Articles by Lisa Rathke

Vermont Sues Opioid Drugmaker Over Marketing Practices

Vermont on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against drugmaker Purdue over what it called deceptive marketing of OxyContin and other prescription opioid painkillers that the attorney general says helped lead to the drug crisis in Vermont and around the country. The …

Businessman in Vermont Ski Resort Fraud Case Agrees to Pay $81M

A Miami businessman accused of massive fraud involving foreign investors’ money in a Vermont ski area has agreed to pay back more than $81 million and give up ownership of two ski resorts, the Securities and Exchange Commission said Friday. …

Vermont Governor Vetoes Marijuana Bill, Wants Changes Made

Vermont Republican Gov. Phil Scott on Wednesday vetoed a bill that would have made Vermont the ninth state to legalize recreational marijuana but indicated that he was willing to work with the Legislature on a compromise. Scott said he was …

Vermont Ski Resort to Open with $6.5M Shortfall After Fraud Case

A ski resort whose owner and president were accused by the Securities and Exchange Commission of massive fraud months ago is set to open for the season on Saturday with what a federal receiver overseeing it says is a $6.5 …

Agritourism Growth in Northeast Raises Concerns Over Safety, Liability

As more farms open themselves up to visitors for apple picking, hay rides and some extra income, experts are advising owners to take steps to prevent accidents — be they small or fatal. Farming is one of the more dangerous …

Vermonters Told Regular Tree Pruning Helps Reduce Storm Damage

When a sudden storm whipped through Brookfield, Vermont two weeks ago, it wreaked havoc. Chunks of century-old maples were ripped down, felling power lines and leaving piles of debris across roads. “We’ve been at it for a week, and we …

Mistrial Declared in Va. Man’s Sex Abuse Claim Against Vt. Diocese

A mistrial was declared this week in the case of a Virginia man who accused the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington, Vermont of negligence for the alleged actions of one of its priests. Chittenden County Superior Court Judge Ben Joseph …