Monkeypox is highly unlikely to become a public school pandemic, health officials admit. But, they say, it doesn’t hurt to be ready. This headline and others from Vermont news media .
Water Cooler: Groin-kicking cop fired / schools prep for Monkeypox
Letters: Biden economists clueless / Barre wavering on flying flag on 9/11?
Why can’t Democratic presidents promote prosperity? And will Barre City Council agree to fly Old Glory on 9/11?
Treasury Secretary Yellen to speak in Randolph October 1
The first person ever to serve as Chair of the White House Economic Advisors, Treasury Secretary and Chair of the Federal Reserve Board will speak in Randolph Center October 1.
Benning to Zuckerman: let’s leave high platitudes out of campaign
To “use this race to tell Vermonters our election will cure climate change or provide health care for all, etc.” would be disrespectful to the voters, Joe Benning advises Lt. Gov. adversary David Zuckerman.
Convention of States draws attention at State Fair in Rutland
Political discontent is reaching a fever pitch, less so between parties and more now than ever between the people and their elected officials.
Sanders: 77,000 Vermonters owe $2.9 billion in student debt
President Joe Biden’s student debt forgiveness plan would cover just 17% of Vermonters’ total student debt of $2.9 billion, Sen. Bernie Sanders said.
McClaughry: Michigan expands school choice
If the SOS program were enacted, a parent-controlled savings account would be established for each participating child.
Biden student loan forgiveness would reduce Obamacare revenue, Redic says
The federal government applies some of the hefty interest it charges on federal student loans to ObamaCare subsidies, accountant and Libertarian House candidate Ericka Redic notes.
Sole House Dem to oppose Article 22 defeated in primary
The only Vermont House Democrat to oppose Prop 5/Article 22 ‘reproductive liberty’ Constitutional amendment was voted out in last week’s primary.
Water Cooler: high college enrollment in VT bucks national trend
Vermont’s college enrollment is up, but postal service keeps going down.
Correction: Decision to reopen sealed ballot bag not Chesnut-Tangerman’s
House candidate Robin Chesnut-Tangerman didn’t open sealed ballot bags in Middletown Springs in 2020, as incorrectly stated in a Vermont Daily Chronicle news story Tuesday. However, he was there when it happened and his questions led to them being opened, he said.
VSP makes sex crime arrests
A Glover man is being held without bail following his arrest yesterday for three 2021 sexual assaults in Waterville.
DMV, game wardens, liquor control to take stronger law enforcement role
In an effort to relieve the burden on the understaffed Vermont State Police and other ‘front-line’ cops, LEOs in more specialized state agencies will be given a broader role.
13-year-old dies in ATV crash
A Randolph boy died after he lost control of his ATV in Mt. Holly.
Alleged Jan. 6 militiaman busted in Hardwick, arraigned in Rutland
A Florida man the FBI says was part of the ‘B squad’ pushing police in the Capitol building tunnel was arrested yesterday in Hardwick and arraigned in federal court in Rutland.
Green Mountain Boys to hold Open House
The Vermont Air National Guard will host an open house September 11 including military static displays, events, demonstrations, and performances.
Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Alburgh
West Nile virus has shown up in Vermont mosquitoes for the first time this year.
Ag agency wants farmers to record surface water use
A new state law requires farmers to report annual surface water withdrawals to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets.
BC/BS of Vermont sues Big Pharma for MS drug price-gouging ($70,000/year)
A Vermont health insurance provider is suing Israel-based Teva Pharmaceuticals for taking illegal kickbacks on its multiple schlerosis treatment.
Letovsky: Vermont climate plan unaffordable, insecure, hard on environment
If college students can grasp the idea that energy choices should be evaluated using multiple criteria, why can’t legislators do the same?
America last! Another $3 bil going to Ukraine / FBI’s Mir-A-Lago raid chief oversaw Gretchen Whitmer investigation
The FBI agent who had oversight over the Gretchen Whitmer kidnapping plot now runs the D.C. field office that conducted the Mir-A-Lago raid, says Just The News.
Water Cooler: amid 3X jump in gunfire, Burlington police commissioners focus on access to bodycams
You’d think Burlington’s Police Commission would be focused on reducing the huge increase in gunfire violence. Wrong! Instead, members want more access to police bodycams, WCAX reports.
Roper: As Climate Council ponders carbon tax on EVERYTHING, media stays silent
The Climate Council, charged by the Legislature to find funding sources for reducing carbon emissions, is now discussing out loud and on the record an “economy-wide” carbon tax. Media interest? Anyone?
Stevens: little public notice for hearing on toxic chemicals at Coventry landfill, important questions unanswered
The State of Vermont failed to adequately publicize a public hearing on a controversial landfill runoff plan, and then didn’t answer many important questions, a critic of the plan says.
Donahue: proof that Article 22 isn’t same as Roe V. Wade
It’s a false notion that Article 22, the ‘reproductive liberty’ constitutional amendment facing voters in November, resembles Roe V. Wade – and Anne Donahue proves it.
Farm tractor driver charged with DUI-drugs after deadly crash on Rte. 105
By Guy Page An Enosburg farm worker was under the influence of drugs when he pulled his farm tractor onto Rte. 105 in Sheldon, causing a collision fatal to oncoming motoryclist Rodney […]
Cops seek driver who left gas pump with nozzle & hose still attached
‘Fess up, now. Police are seeking a man drove off with fuel hose and nozzle still attached to his car.
Despathy: Balint, with PAC $$, rides destructive tsunami
Becca, is my right to personal reproductive liberty supported in my rejection of the Covid injections?
Vergennes police chief Merkel retires, amid “continuing and unwarranted disrespect”
An outspoken Vermont chief of police has announced his retirement. George Merkel isn’t happy with how he and the Vergennes Police Department have been treated.
Man shot by police still hospitalized
The Ludlow police officer who shot a man on his second month on the job is cooperating fully with investigators.
Another truck blocks Smugglers Notch, AKA ‘Dead Horse Hill’
For at least the third time this summer, a truck got stuck in Smugglers Notch this morning, blocking traffic for hours.
Primary results: voters ‘cure’ defective ballots for first time; Dems outpoll GOP by more than 3-1
Only 600 Progressives cast ballots in the August 9 primary. However, 102,408 cast Democratic ballots, outpolling the GOP by more than 3-1.
Keelan: Me and Rip Van Winkle
Vermont’s Rip Van Winkle fell asleep after 9/11 and just woke up, to discover the waking nightmare gun violence, drug overdoses, a housing crisis, a pandemic and (apparently) rampant racism in the once-bucolic Green Mountain State.
Geriatric emergency medicine accredited at VT hospital
The second-oldest state in the nation now has at least one hospital with an accredited Geriatric Emergency Department.
Water Cooler: Vermont granite to support Lady Liberty / Big fire at SoBu condos / homeless encampment in Burlington park
Barre, Vermont granite will be added to the base of the refurbished Statue of Liberty in New York harbor.
Dame: Progressive Horse Hair Worms
Like a parasitic worm, Vermont Progressives have taken over the body politic of the Vermont Democratic Party.
Former Progressive House leader appointed by Dems to run for House
Vermont’s climate policy could be a major campaign issue in the surprise rematch of two 2020 general election contestants for the Middletown Springs (etc.) House seat.
Burlington waterfront gunfire continues / shot Brookfield man, alleged shooter ID’d
The latest shooting on Burlington’s waterfront moved south about a half mile from Friday night’s episode at the skate park.
Woman walking dogs attacked by bear
Lee stated that she tripped on a stone wall as the bear charged her. She then felt pain on her upper left leg and realized the bear was on top of her and had bitten her.
Daughter of VT criminal judge arrested for DUI, resisting arrest
Both the adult daughter and the elderly parents of a Vermont criminal court judge have run into trouble with the law.
Rockingham burglars caught on video
A man-woman couple of burglars sans the usual hoodies, sunglasses and masks were caught on video breaking into a Rockingham home. If you know them, police would like to hear from you.
Almost a week late, primary vote certification scheduled for this afternoon
The state-level vote certification of the August 9 primary had been delayed due to software problems with the 2022 redistricting of Vermont House and Senate districts.
Vermont Daily Water Cooler for Mon, Aug 22
A Montpelier man helped kill renowned Massachusetts mobster Whitey Bulger, brother of FBI director.
Blam! Blam! Blam! Weekend shootings in Brattleboro, Brookfield and Burlington
Another weekend of people shooting people, this time in Vermont communities starting with the letter B.
Alleged car thief gouges cop’s eye
A man with a lengthy criminal rap sheet tried to gouge the eyes of the Burlington cop that apprehended him. Both were treated for their injuries.
Constitutional Republican Wilson advises: register to vote, kick out the Progs
In the last legislative session, during a time of recovery, Democratic/Progressives/Socialists forced programs and laws to make big government bigger and more invasive, ignoring our constitution and laws, a House candidate for Northeast Kingdom towns says.
No vax, no ride?
By mid-century, the seven-score-years Era of the Passenger Car may be over. What will happen to civil liberties then?
Senate candidates Ram, Watson endorsed by Labor Council
The increasing influence of Vermont’s political left was on display at the AFL-CIO annual meeting Saturday at the Old Socialist Party Labor Hall in Barre.
Montpelier prostitution repeal gets 2nd reading Wednesday, public opinion welcome
The Montpelier City Council may vote Wednesday night on the proposed repeal of its anti-prostitution ordinance.
Tynio: Dame to blame for Madden fiasco, but it’s time to move on
“Paul Dame failed to inform voters of candidate deception, opting instead to underestimate the consequences of Madden’s bid for office. He has now publicly blamed me and Ericka Redic for his failure, a narrative being perpetuated by media outlets on both the left and right,” Anya Tynio writes.
McClaughry: Ask candidates for Legislature these questions….
Fair, timely questions to ask someone running for the Legislature if/when they knock on your door.
Church embezzlement
Embezzlement strikes rural Vermont church.
At $250 mil, UVM cracks top 100 in research $$
A quarter of a billion dollars. That’s how much research money UVM raked in during the last fiscal year.
Water Cooler: Slave shackles sold at Rutland gun show, NAACP complains
A gruesome reminder of the days of state-sanctioned slavery was on sale at a Rutland gun show – and denounced by local black activists.
Borysenko banned from Twitter for outing educators’ CRT violations
New Hampshire law prevents teaching CRT. When Williamstown native Karlyn Borysenko complained, Twitter banned her.
Veterinary opioid killing Vermonters
As the State of Vermont commits millions more to drug treatment and prevention, a new opioid compound is killing Vermont drug users.
Quebec offers 5th vax shot
The Province of Quebec will make available a fifth shot of the Covid-19 vaccine/therapeutic.
GOP chairs agree with Madden: he’s not a Republican
Mr. Madden openly admits his original intention was to decline the Republican nomination if he won the primary and run as an Independent. In the event, he failed to follow the requirements for nomination as such and now pretends “we have a lot in common.”
Klar: Human Rights Commission racialized landlord-tenant dispute
The stretches made by this shameful “investigation” are truly worth a read by Vermonters, John Klar says. Get a bag of popcorn and settle in.
As drought-plagued western farmers plow under crops and sell livestock, Vermont “abnormally dry”
The severe drought out west is severely reducing food production. And 18% of Vermont is in ‘moderate drought,’ with most of the rest ‘abnormally dry.’
Del Trecco: Understaffed VT hospitals struggling with inflation, patient placement, violence
“I have been working in health care for my entire career and I have never seen a set of circumstances so complex and severe,” the VAHHS Prez said. “This is not normal.”
No vax required for schoolchildren
It’s official – Vermont schools won’t require students to receive a Covid-19 vaccination.
AG nails another opioid settlement
Another big settlement with an opioid maker – but will the money really help fight drug abuse?
Guv unveils plan to address violent crime
A statewide workforce crisis and other factors have resulted in a spike in criminal activity, Gov. Phil Scott said before outlining his response plan.
Man shot by cop in Burlington arrested; gunfire went through pant leg of police officer
Tasing didn’t stop the suspect from charging at police with a knife.
New car annual costs exceed $10K
Just owning and operating a new car now costs more than $10K on average, for the first time in U.S. history, AAA says.
Ludlow officer who shot suspect graduated from police academy in July
A Ludlow police rookie and his trainer were involved in the shooting of suspect Michael Mills of Cavendish, who moments earlier had twice rammed their police cruiser with his car.
Man shot in head by Ludlow cop was talking suicide
Both Vermont men shot by police in the last week were talking suicide. Both were hospitalized following the shooting. As of this morning, neither are dead.
Zero-interest loans for BIPOC Vermonters
The Vermont Community Loan Fund hopes its new BIPOC-only fund will shrink the Wealth Gap.
Quad-vaxxed Jill Biden, Gen. Austin, Pfizer CEO all get Covid / Canada working on digital ID / Rosary ‘extremist symbol
Atlantic Magazine writer calls the Catholic Rosary an “extremist symbol.” Sort of like the cross?
Water Cooler: Covid still seen as threat in Montpelier schools
Montpelier school officials aren’t ready to declare victory over Covid-19, the Montpelier Bridge reports.
Free AC on a shaky power grid
President Biden’s plan to give away energy-efficient air conditioners may be a relief during heat waves – unless power grid’s increasingly shaky status requires rolling brownouts or blackouts.
State troopers victims of hate crime
A homeless man was charged with Hate Motivated Crime following a tumultous encounter with state troopers of ethnic origins.
“Uncouth militia” victory over Brits and Hessians at Battle of Bennington led to victory at Saratoga
For some combatants, the fight was personal. Former friends who had grown up together in Vermont found themselves facing off with each other.
Super-abundant bear population bodes well for hunters
Vermont’s bear population is four times as large as it was just 50 years ago. And they will be relatively easy for hunters to find when the season starts in two weeks.
Burlington to vote Nov. 8 on new high school, tech center
The Burlington School Board decided Monday to ask voters for $165 million to build a new high school and tech center. Here’s the school district announcement of that decision.
Family ambassador, anti-hazing coordinator, full-time sub among 153 Burlington school job openings
The Burlington School District is short 153 educators – mostly non-classroom teachers – with August 31, the first day of school, just two weeks away.
Vermont Daily Water Cooler for Tue, Aug 16
Kick out the Franklin County sheriff candidate who kicked a man in the groin, residents say.
Burlington violent crime explosion explained
Studies show no connection between gun laws, gun ownership, and crime, a Williston Ph.D. says.
Redic: Expect integrity, transparency, accountability
In the name of kindness and generosity, government can demand more and more of its citizens’ hard-earned income.
Active shooter threat training in Colchester
Train now to survive an encounter with an active shooter, Vermont law enforcement officials say.
UPDATE: Primary election software snafu should be fixed by Friday, Sec State hopes
The state’s contractor has been unable to resolve an administrative technology issue impacting the office’s ability to generate reports based on the official return of votes submitted by Town and City Clerks.
‘Inflation Reduction Act’ cuts Medicare costs of prescription drugs, insurance premiums, Scott says
Spend less on prescription drugs, spend more spent on other necessities of life – that’s how the ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ may affect Vermonters.
Have you seen Sophia Garner?
A 14-year-old girl has been missing since yesterday from her Rutland home.
Second shooting by Vermont police in three days under investigation
For the second time in three days, a Vermont police officer on Monday shot someone in the line of duty.
Bananas: Antifa Changing Name To Protifa After Realizing They Love Fascism
Who wants to be anti-anything? Besides, if it walks like a fascist duck….
Three more Burlington shootings – Smokies patrol downtown Saturday night
Burlington suffered three shootings in three days – one of them by a police officer. State police helped an understaffed BPD patrol downtown Saturday night.
With first day of school just days away, VT schools almost 3000 educators short
Vermont’s schools are short almost 3000 educators, with the first day of school just days away.
Wardsboro murder suspect charged with disorderly conduct, released two days earlier
The alleged murderer of a Guilford mom had been in police custody just two days before the August 9 stabbing death.
Water Cooler: Burlington homeless pods underway / blessed are the cheesemakers
The city of Burlington’s experiment with micro-housing swelling numbers of homeless people is underway.
VT GOP grapples with unexpected House race outcome
The Vermont State GOP Committee went on record Saturday with a statement of non-support for reluctant House nominee and self-described independent Liam Madden of Bellows Falls.
Dame compares Madden to ‘outsider’ Trump; Madden explains acceptance decision to Redic, her backers
“I want to emphasize that I made a mistake in my interpretation of election law, in assuming I could run as an independent if I won a primary and then declined the nomination,” Liam Madden said.
GOP blames Secretary of State candidate for delay of voting results
Election software problems related to redistricting have postponed today’s scheduled certification of Vermont State Senate primary election results.
Wells River school fire just latest flare in simmering dispute between locals, ‘flatlander’
The flames which burned the historic schoolhouse in Wells River on July 18 may be symbolic of a smoldering hostility between the building’s owner and the broader village community.
Learn to train new hunters at Parro’s August 30
Vermont Fish & Wildlife offers hunting instructor training at a Waterbury gun shop.
Motorcycle 107 MPH / truck fire causes severe burns / Fatal crash
42 MPH over the I-89 speed limit gets a Milton driver a hefty fine, points on his license, and a day in court.
McDonald: At 9 months, ‘all systems are go’ for a baby
All the unborn baby needs is one breath of air and it’s off to the races – a new living, breathing member of the human race.
Eshelman: Abracadabra at Mar-a-Lago
Show The People the documents, Mr. Attorney General.
3 Letters: Madden Maddens / ‘Era of Big Government’ NOT over / Open letter to GOP Chair Dame
News flash: the era of big government is over – not.
Masks optional when school opens
The memo leaves the option of masking to parents, unless the child is showing symptoms and is being sent home, at which point the nurse will have discretion to require a mask: “Staff and students should be permitted to exercise their own or their family’s decision-making to wear a mask in school settings.”
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