Vermont news

• Community College signs first contract with faculty

  27-06-2018 23:38 via vtdigger.org
  Community College of Vermont academic center in Winooski. File photo by Bob LoCicero/VT Digger
  The Community College of Vermont and its new faculty union have signed their first contract following six months of negotiations.
  They reached agreement June 11 on deal that faculty representatives called a step toward job security for adjunct instructors and a pay rate comparable to that received by part-time faculty at other schools in the Vermont State Colleges system.
  The three-year contract, which
  
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• Campaign 2018: Jasdeep Pannu Seeks Senate Seat To Address Drugs And Human Trafficking dlvr.it/QYkrcf https://t.co/vJkAPepjXl

  27-06-2018 23:13 via twitter.com
  
  Campaign 2018: Jasdeep Pannu Seeks Senate Seat To Address Drugs And Human Trafficking dlvr.it/QYkrcf https://t.co/vJkAPepjXl
  
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• Bear In Your Backyard: How To Handle And Avoid Interactions With Black Bears dlvr.it/QYkfDW https://t.co/lyu9yu3g6M

  27-06-2018 22:24 via twitter.com
  
  Bear In Your Backyard: How To Handle And Avoid Interactions With Black Bears dlvr.it/QYkfDW https://t.co/lyu9yu3g6M
  
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• Vermont groups hope to fire up wood boiler industry

  27-06-2018 20:51 via vtdigger.org
  David Frank, co-owner of SunWood Biomass, shows the chute through which wood pellets are delivered to Susan Clark’s home in Middlesex. Photo by Elizabeth Gribkoff/VTDigger
  MIDDLESEX — Renewable energy advocates are pushing a 21st century upgrade to an ancient technology — wood heating — as as a way to meet Vermont’s renewable energy goals while revitalizing the state’s struggling forest economy.
  Susan Clark purchased a pellet boiler a few years ago to replace
  
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• Health care professionals to serve summer Special Olympics

  27-06-2018 20:49 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Special Olympics VermontJune 22, 2018
  Contact:Liza [email protected]
  Healthcare Professionals Partner to Serve Special Olympic Athletes at Summer Games
  Burlington, VT – June 22, 2018Health professionals and volunteers from across New England gathered at the University of Vermont to provide comprehensive health screenings for children and adults with intellectual disabilities at the Special Olympics Vermont Summer Games on June 2nd. A unique partnership bet
  
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• Hunters fail to meet new black bear tooth requirements

  27-06-2018 20:24 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Fish and WildlifeJune 22, 2018
  Media Contacts:Tom Rogers802-377-2628
  One Hundred Hunters Fail to Meet Vermont’s New Bear Tooth Rule RequirementsList of Violators Includes Game Warden Chief
  MONTPELIER, Vt – A new rule passed in 2017 by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board requires hunters to collect and submit a pre-molar bear tooth within 48 hours of shooting a bear. The submission must be to a game warden or other department official. The mandatory collec
  
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• Brattleboro Retreat employees protest schedule changes

  27-06-2018 19:48 via vtdigger.org
  Holding signs and chanting, members of the United Nurses and Allied Professionals Union gather at the Brattleboro Common on Tuesday to protest scheduling changes implemented by administrators at the Brattleboro Retreat. Photo by Kristopher Radder/Brattleboro Reformer
  This story by Bob Audette was published by the Brattleboro Reformer on June 27.
  BRATTLEBORO — Citing “a number of odd policy changes” that are in “direct violation” of their labor contract at the Brattl
  
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• Sen. Leahy announces increased funding to global health programs

  27-06-2018 19:40 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Sen. Patrick LeahyJune 22, 2018
  Press Contact:David Carle(202) 224-3693
  Leahy Secures Increases To Global Health Programs, Including Increased Funding To Fight HIV/AIDS. . . Funding Increases Defy Trump Administration’s Proposed Deep Cuts
  WASHINGTON (FRIDAY, June 22, 2018) — Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced that the fiscal year 2019 State Department and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill that passed the commit
  
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• We R H.O.P.E. to host youth crisis management tour

  27-06-2018 19:32 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — We R H.O.P.E.June 27, 2018
  Contact:Sean Perryc: (802) 234-3581
  James Reinsteinc: (802) 227-7419o: (802) 440-1428
  [email protected]
  We R H.O.P.E. Hosts Free Adolescent Anxiety and Youth Crisis Management Library Tour
  We R H.O.P.E., a non-profit 501 (c) (3), is hosting a free adolescent Anxiety and youth crisis management library tour. This tour aims to educate community’s youth, parents, educators, and interested adults on anxiety, emotions, and reco
  
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• Attorney General Donovan announces meetings to protect privacy

  27-06-2018 19:27 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Attorney General T.J. DonovanJune 22, 2018
  CONTACT:Ryan Kriger(802)828-3170
  Attorney General and Department of Public Service Announce Hearings on Protecting the Privacy of Vermonters
  Attorney General T.J. Donovan, in consultation with the Department of Public Service, has announced the first of a series of meetings to consider legislative proposals to protect the privacy of Vermonters. The hearing will take place on Thursday, July 12, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at 29 Church
  
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• Sen. Leahy secures funding for Lake Champlain basin

  27-06-2018 19:01 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Sen. Patrick LeahyJune 22, 2018
  Press Contact:David Carle(202) 224-3693
  Leahy Secures New Funding For Lake Champlain Basin In The Senate Appropriations Committee. . . State Department And Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill Contains A $2 Million Increase For The Lake Champlain Basin
  WASHINGTON (FRIDAY, June 22, 2018) – Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Thursday engineered approval of $8.25 million to support the Lake Champlain Basin
  
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• Hermitage property auctioned for $1.2 million

  27-06-2018 18:36 via vtdigger.org
  Mario Tenaglia, center, puts in the winning bid for the Inn at Sawmill Farm, in West Dover, on Monday. Photo by Kristopher Radder/Brattleboro Reformer
  This story by Chris Mays was published by the Brattleboro Reformer on June 27.
  WEST DOVER — The Inn at Sawmill Farm saw a short bidding war Monday morning.RELATED STORIESHermitage may keep records, accounts to attempt restructure, judge rulesBank asks court to deny Hermitage’s objections to receivership orderHermitage property goes to
  
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• Author Shirley Jackson’s ‘The Lottery’ turns 70

  27-06-2018 17:41 via vtdigger.org
  Shirley Jackson, author of ‘The Lottery’ and other works.
  This story by Cherise Madigan was published by the Bennington Banner on June 27.
  NORTH BENNINGTON — On or around June 27 of each year, Bennington’s bibliophiles congregate to celebrate local author Shirley Jackson, who continues to lure and enliven readers more than 50 years after her death.
  For those unfamiliar with Jackson, the celebrations may seem somewhat mysterious— how does Jackson continue to engage r
  
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• New Leaders Council Vermont announces speaker Ben Cohen at launch

  27-06-2018 17:14 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — New Leaders Council VermontJune 21, 2018
  Contact:Eric Covey802-825-8789
  Ben & Jerry’s Co-founder Ben Cohen Announced as Speaker At New Leaders Council Vermont Leaders & Libations Launch Party
  Burlington, VT – The Executive Board for New Leaders Council Vermont (NLC VT) is excited to announce Ben Cohen, Co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s and local progressive advocate, as keynote speaker for the organization’s official launch party Leaders & L
  
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• NewVistas developer says he’s abandoning project, selling property in Vermont

  27-06-2018 16:49 via vtdigger.org
  David Hall, founder and president of the NewVistas Foundation. File photo by James M. Patterson/Valley News
  This story was published by the Valley News on June 27.
  SHARON — The Utah engineer who has bought roughly 1,500 acres near the Joseph Smith birthplace now plans to abandon his vision for a NewVistas community in Vermont.RELATED STORIESAnti-NewVistas group buys parcel in Sharon and StraffordHouse passes resolution opposing NewVistas communityLegislators take up effort to halt NewVista
  
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• Sen. Sanders passes amendment to fund solar testing

  27-06-2018 16:19 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Sen. Bernie SandersJune 25, 2018
  Contact:Dan McLean802-862-6695
  Senate Passes Sanders Amendment to Fund Williston Solar Regional Testing Center
  WASHINGTON, June 25 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced that the “minibus” appropriations bill that passed the Senate Monday by a 86-5 vote includes a Sanders-authored amendment to provide $4 million in federal funding to continue operations of the Vermont Regional Test Center (RTC) dedicated to researching sola
  
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• Campaign 2018: Money In Politics Key Issue For Democratic House Candidate Dan Freilich dlvr.it/QYhVqY https://t.co/rQHhuX5ra4

  27-06-2018 15:45 via twitter.com
  
  Campaign 2018: Money In Politics Key Issue For Democratic House Candidate Dan Freilich dlvr.it/QYhVqY https://t.co/rQHhuX5ra4
  
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• VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region receives loan

  27-06-2018 15:34 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Southwest RegionJune 25, 2018
  MEDIA CONTACT:Bernadette C. [email protected]
  VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region Receives Loan from Rutland’s Business Incentive and Assistance Program
  RUTLAND, VT (June 25, 2018)–The Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Southwest Region (VNAHSR) recently received a financial boost of $10,000 with a forgivable loan from Rutland City’s B
  
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• National Life Group gives $1.8 million in grants

  27-06-2018 15:30 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — National Life GroupJune 25, 2018
  Contact:Ross Sneyd802.229.3866.
  National Life Group Foundation Does $1.8 Million in Good with Grants to Nonprofits, Fine Arts, and Educational Organizations
  Montpelier, Vermont – The National Life Group Foundation granted a record total of $1.8 million this spring to nearly 200 charitable organizations primarily in Vermont and Texas, where National Life Group’s roughly 1,000 employees work.
  Some of the money will be spent launchin
  
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• Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation presents economic development achievement award

  27-06-2018 15:25 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Greater Burlington Industrial CorporationJune 25, 2018
  Contact:Frank Cioffi802-238-4535
  Jo Bradley802-828-5627
  Jo Bradley Receives GBIC’s Highest Lifetime Economic Development Achievement Award
  BURLINGTON – The Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation (GBIC) presented its highest recognition award to Jo Bradley, CEO of the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA), at its 64th Annual Meeting on June 20, 2018 at the ECHO Leahy Center on the Burlington Waterfr
  
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• Facing legal questions, Scott standing firm on labor board process

  27-06-2018 12:14 via vtdigger.org
  The Vermont Labor Relations Board, from left, Gary Karnedy, Chairman Richard Park and James Kiehle. VTD/Josh Larkin
  Vermont’s Labor Review Board has written to Gov. Phil Scott’s administration questioning the legitimacy of the selection process for new members. However, an attorney for the administration says there are no plans to make changes.Richard Park, chair of the board, and Edward Clark, a member, wrote to Scott on June 19 raising their concern that the administration had not
  
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• Leahy: Senate appropriations process ‘a dose of sanity’

  27-06-2018 12:02 via vtdigger.org
  Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. File photo by Cory Dawson
  The U.S. Senate advanced its first appropriations bills for the next fiscal year Monday evening with strong bipartisan support.
  The package of three spending bills was the first measure to come to the Senate floor since Sens. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., and Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., brokered a deal to take a bipartisan approach to setting federal spending levels.Get all of VTDigger's political news.You'll never miss a political story with our weekly he
  
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• NewVistas putting ‘charming village centers’ at risk, National Trust says

  27-06-2018 05:45 via vtdigger.org
  NewVistas rendering of Joseph Smith’s “Plat of Zion”This article is by Matt Hongoltz-Hetling for the Valley News.Sharon — A wealthy Utah engineer’s plans to establish a populous sustainable community in rural Vermont has drawn national opposition from historical preservationists, who warn that the proposal puts four “charming village centers” in the White River Valley at risk.NewVistas Foundation, a nonprofit founded by David Hall, has purchased roughly
  
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• NewVistas putting ‘charming village centers’ at risk, group says

  27-06-2018 05:45 via vtdigger.org
  NewVistas rendering of Joseph Smith’s “Plat of Zion”This article is by Matt Hongoltz-Hetling for the Valley News.Sharon — A wealthy Utah engineer’s plans to establish a populous sustainable community in rural Vermont has drawn national opposition from historical preservationists, who warn that the proposal puts four “charming village centers” in the White River Valley at risk.NewVistas Foundation, a nonprofit founded by David Hall, has purchased roughly
  
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• Delays won’t scuttle Vermont Yankee sale, companies say

  27-06-2018 01:42 via vtdigger.org
  An aerial photo of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant in Vernon.
  Photo courtesy of Vermont Yankee
  Regulatory decisions on the proposed sale of Vermont Yankee may take even longer than previously disclosed, new documents show.
  In a brief filed with the Vermont Public Utility Commission, Entergy and NorthStar Group Services – the current and prospective owners of the idled Vernon nuclear plant – acknowledge that the state’s review could extend into August and possibly into Septembe
  
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• Vermont joins suit challenging border family separations

  27-06-2018 01:05 via vtdigger.org
  Protesters speak out against Trump administration immigration policies Monday at the Statehouse in Montpelier. Photo by Jim Welch/VTDigger
  Attorney General TJ Donovan joined a lawsuit arguing that a policy that has forced the separation of immigrant parents and children at the southwest border is unconstitutional.
  Vermont joined 16 other states and Washington, D.C., in filing the suit against the Trump administration in federal court in western Washington state Tuesday.Get all of VTDigger's poli
  
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• Mary Sullivan & Dick McCormack: Diesel subsidies no way to spend VW settlement

  27-06-2018 01:05 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Rep. Mary Sullivan, D-Burlington, and Sen. Dick McCormack, D-Windsor. They are co-chairs of the legislative Climate Solutions Caucus.
  Earlier this month, the Scott administration announced its plans to spend Vermont’s portion of the funds from the Volkswagen settlement – money intended to reduce pollution. Legislators, including the Climate Solutions Caucus of which we are co-chairs, have pushed for Vermont’s full $18.7 million to be d
  
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• Mark Redmond: Balancing rights of mentally ill with responsibility to them

  27-06-2018 01:00 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Mark Redmond, who is the executive director of Spectrum Youth and Family Services and the author of “The Goodness Within: Reaching Out to Troubled Teens with Love and Compassion.”
  Last Aug. 17, I attended an Agency of Human Services mental health stakeholders meeting at the Waterbury headquarters. A large conference room was filled for an all-day session with leaders from the mental health field, advocates and private citizens.
  Since I work
  
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• $50k theft from Pownal school district account

  27-06-2018 00:58 via vtdigger.org
  Pownal Elementary School in Pownal, Vermont
  Thieves operating electronically, possibly from out of the country, may be responsible for the theft of $50,000 from one of the bank accounts of the Pownal School District, school officials have reported.
  “I was shocked,” Cindy Brownell, chair of the Pownal School District school board said. “We had never heard of anything like this happening in such a small town.” Get all of VTDigger's criminal justice news.You'll never miss ou
  
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• Mill Moore: Is the public vs. private education conflict real?

  27-06-2018 00:55 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Mill Moore, who is the executive director of the Vermont Independent Schools Association.“We have a huge conflict in this state between public and private education,” remarked Vermont Rep. David Sharpe in a recent speech. Because he chairs the House Education Committee, Sharpe’s words have attracted attention and comment.
  Enrollment numbers reveal the heart of the matter. Of the 83,000 Vermont K-12 students whose educations are publicl
  
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• Delegation condemns Supreme Court travel ban ruling

  27-06-2018 00:34 via vtdigger.org
  The U.S. Supreme Court. File photo by Chris Sheklian/VTDigger
  The members of Vermont’s congressional delegation condemned Tuesday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision that upholds a ban on travel from five Muslim-majority countries.
  The court ruled 5-4 in favor of President Donald Trump’s order that blocks people from seven countries from traveling to the United States.Get all of VTDigger's political news.You'll never miss a political story with our weekly headlines in your inbox.Dail
  
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