Vermont news

• Scott touts workforce growth of 4,500 this year

  02-08-2018 23:42 via vtdigger.org
  Vermont’s labor force has increased since December 2017, according to statistics presented by Gov. Scott at a press conference Wednesday. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDigger
  Gov. Phil Scott is says he is encouraged by data that shows the state’s workforce is expanding and the economy is growing.
  With charts in hand at a press outside the Department of Labor in Montpelier Wednesday, Scott said the state has added about 4,500 workers since the beginning of 2018.
  He said the size of Vermon
  
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• Overparenting? Underparenting? Balancing Kids' Safety And Independence dlvr.it/Qdd74B https://t.co/IuiZD90J5h

  02-08-2018 22:54 via twitter.com
  
  Overparenting? Underparenting? Balancing Kids' Safety And Independence dlvr.it/Qdd74B https://t.co/IuiZD90J5h
  
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• UPDATED: Scott names Dan French as Vermont’s next education secretary

  02-08-2018 22:00 via vtdigger.org
  Dan French speaks during a press conference announcing his appointment as Vermont’s education secretary. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDiggerGov. Phil Scott has named Dan French, a veteran Vermont schools superintendent, to be the state’s next education secretary.
  Scott has made cost-containment his hallmark education priority, and during a press conference Thursday announcing French’s appointment, he reiterated the need to create an education system that’s “sustainable
  
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• Governor names Dan French as new education secretary

  02-08-2018 22:00 via vtdigger.org
  Dan French speaks during a press conference announcing his appointment as Vermont’s education secretary. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDigger
  Gov. Phil Scott has selected Dan French, the former superintendent of the Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union, to be Vermont’s education secretary.
  French was most recently the school leadership program coordinator at Saint Michael’s College. He was president of the Vermont Superintendents Association from 2010 to 2012, and before that spent
  
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• Vermont Yankee’s $143 million fuel move finished

  02-08-2018 21:59 via vtdigger.org
  Crews move the 58th and final spent fuel storage cask at Vermont Yankee on Wednesday. Entergy submitted photo
  All of Vermont Yankee’s radioactive spent fuel is now stored in sealed casks, marking the end of a closely watched, $143 million project at the Vernon site.
  The project’s completion, which Entergy announced Thursday, is a major milestone for the idled nuclear plant for two reasons: It clears the way for a potential sale, and it sets the stage for another round of job reductio
  
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• Independents join race for Addison Senate seats

  02-08-2018 21:30 via vtdigger.org
  Marie Audet, independent Senate candidate in the Addison District. Vermont Council on Rural Development photo
  Two prominent business owners have announced plans to run for state Senate as independents in Addison County, creating a potentially hot five-way race for the district’s two seats.
  Vermont Coffee Co. owner Paul Ralston and dairy farmer Marie Audet are running as a ticket.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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• LISTEN: Campaign 2018: A Debate With The Republican Candidates For Governor dlvr.it/QdckL6 https://t.co/oQlP2TgHPa

  02-08-2018 21:17 via twitter.com
  
  LISTEN: Campaign 2018: A Debate With The Republican Candidates For Governor dlvr.it/QdckL6 https://t.co/oQlP2TgHPa
  
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• James Ehlers calls on gubernatorial candidates to return corporate campaign donations

  02-08-2018 20:05 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — James EhlersJuly 18, 2018
  CONTACT:Sarah [email protected]
  James Ehlers Calls on Phil Scott & Christine Hallquist to Return Corporate Campaign Contributions in the Race for Governor
  Winooski, VT — Today James Ehlers called on opponents in the race for governor, Christine Hallquist and incumbent Phil Scott, to return corporate campaign contributions. Although Hallquist has often claimed to not accept corporate cash, her own finance filing paints a
  
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• House approves amendment to increase Lake Champlain funding

  02-08-2018 19:59 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Rep. Peter WelchJuly 18, 2018
  Contact:Kate Hamilton (Welch)(202) 440-3340Tom Flanagin (Stefanik)(202) 225-4611
  House Approves Welch-Stefanik Amendment to Increase Funding for Lake Champlain Restoration and Protection
  WASHINGTON – Late last evening, the House of Representatives approved a bipartisan amendment authored by Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) to appropriate $8.4 million in fiscal year 2019 for the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP).
  
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• Vermont Student Assistance Corporation gives rebates to borrowers

  02-08-2018 19:56 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Student Assistance CorporationJuly 18, 2018
  Media Contact:Sabina [email protected]
  VSAC makes loan rebates to borrowers – again‘Borrower benefits’ program saves $2 million this year
  WINOOSKI (July 18, 2018)— Vermont Student Assistance Corp. is giving $2 million in interest rebates to borrowers this year, part of its “borrower benefits” program that has saved students $180 million in loan costs since 1995.
  “V
  
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• Sen. Leahy applauds grant to address youth homelessness

  02-08-2018 19:50 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Sen. Patrick LeahyJuly 18, 2018
  Press Contact:David Carle(202) 224-3693
  Leahy Applauds $2 Million Grant To Address Youth Homelessness In Vermont
  WASHINGTON (WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018) — Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) hailed the announcement this week that the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) will receive from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) a fiscal year 2017 grant of $2 million to address youth homelessness. The funds, as part of HUD&rsq
  
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• VTDigger Minute: Pensions underfunded, Social Security untaxed

  02-08-2018 05:47 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:
  Vermont’s pension obligations have ballooned over the past decade. Between teachers and state employees, the government is on the hook for over $2 billion that aren’t currently funded. Treasurer Beth Pearce says the state is adjusting its investment projections to correct the gap, but researche
  
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• Technical assistance and training available to Vermont’s composters

  02-08-2018 05:24 via vtdigger.org
  News Release – Compost Technical Services LLC.July 31, 2018
  Contact:James McSweeneyCompost Technical Services [email protected]
  In support of Vermont’s Universal Recycling Law, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) Department of Environmental Conservation offers training and technical assistance to food scrap composters.
  The 2018 Vermont Compost Operator Certification Training will be held this fall.
  Participants in this day-lon
  
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• 2nd annual Jam for the Land benefit concert is Aug. 11 in Stowe

  02-08-2018 05:18 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Stowe CiderAug. 1, 2018
  Contact:Mark Ray802-253-2065Cell # 720-413-7541www.stowecider.com/events
  Stowe Cider and Burlington Beer Company present: 2nd Annual “JAM FOR THE LAND” BENEFIT CONCERT
  Whether your passion is craft cider and beer, music, land conservation or all of the above, you won’t want to miss “Jam for The Land” on Saturday, August 11, in Stowe from 3-10pm.
  This benefit concert-featuring New York based, Chris Eves and The New Normal
  
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• Vermont Land Trust celebrates Clean Water Week

  02-08-2018 05:14 via vtdigger.org
  News release — Vermont Land TrustAugust 1, 2018
  Contact:Elise Annes, The Vermont Land Trust (802) 262-1206
  Montpelier, VT — It is Clean Water Week 2018 and time to celebrate Vermont’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands—along with the tremendous efforts of farmers, communities, organizations, and businesses to protect and restore clean water.
  In the past year, the Vermont Land Trust (VLT) has protected 5.6 miles of pond and lake frontage, 6.5 miles of river frontage, 47 miles of
  
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• Ehlers statement on algae blooms, beach closings

  02-08-2018 05:06 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — James Ehlers for VermontJuly 31, 2018
  Contact:Communications Director Sarah [email protected]
  Ehlers: I’ll Prioritize Preventing Algae Blooms
  Winooski, VT — In response to algae blooms cropping up around the state and the closure of three popular Burlington Beaches due to the blooms, Democratic Candidate for Governor and water activist James Ehlers said:
  “Our lakes are being crushed, yet again, by blue-green algae, also known as cyanobac
  
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• Heady Vermont hosts second annual Hemp Fest – Sept. 8-9 in Burke

  02-08-2018 05:02 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Heady VermontAugust 1, 2018
  Contact:Eli Harrington, Co-FounderEmail: [email protected]: (802) 424-7642
  Event features two days of programming, agricultural, hemp and CBD exhibitors, an exclusive investors’ forum, food trucks, live music, and yoga.
  Burlington, Vermont – Heady Vermont is proud to announce the second annual Vermont Hemp Fest, taking place September 8-9, 2018 at Burke Mountain Hotel and Conference Center in East Burke, Vermont.
  Already one of
  
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• Gov. Phil Scott appoints 98 to Vermont boards and commissions

  02-08-2018 04:59 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Office of the GovernorWednesday, August 1, 2018
  Media Contact:Rebecca Kelley, Office of the [email protected]
  Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today announced he’s appointed 98 Vermonters to State boards and commissions from March through July.
  Boards and commissions serve an important role in state government, giving Vermonters numerous opportunities to serve their state and communities. The Governor’s Office is currently
  
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• Keith Stern calls on Gov. Phil Scott to walk back dubious economic claims

  02-08-2018 04:54 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Keith SternAugust 1, 2018
  Contact:Rebecca Bailey, Campaign [email protected]
  Springfield Vt. – Republican gubernatorial candidate Keith Stern urges Gov. Phil Scott to walk back his dubious assertions about his Administration’s economic achievements in the past biennium.
  “Phil’s campaign claims that his Administration lowered income taxes saving Vermonters $30 million. The Governor repeated this claim at the 
  
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• AARP Community Challenge announces 129 grantees, including $19,000 to 3 Vermont recipients

  02-08-2018 04:48 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — AARPAug. 1, 2018
  Contact:Dave Reville | AARP Vermont | Associate State Director – CommunicationsOffice: 802-951-1303 | Cell: 802-279-6748
  BURLINGTON, VT — Today, AARP announced the awardees for its 2018 AARP Community Challenge grant program, including 3 recipients right here in Vermont. A total of $1.3 million will be distributed to fund 129 “quick action” projects across the country, helping communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long
  
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• Vermont cheesemakers take home 36 ribbons at national competition

  02-08-2018 04:44 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Cheese CouncilAug. 1, 2018
  Media Contact:Tom Bivins, 802-451-8564, [email protected]
  VERMONT CHEESEMAKERS TAKE HOME 36 RIBBONS
  AT THE 35th ANNUAL AMERICAN CHEESE SOCIETY COMPETITION
  Winners Announced on July 27 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  The 2018 ACS competition saw 13 Vermont cheesemakers awarded 36 ribbons, including Best of Show for Harbison and a second-place Best of Show finish for Calderwood, both produced by Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro, VT.
  Randolph, VT, (J
  
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• Edmundites wrapping up 175th anniversary year with Aug. 15 Shrine Mass

  02-08-2018 04:38 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Saint Michael’s CollegeAugust 1, 2018
  For more information, contact:Mark [email protected]
  The members of the Society of Saint Edmund, founding religious order of Saint Michael’s College, will conclude their 175th Anniversary year of celebration with a Mass at Saint Anne’s Shrine, Isle La Motte, Vermont, on August 15, 2018, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at 11 a.m.
  Edmundite Superior General Father David G.
  
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• Vermont Sierra Club hosts Gubernatorial Forum

  02-08-2018 04:35 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Sierra ClubAug. 1, 2018
  Contact:Steve Crowley [email protected] Committee Chair, Vermont Chapter of the Sierra Club
  Robb Kidd 802.505.1540 [email protected],Conservation Program Manager, Vermont Chapter of the Sierra Club
  [Barre, VT] – On Tuesday, Aug 7, 2018, The Vermont Chapter of the Sierra Club will be hosting a gubernatorial candidate forum to discuss the importance of environmental and social justice issues in the upcomi
  
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• Low-interest loans available for Vermont ag producers impacted by natural disasters

  02-08-2018 04:31 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — U.S. Department of Agriculture Vermont Farm Service Agency
  Contact:Wendy Wilton (802) 658-2803www.fsa.usda.gov/vt
  Colchester, Vt. August 1, 2018 – Vermont agricultural producers who lost property due to recent natural disasters may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) physical loss loans. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers these low-interest loans for losses caused by two separate disaster events. Approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe
  
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• Vermont’s ballooning pension debt threatens state’s financial future

  02-08-2018 04:00 via vtdigger.org
  The gap between what Vermont owes current and future retired state employees and teachers, and what assets it has to pay them, has ballooned in the last decade, threatening not only the future of the state’s retirement plans, but also the state’s credit rating and other markers of its financial standing.
  The dramatic increase in unfunded obligations in recent years is the upshot of flaws in the system that some say can be corrected only by making major changes in the state’s re
  
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• Burlington School District sues to release record on administrator’s exit

  02-08-2018 03:39 via vtdigger.org
  The Burlington School District wants a judge to give it the green light to release a resignation agreement with the former head of the city’s technical center, whose departure in the middle of this past school year was ostensibly for medical reasons.
  It’s not clear what’s in the agreement with Adam Provost, the Burlington Technical Center’s former interim director, but his efforts to shield the document from public view have raised questions about where a government emplo
  
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• State’s attorney candidates clash over debate issues

  02-08-2018 03:04 via vtdigger.org
  Incumbent Bennington County State’s Attorney Erica Marthage, left, and Arnold Gottlieb are vying for the Democratic nomination for state’s attorney in the Aug. 14 primary. Submitted photos
  BENNINGTON — The incumbent and her challenger in the hotly contested Bennington County state’s attorney Democratic primary are debating debates — to the point where they have yet to meet face to face.
  The challenger, attorney Arnold Gottlieb of Dorset has been critical of incumben
  
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• LIVESTREAM: Democratic gubernatorial forum at 5:25 pm

  02-08-2018 02:30 via vtdigger.org
  Read the story on VTDigger here:LIVESTREAM: Democratic gubernatorial forum at 5:25 pm.
  
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• Non-recyclable causes fire at Chittenden County recycling facility

  02-08-2018 02:14 via vtdigger.org
  A truck dumps recyclables onto the tip floor of the Chittenden Solid Waste District’s recycling facility in Williston. The tip floor is where a fire broke out Monday evening. File photo by Elizabeth Gribkoff/VTDigger
  A fire at Chittenden Solid Waste District’s recycling facility on Monday night highlights the dangers of improper recycling, officials say.
  The fire started at around 5 p.m. in a pile of material on the tip floor — where recyclables are “tipped” out of
  
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• Leahy’s election security amendment comes up short

  02-08-2018 02:11 via vtdigger.org
  Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. File photo by Elizabeth Hewitt/VTDigger
  The Senate Wednesday blocked an amendment by Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., to provide states with an additional $250 million in funding for election security ahead of the 2018 midterm elections.
  The 50-47 vote in favor fell well below the 60 votes needed to attach the measure to appropriations legislation.Get all of VTDigger's political news.You'll never miss a political story with our weekly headlines in your inbox.Daily
  Sundays onl
  
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• Vermont Gas told to pay fraction of pipeline costs

  02-08-2018 01:11 via vtdigger.org
  The Vermont Gas Systems headquarters in South Burlington. File photo by Bob LoCicero/VTDigger
  The state Public Utility Commission has ordered Vermont Gas Systems to pay a $23.7 million penalty for “imprudent” spending on its Addison Natural Gas Pipeline project, leaving current customers to pay the remaining $141 million it took to complete the pipeline.
  Greg Marchildon, state director of AARP Vermont, which had appealed an earlier rate ruling to the state Supreme Court, called Monda
  
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• David Bond, Janet Foley & Tim Schroeder: New research suggests more extensive PFOA contamination

  02-08-2018 01:11 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by David Bond, Janet Foley and Tim Schroeder, who are faculty members at Bennington College. Together, they run an National Science Foundation-funded research project on PFOA.
  How far did airborne emissions of PFOA travel once they left the stacks at the ChemFab facility in North Bennington? Small fortunes now ride on this simple question, as do the hopes of many families desperate to secure clean drinking water for their homes in Shaftsbury and Bennington
  
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• Jim Condos: Remember to vote in Aug. 14 primary

  02-08-2018 01:07 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos.
  The Aug. 14 Vermont primary election is less than two weeks away. While there has been some indication of lower voter turnout, I hope that as Vermonters, we can make sure that’s not the case in our state.
  Voting is the foundation of our democracy. When you go to the polls on primary day and Election Day, you’re helping shape the future of our towns, our state and our country. Mark your calendars today &
  
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• Attorney drops home detention bid for mother charged in Highgate slaying

  02-08-2018 01:07 via vtdigger.org
  Carmen Guttilla. Photo courtesy Vermont State PoliceST. ALBANS – The attorney for a Highgate woman charged with murder for allegedly helping her daughter in the slaying of a man has withdrawn a bid to release his client on home detention pending her trial.
  David Sleigh said Wednesday that he decided against pursuing his earlier request for home detention for Carmen Guttilla, who did not appear in court, because of a recent a change in the law. Get all of VTDigger's criminal justice news.Yo
  
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• Gerry Silverstein: A question of balance

  02-08-2018 01:02 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Gerry Silverstein, of South Burlington, who has interests in individual, community, and global health.
  In 1970, a musical group known as the Moody Blues released an album entitled “A Question of Balance.” The title could apply to current events in America.
  On April 14 two individuals of color were asked by the store manager to leave a Starbucks in Philadelphia because they had not ordered anything. The request by the manager was compatible w
  
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