Vermont

Vermont Moose Permits

Details: Created on Thursday, 14 April 2016 17:53; Written by Lily Elmore

VERMONT- Avid moose hunters may not be as lucky this coming season compared past years. The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife announced they will only be giving out collectively 160 moose hunting permits this year.

According to Cedric Alexander, the moose project leader, last year the department gave out 285. That's equal to 40% less than this year.

Alexander says that’s because the department is below their goals for the population size.

The goal is they want to grow the population back to a comfortable rate. Over the last 10 years, the moose population in the Green Mountain State has declined. In 2006, the population of moose in the state was at 5,000, but this year it's just over 2,000.

Alexander says the decline in population can be blamed on a number of factors that aren’t related to hunting.

“The heavy winter tick infestation which has been affecting the reproductive rate,” says Alexander. “They’re going to get hit by a car.”

Permits for this years season have not been issued, but applications are on the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Departments website.

“Since there’s 10,000 people applying for a limited number of permits, its done through a lottery,” says Alexander.

The drawing for the permits will happen sometime in August.

What to Know on Marijuana Legalization

Details: Created on Friday, 01 April 2016 15:20; Written by Skyler Dixon

VERMONT- An act on the regulation of marijuana has been heard by the Vermont House Committee on Judiciary. Between Wednesday and Thursday, the Committee listened testimony on Bill S.241, which would legalize limited amounts of cannabis for those 21 or older.

Best Places to Work In Vermont

Details: Created on Thursday, 31 March 2016 16:05; Written by Lily Elmore

Vermont- Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce have announced the thirty eight businesses that are considered the best places to work in the Green Mountain State.

Ready for Anything

Details: Created on Wednesday, 23 March 2016 18:37; Written by Mike Raimondi

floodthumbnail SAINT JOHNSBURY- With over 370 mass shootings and 480 weather-related deaths in the United States in 2015, officials in the Northeast Kingdom and across Vermont are training to be prepared for any type of disaster.

Smoking Bill Can't Pass House

Details: Created on Thursday, 17 March 2016 21:39; Written by Alex Paduch

VERMONT - If you turn back the clock 70 years, smoking was a fashion statement. Today, the word carries a whole host of negative connotations; from perception to personal health.

Mild Winter Raises Fire Concerns

Details: Created on Wednesday, 16 March 2016 18:38; Written by Mike Raimondi

VERMONT- Wild fire season has come early after a mild winter, which could leave the area at risk. St. Johnsbury Fire Chief Troy Ruggles explained that the lack of snow could make wild fires more dangerous than normal.

Time To Renew Dog Licenses

Details: Created on Tuesday, 15 March 2016 15:53; Written by Dylan Robichaud

NORTHEAST KINGDOM- If you have a furry friend, then you need to renew their license. Dog licenses are due for every town in Vermont on April 1st, and if you wait untill after that date you will have pay more to license your dog.

Sutton School Budget

Details: Created on Thursday, 10 March 2016 22:52; Written by Lily Elmore

SUTTON- The budget for the Sutton School has been set. Next year's school budget will be less than what it was last year by about $100,000. Principal Ken Hayes showed some concerns for Act 46 and how the bill would affect future budgets and Sutton taxpayers.

Peacham Library Renovations

Details: Created on Friday, 04 March 2016 18:04; Written by Alex Pinkham

Peacham- When the Peacham Town Library started to raise money for their renovations, the goal was the reach $145,000. The community efforts helped them reach even more, a staggering $160,000. According the Library's Director, Becky Jenson this is a thrilling time for the library.

Prue Seeks Appeal

Details: Created on Friday, 04 March 2016 16:44; Written by Skyler Dixon

VERMONT- Allen Prue, the man convicted of murdering St. Johnsbury Academy teacher Melissa Jenkins four years ago, is fighting for his appeal. Two years ago, Prue was sentenced to life in prison for his part in the murder of Jenkins. He recently has filed for an appeal with the Supreme Court in an attempt to overturn his conviction.

School Bus Safety Concerns

Details: Created on Friday, 19 February 2016 15:17; Written by Alex Pinkham

SchoolBusSafety Vermont - School buses are the one place where kids cannot wear a seat belt. This has been connected to the thought that buckling up would put a passenger at risk then if they are not buckled in. This idea is starting to make parents and lawmakers more nervous.

Jeb Spaulding Interview

Details: Created on Wednesday, 17 February 2016 18:24; Written by Mike Raimondi

Lyndon- Budget concerns are forcing the Vermont State College System to make difficult decisions these days.

Sick Leave Bill Passes Senate

Details: Created on Friday, 12 February 2016 14:02; Written by Skyler Dixon

VERMONT- Bill H. 187, a bill which could require employers to give all employees a mandatory amount of paid sick hours, has been passed by the Vermont Senate. The bill was previously passed by the House late April of last year, and began review by the Senate early this month.

Upcoming Sick Leave Bill

Details: Created on Friday, 05 February 2016 17:07; Written by Skyler Dixon

VERMONT- H. 187 is a bill currently being reviewed by the Senate that would give any employee a minimum mandatory number of hours of paid sick time. Furthermore, it would prohibit employers from penalizing those who use this time. The purpose of the act is the promotion of healthy work environments, according to legislators.

Vermont Bill to Legalize Marijuana

Details: Created on Tuesday, 02 February 2016 19:00; Written by Dylan Robichaud

MONTPELIER-Marijuana could soon be legal to smoke in Vermont. On Friday, The Senate Judiciary committe voted 4-1 in favor of a bill that would make it legal for a person to have as much of an ounce of the drug in their possesion at any one time.

Importing Firewood Is Sparking a Change

Details: Created on Thursday, 10 December 2015 21:24; Written by Abbey Greene

firewood VERMONT - When it comes to protecting the environment, Vermont is known for being a leader amongst the United States. The state will be taking another step towards environmental safety in May involving the importation of firewood.

Act 46 Explained

Details: Created on Tuesday, 08 December 2015 18:52; Written by Alex Paduch

act46 VERMONT - All too often, legislature that affects a community is hidden under bill names and docket numbers, leading to confusion and misinformation. In recent months, murmurs of “Act 46” have been creeping up during school and selectboard meetings, but what exactly is it? In its purest form, the legislation mandates that school districts with fewer than 900 students must consolidate with other districts.

VSC Funding

Details: Created on Friday, 20 November 2015 15:35; Written by Victor Mwangi

VERMONT- State funding for higher education has been an issue especially among the Vermont state colleges.

Senate Leader Looks To Expel McAllister

Details: Created on Friday, 13 November 2015 21:33; Written by Alex Paduch

VERMONT - For the first time in the states 224 year history, leaders in the Vermont State Senate are drafting a resolution to expel one of its members from office.

Taking Action for Wildlife

Details: Created on Friday, 13 November 2015 15:18; Written by Abbey Greene

VERMONT – One aspect of Vermont that residents often take pride in is their wildlife. The new state Wildlife Action Plan was released this year, with the purpose of keeping the state’s nature thriving, so citizens can remain proud.

Youth Hunting Weekend

Details: Created on Monday, 09 November 2015 18:16; Written by Abbey Greene

VERMONT – The third and last youth hunting weekend just finished up, allowing young hunters all over the state to take their shot at the sport, and maybe taking home a deer of their own.

Lake Willoughby Grant

Details: Created on Friday, 06 November 2015 17:07; Written by Julia Rose

VERMONT-- One of the most popular spots in the summer for people to unwind and relax while cooling off is Lake Willoughby, and soon it will become even more popular come next year when the south side of the lake gets a face lift.

Sutton School Water

Details: Created on Friday, 06 November 2015 15:46; Written by Julia Rose

SUTTON-- If you walk through Sutton Grade School, you might notice some students with water bottles that they are filling up via water jugs but that is not because they are being eco-friendly instead their water at the school is undrinkable.

Battling Bat Disease

Details: Created on Friday, 30 October 2015 14:21; Written by Abbey Greene

white nose syndrome VERMONT - Imagine walking out your door into a swarm of insects. Flies, mosquitos, and more, buzzing around your body. No matter how much you swat at them, there are too many to control. This nightmare could become a reality without our friend in Vermont, the bat.

VSC Name Change

Details: Created on Friday, 23 October 2015 15:45; Written by Julia Rose

UPDATE- The Vermont State College System has decided keep the name of the system as is. The VSC Board of Trustees was looking into the change when Castleton State College changed theirs to Castleton University after the addition of several graduate programs they hope will attract out-of-state and foreign students.

A survey was distributed to faculty, staff, and students that included the original name, three new names, and a section to create a new name. The majority of those who responded voted for the name to remain the same.