Admission free to Vt. parks, historic sites this weekend

MONTPELIER — Admission to Vermont state parks and historic sites will be free this weekend.

The so-called Vermont Days event invites “visitors and residents alike to try something new and discover the cultural and recreational opportunities available at these wonderful destinations,” an official said.

Events will be held throughout the state including at the Senator Justin Morrill State Historic Site in Strafford.

Vt. Agency of Human Services leader steps down

MONTPELIER — The head of the Agency of Human Services, Al Gobeille, is leaving his post. The announcement was made on Thursday at Gov. Phil Scott’s weekly press conference.

Gobeille, 54, says he is stepping down to return to his businesses in Burlington. He owns Shanty on the Shore, and Burlington Bay, restaurants on the city’s waterfront.

He said that a year without an election, and during the summer — before the agency has to start building its budget for next year — is a good time for his departure.

Gobeille’s post will be filled in the interim by the deputy secretary of the agency, Martha Maksym.

Vt. authorities warn about impostor pastor scam

MONTPELIER — The Vermont Attorney General’s Office is warning Vermonters that it’s received complaints about a new impostor scam with people posing as pastors.

Officials say the scammers say they’re raising money to help a needy child or a sick person and ask for gift cards to be sent to them, with a promise of reimbursement.

The Attorney General’s Office said it’s received several complaints about the scam from residents who were targeted by email or text message.

N.H. attorney general delegates duties pending nomination

CONCORD — New Hampshire Attorney General Gordon MacDonald is delegating responsibilities to his deputy while his nomination to the state Supreme Court is pending.

MacDonald said it was in the best interest of the office and the people it serves to delegate temporarily his duties to Deputy Attorney General Jane Young.

MacDonald made the decision under a state law authorizing the deputy to act as attorney general under certain circumstances.

Gov. Chris Sununu nominated MacDonald on Wednesday to become the next chief justice of the court.

— VtDigger, Associated Press