By Xander Landen/VTDigger Sen. President Pro Tem Tim Ashe wants to change Vermont’s Constitution. Among the Democratic Senate leader’s top priorities in upcoming legislative session is a push to pass four constitutional amendments. Ashe and other senators say they want to add an amendment expanding gubernatorial terms from two to four years and other amendments that would protect…

By Anne Wallace Allen/VTDigger As chief of the Vermont Department of Labor’s economic and labor market information section, Mathew Barewicz is in charge of collecting and interpreting federal and state employment data for policymakers, job-seekers and the public. Among other things, Barewicz is the researcher on a project partnering with the McClure Foundation aimed at…

By Xander Landen/VTDigger Vermont’s law enforcement agencies would not be able to carry out background checks on private firearms sales, the Department of Public Safety has determined. As part of a sweeping package of gun control measures that became law this year, legislators moved to expand background checks to private gun purchases, in addition to sales at gun…

By Rep. Jim Harrison In addition to the dawn of a new year, we are also on the eve of a new legislative session. The first few days of a new biennium are filled with a number of procedural items. The newly elected legislature will be sworn in on Wednesday, Jan. 9. Gov. Phil Scott…

By Garren Poirier, courtesy Okemo Kids carry skis to the lift at Okemo’s Jackson Gore while catching snowflakes on their tongues. By Kit Norton/VTDigger After a week of public outcry and scrutiny, Vail Resorts has reinstated discounted prices for low-income school children participating in snow sports programs at Okemo Mountain Resort. Vail Resorts told snow…

The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development today announced the Remote Worker Grant Program will officially launch on Jan. 1, 2019. The program offers reimbursement grants of up $5,000 per year ($10,000 over two years) to remote workers across the country who move to Vermont. The application process opens on Jan. 1 and will…

Sometimes Jeff Bugay blacked out entirely and woke up to find himself in the emergency room. Sometimes his pain was so bad he couldn’t talk or form words. Bugay, a former executive chef, had 15-20 partial seizures a day, lasting 30 seconds. “It’s a feeling where I have to back into a corner – you…

 Police are warning the public of a scam. The phone caller from the number (802) 242- 2022 is identifing themselves as working for the Vermont Department of Public Safety, and is requesting individuals nto pay a bond or be detained by Law Enforcement. Troopers attempted to call this phone number, and were greeted by an answering…

Investments in snowmaking upgrades pay off with best-ever efficiency and capability Turning the corner into the holiday week, Vermont ski areas aren’t allowing the rain on Friday, Dec. 21 to dampen their Christmas spirits. “We saw this storm coming, and we were ready for it,” said Jamie Storrs, director of communications for Mount Snow Resort. “The…

Dec. 19-21—RUTLAND—The 2018 annual Gift-of-Life Marathon blood drive continues for three days this week, Dec. 19, 20 and 21. The American Red Cross urgently needs blood donors to give now to ensure that blood is available for medical treatments and emergencies during the holiday season. Make an appointment or drop-in at the following locations: Wednesday,…

Thursday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m.—RUTLAND—The Rutland Young Professionals will hold their monthly mixer Thursday, Dec. 20, 6-8 p.m. at College of St. Joseph, 71 Clement Road, Rutland. December is the time of year when individuals give back to the community. This monthly mixer will take place in part with the Gift of Life Marathon blood…

Dec. 21, 11 a.m.—QUECHEE—This December and January children and their families are encouraged to join VINS for a read-aloud story series. They will be reading four captivating children’s books: “Kate Who Tamed the Wind” by Liz Garton Scanlon, “Extra Yarn” by Mac Barnett, “Stranger in the Woods” by Carl Sams, and “Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner. Programs will feature a…

Monday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m.—RUTLAND—Ever wish you saw “The Polar Express” in theaters? Here’s a chance to see it for free on Christmas Eve, in Rutland. Head to Flagship Cinemas in the Rutland Shopping Plaza on Monday, Dec. 24 for a free showing of the holiday classic. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for the 10…

Dec. 21-23—MIDDLEBURY—The night fires will be lit once more on Dec. 21, 22 and 23 at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury. Theatre Group, Ltd’s annual winter solstice pageant or mystery play for our times will this year, as in many performances past, be a song of celebration for the earth and all who live upon…

Thursday, Dec. 20—RUTLAND—The Downtown Rutland Partnership has organized a late night shopping evening on Thursday, Dec. 20, when participating locations will be open later than usual, offering discounts, refreshments, free gift wrapping, and more. Get your last-minute purchases locally. Many shops will be open until 8 p.m. Enjoy the holiday-decorated windows while strolling. For a…