A decade plus earlier, Pion was in the news for running over multiple police cruisers with a tractor and then driving away without a chase.
North Troy man accused of drug/firearms violations destroyed seven police cars in 2012
Contractors provide much of services approved at Town Meeting
On the lower end of the scale, Andover’s budget is a relatively small $1.24 million, while South Burlington’s comes in at a much larger $55.8 million.
“Bills Lumber,” the movie, at Dutton Gym
“Bills Lumber,” is a 45-minute documentary about the last days of the Bills family’s beloved 86-year-old sawmill in Wardsboro, Vermont.
No adjournment without school reform, Scott tells House
The Burlington charter change banning guns in bars, S.131, got an initial run-through in Senate Government Operations today
Secretary of State condemns Trump order for voter ID
“I think it’s something that Vermont could consider,” Sen. Brian Collamore (R-Rutland) said. “Certainly other states are.”
With Sen. Vyhovsky in Europe, vote on Clean Heat repeal delayed
Tanya is a left-wing State Senator in Vermont, a strong advocate for Ukraine, for democracy and for workers’ struggles,” wrote The Ukraine Solidarity Campaign on X in announcing Vyhovsky’s visit.
VT Headlines: British consul visits Burlington
VT Coyotes announce Jose Ortiz as first player in franchise history; Arlington Arts Day returns; Partial solar eclipse Saturday morning
Roper: Treasurer’s report: “Cap & Invest” Program on Fossil Fuels requires 80¢/gal gas tax to meet GWSA mandates
Low-income, rural Vermonters hit hardest; no safety net program possible.
KVS: State trooper honored with Carnegie Medal for saving girl from icy pond
According to the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, the medal recognizes people who risk serious injury or death in extraordinary acts to save others.
CLG: U.S. appears to be significantly increasing its military presence in the Middle East
4 American soldiers killed after they went missing on training mission in Lithuania; EU tells the public to hold 72 hours of emergency supplies
Geoengineering ban discussed in House Environment Committee
The bill specifically includes language on cloud seeding because as Representative Gregg Burt (R-Cabot) stated, Vermont doesn’t need more rain.
Soulia: Why don’t we move the state capitol to Burlington?
Until balance is restored, the Capitol may still be in Montpelier — but increasingly, Vermont’s future is being written somewhere else.
Lawmaker and former Teacher of the Year says special needs students make large class sizes difficult
Rep. Beth Quimby, R-Lyndon, suggested that where there are many special needs students in a classroom, there can sometimes be help.
Marcotte: When Vermont accepted “not one red cent!” of federal disaster $$
I know some will say times are different, the challenges are greater. But is it just that we are different?
Vermont Gas pipeline, completed in 2017, applies for permit
A public hearing will be held Thursday for a Certificate of Public Good permit for a natural gas pipeline completed in 2017.
Homeless have died at higher rate in hotel/motel program, Scott official says
“If we saw this many deaths in any other program, there would be a desire for change,” Samuelson said.
Senate, amid fire scare, passes Medicaid for midwives, Office of New Americans
The Senate approved Medicaid coverage for doula (midwives) and provided a refund for the fee to take a driver’s test, under certain conditions. These bills and others now go to the House.
Church declares itself an immigration sanctuary
Church officials claim immigration enforcement equates to hate and “othering.”
VT Headlines: VT Senate bill would prevent cities and towns from banning face masks
Developers strained by high interest rates, tariffs, and construction costs; Champlain Valley Athletic Conference reveals all-stars for high school basketball
Real-life ‘Homeward Bound’ trio looking for one, new home
Reed the cat was unhappy until reunited with his two traveling companions.
Four Massachusetts ‘youthful offenders’ arrested after police raid in Montpelier
Two of the youthful offenders were 15 years of age, one was 17 years of age, and one was 18 years of age.
Letters: Pratt on demonic energy, Fireovid on housing
Mazur: Is it fair to force current residents to subsidize new residents?: Pratt: Government in businesses’ pockets
Big bail set for NEK, out-of-state drug dealer suspects
The arrests stem from a six-month-long investigation led by Officer Daniel Renaudette into drug trafficking activity along the VT Route 122 corridor.
ACLU defends First Amendment rights of Hamas activist – lively discussion ensues
“People that are gonna be watching this and hearing about this, could be taken as supporting a terrorist organization,” Rep. Zachary Harvey warned.
Serial offender Reynolds won’t stand trial
Court documents indicate that his attorney is currently working on securing him a placement at the Brattleboro Retreat, a short-term mental health facility.
Keelan: Will we be losing our high school?
Education spending is at a breaking point for many Vermont real estate taxpayers. And the Legislature just passes the buck yet again.
Border patrol officials say they still need help controlling the northern border
As southern border crossings plummet, northern border patrol direct hiring for help
DPS Commissioner: Public safety in Vermont requires rebalancing priorities
One common concern unites Vermont’s challenges: the need to ensure the safety of our communities, downtowns, neighborhoods, and personal property.
Roper: Who is using the Motel Voucher Program?
Are progressive policies creating homeless, or attracting them?
Trio of online privacy bills see mixed success in Legislature
The bills focus on age-appropriate design, more guards on consumer data and stricter regulations for data brokers.
VT Headlines: Libraries’, forestry projects’ futures uncertain due to Federal funding freeze
Burlington interim police Chief Shawn Burke begins new role; Adolescent psychiatric unit at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center gets green light
Dame: Four Democrats choose activism over responsibility
One Democrat might be an outlier, two could be a coincidence, but four elected Democrats shirking their duties demonstrates an alarming pattern.
Vermont Church at Prison leader authors memoir, “Don’t Burn My House Down”
Fiske’s book/teaching tool “Don’t Burn My House Down,” details Pastor Pete’s life work in prison ministry, his calling to do God’s work.
Sen. Welch, Heritage Foundation, others respond to the disbanding of US Department of Education
Since the Department’s adoption in 1979, overall spending per student when accounting for inflation has more than doubled, without positive results.
Bill muzzling medical ‘truth’ passes Senate, now in House
What’s medically true would be decided by the Vermont Attorney General.
In Committee: School reform, budgets, geoengineering, masks in schools
Quick, brief overview of bills and topics under review this week by Vermont Legislature committees.
Bernie Sanders tries to leave ABC interview after question about AOC running for Schumer seat
SANDERS: No, you want to do nonsense. Do nonsense.
Authorities raid home, charge Concord couple with Child and Animal Cruelty
“It was an awful, ugly, nasty situation,” said Sharon Eaton, director of Riverside Animal Rescue.
Hafner: Microdwellings may provide relief to homelessness pandemic
Settings that already provide homeless housing might easily welcome 1-5 micro dwelling units in nearby empty parking lots.
Despathy: Senate Health Care Muzzle Bill censors everyone’s speech, not just pregnancy resource centers
A 2023 law just muzzled pregnancy resource centers. This year’s ‘improved’ version muzzles everyone.
Pownal mother headed to criminal court after school gun case
Crystal Mahar, 34, whose child brought a handgun to the town elementary school last week, is charged with negligent storage of a firearm.
VT Headlines: Williston bioscience business bristles as research grants threatened
Middlebury women’s ice hockey secures second straight trip to NCAA semifinals; Sugarhouses opened doors for annual Maple Open House Weekend
Teachers gather to learn new approaches to Holocaust education
About 50 teachers recently convened to participate in the Sixth Annual Vermont Holocaust Memorial (VTHM) Educators Workshop in Montpelier.
Police say woman threatened to kill Lamoille deputy sheriff
Masson-Monteith reportedly threatened to shoot and kill Sgt. Jason Perry, 42, of the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department, State Police said.
CLG: RFK Jr. exposes how ‘leaky vaccine’ would risk a new pandemic
Kiev blew up metering station for EU-bound gas-Russia; Israel resumes airstrikes in Gaza; AG Pam Bondi accuses 3 Tesla vandals of ‘domestic terrorism’
Soulia: Full reimbursements for Planned Parenthood, service cuts for hospitals
While hospitals cut services to stay afloat, Planned Parenthood benefits from a 90-10 Medicaid match, private donations, and millions in political spending.
In Bennington, Town Meeting voters rejected non-citizen, non-adult voting
The eponymous county seat of politically blue Bennington County last November voted just as enthusiastically against Pres. Trump and for Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Becca Balint as the rest of the state.
FAF: Parro’s and the First Amendment/ Guy’s encounter in the State House/ Clean Heat ‘repeal’ goes to Senate floor next week
We talk about how the First Amendment and the Second Amendment protect each other. And about Guy’s confrontation by an angry legislator.
VDC is a strong supporter of both your first and second amendment rights! Join us for Friday at Four.
So we determined it was worth a trip over to Parro’s to become a little more familiar with what we were talking about! Yesterday we had the opportunity to go up to Parro’s and shoot some gas operated firearms on their state of the art facility for REAL education.
Roper: Dems’ Clean Heat face-saving attempt blowing up in face
Bill obliterated in four hours of critical testimony; passes committees anyway.
Non-citizen voting already done deal in VT
Also, VT Senate on March 19 adopted a S.R.10, a resolution opposing Gov. Phil Scott’s proposed reorganization of the Department of Public Safety into an Agency.
VT Headlines: UVM protestors rally for the release of Mahmoud Khalil following arrest
Public makes voices heard at Essex board meeting about proposed Amazon facility; Police investigate ‘untimely death’ in Burlington
VIDEO: The Zizians: A deep dive into the dark internet cult
Using mind-control tactics that mirror the BITE model of cult manipulation, Ziz transformed online followers into real-world extremists,
Letters: Gervais on the need for more data
Koch on First Amendment rights being cancelled by mob rule; Green on a lack of moral will and courage on the part of Vermont’s legislators
Birds of Vermont Museum thinks global, counts local
Vermont has the most birders per capita in the U.S. according to data from a popular birding app.
Superintendents call Governor’s education proposals “disorganized and politicized”
Education leaders criticize Scott’s plans for district consolidation and per-student funding
Thurston: Embracing adaptation for a resilient and prosperous future
We have ALWAYS adapted to our ever-changing climate throughout history and must continue to do so.
Clean Heat ‘soft’ repeal bill is sloppy, PUC Chair says
“We’re very concerned that this mandate for Efficiency Vermont will actually drive up our cost,” Ken Nolan of VPPSA said.
Emergency shelter providers and organizations say the situation is dire
From September through December, our homeless fellow Vermonters suffered multiple catastrophic outcomes, including many preventable deaths.
Legislator confronts, accuses editor after transgender youth committee meeting
No ideology – not Mari Cordes’, not mine, not Donald Trump’s, not Bernie Sanders’ – is so sacred that it may be allowed to suppress anyone’s right to speak and be heard.
VT Headlines: People asked to leave during public hearing for Woodstock police chief
Former childcare provider appears in front of VT Supreme Court; With so much available cash, why did UVM Health Network “need” to cut critical services?
Donahue: Legislative leaders support silencing opposing views
Hopefully, no one despised the individuals speaking at the statehouse last week, but many certainly despised their message.
Vermont falls six spots to 44th worst highways and bridges
Crumbling highways, decaying bridges, and gridlocked traffic plague the Northeast as Vermont is among the nation’s worst for infrastructure maintenance.
Embezzler gets 4 months in prison
Jennifer LaBonte, 45, of Essex Junction, was sentenced Monday, March 17 in US District Court in Rutland to four months of imprisonment following her guilty plea.
Island Pond native named Vermont Democratic Party executive director
Hanlon, who grew up in the Northeast Kingdom community, returns to Vermont after working on campaigns in Pennsylvania and at the Democratic National Committee.
Soulia: Vermont bill seeks to prohibit mask mandates in schools
The bill stems from a growing frustration among parents and educators who have witnessed firsthand the impact of prolonged mask-wearing on students.
Bossange: Solutions for the housing shortage
If we wish to have more employees for a healthier business community and want to encourage younger families to move here, we need to offer housing solutions.
Unilever fired Ben & Jerry’s CEO for anti-Trump stance, lawsuit claims
According to a court filing from Tuesday, Unilever, headquartered in London, is said to have fired Stever in a bid to “mute the social mission” of Ben & Jerry’s — a mission that has also recently encompassed vocal opposition to Israel’s actions in the Gaza war.
Elementary school student brought 9 mm handgun, 67 rounds to school
The student announced it on social media, and his SM friends told adults at school.
VT’s Medal of Honor recipients to be remembered March 25 at State House
The list of Vermont’s Medal of Honor winners is long and distinguished.
Transgender advocates to testify Thursday at State House
Outright Vermont, in collaboration with Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, developed the “Full Spectrum Educator’s Guide to Implementing LGBTQ+ Inclusive Sex Ed,” which is currently being implemented widely in Vermont public schools through the Vermont Agency of Education.
Clean Heat repeal tacked onto ‘legally unsound’ bill, up for committee review today
“S.65 is legally unsound because it contains internally conflicting standards and creates a regulatory morass likely to result in litigation,” says the Public Utilities Commission.
VT Headlines: Executive order puts Vermont libraries, history projects in jeopardy
How Medicaid cuts might impact Vermont; Jarrod Weiss: We don’t need the Walmart-ization of education; Can employees be fired for social media posts?
Westman: Transportation fund in even worse shape than expected
Vermonters are driving more, but EVs and fuel efficient cars mean a depleted Transportation Fund.
Goldendomevt.com now summarizes ALL State House floor, committee meetings
Every floor and committee meeting of the Vermont Legislature now has an AI-generated transcript, video, and summary. Bookmark THAT, news junkies!
Klar: AI agriculture boosts soil, crops, and human health
Potato study shows drone surveillance can boost natural results.
VSP Trooper finalist for award after saving life of shooter who tried to kill him
Berlandy became involved in a pursuit and gun battle in Burke with a wanted fugitive from Rhode Island, and then provided life-saving medical care to the man who just attempted to kill him and two other troopers.
KVS: Poultney man faces new charges for sexual assault and domestic violence
Vermont State Police have filed additional charges against Jason Seiple, 38, of Poultney, after identifying another victim in an ongoing investigation.
Roper: Is VT Pre-K program driving up property taxes and harming kids?
The numbers don’t look good.
Bomb Squad and FBI called in as pipe bomb found during traffic stop in Royalton
The accused, Zamir Paley, 30, of Wilder, already had two warrants for his arrest. They were for “DUI-drug, cocaine possession and retail theft.”
Green Mountain Care Board: Struggling insurance company passing high-interest loan costs onto customers
As Vermont’s hospitals struggle financially, a bill by the House Healthcare Committee would have the state oversee financial records.
Senate Crossover survivors include brake noise violation, medical debt relief, ‘synthetic’ campaign ad ban
The Senate will also consider J.R.S. 15, a joint resolution supporting Vermont’s transgender and non-binary community and declaring the state’s commitment to fighting discrimination and treating all citizens with respect and dignity, up for its third reading.
VT Headlines: Valley Vista will consolidate locations, close Vergennes facility
Trial begins for former VSP trooper accused of stealing from evidence lockup; Green Mountain Transit to hold press conference Tuesday, end free fares
Dame: Lawmakers should resign or be disciplined for ‘rebellious,’ ‘takeover’ of State House
These two legislators worked in an unusual way to incite and organize a “takeover” to prevent themselves and anyone else from hearing a particular point of view.
A ‘concerning time’ in Vermont schools as Trump’s immigration policies ramp up
Said a South Burlington teacher: “There has to be a balance, right?”
Soulia: Welch says No to tougher Fentanyl laws
The state is actively fighting fentanyl deaths, yet Welch voted against a bill designed to stop the source of the problem—traffickers distributing the fentanyl.
Despathy: Tucking CHS ‘repeal’ into costly carbon mandate bill is a political maneuver
Vermonters deserve to know if politicians are using manipulation and rhetoric to push unpopular, expensive agendas.
How VDC is growing, by the numbers
Thank you to every reader and/or viewer who has shared our posts! That’s what in the old-fashioned business world we used to call ‘word of mouth advertising,’ the very best kind.
SHORTS: UVM trustees pick Tromp as next president
Sole UVM prez finalist another former ASU leader. Traffic fatalities down. Barn repair $$ from State of Vermont.
Beware the waking bears
Bear incidents have been on the rise over the past several years.
Correction: Judiciary Committee members sponsor ban on gas-operated semi-automatic firearms
In fact, the AR-15 (which stands for Armalite Rifle, not Assault Rifle as often assumed), is a gas-operated firearm.
13 bills survive House Crossover on Friday
Like the baby turtles that have trundled across treacherous sands at least half the way down the beach to the surf without getting eaten, it’s a promising start.
VT Headlines: Catamounts get opponent for 2025 March Madness tournament
Boston Bruins partner to get Vermont girls on the ice; Burlington Irish Heritage Festival returns for its 30th year; Shamrocks & Headlocks returns to Barre
House school reform bill would set $13,200 block grant per student
A key component is a $13,200 block grant-per-student proposal that could require big adjustments for high spending schools.
Notorious Grand Isle drug dealer due in court for reportedly blowing off community service
Grand Isle Cty.’s most notorious drug dealer is due back in court this month after failing to start volunteer service ordered in 2023 in lieu of life sentence.
Harrison: At Crossover – State House half full or half empty
Depending on one’s perspective we might look at various issues as making progress or going in the wrong direction.
NotTheBee: Transsurrection at the Vermont capitol
Again, Republicans are the weirdo culture warriors. not the people in their underwear storming the Capitol.
CLG: Trump declares Biden’s pardons ‘void, vacant’, and moves to investigate Fauci and Cheney
NATO ‘peacekeepers’ in Ukraine mean war – Medvedev; NYC health officials missed early COVID spread by following CDC bureaucrats; Houthis vow retaliation
KVS: Accused troublemaker in Derby arrested
Starksboro man charged with cocaine possession; Missing Sheldon man arrested in New York after manhunt; Royalton man arrested for meth
North: Paying for gold, getting dirt?
I can say with first-hand knowledge that the Speaker of the House and Senate majority leader both control which bills are allowed to be discussed in Committee.
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