Vermont news

• John Killacky: Parting words

  01-06-2018 00:55 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by John R. Killacky, who will be retiring from the Flynn Center next month. In his post-Flynn life, Killacky is running for the Vermont House of Representatives to represent his neighborhood in South Burlington.
  I came of age as an artist and administrator in New York in the 1970s. Post modernists, punks, minimalists and graffiti artists were deconstructing and distilling everyday actions. Rooftops, parking lots, lofts, bars, gymnasiums, and subway platfor
  
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• Alex Herzog: Education reform must work for rural Vermont

  11-02-2026 03:03 via vtdigger.org
  This commentary is by Alex Herzog, director of career and technical education at Lyndon Institute.When Gov. Phil Scott delivered his 2026 State of the State address, he framed education reform — now referred to as education transformation — as a prerequisite for Vermont’s long-term economic and demographic stability. His emphasis on cradle-to-career pathways, funding equity and workforce alignment reflects a growing consensus: the state’s education system must be be
  
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• ‘Challenging to track’: Officials consider solutions to spiraling IT deficit

  11-02-2026 00:30 via vtdigger.org
  Adam Greshin, commissioner of the Vermont Department of Finance and Management on Jan. 14, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDiggerVermont’s primary annual IT operations fund went from $1 million in the black three years ago to $25 million in the red last year, according to state officials.“That’s why I’m here today,” said Adam Greshin, commissioner of the Vermont Department of Finance and Management, as he spoke with the House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Commit
  
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• Edwin Merton Owre

  10-02-2026 23:17 via vtdigger.org
  Born: Oct. 26, 1928
  Tillamook, OregonDied: Jan. 3, 2026
  Colchester, VermontDetails of servicesA memorial in celebration of Ed’s life will likely take place when the weather warms and the days lengthen. Details to be announced. Anyone who wishes to give a token in honor of Ed’s memory may consider donating in his name to one of his favorite charities: ‘Best Friends Animal Society’ at bestfriends.org or the World Wildlife Fund at wwf.org.Professor and career artist Edwin M
  
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• Immigration court blocks deportation of Turkish student who was detained in Vermont

  10-02-2026 23:00 via vtdigger.org
  Tufts University doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk reads from a prepared statement following a court hearing outside the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in Boston. Photo by Leah Willingham/APA federal immigration judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to deport Rümeysa Öztürk, the Turkish student who was detained last year in Vermont and other states by immigration agents.According to a court filing published Monday, the judg
  
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• Measles detected in Washington County wastewater 

  10-02-2026 22:08 via vtdigger.org
  A representation of a measles virus particle. Image via the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionVermont health officials have detected measles in Washington County wastewater.The finding triggered an alert to area health care providers, specifically those at Central Vermont Medical Center, in Berlin, to be on the lookout for the disease if patients come in with measles symptoms — which can include a blotchy rash, a high fever, dry cough and runny nose. Measles can be deadly, es
  
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• 11 arrested during ICE protest at Williston business park

  10-02-2026 21:32 via vtdigger.org
  A demonstrator is arrested at a protest at ICE’s National Criminal Analysis and Targeting Center in Williston on Monday, Feb. 9. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDiggerWILLISTON — A group of older adults were arrested Monday during a civil disobedience action in the Williston office park that houses a large digital surveillance office run by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.Eleven of about two dozen protesters were charged with trespassing, and three were issued citations and releas
  
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• Vermont’s Ben Ogden wins silver, Paula Moltzan bronze in Olympic skiing

  10-02-2026 16:19 via vtdigger.org
  Vermonter Ben Ogden celebrates after winning a silver medal in the cross-country sprint at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Tesero, Italy, on Feb. 10. Photo by Matthias Schrader/Associated PressThe Green Mountain State has scored its first two medalists at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy.Fifty years after Bill Koch won the nation’s first cross-country medal, fellow Vermonter Ben Ogden became the second U.S. man to do so by nabbing silver Tuesday in the men’s sprint.
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• Heidi Schumacher: Missing school and missing out

  10-02-2026 13:11 via vtdigger.org
  Dear Editor,Your recent article on school absenteeism reflects a critical issue impacting Vermont schools and communities. Mirroring national trends, one in four Vermont students is now chronically absent, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year for any reason, a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels.As the article highlights, schools are working hard to re-engage families — and there are many bright spots to be celebrated. But the root causes of absenteeism are too big
  
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• Public pushes back on US Forest Service proposal to use controlled burns in Green Mountain National Forest

  10-02-2026 12:55 via vtdigger.org
  The U.S. Forest Service’s plan to conduct controlled burning over the next 15 years in areas near popular recreation spots Lake Dunmore and Silver Lake has faced public opposition during a comment period that ends this week.  The project, called Northern Escarpment Ecological Restoration and Fire Resilience, is designed to promote the area’s resistance to wildland fires, pest infestations and drought, the Forest Service says. The project covers four areas spanning 2,770 ac
  
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• Emma Paradis and Lisa Grefe: Nonprofits get it done

  10-02-2026 01:10 via vtdigger.org
  This commentary is by Emma Paradis and Lisa Grefe, who are co-directors of Common Good Vermont, the state association of nonprofits, a program of United Way of Northwest Vermont.Across Vermont, nonprofits are the backbone of our communities — filling gaps, meeting critical needs and enhancing our quality of life. From disaster recovery and food access to youth programs, workforce development, arts and culture, and health care, nonprofits are people helping people — making sure
  
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• Ellen Yount named new director of the Vermont Afghan Alliance

  10-02-2026 00:41 via vtdigger.org
  Vermont Afghan Alliance announced Monday the appointment of Ellen Yount of Starksboro as its new executive director, effective March 4. Photo courtesy of VAA.A former international development expert will take over as the Vermont Afghan Alliance’s new executive director, the organization announced Monday. Ellen Yount, of ​​Starksboro, will succeed Molly Gray, who announced last month that she will run for lieutenant governor. “We are excited to welcome her as o
  
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• Beta Technologies board member steps back following appearance in Epstein files

  10-02-2026 00:19 via vtdigger.org
  Dean Kamen. Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/APTheo Wells-Spackman is a Report for America corps member who reports for VTDigger.Dean Kamen, a director on the board of Beta Technologies, has stepped back from his role at the company after the U.S. Department of Justice released files tying him to Jeffrey Epstein.“BETA treats these matters with utmost seriousness,” the South Burlington-based electric plane company said in a statement last week. “Dean Kamen has voluntarily
  
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• Farmworkers could face declining wages in Vermont

  10-02-2026 00:01 via vtdigger.org
  Christa Alexander and her husband Mark Fasching, rear, own Jericho Settlers Farm in Jericho. Seen on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDiggerVermont farmworkers could earn significantly lower wages this year under new federal rules, a shift that could affect more than 100 workers hoping to find jobs in the state this spring.  The farmworker wages fall under a federal program administered by the Department of Labor called H-2A, a temporary visa status for agricultura
  
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• FEMA denies disaster aid for 2025 flooding, leaving NEK towns scrambling

  09-02-2026 23:51 via vtdigger.org
  A closed bridge over the Calendar Brook on Route 5 in Lyndonville on July 11, 2025, after being damaged by flooding.File photo by Glenn Russell/VTDiggerThe Federal Emergency Management Agency will not provide money to help towns in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom recover from major flooding in 2025, the agency told state officials in a Feb. 7 letter. On July 10, 2025, torrential rain and flash flooding caused major damage to homes, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure in Sutton
  
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• Vermont National Guard’s F-35s may be headed to Middle East, reports say

  09-02-2026 22:57 via vtdigger.org
  An F-35 fighter jet from the Vermont Air National Guard’s fleet in 2020. File photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDiggerFighter jets from the Vermont National Guard were spotted landing at a Portuguese air force base late last month — likely en route to join other U.S. forces amassing for a potential attack on Iran, according to reports from defense industry publications.The Vermont guard F-35s seen touching down at Lajes Field — which is in the Azores, a mid-Atlantic island chain contr
  
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• Home is best: creating affordable and accessible housing for Vermonters with disabilities

  09-02-2026 14:29 via vtdigger.org
  A lack of affordable and accessible housing in Vermont is a critical issue that affects many Vermonters, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). In response to this challenge, individuals with I/DD, their parents, advocates, service providers, state leaders, and housing partners have unified to create new housing options in partnership with developers, architects, and funders. An example of this statewide collaboration is the legislatively appointed Act 69 Comm
  
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• Orleans County town fights industrial solar project

  09-02-2026 12:55 via vtdigger.org
  An industrial solar project proposed for a longtime hayfield in Lowell has become the subject of controversy in the small town.Located directly across the street from Lowell Graded School, the 44-acre plot has been in agricultural use for over a century, townspeople say. The V-shaped field is relatively flat and is bordered by forest and a handful of residences, as well as an electrical substation. It’s also close to the center of the Northeast Kingdom town, near the “Four Corners&r
  
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• Jason Batchelder: Slow down for mountain lions

  09-02-2026 12:00 via vtdigger.org
  This commentary is by Jason Batchelder, commissioner of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department; Andrea Shortsleeve, chief of operations; John Austin, director of the Wildlife Division; Alison Thomas, director of the Outreach Division; and Justin Stedman, director of the Game Warden Service.A campaign is underway to bring mountain lions to Vermont, led by the nonprofit Mighty Earth. As the state agency that would be responsible for these cats if Mighty Earth succeeds, Vermont Fish and Wildlife
  
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• Young Writers Project: ‘Longhand’

  08-02-2026 13:03 via vtdigger.org
  “Bridges,” by Ursa Goldenrose, 16, HardwickYoung Writers Project is a creative, online community of teen writers and visual artists that started in Burlington in 2006. Each week, VTDigger publishes the writing and art of young Vermonters who post their work on youngwritersproject.org, a free, interactive website for youth, ages 13-19. To find out more, please go to youngwritersproject.org or contact Executive Director Susan Reid at sreid@youngwrite
  
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• Vermonter Bob Yates Jr. was one of the first Patriots. His football legacy lives on still.

  08-02-2026 13:00 via vtdigger.org
  As Vermonters sit down with their beers and wings to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, they will not see one of their own on the field. There are no native sons representing the state during Sunday’s big game. In fact, no Vermont-born players are on a single NFL roster at all. Period.Still, there is a home-state connection: A Vermonter, born and bred in Montpelier, was on the very first Patriots team. Two generations later, his family members are still devoted fans.The New England Patriots,
  
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• To debate or not to debate? On world issues, that is Vermont’s Town Meeting question.

  08-02-2026 12:55 via vtdigger.org
  Vermonters who called for a nuclear arms freeze at 1982 Town Meetings carry a banner in New York City that June. Photo by Toby Talbot/Associated Press
  Most Vermonters tap March Town Meetings to chew over proposed local spending and, on occasion, a potluck lunch. But residents in Newfane, population 1,645, have bit into a smorgasbord of larger issues, be it calls to ban genetically modified foods in 2002, impeach President George W. Bush in 2006, oppose the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza in 2024 or pl
  
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• In Morristown, an industrial park proposal gets a rocky reception

  08-02-2026 12:53 via vtdigger.org
  Morrisville business owner Hank Glowiak talks during a Morristown Selectboard meeting on Monday, Feb. 2 that drew scores of residents concerned about Manufacturing Solutions, Inc.’s proposed industrial park on Route 100, across from the Morrisville-Stowe airport. Photo by Gordon Miller/News & CitizenThis story by Patrick Bilow was first published in News & Citizen on Feb. 5, 2026.A Morristown Selectboard meeting last Monday saw the highest attendance in years, board chair Don McDo
  
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• When schools are too small for kids to thrive

  08-02-2026 12:00 via vtdigger.org
  Katherine Quimby Johnson is a freelance writer and editor, and writes the local news column for the News & Citizen in Morrisville.I’ve been following the debate over small schools for what feels like decades. For all the talk about the merits and costs of small schools, there are two points I have yet to see raised. Both concern the student experience in small elementary schools.The first is teacher and student compatibility. Teachers may all use the same methods and be equally profes
  
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• Lake Champlain ice is all it’s cracked up to be

  07-02-2026 12:55 via vtdigger.org
  Rescue personnel bring a boat onto the ice of Lake Champlain to rescue skaters who were trapped by a widening gap on Tuesday, Feb. 3. Photo via City of Vergennes Fire DepartmentJohn Rosenthal finds skating across the deep-blue ice of Lake Champlain at bike-level speeds to be “dramatic and exciting.” But the 75-year-old Charlotte resident has long known that ice skating on such a large, natural surface is not without risks. “We never say ice is safe, only skateable, b
  
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• John Steen: Deliver us from privatization

  07-02-2026 02:09 via vtdigger.org
  Dear Editor,In c. 500 B.C., Herodotus wrote, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” The iconic phrase often called the Postal Service’s motto — adapted from Herodotus and famously inscribed on New York City’s main post office — has long symbolized the reliability of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). It pains me to see that proud institution now being reduced and distorte
  
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• Vermont’s US senators celebrate more than $58 million in earmarks for local projects 

  07-02-2026 01:18 via vtdigger.org
  U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, left, and U.S. Senator Peter Welch, D-Vermont, speak during a press conference at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Friday, February 6, 2026. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDiggerMONTPELIER — Vermont’s congressional delegation plans to funnel more than $58 million in federal funds to projects around the state including housing and infrastructure projects, technical school programs and construction for Vermont Air National Guard facilities. U.S. S
  
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• Vermont’s US senators celebrate more than $100 million in earmarks for local projects 

  07-02-2026 01:18 via vtdigger.org
  U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt, left, and U.S. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt, speak during a press conference at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Friday, Feb. 6. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDiggerMONTPELIER — Vermont’s congressional delegation plans to funnel more than $100 million in federal funds to projects around the state including housing and infrastructure projects, technical school programs and construction for Vermont Air National Guard facilities. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
  
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• Cold snap expected to hit Vermont, exacerbating risks of heating fuel shortages 

  07-02-2026 01:08 via vtdigger.org
  Marie Devaney clears snow from a car on Wallace Street in Waterbury on Jan. 26, 2026. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDiggerAs Vermonters prepare for another frigid weekend, a season of multiple cold snaps has led to heating fuel and firewood shortages. Beginning Saturday, a blast of arctic air will drop temperatures across Vermont, with windchills causing lows down to feel like minus 20 to minus 35 degrees, according to Matthew Clay, a meteorologist at the Burlington office of the National Weath
  
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• Vermont pursues junk food ban for 3SquaresVT recipients

  07-02-2026 01:00 via vtdigger.org
  Photo via PexelsTheo Wells-Spackman is a Report for America corps member who reports for VTDigger.Vermont officials are pursuing a ban on some “non-nutritious items” for recipients of the state’s largest food assistance program. Recipients would no longer be able to use funds from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, called 3SquaresVT in Vermont, to purchase certain goods. Elsewhere, such restrictions have ranged from only “soft drinks” in Color
  
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