VERMONT – In April 2022, the stabbing death of Hinesburg transgender woman Fern Feather shocked and saddened the state of Vermont. In the days after the killing, as the investigation progressed, it emerged that Feather had had an altercation with another man a year prior. a man who, Vermont State Police said,[Read More…]
Vermont
Proposed Farm Relief May Include Logging
A bill to help farms recoup losses due to extreme weather could bring forestry businesses into the mix as it makes its way across the Legislature. S.60 sets up a farm relief fund that lawmakers seem to agree should be accessible to loggers as well. Only farms would qualify for the money under[Read More…]
Plan Would Overhaul Vermont’s Response to Homelessness
VERMONT – A bill that would fundamentally overhaul Vermont’s response to homelessness is making its way through the Statehouse. H.91 provides a potential off-ramp to the state’s mass use of motel rooms as a primary form of shelter and could spell an end to the political battles over the voucher program that[Read More…]
Vermont’s Catch-and-Release Bass Fishing is Underway
VERMONT – Vermont’s catch-and-release bass fishing is underway with the start of warmer weather. The season runs until June 14, when the regular bass season opens, and the harvesting of bass is allowed. “Spring catch-and-release bass fishing is a really special time to be on the water in Vermont, and the fishing can be truly spectacular,” said Bernie[Read More…]
Vermont State Police
Violation of abuse Prevention Order, St. Johnsbury Barracks Saturation Patrol On April 18, at approximately 12:03 p.m., Troopers from the Berlin Barracks responded to a report of an incident that occurred during a vehicle repossession in Cabot. The investigation determined that Stephen Strait, of Cabot, discharged multiple rounds from a[Read More…]
Organizations Mark Sexual Violence Awareness Month
VERMONT – In recognition of sexual assault awareness month, Tuesday, April 30, AWARE, based in Hardwick, is calling on the community to wear denim in recognition of Denim Day, a global campaign to raise awareness about sexual violence and support survivors. Advocacy organizations across Vermont are taking the extra spotlight[Read More…]
Program Raises Millions for Vermont Habitat
VERMONT — A program that has helped raise millions for habitat conservation and restoration without people needing to buy hunting licenses is celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Vermont Habitat Stamp. The program has raised more than $1.6 million directly since 2015, according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife,[Read More…]
Federal Government Slashes Staffers Supporting LIHEAP Program
VERMONT – Local agencies are concerned about the future of LIHEAP, which provides millions of dollars to help low-income Vermonters heat their homes. Vermont officials are assessing how residents may be affected after the mass firing of federal workers who administer the LIHEAP program, which provides millions of dollars in[Read More…]
State Plans to Fix Fewer Roads Next Year
MONTPELIER — The Vermont Agency of Transportation expects that it will pave about 220 miles of state-owned roads over a yearlong period that ends in June. In the year after that, though, it’s set to pave only about 125 miles, according to the agency’s latest spending plans, a nearly 45%[Read More…]
Changing Agricultural Landscape Brings Lawmakers Questions About Regulating Farms
VERMONT — When Sen. Samuel Douglass, R-Orleans, first introduced his proposed update to Vermont’s right-to-farm law before members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he said the bill was a response to people moving to the state who “then will complain about the smell of the farm that’s next door, that[Read More…]
Bears Becoming Active, Advice and More
VERMONT — The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (F&W) has begun to receive reports of bears coming out of their dens as the weather warms. Bear incidents have been on the rise over the past several years. 2022 saw high numbers of bear homes break-ins, and two bear attacks. Officials[Read More…]
Cut to Free School Meals Prompts Pushback
VERMONT — In the face of skyrocketing property taxes across the state, Gov. Phil Scott is looking for new ways to economize Vermont’s education spending. The statewide average property tax bill increased nearly 14% last year, triggering calls for cost control and an uncharacteristic red wave in November’s election that[Read More…]
