Montpelier

Vermont Statehouse vandalized in apparent abortion reaction

June 25, 2022 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Police at the Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier say the building was vandalized early Saturday when seven windows were broken and a message painted outside the main door reacting to the U.S.

Republican governor urges US Senate to act on gun violence

By WILSON RINGJune 21, 2022 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont’s governor, who supported changes to the state's gun laws after what he felt was a narrowly averted school shooting, used his credentials as a moderate Republican to urge the nation’s senators to work together to address gun violence.

CDC: Half of Vermont’s 14 counties have high COVID-19 levels

May 1, 2022 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Half of Vermont’s 14 counties have been rated as having high community levels of COVID-19, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The rankings are based on a handful of factors including new hospital admissions for COVID-19, recent case counts, and the community’s overall hospital capacity.

Montpelier police reverse decision to add staff chaplain

March 13, 2022 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The Montpelier Police Department has reversed its decision to bring on a staff chaplain to support officers and their families, the agency announced Saturday.

The department made the change just days after announcing that pastor Peter Taraski would volunteer to provide spiritual guidance.

Vermont governor to sign Ukraine assistance bill into law

March 13, 2022 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont Gov. Phil Scott is scheduled to sign into law a bill that will donate nearly $645,000 to humanitarian assistance programs for the people of Ukraine.

Scott and other top state officials will be holding a signing ceremony on the Statehouse steps in Montpelier on Tuesday.

Money raised to extend Montpelier trail to East Montpelier

March 5, 2022 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Enough money has been raised to complete the extension of a recreation trail from Montpelier to East Montpelier, the Cross Vermont Trail Association announced this week.

The trail will go from Gallison Road in Montpelier to U-32 Middle & High School, over the new bridge and along the Winooski River to join the existing rail trail at Route 14 in East Montpelier.

Pandemic alters traditional Town Meeting Day in Vermont

March 1, 2022 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The pandemic has altered the traditional annual Town Meeting Day in many Vermont communities where residents normally would gather together generally on the first Tuesday in March to discuss and vote on local issues.

Noncitizens to vote in local elections in 2 Vermont cities

By LISA RATHKEFebruary 28, 2022 GMT

Noncitizens will be allowed to vote in local elections in two Vermont cities — Winooski and Montpelier — on Tuesday during the state's annual Town Meeting day.

In Winooski, a city of about 7,300 that is home to immigrants from around the world, 37 noncitizens had registered to vote by early Monday, according to the city clerk.

Legislative committee hears opinions on abortion amendment

January 27, 2022 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Some Vermonters feel the state constitution needs to be amended to protect a woman's right to an abortion and everyone's right to make their own decisions about reproductive issues, lawmakers were told Wednesday.

Vermont Legislature panel recommends 1st two weeks be remote

December 28, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — A panel of the Vermont Legislature recommended Tuesday that the legislature meet remotely for the first two weeks of the session that begins next week and then reassess to determine whether it will be safe to resume in-person meetings.

Suit filed over inmate death alleges racism and negligence

December 11, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The estate of a Black man who died in custody at a Vermont prison is suing, alleging racism and negligence.

Defense attorneys protest transfer of trials due to pandemic

December 11, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Several defense attorneys in Vermont are protesting the transferring of jury trials out of counties with courthouses that are closed due to the pandemic.

Vermont Christmas tree growers ready for big season

November 29, 2021 GMT

BARTON, Vt. (AP) — Vermont Gov. Phil Scott celebrated the beginning of the state’s unofficial Christmas tree season Monday by cutting trees for the Montpelier building where his office is located.

The trees cut by Scott and Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts at the Maple Hill Farm in Barton will decorate the Pavilion Building.

Memorial honoring Challenger crew moved to more public spot

November 21, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — A memorial in Montpelier honoring the crew aboard the space shuttle Challenger has been moved to a new location.

The monument was built shortly after the doomed launch in January of 1986.

USDA helping cover costs of pandemic safety measures

November 15, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making available $650 million to help farmers markets and specialty food producers cover the costs of safety measures implemented during the pandemic.

Vermont expanding homeless access to motels during winter

By WILSON RINGNovember 11, 2021 GMT

Montpelier, Vt. (AP) — Advocates for Vermont’s homeless population claimed victory Thursday after the state expanded eligibility for who will be able to qualify for emergency housing in hotels and motels this winter.

Central Vermont schools may have been hit with ransomware

October 28, 2021 GMT

EAST MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — A school district in central Vermont said Wednesday it may have been hit with a ransomware attack.

WCAX-TV reports the superintendent of the Washington Central Unified Union School District said the district's information systems were compromised as a result of a suspected ransomware attack.

Homelessness advocates vow Statehouse campout to push aid

October 15, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — A group of housing advocates are promising to camp outside the Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier until the state does more to help homeless people, one of the advocates said Friday.

Statehouse police seize muzzleloader from car after arrest

October 8, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Police seized a muzzle loading rifle from a man who was arrested on charges of suspicion of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after an incident in the Montpelier Statehouse, Capitol Police said.

Vermont pauses plan to consider 19-year-olds as juveniles

October 6, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont plans to halt legislation that would change the way the state's criminal justice system handles 18- and 19-year-old criminal offenders because state officials said some young offenders are too dangerous to be treated as juveniles.

Public meeting on ANR’s plans for COVID relief funding

October 3, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is hosting a public meeting to discuss a variety of environmental topics, including the agency's plan to invest about $100 million in COVID-19 relief funding on water infrastructure projects.

Man convicted of rare killing in Vermont capital appeals

October 1, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — A man found guilty of what police say was the first murder in Montpelier, Vermont, in almost a century is appealing his conviction to the Vermont Supreme Court.

Jayveon Caballero was found guilty by a jury in November 2019 of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Markus Austin, 33, in January 2017.

Vermont Dems decry GOP lawsuits over noncitizen voting

September 29, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont’s top Democrats say they are not surprised by the lawsuits filed by the Republican National Committee against two cities that would allow noncitizens to vote on local issues.

GOP sues 2 Vermont cities for noncitizen voting

By WILSON RINGSeptember 28, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The Republican National Committee is suing two Vermont cities for allowing noncitizens to vote on local issues in their communities.

The similar, but separate lawsuits against the cities of Montpelier and Winooski ask judges to declare noncitizen voting unconstitutional.

Montpelier decriminalizes homeless camping on city property

September 23, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The city council in Montpelier has unanimously approved allowing emergency camping on city public property for the homeless because of a lack of affordable housing and shelter beds.

Vermont National Guard highlights work with North Macedonia

September 22, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The Vermont National Guard is exploring ways to increase the state's cooperation with North Macedonia, the European country that is a new member of NATO.

On Tuesday North Macedonia Defense Minister Radmila Shekerinska and Maj.

Settlement in lawsuit over emergency housing eligibility

August 20, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The state and Vermont Legal Aid have reached a settlement over the end of a hotel voucher program for some of the homeless population during the pandemic, the Vermont Agency of Human Services and the legal services group announced Friday.

Montpelier postpones decision on homeless camping in parks

July 26, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The city council in Montpelier, Vermont, has postponed a vote on whether to allow people experiencing homelessness to camp in city parks.

Vermont marking return of Amtrak service after COVID

July 19, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Celebrations were held at Amtrak stations across Vermont on Monday to mark the return of passenger rail service to the state.

Both the Vermonter train and the Ethan Allen Express resume passenger service on Monday.

Montpelier public library latest to end late book fees

July 4, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Montpelier’s Kellogg-Hubbard Library has stopped levying late fees on overdue books.

The late fee used to be 25 cents a day, but on July 1, thanks to business support, donors, and their ongoing book sale, they’ve turned a page.

Party planned for Amtrak return to Vermont after pandemic

July 3, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Officials are planning a celebration to mark the return of Amtrak passenger trains to Vermont later this month.

The July 19 event at the Montpelier Amtrak station will also include officials from the town of Berlin and the Vermont Agency of Transportation.

Vermont overrides vetoes on non-citizen voting in 2 cities

WILSON RINGJune 24, 2021 GMT

The Vermont Senate on Thursday voted to override Gov. Phil Scott's vetoes of bills that would allow non-citizens to vote on local issues in the cities of Montpelier and Winooski.

The 20-10 vote on both bills came during the second day of a two-day veto session.

Vermont’s unemployment rate 2.6% for May, pre-pandemic level

June 23, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont’s unemployment rate was 2.6% for May, a decrease from 2.9% for April, the state Labor Department reported Wednesday.

The rate put Vermont back to pre-pandemic levels, Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington said.

Vermont House votes to override noncitizen voting veto

By WILSON RINGJune 23, 2021 GMT

The Vermont House on Wednesday voted to override Republican Gov. Phil Scott's veto of separate bills that would change the municipal charters of the cities of Montpelier and Winooski to allow noncitizens to vote in local elections.

Fish for free without a license on Saturday in Vermont

June 12, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Don't have a fishing license in Vermont? No problem.

On Saturday, anglers can fish for free without a license in the state's lakes and rivers during Vermont's annual free fishing day.

Scott vetoes noncitizen voting on local matters in 2 cities

June 2, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Gov. Phil Scott has vetoed two bills that would have approved charter amendments in Montpelier and Winooski to allow noncitizen residents to vote in their local elections, saying while well-intentioned the measures would lead to inconsistency in election policy.

Massachusetts vaccinations up; Montpelier to lift mask rule

May 30, 2021 GMT

BOSTON (AP) — Coronavirus developments around New England:

MASSACHUSETTS

More than half the population of Massachusetts is now fully vaccinated from COVID-19, according to public health data released Saturday.

Vermont tourism industry down an estimated $700 million

April 22, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — More than a year into the coronavirus pandemic, Vermont's tourism industry is estimated to be down about $700 million to date, according to the state Department of Tourism...

Some Vermont communities approve retail marijuana businesses

March 3, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — More than 20 Vermont communities have approved allowing retail marijuana businesses within their borders...

Vaccination sites will be open in Vermont despite snow

February 1, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vaccination sites will be open on Tuesday in Vermont as most of the state is expected to get a half to a foot (15-30 centimeters) of snow but anyone concerned about traveling can reschedule their appointments, state officials said Monday...

Bernie Sanders spawns splash of memes with inaugural attire

January 21, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Wearing mittens made out of recycled materials and a warm winter jacket, U...

Mayor of Vermont capital urges protesters to stay home

January 15, 2021 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The mayor of Montpelier is urging protesters and counter-protesters to stay home this Sunday rather than gather at the Vermont Statehouse...

Man convicted of Montpelier killing gets 25-years-to-life

October 6, 2020 GMT

BARRE, Vt. (AP) — The man convicted of the first homicide in Vermont's capital city since the 1920s has been sentenced to 25-years-to-life in prison, the attorney general's office said Monday.

Jayveon Caballero was sentenced Monday by Vermont Superior Court Judge Marry Morrissey in Barre.

Easing of some hospitality restrictions may come this week

September 14, 2020 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — If the number of COVID-19 cases continues to remain low at Vermont colleges, universities, and schools, Gov...

Applications being accepted for child care grants

August 12, 2020 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Applications from Vermont child care providers are being accepted to help mitigate losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Operation Relief Grant has $12 million in federal funding that will be distributed to child care providers.

Public meets Vermont State Police puppy at Statehouse

February 7, 2020 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The youngest member of the Vermont State Police bow-wowed people at the Montpelier Statehouse on Friday...

Thanksgiving dinner serves record number in Vermont capital

November 29, 2019 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Officials say the Thanksgiving dinner held at a church in the Vermont capital set a record.

The Times Argus reports the 47th annual Washington County Youth Service Bureau’s Thanksgiving feast in Montpelier is likely to have served more than 800 people at the Bethany Church and with home deliveries.

Correction: Flood History story

October 29, 2019 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — In a story Oct. 27 about a display of historic flood levels in Montpelier, The Associated Press reported erroneously that a research hydrologist said the 1927 marker was more than 10 feet above sea level...

Attorney, farmer announces Republican bid for governor

October 28, 2019 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — An attorney and farmer says he is running for Vermont governor as a Republican.

Mychamplainvalley.com reports that John Klar, of Brookfield, announced his candidacy on the Statehouse steps in Montpelier on Monday...

Montpelier City Council approves $10k for homeless shelter

October 12, 2019 GMT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — A homeless shelter in downtown Montpelier could open early thanks to a $10,000 appropriation from the city council in the Vermont capital.

The appropriation came after a request from the newly formed Homelessness Task Force Committee.