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Leaky Roofs, Moldy Windows: State Library Department Seeks $15.9M for Repairs

By Anne Wallace Allen Posted on February 14, 2022 at 6:05PM

The proposal outlined by McMurdo wouldn’t address the larger issue of how public libraries are supported in the future. Unrath noted that the care and upkeep of small-town library buildings has taken on greater importance in recent years.

Deb Snell, president of the Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, speaking last year

UVM Nurses to Get 20 Percent Raises Over Two Years

By Colin Flanders Posted on February 14, 2022 at 1:13PM

The deal is expected to cost about $25 million over the next two years: $15 million for the nursing raises and the rest on the one-time technician bonuses. The hospital didn’t budget for the increases coming into this fiscal year, according to Leffler.

Scott Vetoes Bill That Would Have Created Contractor Registry

By Anne Wallace Allen Posted on February 10, 2022 at 7:27PM

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, Vermont is one of just eight states without a state or county license, certificate, or registration requirement for building contractors. “Vermont is still seen as the Wild West of New England when it comes to the building industry,” said Jim Bradley, who has been working on the contractor registration proposal for years as an officer of the Vermont Builders and Remodelers Association.

Bald Eagle Removed From Endangered List in Vermont

By Kevin McCallum Posted on February 10, 2022 at 2:52PM

Along with the eagle announcement, which has been in the works for months, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department also delisted a flowering woodland plant called the short-styled snakeroot. But the agency added to the endangered list the American bumblebee, a species of freshwater mussel called the brook floater, and two plant species — Houghton’s sedge and rue anemone.

Phyo Aung Kyaw of Resonant Link showing a wireless charging component

Tech Biz Resonant Link Raises $9 Million, Plans to Double Staff

By Anne Wallace Allen Posted on February 9, 2022 at 2:31PM

Resonant Link was founded at Dartmouth College in 2017 and got its start with help from Fresh Tracks, a venture capital firm in Shelburne. It raised the money from The Engine almost entirely through virtual meetings.

Reproductive Rights Amendment Will Be Put to a Vote in November

By Anne Wallace Allen Posted on February 8, 2022 at 3:35PM

Vermont lawmakers have been working since April 2019 to enshrine reproductive rights in the state constitution. The measure was previously passed by the Vermont Senate.

A sign at the former Sears Lane encampment

Burlington to Build 'Shelter Pods' for Homeless, Review Encampment Policy

By Courtney Lamdin Posted on February 8, 2022 at 12:29AM

Richardson's memo suggested several "potential tools" to address antagonistic behavior, including appointing a sergeant-at-arms to deal with overly disruptive people, and developing a formal code of conduct with "specific consequences or ranges of consequences for infractions." He also suggested councilors hold a work session with the public to discuss good civil discourse.

Michelle Brennen holds a family photo at her home in Westford.

A Vermonter Seeks Family Members of Those Killed in 1973 Plane Crash

By Anne Wallace Allen Posted on February 7, 2022 at 6:27PM

Correction, February 11, 2022: A previous version of this story misidentified the Carolina in which Houle lives.

Former Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman to Run for His Old Job

By Kevin McCallum Posted on February 7, 2022 at 6:55AM

Zuckerman and his wife, Rachel Nevitt, run a 20-acre vegetable farm. The ponytail-sporting politician shared recent photos of himself driving a tractor across a snowy landscape, bundled up against the cold, as well as a campaign launch video from the farm.

House Passes Amendment to Vermont's Slavery Ban, Will Head to Voters

By Colin Flanders Posted on February 4, 2022 at 4:28PM

Supporters say it's an important step in the fight for racial equality. "The amendment is simple and clear, yet powerful and profound," said Rep. Hal Colston (D-Winooski), while presenting the bill on the House floor.

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