Vermont travel, homes, and services

2+ hour, 56+ min ago (939+ words) Vermonters will face an 11.9 percent average increase in education property taxes next year unless lawmakers again step in to soften the financial blow, according to a forecast from the Vermont Department of Taxes. The projected increase, outlined Monday in what is known as the the December 1 letter, is likely to put even more pressure on lawmakers to reform education funding in Vermont. Last year, the legislature passed and Gov. Phil Scott signed a controversial consolidation plan. Act 73 aims to transform how schools are funded and governed in response to declining enrollment and rising costs. Its most thorny provision calls for the forced consolidation of districts in an effort to save administrative costs. A task force that was to outline the new districts has instead recommended achieving savings by setting up regional partnerships to collectively fund services such as special education…...

8+ hour, 32+ min ago (156+ words) Vermont's public education system is undergoing its most significant overhaul in years. Act 73 is already reshaping how schools operate, and readers have been asking pointed questions about what's changing, what's uncertain and what lawmakers may take up next. In this live, one-hour conversation, education reporter Corey McDonald answers those reader questions and breaks down the early impacts of the reform. The discussion is moderated by Libbie Sparadeo, VTDigger's director of membership and engagement, with CEO Sky Barsch opening and closing the program. This event is part of VTDigger's work to bring Vermonters the clarity and scrutiny that big policy changes demand. And because it's Giving Tuesday, three generous supporters are tripling every donation today. If this kind of open, accessible journalism matters to you, please consider making a gift to support it. If you miss the livestream of this event,…...

9+ hour, 54+ min ago (292+ words) Vermont Business Magazine With the home heating season here, you may be wondering if your firewood is dry and ready to burn. Vermonters can check out a moisture meter for free from one of 63 public libraries. This is thanks to a statewide loan program from the Departments of Libraries and Environmental Conservation (DEC). Fine particle pollution consists of particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, also known as PM2.5. Fine particles are so small they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. Fine particles are also the main cause of reduced visibility (haze) in scenic areas. "To prevent poor air quality and safeguard public health, it is key to follow proper wood burning practices," said DEC Commissioner Misty Sinsigalli. "Using dry, seasoned wood reduces smoke, cuts air emissions, and protects our families, neighbors, and the environment." You can find more information…...

12+ hour, 2+ min ago (32+ words) This comedy club in Burlington hosted a buy-nothing swap over the weekend, Rilee Lucas reports. This comedy club in Burlington hosted a buy-nothing swap over the weekend, Rilee Lucas reports....

19+ hour, 43+ min ago (319+ words) If you're considering a year-end gift to VTDigger, please plan to make it tomorrow on Giving Tuesday. A generous group of donors has pledged to triple every gift received on Dec. 2, multiplying your impact on nonprofit journalism in Vermont. Every gift we receive helps us produce the fiercely independent news you rely on year round, and this Tuesday, it will be tripled." As part of our commitment to serving Vermonters, we're also hosting a free virtual conversation with education reporter Corey McDonald live on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at noon." Vermont's public education system is in the midst of its biggest transition in years. Act 73, the state's sweeping new education reform law, has already set major changes in motion, but as the next legislative session approaches, key questions remain unanswered. Corey has been covering the rollout of Act 73 since it was signed…...

1+ day, 4+ hour ago (563+ words) Freedley Quarry isn't your average Vermont hike. You won't be trekking up the mountains or even venturing to a waterfall but rather exploring a somewhat wild cavern where you'll be surrounded by darkness, water, and a lot of graffiti. It's an undeniably unique adventure that will likely take you out of your comfort zone, especially if you're not a fan of being underground or in enclosed spaces. 4 Trending Rentals in Vermont That People Book on Repeat (And We See Why) This Scenic 4.5-Mile Trail in the Green Mountain National Forest Is Worth the Incline Experience the Americana Town in Vermont So Charming You'll Want to Keep It a Secret Today, it's still possible to explore this abandoned quarry, which feels almost like a living time capsule. The quarry is a deep, arch-shaped cavern carved into the slope of Mount Aeolus....

1+ day, 16+ hour ago (43+ words) The National Weather Service collected snowfall data from Saturday, Nov. 29. A winter storm warning was issued for all of southeast Wisconsin. The season's first winter storm is on the move, set to ... Sun returns Monday, steady snow for part of Tuesday....

2+ day, 1+ hour ago (33+ words) University of Vermont women's hockey falls in Saturday's meeting against No. 5 Cornell The fans could not believe their eyes. University of Vermont women's hockey falls in Saturday's meeting against No. 5 Cornell...

2+ day, 1+ hour ago (115+ words) Cyphers collected 46.57% of the 165,736 votes cast in the football contest. Cyphers totaled 121 yards from scrimmage and a TD in the semifinal win at Lyndon and Cyphers amassed another 121 yards of offense, including the game's opening score, in the Lakers' 27-20 victory over Fair Haven in the Division II championship game on Saturday, Nov. 15. The online voting at burlingtonfreepress.com began Thursday, Nov. 20 and closed on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Girls soccer: Sara Guidice, Rice Boys soccer: Brody Allard, Milton Field hockey: Veronica Moore, Bellows Falls Boys volleyball: Patrick Jordan, Essex This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Delta Dental MVP named for Vermont H.S. football playoffs...

2+ day, 9+ hour ago (38+ words) What does a romantic evening in Vermont mean to you? Maybe it means staying in and cuddling up without a care in the world. Or maybe you're more of a nature type, who likes getting out there with ......