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State / Region

Bats Get Ensnared in Vt. Wind Debate

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Montpelier — How much is a little brown bat worth? According to Green Mountain Power’s calculation, about $1 million a year. The utility has asked for a state permit to kill four of the endangered creatures a year at its 21-turbine Lowell wind project. Green Mountain Power says if it has to follow all the protections needed to spare every bat from getting thrashed by the turbine blades, it would …

Ex-Hitman Testifies in Bulger Trial

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Boston — An ex-gangster who admitted killing 20 people was unemotional yesterday when describing his line of work at the trial of his former partner, James “Whitey” Bulger, but called himself heartbroken when he learned that Bulger had become an FBI informant. John Martorano gave short answers and spoke nonchalantly when questioned by a prosecutor about a string of murders he committed while …

Court: School Grants Violate Church, State

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Concord — A judge yesterday declared New Hampshire’s new scholarship program unconstitutional but allowed it to continue as long as none of the money goes to religious schools. Under the program created last summer, businesses get tax credits for donating to a private organization that awards scholarships to students attending either private or public schools. The program’s supporters argue it would provide educational …

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Local Photography »
Randolph vs. BFA-Fairfax in the VPA D-III baseball championship in Burlington, Vt., on June 17, 2013. Randolph won, 3-2. (Valley News - Sarah Priestap) Photo Gallery: Randolph vs. BFA-Fairfax Baseball Championship
Sharon Academy senior Larkin Goode performs Miley Cyrus’ Butterfly Fly Away during her speech portion of Sharon Academy’s graduation at The Sharon Academy in Sharon, yesterday. (Valley News - Sarah Priestap) ‘You’ve Got to Go For It’: 34 Sharon Academy Graduates Relate Learning From Experience
Thirty-four graduating seniors received their diplomas during The Sharon Academy's commencement in Sharon, Vt., on June 16, 2013. (Valley News - Sarah Priestap) Photo Gallery: The Sharon Academy Graduation
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Motivation Works for Ghosts: Unusual History Lesson Lifts Randolph to Baseball State Crown
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No OT Required: Rask, Bruins Deal Blackhawks a Shutout
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Editorial: End-of-Life Care and Cost; Dartmouth Atlas’ Puzzling Findings
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N.H. Senate Still Far From Budget Deal

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Concord — Senate Republicans yesterday killed a bill that included language allowing the state to accept a $5.3 million federal grant to provide consumer education related to the implementation of President Obama’s 2010 health care reform law. The Democratic-led House attached the language to an unrelated bill, which …

N.H. Murder Raises Concerns Over Mental Health System

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Laconia — The 19-year-old man charged Monday with killing a fellow resident at an Laconia apartment house for the mentally ill had been discharged from the state hospital Friday after an overnight stay, his sister said. But Debra Riley said her brother, Kasey Riley, who spent two days …

Green Mountain State Leads Syrup Producers

Thursday, June 13, 2013

U.S. syrup makers had a sweet year, producing a record 3.2 million gallons. The Department of Agriculture reported yesterday that 2013 production jumped 70 percent over 2012, boosted by ideal weather conditions that resulted in a long season and a high-quality product. The previous record of 2.8 million …

IBM to Lay Off Workers at Essex Junction Plant

Thursday, June 13, 2013

A new round of layoffs has hit the IBM plant in Chittenden County. After several weeks of speculation, Governor Peter Shumlin announced yesterday that IBM has told the state it is laying off workers at its Essex Junction facility. The exact number isn’t known and the company said …

Vermonters: Be Wary of Fast River Currents

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Burlington — Recent heavy rains have caused rivers and streams to swell, and the National Weather Service is warning Vermonters that water currents may be too dangerous for recreation. Vermont public safety officials warn that many natural swimming holes have high flows and dangerous currents and should be …

Judge Rejects Dismissal in ‘94 Death of Vt. Woman

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Brattleboro, Vt. (AP) — A judge has rejected a motion to dismiss the case or reduce the charge against a man accused of killing his wife in a Vermont condominium almost two decades ago. John Grega was convicted of killing his wife, Christine, in 1994, and then released …

Soldier With Ties to Vt. Killed

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Burlington (AP) — A soldier with ties to Vermont has been killed in Afghanistan. Maj. Jaimie Leonard and a second soldier died from their injuries suffered from small arms fire over the weekend. The 39-year-old Leonard had been serving in Afghanistan since January. The intelligence officer from Warwick, …

State regulators predict bleak future for PSNH ratepayers

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Concord — Following a five-month investigation, state utility regulators are recommending Public Service of New Hampshire shed some or all of its power plants to lower high rates and maintain reliable service to customers. The Public Utilities Commission found that PSNH’s power plants in Bow and elsewhere aren’t …

Ninety-one-year-old Ned Coffin, of Strafford, makes a joke while asking a question about the aid-in dying law passed in Vermont last month during a discussion at Norwich Congregational Church in Norwich last night. (Valley News - Sarah Priestap)

Questions of Life and Death: Vt. Aid-in-Dying Law Examined in Norwich

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Norwich — The political wrangling over Vermont’s aid-in-dying law may be over for now, but the work of figuring out what it will mean for patients and their families has just begun. A crowd of around 60 turned …

Vermont Farmworker Activist Faces Deportation

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Montpelier — A man at the center of the push to get Vermont driver’s licenses for farmworkers in the country illegally is getting support from his fellow activists in his own battle against deportation. The group Migrant Justice has launched a letter-writing campaign in hopes of allowing Danilo …