Irene responders tell of ways to improveState agencies examine what went right and what went wrong during the Irene response. Published on: December 20, 2011 |
A cultural shiftLet’s fast-forward five years. Can Vermonters see any lasting effects from Tropical Storm Irene? Published on: December 20, 2011 |
How social media brought Irene home to manyNew York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman loves the town of Warren, but he didn’t witness Tropical Storm Irene devastation firsthand or see it unfolding on national media outlets like CNN. Published on: December 20, 2011 |
Irene Plus TwoTropical Storm Irene’s historic devastation left officials who oversee key public infrastructure, such as roads and state office buildings, with a multi-faceted challenge: Rebuild quickly to restore service and capacity; protect the environment; and when possible, build in resiliency to survive the next Irene. Published on: December 19, 2011 |
Randall Street throws a partyIt was party time Sunday on Randall Street. That’s something that hasn’t been heard there much since Aug. 28 when floodwaters from Irene surged down the quiet side street in Waterbury. Published on: December 19, 2011 |
State floodmaps won’t be changedIrene won't be factored into flood maps Published on: December 19, 2011 |
Capital BeatVermont-made Super PAC aims to spread progressive ideals Published on: December 19, 2011 |
Why Vermont’s mobile home parks were so vulnerableMobile home parks have often been, for various reasons, situated in Vermont floodplains. Many began as campgrounds located on inexpensive land along rivers — locations ideal for recreation and for cooling off in the summer when camping is practical. With level land and easy access, the areas were desirable for moving and siting mobile homes. Published on: December 19, 2011 |
In Weston, the show must go onWESTON — “The show must go on!” isn’t just a quaint expression heard in frothy movies about the theater, it’s the way it is at Vermont’s preeminent professional theater. Published on: December 19, 2011 |
Irene by the numbers5 – Number of people in Vermont who died as a result of Irene. Published on: December 18, 2011 |
Turning Point: Irene buoys some businessesGreg Tatro, the 47-year-old owner of G.W. Tatro Construction in Jeffersonville, was at the Rock of Ages quarry in Bethel last month when his employees used an excavator to load rock bound for Royalton. Published on: December 18, 2011 |
Turning Point: How Irene changed Vermont |
Barre preps to lobby for state jobsCity Councilors are getting ready to go all-in in their bid to lure hundreds of displaced state employees to downtown Barre. Published on: December 17, 2011 |
AOT looking to grow after IreneAOT seeks new hires to help clean up after Irene Published on: December 16, 2011 |
Shumlin wants smaller state hospital in central VermontAfter Irene shutters psychiatric hospital, Shumlin unveils replacement plan Published on: December 14, 2011 |
State working to get FEMA money out to townsSeveral towns have yet to see a cent or reimbursement for repairs made from May storm. Published on: December 14, 2011 |
Irene punches $25 million hole in state budgetIrene helps put the state general fund $25 million in the red. Published on: December 13, 2011 |
Myers defends Waterbury trash billBARRE — Jeff Myers, president of Myers Container Corp., said he does not understand why Waterbury has not paid a trash bill of more than $100,000 for Dumpsters provided to townspeople after Tropical Storm Irene’s floodwaters hit. Published on: December 13, 2011 |
Northfield hopes to lure displaced state workersNorthfield Select Board is creating an economic development committee with one of the goals being to lure displaced state workers to the area. Published on: November 30, 2011 |
Calls to 211-hotline show need for “outreach” mental health programsVermont's ¿outpatient¿ mental health system is under strain, officials said Monday, a fact underscored by new Vermont 2-1-1 hotline statistics. Published on: November 29, 2011 |
State works to spin off mental health careCritics worry short-term psych beds could turn into long-term solution Published on: November 28, 2011 |
State works to spin off mental health careCritics worry short-term psych beds could turn into long-term solution Published on: November 28, 2011 |
Hell and high water: A touchstone reopens in town hardest hit by IreneBookseller turns a new page after fire and flood Published on: November 27, 2011 |
Waterbury group helps people return homeRebuild Waterbury has a new office and is ready to start helping Irene victims Published on: November 26, 2011 |
Charities ask Vermonters to donate during holidaysMONTPELIER — Workers at the only food pantry in Vermont’s largest city started to get nervous when they had no turkeys to give away less than two weeks before Thanksgiving. Published on: November 25, 2011 |
Hit by Irene, house now fit for ThanksgivingOne flood victim is hosting Thanksgiving at her rennovated home for volunteers that helped her rebuild. Published on: November 25, 2011 |
Film documents Waterbury’s recoveryMount Mansfield Media unveils a documentary that tells of Waterbury's recovery after Irene. Published on: November 24, 2011 |
War and Irene won’t lessen this family’s ThanksgivingA Black Hawk pilot serving in Afghanistan returned home to Northfield to be there when his son was born and celebrate Thanksgiving. Published on: November 24, 2011 |
State aids cash-strapped townsThe state announces cash flow aid to towns hit by Irene. Published on: November 23, 2011 |
Crews dismantle more Irene-hit trailersCrews began demolition on the Whalley Trailer Park on Monday. Published on: November 22, 2011 |
Vermont State Hospital Workers at closed facility speaking outWith Vermont nearing the end of the third month of a storm-imposed experiment in getting along without a central state psychiatric hospital, workers at the closed Waterbury facility gathered this past week to issue a warning: You can’t get along without us. Published on: November 21, 2011 |
Federal-state buyout program benefits flood-damaged townsA look at which communities around the state are considering a hazard mitigation buyout. The process is funded 75 percent by FEMA and 25 percent from the towns. As many as 40 towns have projects in the works. Published on: November 21, 2011 |
State receives $100K donation for recoveryErnie Boch of Subaru New England donated $100,000 to Tropical Storm Irene relief efforts. Published on: November 19, 2011 |
Vermont ski towns rebuilding after IreneMONTPELIER — Visitors to Vermont’s ski country may be surprised to find some restaurants and stores boarded up in the valley town near Mount Snow — one of the communities hardest hit by Tropical Storm Irene— but the skiing and riding should be the same depending on the snow. Published on: November 19, 2011 |
Waterbury selected for special FEMA aidWaterbury has been selected as one of two communities in the state for special long-term planning assistance from FEMA Published on: November 17, 2011 |
Irene river repairs spark permit debateLawmakers from three House and Senate committees gathered for a hearing on Tuesday to examine the Agency of Natural Resources response to Irene and also to begin laying the groundwork for a debate over environmental regulations that is certain to take place in the next legislative session as a result of Irene. Published on: November 16, 2011 |
Feds could buy out nine Irene-damaged Northfield propertiesThe board heard from representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency about the option of a hazard mitigation buyout option for nine homes destroyed in Irene. Published on: November 16, 2011 |
Volunteers repair Irene-hit snowmobile trailsAfter two devistating storms, most snow mobile trails state wide will be open this winter. Published on: November 16, 2011 |
Feds to pay bulk of Irene road repairsDelegation secures federal aid for Irene-related road repairs Published on: November 15, 2011 |
Randolph brothers raise more than $126K for farmersRANDOLPH CENTER — Red Sox red, Yankees blue and Pirates black and yellow. Not often do these colors mix well on the baseball diamond, but Saturday evening they blended to make green in support of Vermont farmers impacted by Tropical Storm Irene. Published on: November 14, 2011 |
Irene victims warned of bad contractorsSome contractors are taking advantage of flood victims - what to watch out for, and what precautions to take. Published on: November 13, 2011 |
Irene dominates Legislative agenda, but other issues percolateIrene was not an equal opportunity disaster, and the experiences and views of state representatives from around Vermont reflect that. Published on: November 11, 2011 |
Legislators prepare for 2012 sessionLawmakers to convene in Montpelier today for daylong briefing Published on: November 10, 2011 |
Flooding creates new possibilities for State HospitalThe Shumlin administration is close to settling on a proposal for how to care for the state's mental health patients in the long-term after flooding knocked out the Vermont State Hospital. Published on: November 10, 2011 |
Bethel fish hatchery to empty for repairsThe White River National Fish Hatchery is emptying out while repairs from Hurricane Irene are made. Published on: November 10, 2011 |
Instead of money, Shumlin offers ‘partnership’State agencies to help flood-struck municipalities recover Published on: November 9, 2011 |
Waterbury still disputes Myers trash billDetails from Monday's Waterbury Select Board meeting Published on: November 9, 2011 |
Shumlin urges review of road-building processGov. Peter Shumlin reiterated his stance Friday that Vermont should consider changes to the way the state builds roads in order to save money, but denied such a move would necessarily lead to environmental degradation, saying "everybody's trying to turn this into a fight." Published on: November 5, 2011 |
Waterbury relief center seeks to distribute remaining wares before closing SaturdayThe Waterbury Flood Relief Center is closing Published on: November 5, 2011 |
Funds still have money to aid Irene victimsMany of the charitable organizations that sprung up after Irene still have funds available. Published on: November 4, 2011 |
How to get helpIrene relief funds Published on: November 4, 2011 |
Storm-ruined mobile homes razed, issue of rent lingersDemolition underway at Berlin mobile home park, rent due today? Published on: November 1, 2011 |
Reaction to Irene gives VT towns improved emergency responseA community dinner and discussion of the response to and recovery from Irene. Published on: November 1, 2011 |
Costly Irene may not break Vermont’s bank, but could change rulesCost to repair Irene-related road damage not as high as once feared Published on: November 1, 2011 |
State plans to ask feds for more money for Irene recoveryNeale Lunderville, the governor-appointed Vermont Irene Recovery Officer, said Thursday that the state plans to apply for a greater reimbursement rate because statewide damage is expected to amount to more than $80 million. Published on: October 7, 2011 |
State workers displaced by Irene get temporary homesAdministration secures new space for displaced workers Published on: October 7, 2011 |
Barre Town to consider discontinuing roadBarre Town board approves bridge for one-resident road Published on: October 7, 2011 |
Grants fund jobs to repair Vt. trailsThe US Department of Labor grants help put enemployed people back to work to help clean up. Published on: October 7, 2011 |
Volunteer Help Needed: Listings for Irene-related recoveryHelp needed listings for Irene-related recovery efforts around Central Vermont and south. Published on: October 7, 2011 |
Vt state employees seek double-time pay for work after IreneThe union representing about 7,000 Vermont state workers has filed a grievance with the Shumlin administration arguing that nearly 100 employees are entitled to double-time pay for work performed after Tropical Storm Irene unleashed historic flooding in August. Published on: October 5, 2011 |
GMP, towns meet to revise Marshfield dam planGreen Mountain Power officials meet with town officials to discuss emergency procedures for the Marshfield Dam. Published on: October 5, 2011 |
Progress made for Weston’sWeston's owner applies for town permit in hopes of reopening. Published on: October 5, 2011 |
Hatching a plan: Fish station rebuildingThe Roxbury Fish Culture Station, which sustained severe damage during Irene, is slowly being rebuilt. Published on: October 5, 2011 |
Waterbury to discuss homeowner tax relief for Irene victimsThe Waterbury Select Board sets a time and date for a meeting of the Board of Abatement. Published on: October 5, 2011 |
Rebuild Waterbury hiring for three new postsRebuild Waterbury is accepting applications. Published on: October 5, 2011 |
Waterbury: Municipal offices may move to fire stationWaterbury town offices will move to space in the fire station on Main St. Published on: October 4, 2011 |
Waterbury harvest fest moves to new locationThe Alchemist will host a Harvest Festiival next month to benefit local businesses. Published on: October 4, 2011 |
Post-Irene politicsThe across-the-board 4 percent budget cuts demanded last week by Gov. Peter Shumlin represent an effort to keep state spending under control as the state rebuilds after the floods of Irene. Published on: October 2, 2011 |
Stay or go: Waterbury state offices decision a high-stakes matterA pending decision about what to do with the flood-damaged Waterbury office complex that housed 1,500 state workers has quickly become political. Published on: October 2, 2011 |
The rivers are not brokenThe unrelenting precipitation from Irene caused rivers to rise, and as flows increased, the rivers turned brown, jumped their banks and, where they could, flowed into their flood plains and into homes, businesses, farm fields and forests. They eroded our roads and swept away bridges. The widespread devastation was stunning and saddening. Published on: October 2, 2011 |
Barre Town eyes $40K fix for access to Hunt Road’s single homeBarre Town board agrees to build bridge for road with one home Published on: October 1, 2011 |
Post-Irene rules on stream work expire in NY, Vt.MONTPELIER — In the disastrous days after the remnants of Hurricane Irene sent stones and mud surging down swollen waterways, workers in Vermont and New York were given special permission to dig in river and stream beds without written permits. Published on: October 1, 2011 |
Flood nonprofit moves to next phaseWaterbury non profit will hire three people to aid long term relieif. Published on: October 1, 2011 |
One month later: Flood-weary Vermonters rebuild on long road back to normalcyIt has been about a month since Tropical Storm Irene swept through Vermont and many towns devastated by the storms are still struggling to find a new normal. Published on: September 30, 2011 |
Farmers get recovery grantsFirstflood grant check goes out to a Vermont farmer, who plans to use the money for a type of work that has in some cases been controversial. Published on: September 30, 2011 |
Budget scissors in hand, administration begins tough workShumlin begins budget process with calls for cuts in next year's spending Published on: September 30, 2011 |
Flirting with disasterThe experience of watching a tragedy is said to engender feelings of awe and pity: awe at watching a person of greatness fall and pity at his or her suffering. Published on: September 29, 2011 |
Shumlin, Lauzon tout tax creditsShumlin drops by Barre to announce $1.8 million in tax credits Published on: September 29, 2011 |
Crews scramble to fix Irene-damaged roads before winterCamel's Hump Road in Duxbury is battered and bruised, making it difficult for many of the over 100 residents to leave. Published on: September 28, 2011 |
FEMA housing units headed to VermontState looks to mobile FEMA units to house displaced flood victims Published on: September 28, 2011 |
State overtime after Irene is estimated at about $1.9 millionIt will come as no surprise to Vermonters, but state employees have racked up some serious overtime responding to the flood damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene. Published on: September 28, 2011 |
Future of Vt. roads rides on D.C. voteMONTPELIER — The future of Vermont’s roads and bridges hinges largely on a partisan budget battle in Washington, D.C., the outcome of which could end up deepening the bruises on this state’s battered transportation network. Published on: September 27, 2011 |
Moretown Post Office reopensThe Moretown Post Office is back open after suffering severe damage in Tropical Storm Irene. Published on: September 27, 2011 |
Disaster-stricken residents chide Congress to actFor disaster victims rebuilding their homes, towns and lives, the anxiety is matched only by anger at Congress for entangling their future in a political battle over government spending. Published on: September 27, 2011 |
Shumlin leaves open door to special sessionTaxes, special session both on table as lawmakers, administration ponder recovery options Published on: September 27, 2011 |
Realtor donates to Waterbury recoveryWATERBURY — New England Landmark Realty announced last week that the real estate company will donate to the Waterbury Good Neighbor Fund as a show of support for the Waterbury community. Published on: September 26, 2011 |
VAST to raise trail feesIncrease to cover years worth of repairsTropical Storm Irene destroyed snow mobile trails in southern Vermont and to fund the repairs VAST will likely increase permit prices. Published on: September 26, 2011 |
Cap Beat: The return of partisan politicsPartisan politics have been on something of a hiatus since Aug. 28, when elected officials, along with the rest of the state, turned their attention to the human toll exacted by Tropical Storm Irene. Democrats, Republicans and Progressives went as far as to issue joint press releases pledging unity and cooperation in the face of adversity. Published on: September 26, 2011 |
Crews offer a glimpse of rough road to repairsVTrans makes progress on roads but more work needs to be done. Published on: September 25, 2011 |
Mobile homes major concern post-IreneResidents and state and local officials gathered at the Weston¿s Trailer Park to discuss the plight of those trailer park homes destroyed by Irene. Published on: September 25, 2011 |
For UVM students, Irene is a lessonJust days after Irene, a UVM professor created a service-learning class which incorporates out-of-the-classroom service with learning about disaster recovery. Students were helping out in the central VT area Friday and Saturday. Published on: September 25, 2011 |
Rebuilding waterways wiselyIrene’s floods brought tragic losses to many property owners and disruption of all sorts. Floodwaters ripped out roads, bridges and other elements of the state’s infrastructure that will be costly to repair. Published on: September 25, 2011 |
Putting people first after disasterTropical Storm Irene hit Vermont hard. Many Vermonters, particularly among our marginalized communities, have endured large-scale destruction and suffering. Yet Vermonters are also showing incredible solidarity, caring and resolve to action. Published on: September 25, 2011 |
The housing crunchThe machinery of government, plus the nonprofits and private businesses involved in housing, is gearing up to address the housing crisis caused by the floods of Irene. Published on: September 25, 2011 |
Worst-hit roads in southern Vermont to be out for weeksVTrans makes progress on roads but more work needs to be done. Published on: September 25, 2011 |
Vermont rabbi says Jewish New Year offers hope to storm-ravaged stateRosh Hashana starts Wednesday at sundown Published on: September 25, 2011 |
Home damage could raise others’ taxesThe massive property damage from Tropical Storm Irene could put a several million dollar dent in state education revenue and force Vermonters whose homes and businesses were undamaged by flooding to pay higher property taxes to make up for those whose property value has been eroded. Published on: September 25, 2011 |
‘I’M WITH VT’ Shirt sales raise $20,000 for Red CrossRochester based Independent Vermont Clothing raised $20,000 for American Red Cross flood relief with the sale of their 'I'M WITH VT' t-shirt. Published on: September 24, 2011 |
Police: body is GarofanoPolice confirmed Friday that they had found the body of Michael G. Garofano. Published on: September 24, 2011 |
Heavy metalA military-scale operation has been under way since Tropical Storm Irene hit Vermont almost a month age. Hundreds of excavators, bulldozers, dump trucks and other earth-moving machinery has been deployed to put Vermont’s transporatation infrastructure back together. Published on: September 24, 2011 |
19