Springfield forum mulls Act 250 rule

Ecosystem protection and economic development were viewed as the most important factors to consider in the Act 250 permitting process by nearly 45 percent of those who attended a Wednesday night forum.

Tonight: First public forum on Act 250

The Vermont Legislative Commission on Act 250: The Next 50 Years is seeking public input through a series of forums and social media outreach to envision Vermont’s future landscape. The first forum will be held Wednesday June 27, 2018 here in Springfield.

Slaughterhouse fights state humane slaughtering violations

A Springfield slaughterhouse that prides itself on transparency is contesting three alleged violations of Vermont livestock handling laws following a case of improperly stunning a sheep last January.

Regulating wolf-dog hybrids; rabies is the sticking point

This week the Springfield Selectboard issued a warrant that authorized the town constable to pursue owners of unregistered “dogs and wolf-hybrids.”

Commission on Act 250 will hold Springfield public forum

The Vermont Legislative Commission on Act 250 is seeking public input through a series of forums and through social media outreach engagements to envision Vermont’s future landscape.

Springfield reviews ordinance for “nuisance” properties near schools

The Springfield Select Board will hold a public hearing Tuesday, May 29 on proposed amendments to the town’s ordinance regarding neglected properties located near schools or child care facilities.

Springfield looks to expand nuisance regulations

The Springfield Selectboard adopted nuisance ordinances about a year ago. Since then, code enforcement officer Paul Stagner has received approximately 60 calls about buildings that are dilapidated, vacant or in apparent violation of the ordinances.

Video: Republican challenger to Gov. Phil Scott taps into gun bill discontent

Small business owner Keith Stern, who was born and raised here in Springfield, says Vermont is 'lost' and he's the guy to fix it.

(WPTZ – NBC5 News with Stewart Ledbetter)

Video: Gun rights lawsuit

Springfield, BF landlords settle violation claims

The Attorney General’s Office says it has settled with six landlords, including three in the Bellows Falls and Springfield, Vermont areas, for violations of consumer protection and lead laws.

Vermont House approves new gun restrictions

The Vermont House gave final approval to a package of gun ownership restrictions Tuesday night while opponents clad in orange hunting vests packed the State House.

Scott backs gun reform efforts

Gov. Phil Scott reiterated his support for stricter gun control laws at the Annual Governor’s Luncheon in Springfield on Monday.

State moves to ease vehicle inspection rules after complaints

Vermont is moving to relax motor vehicle inspection standards a year after the rollout of an electronic database system that many believe unfairly burdens drivers, especially lower-income residents with older cars.

Opinion: A true look at the gun debate

With the current Gun Debate and the laws in front of the Vermont Legislature and soon to be the Federal Legislature, I feel there are important parts of the conversation missing... I put together this well researched, cited article to address many of the things I want to say. It is time to have a real conversation that both sides want to ignore!

Governor shifts gun stance

Vermont has some of the weakest gun laws in the country. After the school shooting in Florida last week, Republican Governor Phil Scott initially vowed that those laws would remain the same. But he changed his mind just one day later.

USDA again suspends slaughter operation at Vermont Packinghouse

Federal regulators temporarily shut down the animal slaughter operation at Vermont Packinghouse in North Springfield on Monday, according to a statement from the facility.

Vt. senator pushes to constrain nonprofit pay to that of the governor

The review was prompted by concerns about a $650,000 retirement package for Health Care and Rehabilitation Services in Springfield.

State fines North Springfield slaughterhouse

Mercy for Animals, an animal protection group based in California, is calling for an investigation into Vermont Packinghouse for what it calls “unfair and deceptive business practices.” State regulators fined the slaughterhouse shortly after the state received letters from Mercy for Animals.

Agency proposes penalties for slaughterhouse noncompliance

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture proposed administrative penalties on June 16 against North Springfield-based Vermont Packinghouse after the processing plant — which processes the livestock of over 300 local, small-scale farms — was found in non-compliance with USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service guidelines.

State charges VT slaughterhouse with violating law

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture has charged a North Springfield slaughterhouse with six counts of violating the state's humane slaughter laws and will impose a $1,500 administrative penalty.