Accel-VT is a successful business accelerator providing startup support, mentorship and access to capital for companies with a mission to grow the economy while protecting the environment. The 201
  
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• Bluehouse Group distinguished at 2017 Horizon Interactive Awards

  13-06-2018 19:53 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Bluehouse GroupJune 13, 2018
  Contact:Tommy [email protected](802) 923-3952
  Bluehouse Group Named Distinguished Agency At The 2017 Horizon Interactive AwardsBurlington-based web agency snags 7 Horizon Interactive Awards
  Burlington, Vermont, June 12, 2018 –​ Bluehouse Group was recently awarded seven prestigious Horizon Interactive Awards for their outstanding website design and development work. With over 1,200 agency submissions in 2017, Bluehouse was
  
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• Burlington board calls for halt to preschool projects

  13-06-2018 19:37 via vtdigger.org
  The Burlington School Board approved a resolution telling Superintendent Yaw Obeng to halt action on district construction plans. Photo by Gail Callahan/VTDigger
  BURLINGTON — The Burlington School Board has instructed Superintendent Yaw Obeng to put the brakes on plans for two new preschool projects in the city.
  In a resolution adopted 7-3 Monday night, the board called for a halt to any planning and construction work on pre-kindergarten facilities on the grounds of C.P. Smith and Champlai
  
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• Vermont teachers and artists to join Teacher Institute workshop

  13-06-2018 19:35 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — The Teacher InstituteJune 13, 2018
  Contact:Paul [email protected]
  TEACHER INSTITUTE BRINGS VERMONT TEACHERS AND ARTISTS TOGETHERInspiring teachers to help students think creatively and critically
  MONTPELIER, Vt. –– Fifty-one classroom teachers from 12 schools around the state will join in an intensive five-day workshop––the Teacher Institute––June 25 through June 29. The Institute pairs classroom teachers i
  
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• Vermont Senior Games Association announces summer events

  13-06-2018 19:26 via vtdigger.org
  News Release –Vermont Senior Games AssociationJune 12, 2018
  CONTACT:Andrea Stander802-522-3284
  VT SENIOR GAMES ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES SUMMER SEASON OF EVENTSHundreds of VT athletes over 50 get ready for major summer competitions
  Montpelier – The Vermont Senior Games Association (VSGA), a program of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, announces its summer season of competitive athletic events for people over 50.
  VSGA is also affiliated with the National Senior
  
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• Vermont Progressive Party nominate candidates for statewide office

  13-06-2018 19:12 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Progressive PartyJune 13, 2018
  Contact:Josh [email protected](802) 229-0800
  Barre, VT – The Vermont Progressive Party voted to nominate and endorse candidates for Vermont offices at their statewide meeting on Sunday. Party members heard from gubernatorial candidates Christine Hallquist, James Ehlers, and Brenda Siegel who all sought a nomination from the Progressive Party. They also heard from Lt. Governor David Zuckerman (P/D) and Congressional
  
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• CCV receives McClure Foundation funding increase

  13-06-2018 17:41 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Community College of VermontJune 11, 2018
  Contact:Katie [email protected]
  MONTPELIER, Vt. – Community College of Vermont (CCV) will receive a 30% increase in philanthropic support from the J. Warren & Lois McClure Foundation for academic year 2018-19. The College is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a total of $235,000 to support its work in four critical areas.
  This year’s funding includes $60,000 for the development of innova
  
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• UVM Medical Center awarded grants for mental health care

  13-06-2018 17:35 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — University of Vermont Medical CenterJune 11, 2018
  Contact:Annie Mackin (802) 847-2886
  Making connections, improving lives in Chittenden CountyWith help of Collective Impact grants, local organizations join together
  BURLINGTON, VT – With the support of three grants recently awarded by the UVM Medical Center from its Community Health Investment Fund, community groups in Chittenden County are joining together to help children who are impacted by adults’ substance us
  
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• Marlboro College offers nonprofit management programs

  13-06-2018 17:27 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Marlboro CollegeJune 11, 2018
  CONTACT:Kim Lier(802) [email protected]
  Certificate in Nonprofit Management Programs are open for registration
  The Marlboro College Center for New Leadership has opened registration for the Fall 2018 classes of the highly regarded Certificate in Nonprofit Management. This year we’ll have two cohorts, one in St Albans, VT, one in St Johnsbury, VT. This 80-hour series helps nonprofit leaders develop the essential skills n
  
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• Colson probe at standstill pending tests

  13-06-2018 17:21 via vtdigger.org
  Austin Colson
  Editor’s note: This story by Jordan Cuddemi was published by the Valley News on June 13.
  WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — The homicide investigation into the fatal shooting of Austin Colson is in a “holding pattern” as police wait for ballistic tests and other evidence to be analyzed, Windsor County State’s Attorney David Cahill said on Tuesday.Get all of VTDigger's criminal justice news.You'll never miss our courts and criminal justice coverage with our weekly
  
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• Norwich University College of Graduate and Continuing Studies to host annual Residency Conference

  13-06-2018 17:15 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Norwich UniversityJune 11, 2018
  Contact:Daphne [email protected]
  Norwich University to Host Over 500 Online Students for Residency Conference, Celebrates 20 Years
  NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich University’s College of Graduate and Continuing Studies (CGCS) will host its annual Residency Conference June 18-22. The week represents the culmination of CGCS students’ experiences in online learning, with over 505 individuals gathering on the Northf
  
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• Vermont health care coalition protests Title X change

  13-06-2018 03:45 via vtdigger.org
  Women protest Trump’s so-called “gag rule” on health care providers in Chicago on May 24, 2018.Photo by Charles Edward Miller/Creative CommonsAn ongoing fight over federal family planning money has brought together an unlikely group of allies in Vermont.
  Twelve organizations — including the state Health Care Advocate, University of Vermont Medical Center and two insurers — have formed a coalition that “strongly opposes” a proposed federal rule change tha
  
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• Randolph librarian wins surprise judgement against Equifax

  13-06-2018 03:18 via vtdigger.org
  Jessamyn West’s Twitter profile picture.This article by Matt Hongoltz-Hetling was initially published by the Valley News.
  Randolph — In a small claims court ruling that surprised even the victor, a self-described member of the “librarian resistance” has won a $600 judgment against Equifax, the credit ratings agency that collects financial data on nearly a billion consumers and businesses worldwide.In September, Jessamyn West, of Randolph, walked into the Orange County Cou
  
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• Statehouse at standstill ahead of budget veto deadline

  13-06-2018 02:15 via vtdigger.org
  Scott administration officials and lawmakers meet to discuss new revenue projections. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDigger
  In lieu of negotiating a deal to resolve an ongoing impasse, both lawmakers and the governor appear content to await the governor’s decision on a budget veto before considering further concessions or compromise proposals.
  Gov. Phil Scott repeated on Tuesday that he is poised to veto a budget bill the legislature passed last week in an effort to avert a government shutdown,
  
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• Stanley Sloan: Democracy threatened by illiberalism trend

  13-06-2018 01:05 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Stanley R. Sloan, of Richmond, who is a nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council of the United States, has taught in the winter term at Middlebury College for 14 years, following a career of government service at the Congressional Research Service, the CIA and as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force. His latest book, the basis for several recent presentations in Vermont and in Europe, is “Transatlantic traumas, Has illiberalism b
  
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• Kirk Woodring: Stemming the suicide epidemic

  13-06-2018 01:00 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Kirk J. Woodring, LICSW, who is the chief clinical officer at the Brattleboro Retreat and co-author of the book “Assessing the Risk: Suicidal Behavior in the Hospital Environment of Care.”
  In the past week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released their most recent data on suicide rates in the U.S. Sadly, this announcement was book-ended by the deaths of two celebrities, designer Kate Spade and chef/television personality Antho
  
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• State officials vigilant as net neutrality repeal takes effect

  13-06-2018 00:57 via vtdigger.org
  Commerce Secretary Michael Schirling is concerned about the possible impact on Vermont businesses. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDigger
  WASHINGTON — Obama-era regulations designed to maintain equality in internet service are officially no more.
  The repeal of the net neutrality rules went into effect Monday, six months after the Federal Communications Commission voted along party lines to overturn the 2015 regulations.
  But Vermonters may not feel the full impact of the repeal because of a new s
  
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• Alan Rawls: The silence of Vermont lawmakers

  13-06-2018 00:55 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Alan Rawls, of Burlington, who is a graduate student in clinical mental health counseling at Johnson State University.
  Forget the endless outrages, the hypocrisy, the endless slander of peers and colleagues, and the general destruction of anything resembling a meaningful or productive dialogue by the Trump administration. Forget the things about this president you may or may not like. This commentary is not about him because what is the point in hurling
  
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• Legislature eases up on state’s recycling requirements

  13-06-2018 00:49 via vtdigger.org
  Bales of recycled paper. Photo from MaxPixelEnvironmental advocates have lambasted the legislature for deleting clean water funding mechanisms from clean water funding bill S.260. But a last-minute insertion that would seem out of character from a legislator known for expanding environmental protections has gone largely unnoticed.On the last day of the regular legislative session, Rep. David Deen, D-Westminster, advocated for a provision at the end of the clean water bill that allows the Agency
  
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• Ex-city attorney challenges fatal hit-and-run ruling

  13-06-2018 00:08 via vtdigger.org
   
  Christopher Sullivan, former Rutland city attorney, is shown at his sentencing in a fatal hit-and-run crash. Pool file photo by Robert L. Layman/ for the Rutland Herald
  RUTLAND — The long-running case of the former attorney for the city of Rutland convicted and sentenced in a fatal hit-and-run crash more than four years ago was back before a judge Tuesday, with his lawyer laying the groundwork for his latest bid to get out jail.Get all of VTDigger's criminal justice news.You'll neve
  
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