The two new VSP leaders are Ron LaFond Jr. as director of the Vermont Intelligence Center, and Christian Pedoty as emergency communications director.
State Police name two new top leaders
Timothy Page
As high court debates ‘expressive car honking’, Vermont already has law on the books
The US Supreme Court may consider whether someone honking their horn for a non-traffic-related reason is illegal.
Vermont already has a law on its books concerning the trend. It’s just not enforced.
Old concrete sewer pipe fails, creates gaping sinkhole in Burlington’s Main Street
When the old, concrete pipe failed, its contents washed away roadbed materials, leaving a void that took city workers 12 hours to repair.
VT Headlines: VSP investigating threats made against Franklin County Sheriff’s Department
Judge Moves Vermont Family’s Wrongful Death Lawsuit to Religious Proceeding; Federal grant funds rail expansion between Vermont and Quebec; FEMA offers resources for Vermonters’ mental health
Montpelier Art Walk celebrates renewal in face of floods
Rain-soaked streets came alive this past Friday as community members joined Art Walk to turn the city into a tapestry of renewal.
Proposed changes to BTV airport cabs are in progress
As Burlington International Airport braces for the holidays, officials with the city’s vehicle-for-hire licensing board want to see more action on a slew of proposals.
Harris: Hunting with dogs keeps bears out of the kitchen
Everybody loves to see bears. These amazing creatures are fun to watch in the wild. But no one wants to see a bear in their kitchen, and that is what is at stake here.
Orleans County defendant now faces federal gun charge
Cody M. Myott, 30, is now facing a federal charge of illegal possession of 3 loaded firearms while being a convicted felon, after a state judge released despite pleas that he needed psychiatric help.
Roper: Former Democrat Speaker of the House named president of state’s most prominent news outlet
VTDigger no longer bothering to hide the bias! Gaye Symington is made the new president of the organization.
Bananas: GOP IV – The Phantom Menace
Both contestants and moderators brought their A games, but in a country with the educational standards of a Mad-lib an A just isn’t what it used to be.
Bossange: State must help Burlington police, house its homeless
We are doing the homeless and mentally ill no favors by letting them suffer in public, unsupervised spaces.
Kinsley: Vermonters concerned about housing, public safety, cost of living
In the second batch of poll results released by CFV, we discover that Vermonters identify housing, cost of living, and public safety as the top issues.
In offshoot of out-of-state gang member murder case, woman pleads to 5 felonies
Misti-Lynn Morin, 43, of Swanton admitted to 5 felony charges that were filed as an offshoot of a criminal investigation into an out-of-state gang member killed at a Swanton home in February 2022.
VT Headlines: Fairfield school closed due to rash of staff illnesses
With Honoree Fleming’s killer still at large, community rallies to raise reward money; Should Vermont eliminate cash bail?; Vt. lawmakers discuss whether decertified sheriff can still perform his job
Letter: Tired of old ideas? Try someone new!
The choice for the next mayor of Vermont’s largest city is obvious.
FIRE: UPenn president signals misguided willingness to abandon free speech
Penn’s policies have been guided by the Constitution and the law – but that’s about to change, the university president said.
Fernandez: Where were the anti-Israel protesters then?
The world only seems to take notice of Palestinians dying when Israel is involved. When international media platforms exclude coverage of Arab vs. Arab violence, an overt anti-Israel narrative emerges.
CLG: Hunter Biden was indicted Thursday on nine charges – including three felonies
U.S. Senate blocks Ukraine funding; Zelensky abruptly cancels U.S. Senate appeal; U.S. warship attacked – Pentagon; EU warns of Christmas terror attacks
Wilson: The killing of Vermont
We don’t have a “Climate Emergency”, we have an Education Emergency and common- sense problem.
Vermont to prioritize broadband access based on race
Who gets first dibs on this money will at least in part be determined by your race. Certain covered populations have been at an economic disadvantage compared to others, thus justifying the policy.
MacDonald: So, Vermont discriminates against its college students, too?
A group called Campus Voter Project is encouraging out-of-state college students to vote in the college town in which they happen to be on election day.
VT Headlines: Burlington menorah lighting celebrates first day of Hanukkah
Emma Mulvaney-Stanak secures Progressive nomination for Burlington mayor; Vermont’s ‘Raise the Age’ juvenile offender law to remain on pause
Roper: An 18-percent property tax increase will not fix unsafe, underperforming public schools
Principal tries to keep a stabbing out of the media. Hard drugs and a gun found on a playground by children. The infamous Blue Room where children are kept secluded…..a huge property tax increase won’t keep school leaders accountable.
Burlington Fire rescues trapped construction worker
The firefighters and the construction workers already there worked together to save the man.
Sheriff Grismore’s law enforcement license revoked
Grismore given the boot after giving the boot.
Sibilia: About the December 1 Tax Letter…
The pupil weight changes mean that in the next fiscal year, some districts will increase school budgets and see tax rate reductions, while others might experience a tax rate hike even with flat spending. In addition, it has been nearly 16 years since Vermont provided school construction aid.
Letter: Queen City primary care shortage decried
UVMMC has wide-open, wide-berth, welcoming care. Just don’t call Burlington.
VT Headlines: Champlain College survey finds online degrees are flourishing post-pandemic
Vt. communities make progress in fight to slow emerald ash borer; Wildlife Watch: Flooding’s impact on fish habitat; Vermont State House honors those lost to impaired and distracted driving
Stone: The alleged Obama White House counter-operation to crush Populism
Intelligence agencies changed their focus from working together to counter terrorism to countering populism, which spread via social media and resulted in the election of Donald Trump and Brexit.
Bennington couple indicted
Shavonne Doucette, 36 and Kyle Winnie, 41, both of Bennington pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court in Burlington to two felony counts on Monday afternoon.
CT suspect in Rutland shooting pleads Not Guilty to Fed ammo charges
Bayohan Mangual, of New Britain, Conn. appeared in U.S. District Court Monday to deny the single charge of possessing both Speer and Winchester ammunition for a 9×19-mm firearm as a felon on Sept. 2.
VT Headlines: Fair Haven boys basketball welcomes Luke Vadnais as head coach
Man hospitalized after reported East Calais shooting; VTSU receives grant for rural telecom ed.; VT plant hardiness zones change with updated USDA map
Towed in Vermont? You have few protections compared to most states.
If your car is towed in Vermont, you’re on your own.
Vermont State Police completes move to new Williston Barracks
The new barracks is located at 3294 St. George Rd., also known as Vermont Route 2A, about half a mile south of the former barracks location.
Roper: Report: Clean Heat Standard is “not cost effective”
Even when the books are cooked, the numbers still don’t add up. And our virtue-signaling lawmakers know it.
McClaughry: Legislative preview for 2024
The 2024 Vermont legislature will convene a month from now and its members will have to laser focus on the shocking increase projected for education spending.
Nine Vermont car dealerships tell Biden: “Tap the brakes on the unrealistic government EV mandate”
The gov’t mandates to push EVs onto consumers are failing to translate into sales as EV inventory is piling up. Now 3,882 dealerships nationwide including 9 from VT are calling out the situation.
LaMarche: Burlington’s Tacky Trio
If these are the best ideas that Burlingtonians can get from their next mayor, we are really screwed.
VT Headlines: Recruits honor Jessica Ebbighausen during graduation from the Vermont Police Academy
Hinesburg Community School say students found gun, contraband near campus; Burlington Democratic Mayoral Candidate Forum; Vermont is changing how it tracks Covid-19 in the state’s wastewater
CLG: First human case of new Swine Flu variant found in UK
Senate Republicans urge Biden to suspend China travel amid uptick in respiratory illness; Texas Sues Pfizer for Misrepresenting COVID Vaccine Claims, Censoring Americans
Keelan: Vermont towns must merge
The over-arching problem from the above is that town and village governments have become an expensive burden for their residents, and the future cost could be exponential.
Busiest northern border sector sees 550% increase in apprehensions over year
Garcia has long praised the relationship Border Patrol agents have with local residents, who he says have been instrumental in identifying suspicious activity.
Stevenson: Hounders and control of hounds
Remote collars won’t control hunting hounds and Fish and Wildlife should no longer be granted the entitled privilege of policing themselves.
The Barnard Raid of 1780
Old forts have always intrigued me, the more obscure the better. On Route 12 in the northwestern portion of Barnard, Vermont, there’s a Fort Defiance Hill that has long begged me for further investigation.
VT Headlines: Tim Burton says ‘Beetlejuice 2’ has officially wrapped production
Religious and housing leaders call for comprehensive state response to Vermont’s housing crisis; Drones becoming key tool for Vt. law enforcement; Vermont’s foster care IT system predates the internet
Klar: Biden beef deal risks foot and mouth disease
Imports of beef from corrupt Paraguay threaten US agriculture.
Sanders: Floor speech on Gaza and the Israeli-Hamas War
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Wednesday evening spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate about Israel, Palestine, and the humanitarian disaster in Gaza.
Bananas: 2034 A Christmas Vignette
Forty years it had taken him to learn what kind of smile was needed to envisage his lips. It was the thin smile of acceptable tolerance. Oh cruel misunderstanding! Oh stubborn, selfish desire to think freely!
New public hearing on trapping and coyote hunting rules
Department of Fish and Wildlife stands its ground on trapping and coyote hunting
Roper: Poll shows Dem/Prog supermajority super out of touch
Can Vermont Republicans take advantage?
The Governor vs. the Man-Bear
Slipperyskin, also known as Wejuk or Wet Skin, gained infamy for its elusive nature and apparent ability to evade any trap. Gov. Jonas Galusha was determined to capture or kill the creature.
Legislature stalled on retail theft reform bill
Vermont ranks 13th highest in nation in retail theft impact. The legislature had a bill in 2022 that would have addressed the problem but was stalled because lawmakers feared it wouldn’t be enforced.
Evslin: Spend $$ on climate adaptation, not carbon reduction
It’s our job as Vermonters to mitigate the effects of climate, whatever it is and whatever it will be, here at home. We can and should think global. We must act local.
At Merrymac Farm Sanctuary, every animal has a story
Quacking ducks, the baas of sheep and bleats of goats, horses snorting, pigs and turkeys roaming about — another day for the crew of rescued animals who live new lives in the haven off Lime Kiln Road.
VT Headlines: Windsor County Sheriff’s Office release footage from Kyle Pickett chase
Vermont State Colleges trustees select new Chancellor; Fewer Vermonters opting for hospice care; Luis Guzmán to donate ‘Celebrity Wheel of Fortune’ winnings to Vermont nonprofit
OD rise in drug-legal Oregon forewarns Vermonters about opioid decrim bills
The current candidates for mayor of the Queen City are already being challenged to come up with tangible solutions to the growing drug use crisis.
VTGOP mourns death of Mark Candon, former lawmaker, party leader, candidate for Congress
Tuesday afternoon Mark Candon of Rutland passed away in an automobile crash.
Poll: Most Vermonters back ban on flavored tobacco
If the Vermont House approves a bill passed by the Senate this year, Vermont will be sixth state to enact a menthol and flavored cigarette ban.
State House holiday celebrations planned
Christmas tree lighting on Monday, December 4 at 5:00 p.m., and State House menorah lighting on Tuesday, December 12 at 5:00 p.m. Both events take place on the State House lawn, are open to public.
Social media posters blame triple shooting on ‘right-wing extremism’ and ‘Islamophobia’
On Facebook, Vermont union leader David Van Deusen blames “rightwing extremists” for the attack on the three Palestinian men.
Iconic 24-Hour Denny’s in South Burlington closes down
The closure came as a shock to many loyal patrons as the lease for the property was terminated earlier this week. Sources indicate that the decision to shut down the restaurant was made by corporate.
Good news! Kitten rescued from tree
“May I just say how this is the most delightful news I have heard in a very long time,” said one of the 62 comments on the Facebook post telling the tale of the kitten’s rescue.
Moody’s dims credit outlook for U.S. federal government
Moody’s Investors Service gave the federal government a negative outlook citing large deficits, high interest rates and waning political interest in addressing the nation’s deficit.
VT Headlines: FEMA offers recommendations for flood-damaged heat systems
I-89 closed for over an hour after multi-vehicle crash; Welch Calls for Cease-Fire in Gaza; Vt. man convicted of child murder dies in prison; was he a serial killer?
Former NBA star Chris Herren to speak on recovery in Newport
Herren’s personal journey through heroin and cocaine addiction, leading to four overdoses and seven felonies, is a testament to the possibility of transformation and recovery.
Department of Public Safety mourns Forensic Laboratory employee killed in car crash
Buckley, 34, of Essex died Wednesday morning, Nov. 22, after her car went off the road in Bolton as she drove to work and was struck by another vehicle.
Klar: Navigating the cultural storm
Public elementary schools have rapidly implemented “Comprehensive Sex Education” , which introduces children at a very young age to sex, gender identity, gender orientation, and more.
VT Headlines: Trial begins for woman accused of causing death of baby
Convicted murderer from Vermont dies in maximum security prison in Kentucky; Community vigils planned for Palestinians shot in Vt.; Area shelters see increased demand for homeless youth services
The arrest of Jason J. Eaton
Eaton told federal agents, “I’ve been waiting for you” when they came to his home Sunday, court records show. ATF special agents had been called to the scene to help short-staffed Burlington Police.
MacDonald: In surprise move (not!) Marxists announce that they’d like to tax the rich
“Marxists” look to impose a 3% wealth tax on Vermont’s wealthiest.
Roper: More vote fraud that never happens happened again…and again and again
Elections should not be determined by who cheats better.
Two recent suicides by hanging highlight Vermont’s suicide problem
Recent news about two Vermont suicides by hanging highlight the ongoing challenges of depression in the wintery state which ranks third nationally for rates of depression.
LaMarche: Asst. AG calls out Lee Morrigan
On Saturday, I asserted that Lee Morrigan, now a candidate for Burlington City Council, exploited a sensitive incident, embracing a complete victim identity.
VT Headlines: South Burlington project would build 100 homes, conserve 74 acres
Vermont for Justice in Palestine holds vigil for 3 shot in Burlington; Elmore rejects ballot voting for town business; ‘Queen of Killington’ Mikaela Shiffrin exceeds World Cup expectations
Klar: Pope Francis and the quest for a one-world religion
Examining scriptural struggles amidst global alliances.
MacDonald: Oregon legalized hard drugs and it went about as well as you’d expect
As expected, things quickly went sideways. In the first year, overdose deaths rose 200 percent.
VT Fly Gals help bring women into the fly fishing fold
The group’s numbers have expanded to 150 women. “I was all by myself for 30 years, fly fishing,” one co-founder said. No longer.
CLG: Israeli intelligence was warned about Hamas attack, dismissed as “imaginary”
A detailed report about a possible imminent attack ended up being dismissed as an “imaginary scenario”
Klar: High Stakes Dispute Over Roundup Weed Killer
Jury finds glyphosate causes cancer.
State Prosecutor Sarah George rebuked by law enforcement over criticisms of traffic stops
When an impaired driver doesn’t get pulled over for a a non-moving violation, the next thing that happens could be far worse.
Bradley: Legislators make gun laws Chittenden County ignores
Chittenden County is actively coddling violent criminals in defiance of state law, and law-abiding citizens are not safer as a result.
‘It is the end of an era of cinema’: Palace 9 closes its doors
On the final night of the Palace 9 movie theater’s operation, the hottest ticket was the Scorsese film “Killers of the Flower Moon,”…for a dollar.
VT Headlines: Town of Chelsea holds emergency meeting after burglary
Missing Middlebury man found after night in frigid conditions; Lamoille County’s top prosecutor resigning one year into second four-year term; Guilty Plate Diner in Colchester set to close
Suit filed over State expelling Christian school
Because of its religious beliefs, state denies Mid Vermont Christian School publicly available funding, opportunity to compete in state-run sports
Controversial PragerU videos gain educational foothold in New Hampshire
Decried as ‘indoctrination’ by educational establishment.
Sanders blasted for proposing conditions for Israel aid
Last week, a group of Progressive protesters demonstrated outside of his offices, urging him to call for a pause in the hostilities.
Juvenile holding center to open soon in Middlesex
The 2020 closing of Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center in Essex left a vacuum in care for Vermont’s most troubled children when they require full-time oversight
Kurrle & Samuelson: Time to walk the walk about Housing Crisis
We can’t keep kicking the can down the road. We owe it to Vermonters to act now to ensure our State’s future is bright.
Keelan: Can peace ever be achieved?
Israel’s Defense Forces will, in time, remove Hamas from Gaza, and then what? Three monumental issues must be addressed if this part of the world will ever see peace.
Family lives in distress after state ‘catches and releases’ husband/father’s alleged shooter
A Montgomery man who police say was shot by his neighbor in a May 4 property dispute is facing heart surgery, and he and his family remain afraid to stay in their own home.
National GOP Committeeman: Vermont legislature “really just full of lobbyists”
“Most of our donors no longer live in Vermont,” GOP National Committeeman Jay Shepard told podcaster Ivan Raiklin.
VT Headlines: After makeshift location closes, state capital left without a post office
A plan for what’s left of Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant; St. Albans City, Town move forward with plans for joint police force; Vermont schools navigate PCB test results
$60 million Winooski River bridge project will widen lanes, add pedestrian paths
Construction on the replacement for the 95-year-old bridge will begin in 2027.
Paul Dame staves off challenge from the right, re-elected GOP state chair
The elections were held at the end of a full day of training for party leaders coupled with multiple policy panels moderated by Republican legislators in the House and Senate.
State kicks off Vermont Strong holiday campaign to raise $1M for flood recovery
Gov. Phil Scott today announced a six-week holiday campaign to raise funds for Vermonters and businesses impacted by summer flooding through sales of Vermont Strong license plates and socks.
Burlington teacher named 2024 Teacher of the Year
Malik is known for partnering with community members and local institutions to connect her curriculum to the real world. Her teaching helps students to engage with the local Indigenous population. She has also worked to revitalize the school’s community garden.
McClaughry: Age Strong VT
Age Strong VT focuses our attention on a wide range of things that we – the government and the independent sector – can do to enrich the lives of our growing percentage of seniors.
Lawmakers question proposed Fish & Wildlife regs for hunting coyotes, trapping
Should dogs used for coyote hunting always be within eyesight/shouting distance? Is trapping as constitutionally-protected as hunting? These questions and others divide the more pro-hunting Fish & Wildlife Dept. and the more hunting-restrictive Legislature.
VT Headlines: NY State Police search VT woods for evidence in 30-year homicide investigation
Peoples Academy parent concerned following stabbing; Queen Bee’s destroyed after Sunday morning fire; VSP looking for suspect in elementary school burglary
Despathy: VPIRG is not Vermont’s voice
The “Make Big Oil Pay” hypocrisy.
