Vermont news

• Corrections backs controversial health care contractor

  18-09-2018 23:44 via vtdigger.org
  A top corrections official said Tuesday  the department remains confident in the performance of Centurion and its Vermont medical director, Dr. Steven Fisher.
  Creative Commons photo
  The Vermont Department of Corrections is standing by its inmate health care contractor amid controversy about addiction treatment in state prisons.
  A top corrections official on Tuesday said the department remains confident in the performance of Centurion and its Vermont medical director, Dr. Steven Fisher.Get a
  
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• FBI probes prison guard said to be smuggling drugs in magic markers

  18-09-2018 23:11 via vtdigger.org
  According to an affidavit in support of a search warrant, guard Grant Vance was smuggling drugs into the Northern State Correctional Facility in Newport. Vermont Department of Corrections photo
  A man who worked as a guard at the Newport prison is at the center of an FBI probe over allegations that he smuggled drugs into the facility by stuffing strips of buprenorphine into magic markers he would carry into the facility when he arrived for work.
  Recently unsealed court papers also reveal that the
  
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• Supreme Court upholds Bennington man’s lewdness conviction

  18-09-2018 20:30 via vtdigger.org
  The Vermont Supreme Court upheld a Bennington man’s conviction. File photo by Bob LoCicero/VTDigger
  BENNINGTON — The Vermont Supreme Court has denied a Bennington man’s appeal of his 2016 conviction for lewd and lascivious conduct with a child.
  Jeremy Amidon, 40, who was sentenced to 2 to 4 years in prison on the charge, argued that the trial court should have granted his motion for a mistrial because the judge allowed a reference to his prior incarceration on a different charg
  
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• Norwich University launches lecture series

  18-09-2018 20:27 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Norwich UniversitySept. 10, 2018
  Contact:Daphne Larkin [email protected]
  Norwich University Launches 2018-19 Architecture + Art Lecture Series with Alumnus and Student Researchers
  NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich University’s School of Architecture + Art kicks off the 2018-19 academic year with presentations from a graduate of the program and several students who conducted research abroad during an event on Friday, Sept. 14, at 2 p.m. in Chaplin Hall Galle
  
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• Gov. Scott Sept. 11 anniversary statement

  18-09-2018 20:25 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Gov. Phil ScottSept. 11, 2018
  Contact:Rebecca [email protected]
  STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE SEPTEMBER 11 ATTACKS
  Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement:
  “Seventeen years ago, we awoke to a typical Tuesday. There was a quiet across the nation, in a less complicated world, and a less complicated time.
  “By the end of the day, all that would change.
  “The events
  
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• Washington Electric Cooperative to host Coventry Landfill open house

  18-09-2018 20:21 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Washington Electric CooperativeSept. 11, 2018
  Contact:Patty Richards802-223-5245
  Washington Electric Cooperative Members and Public Welcomed to Coventry Landfill Open House September 15
  Coventry, Vt: On Saturday, September 15, Coventry Landfill will open to Washington Electric Co-op (WEC) members and the public for an Open House from 10 am to 2 pm. Visitors are invited to learn how landfill gas becomes clean electricity at WEC’s generation plant.
  Casella Waste Systems,
  
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• Tai Chi Vermont to host falls prevention exposition

  18-09-2018 20:17 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Southwestern Vermont Council on AgingSept. 11, 2018
  Contact:Anna White802-786-5990
  Tai Chi Vermont to host Falls Prevention Awareness Expo in Rutland
  RUTLAND, Vt. – Tai Chi Vermont, in partnership with Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, will host a falls prevention exposition on Saturday, September 22 at Main Street Park in Rutland.
  The expo, which is being held in conjunction with National Falls Prevention Day, will start at 12:00 p.m. and feature live falls preve
  
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• Windham County horse tests positive for West Nile virus

  18-09-2018 20:12 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Department of HealthSept. 11, 2018
  Contacts:Ben [email protected]
  Scott [email protected]
  Mosquito bite prevention is key to protecting both humans and animals
  BURLINGTON – The Vermont Department of Health was notified last week that a horse in Windham County tested positive for West Nile virus. The horse had not been vaccinated against the virus and has since died from the infection. Testing w
  
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• Vermont Department of Libraries to host local food activities

  18-09-2018 20:04 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Department of LibrariesSept. 11, 2018
  Contact:Shane [email protected]
  Lara [email protected]
  Backyard Grub: Vermont Libraries Explore Food from the Yard
  The Vermont Department of Libraries is partnering with Rooted in Vermont, a grassroots campaign celebrating how all Vermonters enjoy local food, to explore all of the great food that Vermonters can find right in their backyard. Libraries across the state will be hosting programs
  
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• Hawks, Hurricanes And The Declining Numbers Of Raptors: The Fall Bird Migration Show dlvr.it/Qkc9rs https://t.co/ioqUmJJqHX

  18-09-2018 20:01 via twitter.com
  
  Hawks, Hurricanes And The Declining Numbers Of Raptors: The Fall Bird Migration Show dlvr.it/Qkc9rs https://t.co/ioqUmJJqHX
  
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• Brattleboro Museum & Art Center to host addiction recovery exhibit

  18-09-2018 19:24 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Brattleboro Museum & Art CenterSept. 10, 2018
  Contact:Erin [email protected], ext. 113
  Photography exhibit and related events shed light on struggle to recover from addictionBrattleboro Museum & Art Center partners with local mental health and social service agencies to address pressing community issue
  BRATTLEBORO, VT — An upcoming photography exhibit and series of related events organized by the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (
  
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• 'Last, Best And Final Offer': An Update On UVM Nurses' Union Negotiations dlvr.it/Qkbl7n https://t.co/PyovAlH6gM

  18-09-2018 18:32 via twitter.com
  
  'Last, Best And Final Offer': An Update On UVM Nurses' Union Negotiations dlvr.it/Qkbl7n https://t.co/PyovAlH6gM
  
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• Vermont Passport Agency to host Passport Day

  18-09-2018 07:19 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Passport AgencySept. 10, 2018
  Contact:[email protected]
  Passport Day on Saturday, September 22
  The Vermont Passport Agency is hosting a special passport day on Saturday, September 22 as part of the Department of State’s Passport Awareness Month. The U.S. Department of State is celebrating Passport Awareness Month by launching the #PicturePerfectPassport public awareness campaign to improve the quality of passport photos submitted by applicants.
  
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• Sen. Leahy reaction to Washington PLO office closure

  18-09-2018 07:16 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Sen. Patrick LeahySept. 10, 2018
  Contact:David Carle(202) 224-3693
  Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) To The State Department’s Announcement That The U.S. Will Order The Closure Of The PLO Office In Washington, DC, Which Represents The West Bank Government Led By President Mahmoud Abbas
  “A year and 9 months after President Trump’s inauguration we have yet to see anything remotely resembling a credible plan for peace in the Middle East. Instead, all s
  
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• Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum announces Hall of Fame inductees

  18-09-2018 07:11 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Ski and Snowboard MuseumSept. 10, 2018
  Contact:Deb Taylor802-253-9911 ext. [email protected]
  Announcing 2018 Vermont Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame Inductees and Paul Robbins, First Tracks, VTSSM Community Awards
  Since 2002, the Vermont Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame has recognized more than sixty athletes, pioneers and contributors who have made skiing or riding history in Vermont. Five new inductees will be celebrated at an Induction Ceremony presented by Ve
  
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• Vermont Interfaith Action sponsors voter forums for House seats

  18-09-2018 07:07 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Interfaith ActionSept. 10, 2018
  Contact:Melissa [email protected] (cell)
  Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA) is sponsoring a series of non-partisan voter forums for Vermont House seats in five districts throughout the state. These non-partisan events will allow voters to hear the candidates answer questions about some of VIA’s issues, such as economic dignity, affordable housing/homelessness, criminal justice reform, and education. The goal is to
  
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• Generator to create student STEM labs

  18-09-2018 06:12 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — GeneratorSept. 6, 2018
  Media Contact:Rachel [email protected]
  Dealer.com and Generator are launching: Design Lab innovative STEM workshops for 7th-12th grade students. Working closely with area teachers Generator has developed programming that offers students unique hands-on learning experiences that focus on collaboration, prototyping, and flexible thinking. Rachel Hooper, Director of Community Outreach at Generator says, “I see maker education as a way t
  
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• Vermont Veterinary Medical Association discuss animal pain management

  18-09-2018 05:24 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Veterinary Medical AssociationSept. 7, 2018
  Contact:Kathy [email protected]
  Pets Feel Pain: Learn How To Manage It By the Vermont Veterinary Medical AssociationErin Forbes, DVMMountain View Animal Hospital
  September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. Pain comes in many forms: arthritis, cancer, post-surgery, acute injuries, and chronic injuries. Acute pain is obvious and distressing and hard to miss. Think a broken leg or an injury from fa
  
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• Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center receives gift

  18-09-2018 05:11 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health CenterSept. 7, 2018
  Contact:Amber Bedi(802) [email protected]
  Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center Receives $12,500 Auxiliary Gift toward Defibrillator Purchase
  WINDSOR, VT – Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center, a not-for-profit Critical Access Hospital located in Windsor, Vermont, has received a $12,500 gift from the Mt. Ascutney Hospital Auxiliary. The donation was presented to the Hospital’s President, CEO and
  
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• Northern Vermont University–Lyndon to host homecoming

  18-09-2018 05:04 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Northern Vermont University–LyndonSept. 7, 2018
  Contact:Sylvia [email protected]
  Northern Vermont University-Lyndon Homecoming & Family Weekend Sept. 21-23
  LYNDON, VERMONT — Northern Vermont University-Lyndon’s annual Homecoming & Family Weekend on campus will be Sept. 21-23 and feature events including Oktoberfest, varsity games and fireworks.
  Events free and open to the public include:Oktoberfest, 7:30-10 p.m. Sept.
  
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• ValleyNet celebrates ECFiber

  18-09-2018 04:49 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — ValleyNetSept. 7, 2018
  Contact:Stan Williams802 763 0330
  “ValleyNet Email is Dead, Long Live ValleyNet”; ValleyNet Celebrates 10 Years of Facilitating ECFiber’s Success
  ValleyNet wishes to remind the Upper Valley that it is still alive and kicking (despite the recent announcement by FirstLight that it is discontinuing service to former ValleyNet email account holders.)
  When ValleyNet divested its dial-up accounts and email addresses to SoverNet (now FirstLi
  
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• Norwich University to host homecoming

  18-09-2018 04:44 via vtdigger.org
  News release — Norwich UniversitySept. 7, 2018
  Contact:Daphne Larkin802-485-2886
  Norwich University to Welcome Alumni Back to Campus and Launch the “Year of Distinction” at Homecoming
  NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich University will host several thousand alumni and their guests during annual Homecoming festivities Sept. 12 – 16 and kick off the “Year of Distinction,” the beginning of a year-long commemoration culminating in the 200th birthday celebration in Sep
  
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• State launches effort to collect toxic foam from local fire departments

  18-09-2018 03:11 via vtdigger.org
  Air Force firefighters spray down an mock aircraft with AFFF foam concentrate during a training scenario in 2011. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton
  As part of a broader effort to address PFAS contamination around Vermont, the state is collecting an outdated, and toxic, firefighting foam from local fire departments for free until early October.
  The Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Fire Safety teamed up to dispose
  
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• Prisoners’ advocates file complaint over addiction treatment

  18-09-2018 02:56 via vtdigger.org
  Tom Dalton is the executive director of Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform. File photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDigger
  Vermont prisoners have been harmed by “unsafe and unacceptable patient care” due to inadequate implementation of a new law expanding addiction treatment behind bars, according to a complaint filed with the state Board of Medical Practice.
  Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform has filed the complaint against Dr. Steven Fisher, who is medical director for Cen
  
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• Mississippi prison ‘might as well be death sentence’ for ailing client, lawyer says

  18-09-2018 02:30 via vtdigger.org
  Frank Weir. Photo courtesy Vermont State Police
  BURLINGTON – A defense lawyer says he is nearing a plea deal for his ailing client facing a murder charge with the expressed purpose of keeping him out of the state prison system.“The reason for dealing it with this way is my client has serious health problems and he’ll be much better served in the federal prison system than the state system,” Peter Langrock, an attorney for Frank Weir, said Monday outside of a federal court
  
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• Declining enrollments prompt accreditors to check in

  18-09-2018 02:20 via vtdigger.org
  Southern Vermont College students process down Greystone Lawn from the historic Everett Mansion for the college’s 91st commencement exercises in May. Southern Vermont College photo by Max Flatow
  As enrollments nose-dive and strain the finances of the Northeast’s smaller colleges, accreditors are checking in.
  Representatives from the New England Commission of Higher Education, the federally recognized accreditor for the six-state region, will meet with officials from Goddard College t
  
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• Bennington board OKs settlement with solar firm after revisions

  18-09-2018 02:18 via vtdigger.org
  THe Bennington Select Board reached a settlement agreement with Allco Renewable Energy. Photo by PixabayBENNINGTON — The Town Select Board and Allco Renewable Energy agreed Friday to a final version of a settlement agreement concerning the developer’s proposed solar projects here and related permitting and legal disputes.
  After meeting in emergency session Wednesday to consider the five-page negotiated agreement, the board decided in executive session to request four language revisio
  
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• Bernie Sanders: We’re going to expand Social Security, not cut it

  18-09-2018 01:13 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
  Social Security is one of the most popular and successful government programs in the history of our country.
  For more than 80 years, through good times and bad, Social Security has paid out every benefit owed to every eligible American on time and without delay. Not once over more than eight decades of operation — not even during our worst economic downturns — has anyone received a letter or phone call from the Soc
  
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• John Klar: Leadership is not for children

  18-09-2018 01:09 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by John Klar, who is an attorney and farmer, and the pastor at the First Congregational Church of Westfield. This piece was first published in the Newport Daily News.Our nation’s children are walking out of high schools to usher in a new morality. Encouraged by teachers and principals, they will finally end school violence by eliminating all firearms, and correct the failure of previous generations to solve racism, gender discrimination, sexual haras
  
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• Mike Covey: Hunters, trappers key to wildlife management

  18-09-2018 01:06 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Eric Covey, a life-long resident of Williamstown. He studied wildlife management and volunteers with several of Vermont’s conservation organizations such as the Vermont Trappers Association, Vermont Traditions Coalition and Vermont Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs.Unfortunately for our public dialogue, half truths and misinformation have become standard for the anti-trapping and animal rights crowd in Vermont. This occurs once more in a recen
  
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• Vanity Fair writer Gabriel Sherman talks Trump in Vermont visit

  18-09-2018 00:58 via vtdigger.org
  Middlebury College graduate turned Vanity Fair correspondent Gabriel Sherman speaks Saturday night at the Weston Playhouse’s Walker Farm stage. Photo by Kevin O’Connor/VTDiggerWESTON — Assigned to cover President Donald Trump, Vanity Fair correspondent Gabriel Sherman seemingly doesn’t stop working. So the Middlebury College graduate was only half-joking when he arrived for a Saturday-night talk at Weston Playhouse’s Walker Farm theater and asked the audience a ques
  
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