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After Rise in Fatal ODs, Vt. Boosts Spending on Prevention Efforts

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After Rise in Fatal ODs, Vt. Boosts Spending on Prevention Efforts


After dropping floor in reversing deadly overdoses in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, state leaders in Vermont at the moment are redoubling their efforts — together with by strengthening prevention and restoration measures.

“Tragically, we and the remainder of the nation have seen a rise in lack of life,” Gov. Phil Scott, R-Vermont, acknowledged Thursday. “Protecting Vermonters from being addicted within the first place is the best technique to save lives.”

Almost $9 million in new state cash will enhance community-based prevention efforts and restoration packages, the Scott administration introduced. The funding enhance is a part of a broader $66 million spend on addressing substance use issues.

Dr. Mark Levine, the commissioner of the Vermont Division of Well being, emphasised the state had been making progress on slowing deaths — largely by reducing obstacles to accessing remedy.

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“Tragically, COVID-19 rapidly reversed these traits, as many confronted isolation, nervousness, and different modifications to their help methods,” Levine stated.

In response to the newest public report, a file 215 deadly overdoses have been recorded final 12 months within the small state. That may be a almost 35% enhance from 2020, Levine famous — principally attributable to fentanyl.

Levine added that distribution of fentanyl take a look at strips and the overdose reversal medicine naloxone are geared toward saving lives. Moreover, he praised prescribers’ work to chop by greater than half the variety of prescriptions written for highly effective opioid painkillers.

The well being commissioner additionally pointed to the web site VThelplink.org as a statewide public useful resource to assist Vermonters navigate the remedy and restoration system in a confidential, nonjudgmental means.

“One thing that I did not hear at present was strong entry to psychological well being providers,” stated Democrat Brenda Siegel, who’s difficult Gov. Scott in November.

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Siegel instructed NECN and NBC10 Boston she would extra aggressively emphasize hurt discount — together with by establishing overdose prevention websites. These are locations the place customers might inject beneath supervision, whereas additionally receiving different providers.

Such websites have stepped in to assist throughout lots of of doubtless lethal overdoses in New York Metropolis, Siegel stated.

“It’s important that we hold people alive till the purpose they’ll entry providers,” the candidate for governor argued. “This is a matter of human lives.”

Siegel, who misplaced each her brother and her nephew to overdoses, stated as she travels the state, she hears from households touched by substance use issues who demand bolder insurance policies.

Nonetheless, the incumbent governor is way from satisfied these consumption websites are sensible or a superb match for Vermont.

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“Are we going to take cash out of prevention or remedy or restoration for injection websites at this time limit, when it is unproven?” Scott requested rhetorically, earlier than noting that enforcement is the “fourth leg of the stool” to intercede and get lethal substances off the streets.

The governor went on to say, “We’ll hold an open thoughts, however I do not suppose it is now,” referring to the time for supervised consumption facilities.

Whereas coverage debates proceed, the Scott administration stated the almost $9 million in state funding enhance pays for training campaigns, youth engagement, statewide prevention coalitions, remedy and restoration beds, price will increase for most popular suppliers, funding will increase for restoration facilities, and a pilot program for enhancing employment for folks in restoration, amongst different efforts.



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Vermont

Two sought in Starksboro kidnapping, assault – Newport Dispatch

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Two sought in Starksboro kidnapping, assault – Newport Dispatch


NEWPORT — On June 12, Vermont State Police responded to a reported kidnapping and assault stemming from an incident that took place on June 8 on Vermont Route 116 in Starksboro.

Authorities have identified the suspects as Anthony Seagroves, 32, from Hinesburg, and Katelynn Cannon, 28, from Essex.

The investigation alleges that Seagroves, armed with a baseball bat, coerced an adult household member into a vehicle and inflicted bodily harm while restraining the individual.

Cannon is accused of aiding Seagroves and assaulting the victim, attempting to cause serious injury.

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Efforts to apprehend Seagroves on June 13 led to a pursuit when he fled in a gray Honda CR-V, with Vermont plates CRW914, believed to be driven by Cannon.

The current location of Seagroves and Cannon is unknown, and the public is urged not to approach them but to contact New Haven Barracks at 802-388-4919 or provide information anonymously at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

The Burlington, Essex, Hinesburg, Shelburne, and University of Vermont police departments assisted the state troopers.

No further details have been released, but updates will be provided as the investigation continues.

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2024's 7 Most Adorable Small Towns in Vermont

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2024's 7 Most Adorable Small Towns in Vermont


Vermont, one of the New England states, is small both in population (49th of 50) and land area (45th). Yet the “Green Mountain State” packs plenty of natural beauty and small-town charm into a small package! Without any big cities, Vermont truly is a place defined by its small towns, which are full of history and populated by welcoming and proud locals. Among Vermont’s dozens of postcard-pretty small towns, check out our list of seven of the most adorable.

Brattleboro

Aerial view of Brattleboro, Vermont, USA. Editorial credit: SEALANDSKYPHOTO / Shutterstock.com

Brattleboro is a popular day-trip destination for visitors from Vermont as well as New Hampshire, which is just across the Connecticut River, and Massachusetts, which is only a few miles away. This community of 12,000 has a classic downtown area, lined with red-brick buildings housing a nice range of shops and eateries. Your walking tour also has to include Brattleboro’s Municipal Center, housed in the Gothic-style former high school. Visit in summer to enjoy great kayaking on the river, or come in wintertime to hit the ski slopes on nearby Mount Snow. If you enjoy quirky musical instrument museums, check out the Estey Organ Museum.

Grafton

Main street in Grafton, Vermont, USA.
Main street in Grafton, Vermont, USA. Editorial credit: Bob LoCicero / Shutterstock.com

From its spot in the Green Mountains, Grafton has been an important stagecoach stop, a soapstone mining center, and a home to textile mills along the Saxtons River. Several historic buildings, most notably the 1801 Grafton Inn, have witnessed Grafton’s past and now serve its present as a tourist destination. This town of only 600 also has two great museums, the Grafton Historical Society Museum, and the Grafton Nature Museum. Be sure to take a photo at the classic McWilliam Covered Bridge, then sample the wares of the nearby Grafton Village Cheese Company.

Manchester

Exterior architecture and landscaped gardens of Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home in Manchester, Vermont.
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home in Manchester, Vermont. Editorial credit: Theresa Lauria / Shutterstock.com

Manchester has become a popular regional shopping destination because of the Manchester Designer Outlets, but you will enjoy visiting the town even if you are not looking for name-brand deals. The downtown area offers local boutique shopping and three historic districts, and Manchester’s architectural highlights include the 1905 Hildene House, a luxurious former summer home with fantastic gardens. If you prefer a bigger challenge than a garden stroll, try hiking the trails up Mount Equinox to enjoy stunning views of the Green Mountains to the East and the Taconic Mountains to the West.

Montpelier

Autumn skyline of Montpelier, Vermont, USA.

Autumn skyline of Montpelier, Vermont, USA.

Montpelier, with only about 8,000 residents, is the smallest state capital in the nation, giving it a unique combination of small-town charm and capital-city amenities. The Vermont State House, Vermont History Museum, and other state-affiliated institutions give visitors plenty to explore, yet you can also enjoy a quiet stroll down Montpelier’s quaint State Street business corridor. Surprisingly enough, though, many locals think the best walking spot in Montpelier is Green Mount Cemetery, which pairs ornate funerary architecture with lush rolling hills. The Winooski River, which unfortunately causes occasional flooding issues, also offers opportunities for boating and kayaking.

Shelburne

Historic farm barn surrounded by fall foliage at Shelburne Farms, Vermont.

The historic farm barn is surrounded by fall foliage at Shelburne Farms, Vermont.

The town of Shelburne might occupy the ideal location in Vermont—alongside Lake Champlain, fewer than ten miles from Burlington, and within sight of the Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. No matter the time of year, but most especially when the fall colors are at their peak, Shelburne is perfect for a nature walk along the glistening lakeshore. Shelburne also has a nice collection of visitor attractions, including the Shelburne Museum (home to the steamboat SS Ticonderoga), the Vermont Teddy Bear Company factory, and Shelburne Farms (a sustainable agriculture educational nonprofit).

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Stowe

Panoramic aerial view of the town of Stowe, Vermont, during the fall season.

Panoramic aerial view of the town of Stowe, Vermont, during the fall season.

Skiers know Stowe, home to Stowe Mountain Resort, as one of the premier ski spots in the eastern United States. Meanwhile, lovers of classic films may recognize Stowe as home to the Trapp Family Lodge, founded by the singing von Trapp family of Sound of Music fame in the 1940s. Artists also have an affection for Stowe, which is a haven for painters and home to renowned galleries like the Helen Day Art Center and Northwood Gallery. And, if you still have not found a reason to visit, Stowe has a picture-perfect New England downtown and is considered one of the best fall foliage viewing areas in the region!

Woodstock

Early autumn foliage scene featuring houses nestled in the mountains of Woodstock, Vermont.

Early autumn foliage scene featuring houses in the mountains of Woodstock, Vermont.

In the era before electricity, the town of Woodstock grew wealthy by harnessing the flow of the Ottauquechee River to power numerous wool and textile mills. While the mills have long since shuttered, several of the finest homes from that era were preserved, with some now serving as charming bed-and-breakfasts. Woodstock still looks and feels like a classic New England town, with a covered bridge, a weekly farmer’s market, and a “town crier” message board in the heart of downtown. This town of 3,000 also hosts several fun community events, including the annual Harvest Weekend in October and Wassail Weekend each December.

Plan Your Vermont Adventure Today!

Vermonters are overwhelmingly proud of their unique little state, including its many classic small towns. While famous for their independent spirit, nearly all the residents of these communities are also extremely welcoming to visitors who want to experience small-town life in the Green Mountain State. So do not delay in making your 2024 Vermont travel plans—no matter the time of year, you will have a fantastic experience exploring its adorable small towns!



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Pair arrested for kidnapping Starksboro resident – Addison Independent

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Pair arrested for kidnapping Starksboro resident – Addison Independent


Anthony Seagroves

ADDISON COUNTY — Police on Thursday evening arrested a Hinesburg man and an Essex woman for allegedly kidnapping a Starksboro resident this past Saturday.

After Vermont State Police put out a request for the public’s help in finding Anthony Seagroves, 32, and Katelynn Cannon, 28, troopers and Hinesburg police arrested Seagroves and Cannon without incident at a home on Richmond Road in Hinesburg at around 8:35 p.m. on Thursday, June 13.

Seagroves was cited for kidnapping and first degree aggravated domestic assault. Cannon was cited for aiding in the felony and for first degree aggravated assault.

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They alleged that Seagroves initially had harassed “an adult household member” into his car with a baseball bat, and both Seagroves and Cannon restrained and harmed the victim. The report detailed that both had “physically assaulted and attempted to cause serious bodily injury” to the victim. Police declined to describe the physical condition of the kidnapped person or even say whether they were found until Seagroves and Cannon are arraigned on Friday.

According to a state police press release, on Thursday, Jun. 13, Burlington Police Department spotted Seagroves and attempted to take him into custody, but he fled in a gray Honda CR-V with Vermont license place. They said Cannon was likely driving the car. Later that evening, police caught up with the pair in Hinesburg.

Troopers were assisted by the Burlington, Essex, Hinesburg, Shelburne and University of Vermont police departments.



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