The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department says many people are having problems with bears looking for food near their homes, and with the food scrap ban in effect the department is providing tips for people who are composting at home so they can avoid attracting hungry bears.   “We have been receiving lots of reports…

Funding is now available through the Samara Fund, which is directed by a group of queer and trans Vermonters committed to a vision of transformational grants and scholarships to the people and groups throughout Vermont who demonstrate their dedication to the empowerment, health, and safety of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV positive (LGBTQ+)…

  Vermont Auditor Doug Hoffer released a memo June 27 announcing that the Orange County Sheriff’s Department cannot be audited at this time due to financial management irregularities. Arriving at such a conclusion is extremely rare for a public agency, Hoffer said, and reflects a judgment that the sheriff’s books cannot be relied upon to…

   Beginning on July 1, changes to Vermont Adoption Law will allow adopted Vermonters greater access to their adoption information.   “This new law makes original birth certificates, information about former parents, and details about their adoptions available to adoptees,” said Dept. for Children and Families Commissioner Chris Winters. “The adoption registry is there to help…

  Parts of Vermont continue to experience 'moderate drought,' while other areas are just 'abnormally dry' Staff report Rain fell over much of Vermont this past weekend and was forecast to continue, disrupting some Fourth of July celebrations. Fireworks at the Vermont State Fairgrounds scheduled for Monday evening, July 3, were canceled Monday morning. A Vermont…

  By Polly Mikula Just days after the Killington Select Board approved a virtually flat municipal tax rate ($0.5444) at their June 26 meeting, the town received the state’s calculations for the education portion of the bill, which makes up about 80% of the total tax bill. The Vermont Dept. of Taxes has calculated that…

  The girls' division champion was Kristina Xu of Claremont, California who scored an even-par 213. It was her first AJGA victory.  “I definitely did not expect to win, but I’m just glad I got it done. Hopefully I’ll carry this same momentum into the next tournament,” Xu told the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA)…

  The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is seeking the public’s help with monitoring wild turkeys.  Since 2007, the department has run an annual online survey in August for reporting turkey broods.  Beginning in 2021, the survey was expanded to include the month of July.  The use of “citizen scientists” in this way facilitates the…

  Perhaps the biggest surprise of the legislature’s return last week was that the session was just one day in duration.  Legislators were told to reserve June 20-22 if they were called back to take up any vetoes by the Governor, following the May 12 adjournment for the regular session. Some hinted that the special…

  Members of the Rutland Area Medical Community recently awarded seven $2,500 scholarships to local students pursuing a career in healthcare. The scholarship program has been made possible through the generosity of Rutland area physicians, retired physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. The Rutland Area Medical Community scholarship is intended to stimulate the region’s best and…

   All Brains Belong, a leading organization dedicated to supporting neurodivergent  individuals, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a significant grant from the Vermont  Dept. of Health. The grant allows All Brains Belong to expand its capacity and enhance its  services, aiming to address health inequity for neurodivergent Vermonters.   The grant…

   The Department of Buildings and General Services (BGS) is seeking applicants for this year’s Building Communities Grants program. Grants of up to $25,000 are available for construction and capital improvements to support and strengthen Vermont towns and regions. All grants require a one-to-one match and must demonstrate community support. The deadline for applications is…

  Delegates weigh in on impact to the state On Monday, June 26, President Joe Biden announced that Vermont will receive $229 million to expand access to broadband in the state. The funds are part of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which will provide $42.45 billion nationwide for planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption…

  Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports Volunteer Liz Mead, a resident of Chittenden, was recognized by the Kraft Family, Patriots Foundation and Gillette, along with 25 other volunteers, as a 2023 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award winner on Thursday, June 8.  Twenty-six volunteers were recognized for their contributions at an awards ceremony and luncheon at…

  Enjoy loons from a safe distance  Few birding experiences rival hearing the haunting call of the loon or seeing them glide by in protected coves on a lake.  However, for the birds’ protection, Vermont Fish and Wildlife is asking boaters and anglers to enjoy loons from a safe distance this summer.  “Loons were removed…