By Alan J. Keays The words of a Poultney teenager charged in a thwarted school shooting plot resonated in the small room as a Senate panel advanced a bill Friday, Feb. 23, allowing authorities to seize a firearm from a person deemed […]
Tag: Alan J. Keays
State News
Republican leader proposes drug testing for welfare recipients
By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger House Minority Leader Rep. Don Turner is proposing a bill that would allow for drug testing of people receiving financial assistance through a state program for low-income families. If a test comes back positive for an […]
Local News, State News
Saliva testing for pot?
By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger A panel of lawmakers voted in favor of a bill that would allow law enforcement officers to use saliva testing to detect the presence of drugs in motorists. The House Transportation Committee approved the bill, H.237, on […]
Local News
Crowded field vies for Rutland aldermen seats
By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger RUTLAND — Ten candidates are facing off for five seats on the Rutland city Board of Aldermen. Three of the five incumbents are seeking re-election to two-year terms on the 11-member panel. The filing deadline was 5 […]
Local News
Suspect in standoff had a BB gun
By Alan J. Keays/VTDigger MONTPELIER—State police say that a pistol a man displayed during a standoff, Jan. 16, on a field at Montpelier High School, prompting nine officers to open fire and kill him, was a BB gun. A day […]
Featured, State News
Pot expected to be legal in Vermont this summer Recreational use of marijuana passes Vermont Senate, expected to become legal July 1
By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger Gov. Phil Scott reiterated Thursday, Jan. 11, he plans to sign the bill legalizing the recreational use of marijuana in Vermont, but said he’s still undecided about whether to have a public signing for H.511 and […]
Local News, Uncategorized
Panel creates “roadmap” to combat opioid abuse
By Alan J. Keays, VT Digger A panel charged with coming up with ways to combat the opioid crisis in Vermont has developed recommendations it will now work with others to help turn into reality. The Governor’s Opioid Coordination Council has […]
Local News
Alan J. Keays, VTDigger: Pot, parentage and prisoners in Judiciary spotlight
By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger The House Judiciary Committee isn’t wasting any time. On Day 1 of the 2018 legislative session Wednesday, Jan. 3, the panel will get to work on H.511, known as the marijuana legalization bill. Other matters the Senate […]
Featured, Local News
Union, boards reach deal as strike loomed over talks in Rutland Northeast
By Alan J. Keays BRANDON – With the help of a federal mediator and after a six hours of talks Saturday, Dec. 2, bus drivers and paraeducators of the Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union have reached a tentative contract with negotiators for the school […]
Local News
Public safety leader: Opiate abuse “ubiquitous,” needs to be priority; High percentage of opiate addicts start with pills
By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger RUTLAND — Department of Public Safety Commissioner Thomas Anderson said in the ongoing effort to combat illegal opiate use in Vermont, curbing the abuse of prescription drugs plays a leading role. “We are awash in prescription […]