🌱 Police Department Hiring Struggles + Church Street Recognition

Hello again, Burlington! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Burlington Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Burlington Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Burlington long term. So if you're interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

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First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 50 Low: 33.

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Here are the top three stories today in Burlington:

1. The Burlington Police Department is still struggling to hire new officers. The department has reported that they have recently hired eight new community service officers but the force will continue to drop due to natural attrition. The city council increased the cap of the department's force from 74 to 87 but the hiring struggle remains. (WCAX)
2. Burlington's Church Street has received recognition by USA Today as one of the best public squares in the nation. The street is often called "The Gen in the Crown" of Queen City since the street was closed to traffic in 1980. Voting for the "Best Public Square" is open until Apr. 11 with one vote per day being allocated. (WCAX)
3. Many venues and businesses in Burlington are reconsidering their COVID-19 policies as the warmer months approach. The recent changes are proof of growing optimism about the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and public health concerns. Click the link for more details on the policy changes. (NBC5)

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Today in Burlington:

• Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas At Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (10:00 AM)
• Animal Demo At Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (11:00 AM)

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From my notebook:

• Draw Together Watercolor and Drawing is happening at the South Burlington Public Library on Apr. 5 and Apr. 19. Click for more information about the exciting event. (Facebook)
• The Humane Society of Chittenden County shares an update on Dudley. This energetic fella is on his way to his new family. (Facebook)
• This week's Volunteer Connection opportunity is with Military Kids Vermont. Click to see how you can support military children and local youth. (Facebook)

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• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Danielle Fallon

About me: Danielle Fallon is a writer who loves using her creativity to fuel her passion for communication. She is an employee of content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.