In a city increasingly concerned about public safety, one Democratic city councilor has picked up two important endorsements.
Shannon gets 2nd major public safety endorsement/ former lawmaker backs Mattison/ Paul endorsed by Dean, Baruth
Guy Page
Guy Page is the editor and publisher of the Vermont Daily Chronicle.
We’re working on the Comment Snafu – and oh yeah, we passed One Million views!
I had hoped to publish a triumphant ‘WOOT WOOT! We Just Reached One Million Views’ post today.
Bishop to step down from Chamber
The president of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce left her mark on the evolution of the state’s business community.
Hinesburg school administrator wouldn’t let police search playground area where gun was found
School officials were concerned the cops would scare or disturb the kindergarteners. A 35 gram bag of cocaine was found there after the police chief insisted on the search.
Small town considers non-citizen voting
As already adopted in three of Vermont’s cities, a small rural town is considering allowing non-citizens to vote.
Propane tanker burning in Irasburg
Two schools are within the one-mile evacuation zone.
Pro-Palestine rally marked by anti-capitalist rhetoric
Marxist rhetoric was a common theme: “It’s absolutely the capitalist ruling class that is behind all of this, we have to wrench power from the capitalist ruling class back to the workers where it belongs.”
Essex school board rejects Detransition Day
On a book opposing gender transition, the Essex -Westford School Board seems to be practicing some subjective censorship of its own.
Repealing penalties for small-time coke dealers slated for vote this year
Repealing legal penalties for selling up to 149 milligrams of crack cocaine – almost twice the lethal amount of a single dose – is part of a drug abuse ‘harm reduction’ bill cited as a high priority at Saturday’s pre-session caucus of Democratic legislators.
Marine vet and wife donate Christmas tree to Vermont Veterans Home
For the 15th year in a row, a Marine veteran familiar to Chronicle readers and his wife have provided the Christmas tree for the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington.
Confronted about drinking, tenant shot landlord in the head
Told he couldn’t drink in the house, a man convicted of criminal threatening shot his Hardwick landlord to death November 8.
St. Albans store manager throws hot coffee in armed robber’s face
Here’s your cup of coffee, sir.
Police recount Eaton’s reported history of mental illness, domestic problems
The alleged Burlington shooter of three Palestinian college students has a lengthy police history of domestic problems and allegations of mental illness, according to a November 30 press report.
Thanks for visiting! VDC visitors set new record
Two days ago, Vermont Daily Chronicle readers set a record for the most visits in a single year.
Wilson: Vermont public schools charge $23,856/student, produce worst-ever test scores
School boards and superintendents suffer no penalties for poor job performance.
Projected 18.5% property tax increase driven by increased school spending, Scott admin says
“I understand that this will not be welcome news for Vermonters,” said Commissioner Bolio, “This forecast predicts an unprecedented property tax increase next year, with very real financial impacts at a time Vermonters are already struggling to pay for housing.”
Lawmakers gather tomorrow for 2024 preview
Legislators and press will learn tomorrow about the state of the economy, the ‘budget context,’ federal aid, and the latest on the housing and flood crises.
In Prospect St. shooting letter, mayor calls for gun ban in bars
Most of the recent shootings in Burlington happened away from bars. But the Mayor of Burlington has issued another call for banning firearms possession in bars and “other sensitive spaces.”
Legislature gets 51% disapproval rating in new poll/ New hires in, out of state government
A new poll shows Vermonters like how Gov. Phil Scott is doing his job. But the Legislature? Not so much
Correction: Former Winooski equity director not with D.C. firm when 9/21 article published
“Ms Yasamin Gordon, during her short tenure with us, misrepresented her education credentials and experience, among other things,” Iris Bond Gill, CEO, told the Chronicle Wednesday. “There may be a story to write; however, the one you settled for is not it.”
Fernandez: History shows Jordan IS Palestine
In 1920, Winston Churchill blocked off three-quarters of Palestine for Arab settlement only. Just a quarter of the British mandate was left for Jewish settlement.
High interest rates punish towns seeking flood repair $$
Friendly interest rates in a high-interest loan market will help municipalities rebuild and plan for the next climate event, the state’s Bond Bank chair says.
George’s ‘hateful act’ comment may violate code of conduct, critic says
Did Sarah George’s ‘hateful act’ comment create a “substantial likelihood of heightening public condemnation of the accused”?
Support vigil for Palestinians, Muslims, Arabs tonight on Church Street, Burlington
Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger is urging support for Arab, Palestinian, and Muslim neighbors at a rally this evening.
George: “we do not yet have evidence to support this was a hate crime”
“And although we do not yet have evidence to support that this was a hate crime enhancement, I want to be clear that there is no question that this was a hateful act.” George said.
Another high school faces PCB contamination – air filters ordered
The state “Action Level” of 100 nanograms of PCBs per cubic meter is exceeded in the auditorium, dance strudio, phys. ed. office space, two rooms close to the cafeteria, two restrooms, and several storage rooms.
Poll: Scott leads in national guv popularity race
Just like so many times at Thunder Road, Phil Scott is in front of a large field of challengers.
Thousands of homes still without power
Thousands of homes and businesses were left without power statewide throughout the day yesterday after a snowstorm swept through the area on Sunday night and Monday morning.
Bananas reviews Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
Fat shaming, you say? Dear Lord of the flies, no! Thanksgiving is a celebration of girth people, and I’m here for it.
Burlington man arrested for shooting three Palestinians
A video arraignment is planned for Jason Eaton, charged with attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault in connection with the shooting of three Palestinians in Burlington Saturday.
Police: high on cocaine, Hartford man shoots another in the chest
A Hartford man intoxicated with crack cocaine shot another man in the chest last week, police say.
Burlington shooting suspect a self-described ‘radical citizen,’ social entrepreneur, Unitarian
Second-degree murder suspect Jason J. Eaton, age 48, is a Unitarian-Universalist, former Sterling College student, and environmental investment entrepreneur.
Vermont Catamounts extinct? No way, readers say
On the subject of the supposed extinction of catamounts, numerous Vermonters believe their own eyes.
Three Palestinian men shot in Burlington
Police are seeking a white man in his thirties with a mustache as a suspect in the Saturday evening shooting of three American college students of Palestinian descent.
Happy Thanksgiving from our crew to yours
Remembering a different kind of Vermont Thanksgiving
To our valued Sustaining Subscribers: PayPal is out, Stripe is in
Hasta la vista, PayPal. We’ve got a new online giving platform. Feeling thankful already!
Mountain lions wiped out from Vermont 142 years ago
Despite persistent reports of sightings of mountain lions/panthers/catamounts in Vermont, state wildlife officials say the last known catamount in Vermont fell to a hunter’s rifle on Thanksgiving Day, 1881.
Three Dems vie for Burlington mayoral nomination at caucus December 10
Three Democrats – all women – are seeking the party nomination for mayor of Burlington.
Tiny-house project finally moving forward after legal wrangling
15 months after receiving unanimous approval but then hitting strong Act 250 headwinds, a five-unit Tiny Home project is ready to move forward.
Two rural shootings Monday, one suspect in custody
During the dispute, Beayon fired at least one round from a semiautomatic 9mm handgun at Paxton Taube, 25, a resident of the home where the incident occurred
Scott overrides housing regs by expanding July 9 State of Emergency
With winter coming, the Scott administration says it’s time to get flood victims housed – with or without state and local government oversight.
Moore: Burlington Shabbat rally provokes thoughts on Zionism
To quote Golda Meir; “We Jews have a secret weapon in our struggle with the Arabs; we have no place to go.”
Colchester shooting victim ID’d as Burlington man with felony charge record
Police are still trying to determine how and why Dontay Canada was shot Sunday in Colchester.
Vermont Jewish groups sing for hostages missing from Shabbat table
For many in the gathering, concern for the wellbeing of people in Israel was personal. The singing was briefly interrupted by an unexpected cellphone call to Rabbi Jan Salzman. “That’s my son in Israel,” she said.
DEA busts two Connecticut men in Hardwick
One suspect rented from high-end Airbnbs in Stowe to help facilitate his drug trafficking for more than a year.
Safe with money inside stolen from school
The thief stole a small safe from the school’s front office.
Abusive husband gets 30 years for murdering wife
Judge Warren, in her remarks, highlighted the long-term domestic abuse suffered by Thea Swartz.
BLM the Greatest Lie Ever Sold, resident tells selectboard
As the BLM riots burned down my home city of Portland, Oregon, I had to find out what was going on with this group.
Public defender, family court judge among five Superior Court appointees
Gov. Phil Scott has named five appointees to sit on the Vermont Superior Court bench, where if approved by the Legislature they’ll pull down $250,000/year.
Juveniles who stole gun of man arrested for negligent firearms storage were “just visiting”
The two juveniles who stole Joshua Kruml’s gun did not break in but were “just visiting,” Fair Haven police said.
Carbon tax on buildings goes to Burlington City Council next week
The “fee” would charge non-compliant new and/or large commercial buildings or renovations upfront for the expected lifetime carbon emissions.
Busted for driving too slow
A Lyndon man faces “a slew of charges” including driving half the speed limit on the Interstate.
Rally for Israeli hostages noon Friday at Burlington City Hall
Vermont’s Jewish community welcomes any and all to meet noon Friday at City Hall in Burlington for a rally in support of the 240 Jews being held hostage by Hammas.
Ken Squier, NASCAR and local racing and radio legend, crosses finish line
“The Squiers and staff created something really special in WDEV. They somehow made all of us listeners feel like we were part of something bigger. They created a connection that has often comforted the community as much as it informed.”
City Council warned ‘foot traffic is down and their sales are dropping’ in downtown businesses
Employees are quitting downtown Burlington jobs in part because they don’t feel safe, the Burlington Business Association executive director told the City Council.
Swanton man walking dog shot at four times
A man walking his dog had to dive into the trees to escape gunfire from the passenger of a black van that had pulled over onto the local rail trail.
To our readers: Do you want the good news, or the bad news?
The bad news has to do with PayPal. The good news? Check it out.
Hardwick gunshot victim dies in hospital/ Stand-off stand-down in Bennington County
The death of Marquis follows his shooting in Hardwick Wednesday night.
Frustration with Burlington shootings, theft boils over online
@pnshdvermonster wrote in apparent sarcasm, “Stop fear-mongering. Burlington is perfectly safe. These clearly have nothing to do with the rampant drug use and unhoused immigrants.”
Sheriff’s Department almost DOUBLES number of officers
One county sheriff has added staff and expanded services. How did Ryan Palmer do it?
Vermont to learn about apprenticeships from Austria
Austria and Vermont share more than just the Von Trapps.
Roper: How to pay for administering the Carbon Tax on home heating fuels? With an Excise Tax on home heating fuels!
These people have no shame.
Crips gang member shot dead in Burlington
A member of the violent Crips gang was shot to death in Burlington Sunday night. Another man also died in the Decatur Street shooting.
Edson, who led police on two-week manhunt, pleads innocent
The career criminal who fled police for two weeks in late summer has pleaded innocent in federal court to armed robbery-related charges.
Feds release low-risk, homeless sex offender
Burlington Probation and Parole will supervise the homeless, low-risk sex offender released November 9.
Francois Clemmons in assisted living home, needs community support
Longtime friends of Francois Clemmons are providing financial support for the well-known singer, performer and teacher now residing in an assisted living facility.
Three shootings, two dead last night in Burlington
Two men were shot in the head Sunday night in the second of three separate episodes of illegal gunfire last night in the Queen City.
Vermont publishes roadmap for ‘age-friendly state’
Age Strong VT is intended to serve as a roadmap for building an age-friendly state.
Fire set in Police Dept. lobby, a week after ambulance stolen by OD’er
Last week’s theft of an ambulance by the person it was sent to rescue may not have been a new low for Burlington, after all.
190 years ago tonight, Leonid shower produced “the night the stars fell”
190 years ago tonight, an intense meteor shower had Vermonters wondering if it was the end of the world.
Letters: Ammo sale ban bill introduced
Two U.S. senators have introduced a bill to ban bulk ammunition sales.
Cops praised for cracking big cases
The EB-5 fraud and high seas murder for insurance money made Vermont news headlines. Last week, the U S. Attorney’s Office gave credit where due.
Bananas: GOP 3 – Return of the Son of Ramaswamy
Gone are the days of pasty conservative men. We are left with two Indians, an African American, an obese guy and another guy wearing high heels. If that’s not representative of modern America, I don’t know what is!
McClaughry: Guardian Angels for Rutland?
A citizens’ group concerned about street crime gathered recently in Rutland, where city police are down three officers and prosecutors complain how their hands are tied.
Triad Weed: How Chinese Marijuana Grows Took Over Rural Maine
Chinese foreign nationals are exploiting Maine’s lax marijuana laws by establishing legal ‘grows’ in rural areas.
VT GOP chair reposts tweet of Trump telling people not to vote
“I did repost this,” Paul Dame said. “But this represents one of the problems that Donald Trump has posed as a candidate. It is incredibly foolish to tell people not to vote because you ‘have plenty of votes’.”
Two more die by gunfire this week
Both victims appear to have taken their own lives. In both cases police were nearby.
New Montpelier homeless shelter to open
A new homeless shelter will open near the Ret. 2/302 roundabout in Montpelier later this month.
Restoring Our Faith speakers speak out on Hamas/Israel
As we learned at the summit, amid these vicious attacks and violent antisemitism in our midst we must continue to work together to restore faith in God: the one true God, who is love and not hate, life and not death.
On opening day of Deer Rifle Season, hopes of bagging the big one
Come dusk Friday night, lights will flicker on in thousands of deer camps in the hills, dales, and deep woods throughout rural Vermont as hunters gather for Vermont’s unofficial sixteen day holiday otherwise known as Deer Rifle Season.
Victim of gun theft arrested for negligent firearms storage
Two juveniles stole his gun. The theft was reported. Now he’s looking at prison time for leaving the gun on a shelf in his house.
New NIH director asked point-blank if U.S. should uncover origin of Covid-19
Should our government leave no stone unturned to discover the origin of the Covid-19 virus, even if the path leads to Wuhan, China? The new National Institutes of Health director faced this question at her nomination hearing.
State must triple rate of new home construction, Scott admin says
The Scott administration hopes adding more housing to the market will lower one of the root causes of homelessness: exorbitantly high rental rates.
Westford, Stowe voters reject spending, Berlin says yes and no
Voters yesterday rejected a wastewater project in Westford and a $39 million school project in Stowe.
UVM payload mission blasts off tomorrow for International Space Station
DNA extraction in zero gravity is the mission of a UVM research project aboard the International Space Station.
At cannabis stores, Health Dept. provides 3,000 free lockable storage bags
Cannabis is in the top three of accidental child overdoses.
218 years ago today, Montpelier became Vermont’s capital
Montpelier chosen as a capital for its central location? Kinda… but mostly it was about the money.
Man with 23 arrest, probation/parole violations arrested for Church Street assault
More tales of ‘catch and release’ from Vermont law enforcement.
Released by judge after punching hospital staff, man attacks off-duty cop, police say
Vermont needs more options to protect the public from mentally disturbed violent offenders, Burlington’s police chief says.
Out-of-state drug dealers used juveniles to sell drugs in Rutland, police say
A 72-year-old man has been charged in a Monday night shooting in Rockingham. Also, federal court records say youths are being used to sell drugs in Rutland.
School superintendent: Accused killer, principal won’t be in school
Neither an accused teenage killer nor the Burlington High School principal will be returning anytime soon.
NAACP: Youth brains not fully developed, don’t try 14-year-old as adult
“We know that boys like this 14-year-old Black child are not inherently valued by a system and dominant culture that will determine the fate of his humanity,” the Rutland NAACP statement says.
Vermont gained 3,000 people last year
Net migration slowed in 2022 compared to the Covid Diaspora of 2021. And the Palmetto State is the favorite new home of departing Vermonters.
Mail handler: Sanders, Welch, Balint postal demands show disconnect with reality
Both Sanders and Welch voted to steal what little profits the USPS had and transfer them to the US Treasury to fund their own little unrelated projects.
State police target 90-100 MPH speeders
When a reporter noted that “10 years ago I could go by a state trooper at 78 and get pulled over,” Scott answered, “10 years ago we didn’t have the level of crime we have now.”
Shannon joins mayoral race, sets up Democrat caucus battle
Shannon and City Council President Karen Paul will vie for the Democratic nomination at the Burlington Democratic Caucus on December 10.
Education headlines: School mascots, administrator sabbaticals, college staff cuts, mental health
High legal fees for school mascot fights are a top headline in the 802 Ed newsletter this week.
Trooper injured, cruiser damaged in 11-mile chase of Burlington man
Running over tire deflation device wasn’t enough to stop the fleeing suspect.
Accused arsonist dies of apparent suicide/ Prohibited firearms/ NH homeless burned in propane fire
Homeless men huddled in a cold car in New Hampshire suffered burns when propane torch fumes exploded.
Back-to-back poor acorn crops mean hungrier bears
Hold off on the bird feeders this month – those backyard bears may be even hungrier now.
