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Gov. Scott appoints three new department commissioners – VTDigger

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Gov. Scott appoints three new department commissioners – VTDigger


From left: Mike Ferrant, Sandy Biggleston and Kerrick Johnson. Photo courtesy of the governor’s office

Gov. Phil Scott on Friday announced the appointment of two new department commissioners and one deputy commissioner to his administration. 

Scott tapped Kerrick Johnson as commissioner of the Department of Public Service, ahead of Commissioner June Tierney’s retirement at the end of the year. 

Johnson, of North Middlesex, currently serves as executive advisor to the Vermont Electric Power Company, commonly known as VELCO. The company, owned jointly by the state’s distribution utilities, manages 700 miles of distribution lines and works with Independent System Operator of New England, a regional partner, to maintain the reliability of the state’s electricity transmission grid.

“Kerrick has extensive experience as a leader in the energy sector which will be valuable as we help Vermonters make the switch to cleaner energy sources in ways they can afford,” said Scott in a press release, where he also expressed gratitude for Tierney’s seven years of service. 

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Over the last decade of his career working in energy innovation, Johnson said he has learned how to streamline systems and identify and eliminate needless costs. He said he intends to bring that knowledge to his work as commissioner. 

“I think there’s opportunities internal to Vermont to be more thoughtful about pace, about placement and about cost of generation and infrastructure build out,” said Johnson. “Regionally, Vermont has some unique attributes it brings to the table that can serve both Vermont and the region in fulfilling its energy needs, and I look forward to creating and seizing opportunities to better leverage Vermont’s strength.”

Although awaiting legislative confirmation, Johnson said he intends to have ongoing conversations with key stakeholders like members of the department and the legislature to “ensure a smooth, seamless transition.”

The Legislature has at least two high-interest energy topics to debate during the upcoming session. Johnson will likely be engaged in discussions about whether to implement a proposed Clean Heat Standard — a matter of significant discussion during the recent election. And Republicans and Scott have called for changes to the Global Warming Solutions Act, which sets emission reduction requirements for the state for 2025 and beyond. 

Scott also appointed Mike Ferrant, of Williamstown, to fill the role of deputy commissioner of the Department of Liquor and Lottery. Andrew Collier, the previous deputy commissioner, was tapped by Scott to be commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles. 

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“I’m very excited to join the amazing team at the Department of Liquor and Lottery and grateful to the Governor for his confidence in me in this position,” Ferrant wrote in an email to VTDigger. 

Finally, Scott appointed Sandy Bigglestone as acting commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation to replace current commissioner Kevin Gaffney who will retire at the end of the year. Bigglestone has previously served as deputy commissioner of the Captive Insurance Division within the department.

Bigglestone said the role is slated to be temporary until a permanent appointment is made. But, during her time as commissioner, Bigglestone said she plans to lead through collaboration with the department’s “top-notch staff.”

Bigglestone said she is dedicated to the department’s mission of protecting consumers and ensuring companies, institutions and individuals operate within the law and can deliver on promises to consumers.

In her 28 years of service at the department, Bigglestone said she has learned about global market forces and how to help Vermonters when situations like the 2008 financial crisis and COVID 19 pandemic arise.

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“We find ourselves always having to pivot and shift and to address what challenges Vermonters face, and work together to come up with some solutions,” said Bigglestone. 





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Camp Outright for LGBTQ youth opens volunteer applications

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Camp Outright for LGBTQ youth opens volunteer applications


Applications are open for volunteers to support the Camp Outright program for young LGBTQ people. The application deadline is midnight April 24, according to a community announcement.

People ages 18-19 are encouraged to apply for the a leadership program, which will see them help guide activities and support campers during the week. This leadership role comes with a stipend of $450. Participants can serve as a camp leader for one summer.

Adult volunteers can fill various roles at Camp Outright. These include cabin counselors, program floaters, kitchen team members, mental health professionals and medical staff. Volunteers will work directly with kids and participate in camp activities. Detailed descriptions of each role are available on the application page at outrightvt.campbrainstaff.com.

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Camp volunteer stipends range from $600-$1,000 per week. A fund is available to camp volunteers, providing up to an additional $400, to ensure the camp is accessible to people from any background.

Camp Outright will have two sessions this summer. Required pre-camp training will take place June 30-July 3.

The first camp session is July 3-9; the second will run July 11-17.

This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.



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Supreme Court reverses lower court on qualified immunity for Vermont police sergeant who arrested protester

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Supreme Court reverses lower court on qualified immunity for Vermont police sergeant who arrested protester


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The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that a Vermont state police sergeant is entitled to qualified immunity in a lawsuit brought by a protester who said she was injured when an officer used a wristlock to remove her from a sit-in at the state capitol.

In an unsigned per curiam opinion, the court reversed the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Zorn v. Linton, holding that existing precedent did not clearly establish that Sgt. Jacob Zorn’s specific conduct violated the Constitution. 

“The Second Circuit held that Zorn was not entitled to qualified immunity,” read the majority ruling – with the three liberal justices dissenting – rejecting excess use of force arguments. “We reverse.”

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The justices said officers are generally shielded from civil liability unless prior case law put the unlawfulness of their actions “beyond debate.” 

JUDGE RULES FEDERAL AGENTS MUST LIMIT TEAR GAS AT PROTESTS NEAR PORTLAND ICE BUILDING

Just the three liberal justice dissented against the unsigned majority opinion. President Donald Trump brought three conservative justices to the Supreme Court in his first term, giving it a 6-3 conservative majority. (OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)

“Because the Second Circuit failed to identify a case where an officer taking similar actions in similar circumstances ‘was held to have violated’ the Constitution, Zorn was entitled to qualified immunity,” the ruling concluded. 

“We grant his petition for writ of certiorari and reverse the judgment of the Second Circuit.”

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The case arose from a 2015 sit-in by healthcare protesters at the Vermont capitol on Gov. Peter Shumlin’s inauguration day. After the building closed, police moved to arrest demonstrators who refused to leave. According to the opinion, protester Shela Linton remained seated and linked arms with others. 

Zorn warned her he would have to use force, then took her arm, placed it behind her back, applied pressure to her wrist and lifted her to her feet. Linton later sued, alleging physical and psychological injuries. 

POSTAL SERVICE CAN’T BE SUED FOR INTENTIONALLY NOT DELIVERING MAIL, SUPREME COURT RULES IN 5-4 SPLIT

The Supreme Court said the 2nd Circuit relied too heavily on its earlier decision in Amnesty America v. West Hartford, finding that case did not clearly establish that “using a routine wristlock to move a resistant protester after warning her, without more, violates the Constitution.” 

On that basis, the justices concluded Zorn was entitled to qualified immunity and reversed the lower court.

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Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented, joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. She argued the court had improperly stepped in with the “extraordinary remedy of a summary reversal” and said a jury could find the officer used excessive force against a nonviolent protester engaged in passive resistance.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote the dissent Monday in Zorn v Linton. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

“A jury could find that Zorn violated Linton’s clearly established Fourth Amendment rights,” Sotomayor wrote in the signed dissent.

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“The majority today gives officers license to inflict gratuitous pain on a nonviolent protestor even where there is no threat to officer safety or any other reason to do so,” she concluded. 

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READ THE ORDER – APP USERS, CLICK HERE:

“That is plainly inconsistent with the Fourth Amendment’s fundamental guarantee that officers may only use ‘the amount of force that is necessary’ under the circumstances,” Sotomayor wrote. “Therefore, I respectfully dissent.”



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VT Lottery Pick 3, Pick 3 Evening results for March 22, 2026

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Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win

Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.

Just the FAQs, USA TODAY

The Vermont Lottery offers several draw games for those willing to make a bet to win big.

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Those who want to play can enter the MegaBucks and Lucky for Life games as well as the national Powerball and Mega Millions games. Vermont also partners with New Hampshire and Maine for the Tri-State Lottery, which includes the Mega Bucks, Gimme 5 as well as the Pick 3 and Pick 4.

Drawings are held at regular days and times, check the end of this story to see the schedule.

Here’s a look at March 22, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 22 drawing

Day: 0-3-1

Evening: 9-9-8

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Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 22 drawing

Day: 2-4-4-1

Evening: 9-6-6-2

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 22 drawing

07-08-17-18-55, Bonus: 02

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Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

For Vermont Lottery prizes up to $499, winners can claim their prize at any authorized Vermont Lottery retailer or at the Vermont Lottery Headquarters by presenting the signed winning ticket for validation. Prizes between $500 and $5,000 can be claimed at any M&T Bank location in Vermont during the Vermont Lottery Office’s business hours, which are 8a.m.-4p.m. Monday through Friday, except state holidays.

For prizes over $5,000, claims must be made in person at the Vermont Lottery headquarters. In addition to signing your ticket, you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID, and a completed claim form.

All prize claims must be submitted within one year of the drawing date. For more information on prize claims or to download a Vermont Lottery Claim Form, visit the Vermont Lottery’s FAQ page or contact their customer service line at (802) 479-5686.

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Vermont Lottery Headquarters

1311 US Route 302, Suite 100

Barre, VT

05641

When are the Vermont Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
  • Pick 3 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
  • Pick 4 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
  • Pick 3 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
  • Pick 4 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
  • Megabucks: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily

What is Vermont Lottery Second Chance?

Vermont’s 2nd Chance lottery lets players enter eligible non-winning instant scratch tickets into a drawing to win cash and/or other prizes. Players must register through the state’s official Lottery website or app. The drawings are held quarterly or are part of an additional promotion, and are done at Pollard Banknote Limited in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

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This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Vermont editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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