Three new hunting or trapping related laws passed by the Vermont Legislature during the 2022 session are now in effect, as of July 1. Under the new laws: hunting coyotes with dogs and training dogs to hunt coyotes will be temporarily banned in Vermont; the retrieval and use of game and fur-bearing animals by hunters…

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department says many people continue to have problems with bears looking for food near their homes. Part of the problem could arise from the food scrap ban that recently has gone into effect. “We have been receiving lots of reports of bears on decks, tearing down bird feeders, wrecking beehives,…

The Vermont State Police on Friday, July 1, marked the 75th anniversary of the agency’s creation, a watershed moment that arose from tragedy and laid the groundwork for a proud legacy of dedicated service across generations. State leaders established the Vermont State Police on July 1, 1947, in the aftermath of the disappearance of Paula…

The Vermont Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Friday, July 1, the approval of a settlement in Vermont’s first-ever joint state/federal employment discrimination lawsuit. The settlement requires Coughlin, Inc, a McDonald’s restaurant franchisee, to pay $1.6 million in damages and state penalties and substantially reform its business practices under a…

By Sam Lipin/ Addison County Independent Someone who visited the Short Stop gas station on Middlebury’s Court Street last week just became a millionaire — a hundred-millionaire, in fact. For the first time in Vermont history, the winning Powerball jackpot ticket was sold at a Vermont retailer, Vermont Lottery officials said. And the winning ticket…

Following a formal announcement by the state of Vermont, beverages categorized as Ready-to-Drink (RTD) cocktails are now part of Vermont’s private sector as of July 1, 2022. This marks a significant legal change from previous policy, whereby RTDs could only be distributed and sold by the 80 802-agency liquor outlets throughout the state. Starting July…

Keeping a small flock of chickens at home to provide eggs and meat has become increasingly popular, but many first-time small-scale poultry farmers are discovering that several species of wildlife like the taste of chicken as much as we do. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept. (VTF&W) urges poultry owners to use electric fencing and…

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is receiving reports from across the state of black bears seeking food in yards, outbuildings and livestock enclosures this spring, and the department urges Vermonters to take proactive steps for safely coexisting with bears. “Bears—and people—are at risk when bears spend time in human-dominated landscapes,” said the Vermont Fish…

By VTDigger Editor An unknown person or people smashed seven windows at the Vermont State House in Montpelier early Saturday morning, June 25, and spraypainted a message on the front portico of the building, according to the Capitol police. The message read, “If abortions aren’t safe you’re not either.” The State House was due to…

The Vermont Ski Areas Association’s 53rd annual meeting on June 8-9 For the first time in two years ski area members, associate members, partners and sponsors were able to recap a successful ski season in person. Despite the lingering effects of the ongoing pandemic, this season Vermont ski areas reported an additional 230,000 skier visits,…

Vermont maple syrup production totaled 2.55 million gallons in 2022, an 800,000-gallon increase from 2021. “As I always tell my fellow governors, Vermont has, hands-down, the best maple syrup in the world,” said Gov. Phil Scott. “This year’s record level of maple production is good news for our sugar makers and our economy, and I…

Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos announced Friday, June 24 as the official start of early voting for the Vermont statewide primary election, to be held on Tuesday, Aug. 9. “Early voting options have proven to increase both voter access and voter participation in our civic process,” said Condos. “Our democracy is stronger when we…

Vt Dept. of Health says 'get take-home tests now' Vermont Health Dept. testing sites will close June 25. Vermonters are encouraged to pick up free take-home tests from these sites to keep at home and use if needed. Vermonters can get up to four antigen test kits for each appointment, but only one LAMP (similar to…

Saturday, June 11 — STATEWIDE—Vermont’s annual, statewide summer free fishing day is Saturday, June 11 this year, and it will be highlighted by a free family fishing festival in Grand Isle as well as opening day of the state’s regular bass fishing season. “Vermont’s Free Fishing Day gives resident and nonresident anglers the opportunity to…

By Peter D’Auria/VTDigger Gov. Phil Scott has signed two important bills affecting schools statewide. One create a one-year pilot program of free breakfast and lunch for Vermont students and the other bans offensive school mascots. The governor’s signatures represent victories for anti-hunger advocates and for activists who have pushed to retire mascots that stereotype marginalized…