The Green Mountain Independent

03/11/2016

Props to the Makers! This is a great article from Seven Days about some designers really making a name for themselves in the Green Mountains and beyond!

What do these items have in common: a set-piece for Phish's 2015 Magnaball festival, a device to hold staples, a high-end motorcycle frame, and beautiful...

04/10/2016

FRANKLIN COUNTY, VT - A Vermont writer, J.D. Thomason, has recently branched out becoming active in the movie business. Thomason, a resident of Enosburg Falls, has been capturing human interest stories in the area for Northview Magazine. This October, in addition to his writing and video production work, Thomason has become involved with the production of the upcoming sequel to the Rocky Horror Picture Show, directed by Kenny Ortega (High School Musical, This Is It, Hocus Pocus) and legendary producer and Hollywood mogul, Lou Adler.

http://www.vt-independent.com/features/vermonts-connection-to-the-2016-sequel-of-the-rocky-horror-picture-show/

21/09/2016

From the W**d in the House Campaign Franklin-7 state representative candidate Cindy W**d of Enosburg has been endorsed by U.S. Senator, Bernie Sanders. W**d is the only Franklin County candidate endorsed by the popular 2016 presidential candidate. W**d was also just endorsed by the NEA (Teacher’s Union) and the AFL-CIO. "I have known Cindy W**d for a number of years and appreciate her commitment to working families and the middle class. [ 227 more words ]

http://www.vt-independent.com/vermont/weed-receives-sanders-endorsement/

Franklin-7 state representative candidate Cindy W**d of Enosburg has been endorsed by U.S. Senator, Bernie Sanders. W**d is the only Franklin County candidate endorsed by the popular 2016 president…

19/08/2016

On August 4, state Sen. Philip Baruth (D-Chittenden) and other leading Democratic lawmakers joined with Gun Sense Vermont to host a rally supporting legislation increasing restrictions on gun sales in Vermont. The issue, however, has been divisive since the organization Gun Sense Vermont began promoting tighter controls on gun sales in the state. The most recent effort to implement universal background checks has drawn additional criticism as Vermont remains one of the states suffering the least from gun crime. [ 896 more words ]

http://www.vt-independent.com/vermont/universal-background-checks-for-all-gun-sales-in-vermont-legislation-faces-staunch-opposition-implementation-challenges/

The issue, however, has been divisive since the organization Gun Sense Vermont began promoting tighter controls on gun sales in the state. The most recent effort to implement universal background c…

06/06/2016

by Eve Flanigan for Guns.com The national Civilian Marksmanship Program announced this week the addition of a new location to its popular Travel Match series. The New England CMP Games will be held Sept. 14-18 at the Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, Vermont. The matches will be hosted by the Vermont State Rifle and Pistol Association and the Burlington Rifle and Pistol Club. [ 218 more words. ]

http://www.vt-independent.com/vermont/cmp-adds-new-england-to-travel-match-series/

The national Civilian Marksmanship Program announced this week the addition of a new location to its popular Travel Match series. The New England CMP Games will be held Sept. 14-18 at the Ethan …

12/05/2016

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge Open House and Art Exhibit

http://www.vt-independent.com/vermont/missisquoi-national-wildlife-refuge-open-house-and-art-exhibit/

The Refuge will celebrate the 23nd anniversary of International Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 21, 2016. The theme for 2016 IMBD is “Spread Your Wings for Bird Conservation.”

04/05/2016

What’s so controversial about GMO labeling?

http://www.vt-independent.com/world/gmo-labeling-in-vermont-retailer-experience-data-dispute-cost-concerns/

While many large media outlets have described Vermont’s mandatory GMO labeling initiative as a “controversial” move, independent research indicates that no fewer than 64 countries containing over 4…

18/04/2016

This Wednesday, April 20, from 6:30-8:30 at the Snow Farm Winery, you have another chance to attend the Homesteading for Clean Water speaker series put on by the Friends of Northern Lake Champlain! Don't miss out! Brought to you by the Missisquoi River Basin Association

http://www.vt-independent.com/vermont/homesteading-for-clean-water-speaker-series-at-snow-farm-winery/

This Wednesday, April 20, from 6:30-8:30 at the Snow Farm Winery, you have another chance to attend the Homesteading for Clean Water speaker series put on by the Friends of Northern Lake Champlain!…

18/04/2016

This Thursday at 6 pm, join our friends the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers Wild and Scenic Committee at the Westfield Community Center to learn about updates to the Missisquoi Basin Plan and give recommendations to the Agency of Natural Resources about what the plan needs to do to better protect our water quality and our fisheries. Our waterways need your input!
Refreshments will be provided; we look forward to seeing you there!

05/04/2016

HARTFORD WOMAN TAKES NEW TURN AS MRS. VERMONT

http://www.vt-independent.com/vermont/hartford-woman-takes-new-turn-as-mrs-vermont/

Working as a ballet teacher in 2007, Alanna Mayer had no experience as a pageant contestant. Unlike many of the women who stood with her on stage at the Mrs. America competition, she didn’t grow…

29/03/2016

What Americans Don’t Get About Nordic Countries

http://www.vt-independent.com/u-s/what-americans-dont-get-about-nordic-countries/

The reason Nordics stick with the system is because they can see that they come out ahead—not just as a group, but as individuals.

26/03/2016

You're a woman in 1927, just seven years after the 19th Amendment has given you the right to vote. You live in the age of short flapper skirts, bathtub gin and silent movies. Why would you gather two of your female friends, lace up your 14-inch-high boots with moccasin toes, button up your flannel shirt and hike the Long Trail from end to end?

You’re a woman in 1927, just seven years after the 19th Amendment has given you the right to vote. You live in the age of short flapper skirts, bathtub gin and silent movies. Why would you…

23/03/2016

This represents the sixth state record for the species according to the Vermont Bird Records Committee.

Bird watchers are flocking to Pittsfield, Vermont as news spreads of a male Painted Bunting visiting a feeder at a residence there. This represents the sixth

22/03/2016

MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is hosting two free turkey hunting seminars this spring – one on Saturday, April 2, the other on Sunday, April 3. "Both experienced and first-time turkey hunters stand to benefit from these seminars,” said Hunter Education Training Coordinator John Pellegrini. “We will provide A-Z hunting information, including safe hunting practices, specialized equipment, calls, site setup, and other strategies for harvesting turkeys.” [ 117 more words. ]

http://www.vt-independent.com/vermont/turkey-hunting-seminars-april-2-3/

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is hosting two free turkey hunting seminars this spring – one on Saturday, April 2, the other on Sunday, April 3. “Both experienced and first-ti…

22/03/2016

MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says warm spring weather and melting snows are causing bears to come out of their winter dens early in search of a meal. The department recommends taking down bird feeders now to avoid attracting them. Bears are very fond of suet and bird seed, especially black oil sunflower seed. Bringing feeders in at night doesn’t work, because bears will still feed on seed that is spilled on the ground. [ 127 more words. ]

http://www.vt-independent.com/vermont/its-time-to-remove-bird-feeders/

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says warm spring weather and melting snows are causing bears to come out of their winter dens early in search of a meal. The department recommends taking …

21/03/2016

Letter from Bob DePino, Gun Owners of Vermont

http://www.vt-independent.com/letters/letter-from-bob-depino/

Apparently, I was mistaken to think that the public back and forth with Ms. Mohri was over, but I was wrong. I have well documented Ms. Mohri’s personal attacks on me on our website. Her 3 na…

21/03/2016

NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release March 16, 2016 Contact:Bridget Butler, 802­393­4147, [email protected] Volunteers Needed to Report Roadkill Sightings WildPaths Project to document wildlife crossing roadways Montgomery - As spring warms our region, animals are on the move and will often be seen both successfully and unsuccessfully crossing roadways. Cold Hollow to Canada is seeking volunteers for it’s WildPaths Project to help document where animals are choosing to cross roads in the Northern Green Mountains. [ 288 more words. ]

http://www.vt-independent.com/vermont/volunteers-needed-to-report-roadkill-sightings-wildpaths-project-to-document-wildlife-crossing-roadways/

Montgomery – As spring warms our region, animals are on the move and will often be seen both successfully and unsuccessfully crossing roadways. Cold Hollow to Canada is seeking volunteers for…

21/03/2016

New Artisans Market to Open in East Berkshire

http://www.vt-independent.com/vermont/new-artisans-market-to-open-in-east-berkshire/

We invite you to the opening of artisans Market – March 31st from 4pm until 7pm. Location: 2892 Route 105, East Berkshire, VT, ( in the old Rublee building, Skoozy’s for many years!) …

18/03/2016

A botanist has found the riverbank goldenrod growing in Montgomery County.

17/03/2016

by Heather Long at CNN.com Jo-Ann was a child prodigy who went to college at age 14. She graduated and landed a coveted job at Citigroup. Soon she was flying around the world leading meetings. Then she jumped to a management role at a financial printer. She was middle class, maybe even on her way to the upper middle class ... [ 225 more words. ]

http://www.vt-independent.com/u-s/americans-fear-a-life-of-dead-end-crap-jobs-with-crap-wages/

Jo-Ann was a child prodigy who went to college at age 14. She graduated and landed a coveted job at Citigroup. Soon she was flying around the world leading meetings. Then she jumped to a managem…

16/03/2016

From VTDigger by KEVIN OCONNOR Selectboard members in the town of Newark complain of three municipal challenges: 1. road repairs, 2. trash and recycling costs, and 3. the headache that draws the most howls — dogs. “Dog problems persist,” members wrote residents this winter. “The town is now employing the Caledonia County Sheriff to assist with complaints.” Adds the Selectboard in Barnet: “One of the most difficult issues we face is dog control. [ 87 more words. ]

http://www.vt-independent.com/vermont/more-vermont-towns-seek-to-collar-lawless-canines/

A responsible owner may be a town official’s best friend. Because “one of the most difficult issues we face is dog control,” says one of a growing number of local leaders reporting headaches as ann…

12/03/2016

From the Missisquoi River Basin Association, Get out and enjoy the watershed this weekend! Brush up on or learn some new skills this Sunday with the Richford and Montgomery Conservation Commissions' Tracking and Tree ID Nature Walk (snowshoes probably not necessary).

Get out and enjoy the watershed this weekend! Brush up on or learn some new skills this Sunday with the Richford and Montgomery Conservation Commissions' Tracking and Tree ID Nature Walk (snowshoes probably not necessary).

11/03/2016

The public is invited to a legislative breakfast and discussion hosted by the Franklin County Regional Chamber of Commerce. The event is free and will be held at 8AM on March 14, 2016. The location, however, is yet to be determined so check the Franklin County Regional Chamber of Commerce website here or contact the event organizer at: [email protected] For all those interested in the economic future of Franklin County, the FCIDC Legislative Breakfast is sure to be an informative social occasion

http://www.vt-independent.com/vermont/franklin-county-chamber-of-commerce-to-host-legislative-breakfast/

The public is invited to a legislative breakfast and discussion hosted by the Franklin County Regional Chamber of Commerce. The event is free and will be held at 8AM on March 14, 2016. The location…

08/03/2016

by Mark Davis, Seven Days Paul Kane filed a motion to try to avoid testifying in Windsor County Probate Court, but a judge ordered him to talk. As soon as he took the witness stand last November, it was obvious why he'd been reluctant. For 90 minutes, an attorney grilled Kane about whether he'd bilked an elderly woman with Alzheimer's disease of roughly $500,000. [ 151 more words. ]

http://www.vt-independent.com/features/preside-show-an-ugly-estate-case-spotlights-a-side-judge/

Paul Kane filed a motion to try to avoid testifying in Windsor County Probate Court, but a judge ordered him to talk. As soon as he took the witness stand last November, it was obvious why he& #8217…

15/12/2015

In 1965, the Cold War was in full swing. The Cuban Missile crisis was fresh on everyone’s mind. President John F. Kennedy had only recently been assassinated fueling myths that the Communist leader Fidel Castro or some other Soviet agent had murdered the leader of the free world. Meanwhile, the John Birch Society, created by the owner of a powerful oil company, Koch Industries, was accusing Dr. [ 486 more words. ]

http://www.vt-independent.com/reviews/the-spy-who-came-in-from-the-cold-50th-anniversary-review/

In 1965, the Cold War was in full swing. The Cuban Missile crisis was fresh on everyone’s mind. President John F. Kennedy had only recently been assassinated fueling myths that the Communist leader...

01/09/2015

Dear editor, In his recent opinion letter, Rob Roper, president of the Ethan Allen Institute, tells us that in order to improve the job market in Vermont we need to become a "Right to Work" state and that all workers should become "independent contractors" instead of employees. If employees became contractors, business owners would not have to pay for any employee benefits like F**A, social security, medicare, worker's compensation, health care. [ 329 more words. ]

http://www.vt-independent.com/letters/letter-to-the-editor/

Dear editor, In his recent opinion letter, Rob Roper, president of the Ethan Allen Institute, tells us that in order to improve the job market in Vermont we need to become a "Right to Work" state a...

27/08/2015

A heartwarming story of an impromptu but well-coordinated wildlife rescue. Good work guys!

A chance encounter on a Vermont roadside — and the uplifting story of an errant Common Loon chick.

26/08/2015

Jay Peak continues to develop and expand its ski resort despite the impact on the water quality of streams polluted in the recent building boom.

26/08/2015

In the Green Mountains of Vermont, retired VT State Police Lieutenant Clint Gray has been instructing all-female fi****ms clinics for the past 3 years. The classes, sponsored by the National Rifle Associations Women on Target (WOT) program, are designed to give women of all ages the confidence to handle many types of fi****ms. Gray was inspired to host these free clinics after the killing of single mother and beloved science teacher Melissa Jenkins in his own town of St. [ 232 more words. ]

http://www.vt-independent.com/features/vermont-nra-group-aims-to-put-control-into-female-hands/

In the Green Mountains of Vermont, retired VT State Police Lieutenant Clint Gray has been instructing all-female fi****ms clinics for the past 3 years. The classes, sponsored by the National Rifle ...

26/08/2015

07/08/2015

I was fortunate enough to take a walk up at The Town Forest this week to see all of the incredible trail work that is being done this summer. The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) is back for it’s second year, expanding the trail network in the Forest. The VYCC will spend a total of …

07/08/2015

For hikers in bear country: Signs have been posted instructing hikers how to store food and other odorous objects.

Thursday, August 6
***Camel's Hump Bear Update***
Monclair Glen Lodge and Hump Brook tenting site are now open.

Tent camping around Montclair Glen Lodge is still prohibited. Please tent camp at Hump Brook.

Bear boxes have been placed at both Montclair Glen Lodge and Hump Brook. Signs have been posted instructing hikers how to store food and other odorous objects. Please follow these guidelines carefully to ensure your safety, the safety of hikers following in your footsteps, and the safety of the bears who inhabit this area.

05/08/2015

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department will hold a “Getting Started in Bear Hunting” seminar at the Stone House in St. Albans Town Park on Saturday, August 22. The department says the free course is designed to provide new or aspiring bear hunters with the information they need to be successful in bear hunting. “Bear hunting can be very challenging, but hunters who know where to look and how to hunt them can improve their chances for success,” said John Pellegrini, hunter education training coordinator for Fish & Wildlife. [ 210 more words. ]

http://www.vt-independent.com/vermont/new-to-bear-hunting-seminar-being-held-on-aug-22-in-st-albans/

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department will hold a “Getting Started in Bear Hunting” seminar at the Stone House in St. Albans Town Park on Saturday, August 22. The department...

04/08/2015

All cliffs closed to hiking and access earlier this spring to protect nesting peregrine falcons are once again open. Peregrines had a successful nesting year according to our partners at Audubon Vermont. Sixty-one young peregrines joined us in Vermont.

Peregrine falcons were removed from the state Endangered Species List in 2005 thanks to successful recovery efforts.