Vermont news

• Judge says fraud sentence will have deterrent effect

  21-06-2018 23:07 via vtdigger.org
  U.S. District Court Judge Geoffrey Crawford said there must be consequences in financial fraud cases, including jail time. File photo
  RUTLAND — A Stowe man is heading to prison for two years despite his pleas for leniency after the judge told him it’s important in financial fraud cases that a message be sent to others considering it that there will be consequences, including time behind bars.
  Judge Geoffrey Crawford handed down the sentence to Daniel Burgess, 51, on Wednesday in fede
  
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• Campaign 2018: Brenda Siegel On Her Run For The Democratic Nomination For Governor dlvr.it/QY5CcM https://t.co/6MNpPzR4sb

  21-06-2018 22:27 via twitter.com
  
  Campaign 2018: Brenda Siegel On Her Run For The Democratic Nomination For Governor dlvr.it/QY5CcM https://t.co/6MNpPzR4sb
  
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• Brookfield Farmer Brings You Along On His Trip From Farm To Market dlvr.it/QY58Fh https://t.co/MJLMVkXm8J

  21-06-2018 22:10 via twitter.com
  
  Brookfield Farmer Brings You Along On His Trip From Farm To Market dlvr.it/QY58Fh https://t.co/MJLMVkXm8J
  
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• Ehlers’ social media posts prompt questions

  21-06-2018 22:02 via vtdigger.org
  James Ehlers speaks at a launch event for his campaign for governor in Barre. File photo by Mike Polhamus/VTDigger
  Democratic gubernatorial candidate James Ehlers is facing questions about his pro-choice views and liberal credentials after a series of social media posts surfaced on Twitter Thursday.
  Lachlan Francis, a recent graduate of the University of Vermont, tweeted several screenshots of Facebook posts made by Ehlers on abortion, with some of the comments made as recently as 2015.Get all o
  
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• Gervais farm to host 1,000+ visitors for breakfast and farm tour

  21-06-2018 21:27 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Gervais Family FarmJune 23, 2018
  WHAT: Vermont’s Breakfast on the Farm comes to the Gervais Family Farm this Saturday June 23rd in Enosburg Falls. This free, public event includes a Vermont-style pancake breakfast featuring local products, a self-guided tour of the farm including 15 educational stations, and a peek into the life and business of dairy farming in Vermont. Media are invited to see first-hand how the farm cares for their cows, enhances their community, sup
  
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• LISTEN: Bienvenue! Touring Québec's Eastern Townships dlvr.it/QY4kk6 https://t.co/8kvvZlzzhA

  21-06-2018 20:37 via twitter.com
  
  LISTEN: Bienvenue! Touring Québec's Eastern Townships dlvr.it/QY4kk6 https://t.co/8kvvZlzzhA
  
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• House candidate files suit over social media comments

  21-06-2018 20:22 via vtdigger.org
  BENNINGTON — Comments on internet sites have touched off a firestorm of allegations and countercharges involving a candidate for the Statehouse, the chairman of the Bennington County Democratic Party and other residents.
  Kevin Hoyt, a Republican candidate in the Bennington 2-1 House district, is accusing the Democratic chairman, Aaron Sawyer, and two others of defaming him in social media comments and by word of mouth. He has filed a defamation suit against each person, and on Monday filed
  
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• Attorney General Donovan announces elder protection initiative

  21-06-2018 20:13 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Attorney General T.J. DonovanJune 15, 2018
  CONTACT:Jamie Renner(802) 828-5947
  AG DONOVAN LAUNCHES ELDER PROTECTION INITIATIVENew Effort Follows Statewide Listening Tour
  WINOOSKI – Attorney General T.J. Donovan has announced the launch of a permanent unit within his office known as the “Elder Protection Initiative.” This unit will focus on supporting and protecting Vermont’s aging population. The unit is the result of a listening tour that solicited id
  
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• Obeng shakes up leadership at Burlington schools

  21-06-2018 19:58 via vtdigger.org
  Burlington School Superintendent Yaw Obeng takes reporters’ questions last year. File photo by Morgan True/VTDigger
  BURLINGTON — School Superintendent Yaw Obeng is shaking up the leadership at Burlington High School and Burlington Technical Center.
  Just days after the two schools conducted graduation ceremonies, Obeng announced that high school Principal Tracy Racicot is headed back to the technical center, which she directed at one time, and Assistant Principal Noel Green is moving
  
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• Lawson’s Finest expands distribution to New Hampshire

  21-06-2018 19:17 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Lawson’s Finest LiquidsJune 18, 2018
  Contact:[email protected]
  Lawson’s Finest is excited to announce that Sunshine is coming to the Granite State! We are proud to have Vacationland Distributors deliver our flagship beer Sip of Sunshine IPA statewide to fans of the highly recognizable bright yellow cans. Sip of Sunshine is packed with juicy tropical fruit character, bright floral aromas and delectable layers of hop flavor.
  New Hampshire craft bee
  
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• Vermont Restaurant Week donates thousands to Vermont Foodbank

  21-06-2018 18:45 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Seven DaysJune 19, 2018
  CONTACT:Corey [email protected]
  Vermont Restaurant Week Donates More Than $23,000 to the Vermont Foodbank
  June 19, 2018, Burlington, Vt. – A total of $23,165 was donated to the Vermont Foodbank as a result of Seven Days’ 9th annual Vermont Restaurant Week — $1,785 more than last year. This popular annual event was presented by Vermont Federal Credit Union and organized by Seven Days.
  “A wholehearted thank
  
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• Father who implicated son in fatal Northfield fire gets jail time

  21-06-2018 18:26 via vtdigger.org
  Richard Hoisington was sentenced to more than a year in federal prison. Police photo
  BURLINGTON — A 70-year-old father who gave a statement to authorities implicating his son in a fatal blaze in Northfield two years ago has been sentenced to more than a year in a federal prison on a charge of conspiring to deal crack cocaine.
  After Tuesday’s sentencing, Richard “Dickie” Hoisington of Berlin will now be joining his son, Howard “Howie” Hoisington, 34, behind pri
  
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• FDA reconsiders ‘added sugar’ label on maple, honey

  21-06-2018 17:40 via vtdigger.org
  Attorney General TJ Donovan, center, talks about new FDA maple syrup labeling guidelines at Slopeside Syrup in Richmond earlier this month. Photo by Xander Landen/VTDigger
  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reconsidering a proposed rule that would require pure maple syrup and honey products to be labeled as having ‘added sugar’ contents.
  The requirement would affect all producers – including those whose goods are made with 100 percent pure ingredients such as natural syru
  
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• Preservation award in hand, Santa’s Land prepares for season opening

  21-06-2018 17:13 via vtdigger.org
  David Haversat, owner of Santa’s Land, polishes the slide Wednesday in preparation to open for the summer season. Photo by Kristopher Radder/Brattleboro Reformer
  This story by Bob Audette was published in the Brattleboro Reformer on June 21.
  PUTNEY — Santa’s Land is reopening for the season Friday, and people are sitting up and taking notice, and not just those who don’t want to wait 187 days until Christmas.
  On June 8, David Haversat, who purchased the Christmas-themed p
  
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• Sen. Leahy calls for hearing on family separation policy

  21-06-2018 17:09 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Sen. Patrick Leahy
  Press Contact:David Carle(202) 224-3693
  Leahy Leads Judiciary Democrats In Letter To Grassley Calling For Hearing On President Trump’s Family Separation Policy
  WASHINGTON (MONDAY, June 18, 2018) – On Monday, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led all Judiciary Committee Democrats in sending a letter to Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), calling on him to promptly hold a hearing o
  
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• Ehlers: Potential government shutdown is unwise

  21-06-2018 17:04 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — James EhlersJune 19, 2018
  CONTACT:Sarah [email protected]
  Ehlers Slams Potential Scott Shutdown as Penny Unwise and Pounds More Foolish
  Winooski, VT — In response to the potential state government shutdown that was not averted today, Democratic Candidate for Governor James Ehlers said:
  “Governor Scott’s actions show disregard for the working people of Vermont in an attempt to save money for corporations and the most affluent. These extre
  
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• Burlington to host Motor News Great Race stop

  21-06-2018 16:58 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of CommerceJune 19, 2018
  Contact:Susan [email protected] ext. 230
  Burlington to Host Overnight Stop on 2018 Great Race
  BURLINGTON, VT.- will host an overnight stop on the 2018 Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Hagerty, Monday, June 25, race organizers have announced. The event will kick off with the Grippo Funk Band performing the National Anthem on the south end of Church Street at 5:00 p.m.
  The Great Race, the worl
  
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• Bennington Arts Weekend to return in August

  21-06-2018 16:52 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Bennington Chamber of CommerceJune 19, 2018
  Contact:Matt [email protected]
  Bennington Arts Weekend Returns with First Fridays, The Southern Vermont Art and Craft Festival, and the Homebrew Festival.
  Bennington, VT – Bennington Arts Weekend returns this year Friday, August 3 to Sunday, August 5th, offering a variety of venues to get your arts and crafts on! The Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce, Bennington Downtown Alliance (BDA), 4Corners Nort
  
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• Green Mountain Transit to offer free rides for Dump the Pump Day

  21-06-2018 16:39 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Green Mountain TransitJune 18, 2018
  Contact:Mark A. [email protected]
  Green Mountain Transit Celebrates National Dump the Pump Day with Free Rides System-wide
  Burlington, VT — Green Mountain Transit (GMT) will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the 13th annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 21. The slogan of this year’s National Dump the Pump Day is “Dump the Pump. Ride Public Transit.&
  
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• Gov. Scott releases statement to hold property taxes level

  21-06-2018 16:31 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Gov. Phil ScottJune 19, 2018
  Contact:Rebecca [email protected]
  STATEMENT: IT’S TIME TO WORK TOGETHER TO HOLD PROPERTY TAX RATES LEVEL IN A YEAR WE HAVE A SURPLUS OF AT LEAST $55 MILLION
  Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement:
  “Vermonters elected me based on my vision to grow our economy, make Vermont more affordable and protect the most vulnerable. This came with a clear commitment to fiscal res
  
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• Burlington Electric earns national achievement award

  21-06-2018 16:01 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Burlington ElectricJune 19, 2018
  Contact:Mike Kanarick802.735.7962
  Burlington Electric Earns National Achievement Award as Outstanding UtilityAward Honors APPA Members that Have Enhanced the Prestige of Public Power Utilities through Sustained Achievement and Customer Service
  New Orleans, LA – The Burlington Electric Department today was one of three municipal utilities to be presented with an E.F. Scattergood System Achievement Award at the national conference of the
  
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• Before Your Time: Vermont libraries house more than books

  21-06-2018 15:57 via vtdigger.org
  A souvenir vase in the Vermont Historical Society’s collection depicts the Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro. Photo by Ryan Newswanger
  Before Your Time is a podcast about Vermont history. Every episode, we go inside the stacks at the Vermont Historical Society to look at an object from their permanent collection that tells us something unique about our state. Then, we take a closer look at the people, the events, and the ideas that surround each artifact.Vermont’s 183
  
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• Senate pushes ahead with ‘Budget 3.0,’ but still no compromise in sight

  21-06-2018 05:03 via vtdigger.org
  Sen. Jane Kitchel, D-Caledonia, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Photo by Erin Mansfield/VTDiggerA joint Senate committee approved a third budget proposal of the session on Wednesday, but Gov. Phil Scott’s administration doesn’t appear to like it any more than the last one.
  With 10 days until a government shutdown, “Budget 3.0” does not look like it’s going to be the vehicle for a compromise to bring an end to a legislative session that has now lasted 1
  
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• Officer cleared in probe into misuse of sick days and on-duty workouts

  21-06-2018 03:25 via vtdigger.org
  Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George addresses the media during a news conference Wednesday. Photo by Cory Dawson/VTDigger
  A former Williston police officer was cleared on Wednesday following an investigation into his potential misuse of sick time and improperly working out a local gym while on-duty.
  Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George said she reached her conclusion after reviewing an investigation into the matter she asked Vermont State Police to conduct.Get
  
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• As Trump dials back family separation, critics remain vocal

  21-06-2018 02:31 via vtdigger.org
  Families at the southwest border were being separated under the Trump administration’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy. Creative Commons photo
  WASHINGTON — Amid a mounting outcry over a new border enforcement practice that has resulted in the separation of thousands of children from their parents, President Donald Trump abruptly signed an order that would keep families together.
  A new “zero tolerance” policy the administration implemented has resulted in thousands of
  
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• Tim Belcher: State shutdown lessons from Maine

  21-06-2018 01:05 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Tim Belcher, of Barre, who is general counsel for the Vermont State Employees’ Association.
  Vermont is creeping towards a possible shutdown of state government come July 1. The governor is insisting on budget measures that the Democratic majority in the Legislature won’t support. The Democrats have proposed legislation that would keep the government open while the parties continue to negotiate. The governor doesn’t disagree with the su
  
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• Pattie McCoy: In the spirit of compromise

  21-06-2018 01:00 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Rep. Pattie McCoy, of Poultney, a member of the Vermont House of Representatives who is House assistant minority leader.
  Regardless of how the political debate over whether to raise property tax rates ends, the education fund is going to spend nearly $1.7 billion next year on 76,000 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. That is about $22,000 per student – the most in the nation and nearly twice the national average. Meanwhile, we have a
  
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• ACLU challenges Scott on social media censorship

  21-06-2018 01:00 via vtdigger.org
  Gov. Phil Scott’s Facebook page
  The American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont is confronting Gov. Phil Scott for allegedly violating the First Amendment by blocking users from viewing his Facebook page and deleting some of their comments.
  The ACLU wrote in a letter to the governor on Wednesday saying they have been contacted by multiple constituents who have had comments deleted and profiles blocked by the administrator of Scott’s official Facebook page.Get all of VTDigger's politica
  
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• ACLU challenges Gov Scott on social media censorship

  21-06-2018 01:00 via vtdigger.org
  Gov. Phil Scott’s Facebook pageThe American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont is confronting Gov. Phil Scott for allegedly violating the First Amendment by blocking users from viewing his Facebook page and deleting some of their comments.The ACLU wrote in a letter to the governor on Wednesday saying they have been contacted by multiple constituents who have had comments deleted and profiles blocked by the administrator of Scott’s official Facebook page.Get all of VTDigger's political
  
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• Jim Masland: Scott’s true mission is not to lower taxes

  21-06-2018 00:55 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Rep. Jim Masland, of Thetford Center, a Democrat who represents the Windsor-Orange 2 district in the Vermont House of Representatives.
  Twice since the 2018 special session began in June members of the House Ways and Means, Appropriations and Education committees heard from the senior members of the governor’s cabinet. Present were Adam Greshin, commissioner of Finance and Management; Kaj Samsom, commissioner of Taxes; Mike Pieciak, commissioner of
  
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• Deb Sherrer: ‘Be Best’ at the border, too

  21-06-2018 00:50 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Deb Sherrer, a freelance writer with professional training in school and clinical psychology with a specialty in trauma recovery. She lives in Shelburne.
  It’s June 18 and Father’s Day in America. Imagine the families with little children eating waffles and sharing crayon-scratched cards, a new Best Dad coffee mug awkwardly wrapped as a gift. Imagine the babies brought into bed to snuggle between the parents. Imagine the visits to elder care
  
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• VTDigger Minute: Family separations, veto upheld, water quality dip

  21-06-2018 00:03 via vtdigger.org
  
  VTDigger Minute is a weekly news digest from Vermont PBS. Tune in every Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Thursday at 6:30 a.m. to hear about the week’s top stories.
  This week on the Minute:
  Top Vermont law enforcement officials rebuff family separations
  Top Vermont law enforcement officials are urging the Trump administration to stop separating immigrant families who enter the country illegally. Attorney General TJ Donovan and two former US attorneys for Vermont have signed letters op
  
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