Latest News
March 4, 2026
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Indiana Maple Syrup Season Faces Slow Start Amid Challenging Weather: Maple syrup producers in Indiana are experiencing a slower production season due to unusual weather patterns that have affected sap collection. Atchley Family Farm in Frankfort, now in its third year of syrup making, has tapped over 100 trees but reports that yields are behind compared to previous years. The typical season relies on a cycle of freezing nights and warm days, which has been less predictable this year. Despite the obstacles, local producers continue to refine sap into maple syrup for the community. (Source: Journal & Courier on Mar 4)
March 3, 2026
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Peru Residents Gather for Town Meeting, Address Community Needs: Residents of Peru, Vermont, convened at the Peru Town Center to discuss a range of community issues. Officials highlighted the need for an Assistant Town Clerk and a third Board of Listers member to assist with municipal duties. The First Constable encouraged cautious driving, particularly on Hapgood Pond Road, due to pedestrian activity, and reminded residents to check detector batteries for safety. The road commissioner reported that this year's sand usage for road treatment has already surpassed last year's total. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Mar 3)
February 27, 2026
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Peru Plans Agenda and Local Ballot for Upcoming Town Meeting Day: As Town Meeting Day approaches in Peru, Vermont, residents will address several important community decisions directly from the floor, reflecting the town's small size. Voters will choose individuals for various municipal roles, including town clerk, treasurer, constables, selectboard member, and more, with terms ranging from one to five years. A key article on the warning asks whether to implement a 1 percent rooms tax under state law. The meeting will also feature the Taconic and Green ballot for local consideration. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Feb 27)
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Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless Discusses Funding With Selectboard: During a recent Bennington Selectboard meeting, the director of the Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless updated officials on the organization's requests for appropriations from municipalities across the county. Board members expressed concerns about the weight of financial responsibility traditionally falling on Bennington, highlighting its long-term support of local shelter programs. The coalition indicated plans to seek more equitable funding contributions from neighboring towns moving forward. This approach aims to balance resources for addressing homelessness throughout the county. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Feb 27)
February 19, 2026
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School Districts Release Annual Reports Ahead of March Town Meeting Day Vote: The Mettawee and Taconic & Green School Districts in southern Vermont have published their annual reports to inform residents about proposed budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. These documents include details on spending plans, tax rate calculations, and frequently asked questions to help voters prepare for the March 3 Town Meeting Day vote. Reports have been distributed to households in the respective communities and are also available at various local sites and online. Public in-person annual meetings will also be held prior to the vote. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Feb 19)
January 30, 2026
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Ski Vermont Expands Specialty Food Day Tour to 17 Locations for 2026 Season: The Specialty Food Day Tour presented by Ski Vermont has expanded for the 2026 season, now featuring 17 stops at ski areas statewide. Running from January 23 through March 22, the tour offers visitors the chance to sample and purchase Vermont-made foods, beverages, and other products directly from local producers. Notably, three new locations—Stowe, Middlebury Snowbowl, and Bolton Valley—have been added. The event highlights Vermont's ties between winter recreation and its food culture. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Jan 30)
January 22, 2026
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Burr and Burton Academy Ski Teams Excel in Giant Slalom at Bromley Mountain: Burr and Burton Academy's Alpine Ski Teams achieved strong results in recent Giant Slalom races at Bromley Mountain on January 15. The girls team secured four of the top five positions out of 35 competitors, with senior Mae Oakley leading. The boys team matched this performance, sweeping the top five spots as weather conditions improved. Both teams displayed depth and consistency, reinforcing their dominance in local high school skiing events. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Jan 22)
January 8, 2026
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Taconic & Green School Board Advances 2026-27 Budget for Voter Review: The Taconic & Green Regional School District's board has approved a proposed budget of $41,042,088 for the 2026-27 fiscal year, reflecting a 3.2 percent increase over the previous year. If voters approve additional warned articles in March, another $425,000 could be added, though this represents a reduction from last year's supplemental funding. Education spending is set to rise by 3.8 percent, and the district tax rate is projected to see a slight increase. The board allocated funds from its stabilization reserve to mitigate the tax rate impact. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Jan 8)
December 19, 2025
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Inclusive Ski Touring Brings New Programs to Bromley Mountain: Bromley Mountain Resort in Peru, Vermont, is teaming up with Inclusive Ski Touring, a nonprofit that aims to make uphill skiing and riding accessible to a broader community. The organization is rolling out over 80 programs this season across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, supported by a network of 100 volunteers. Last season, Inclusive Ski Touring reached more than a thousand participants and focused on reducing financial barriers, offering subsidized fees and programs for underrepresented groups. Registration costs can be waived to increase access for all interested. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 19)
December 12, 2025
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Vermont Women Olympians Highlighted at Ski & Snowboard Museum Event: Vermont's history of women Olympians in winter sports was featured during a recent virtual conversation hosted by the Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum. Notable athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Barbara Ann Cochran, cross-country skier Trina Hosmer, snowboarder Betsy Shaw, and freestyle skier Donna Weinbrecht, discussed their experiences and achievements. Betsy Shaw, originally from Manchester and now living in Scotland, recalled her transition from alpine skiing to snowboarding and her participation in the 1998 Winter Olympics. The event recognized their ongoing influence in winter sports. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 12)
December 4, 2025
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Taconic & Green Board Approves Sale of Sunderland School for Special Needs Facility: The Taconic & Green Regional School Board has approved the sale of the Sunderland Elementary School building and grounds to the town of Sunderland for $1. The agreement stipulates that if Sunderland retains ownership until at least June 2031, no further payments will be required. However, if sold to a different buyer before then, the town would need to reimburse the district for recent building improvements totaling $25,630. Sunderland officials have not yet made a final decision on the purchase. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 4)
November 26, 2025
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Bromley Mountain Announces Enhancements Ahead of Winter Ski Season: Bromley Mountain in Peru, Vermont is reopening for the winter season with several improvements for skiers and riders. Notable upgrades include new high-efficiency snow guns aimed at faster terrain openings and better snow quality throughout the season. The resort has also refreshed signage at lifts and the base area to improve wayfinding, and it plans to launch a new website in December featuring more accessible information for guests. A new host program will also be introduced to enhance safety and assist visitors on the mountain. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Nov 26)
October 29, 2025
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Bennington County Democrats Finalize 2025 Reorganization with Increased Participation: The Bennington County Democratic Committee has completed its 2025 reorganization, marking a notable rise in local engagement. The meeting, held at the Bennington Free Library and accessible online, recorded one of the state's highest county-level turnouts, according to party officials. This cycle renewed 10 town committees and established a new one in Sunderland, resulting in 11 recognized Democratic committees across the county. Jonathan West was elected as chair, solidifying the leadership team for the upcoming year. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Oct 27)
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Voters in Northshire Communities Oppose Closing Local Elementary Schools: Residents of Sunderland, Danby, and Mt. Tabor in southern Vermont participated in a non-binding referendum on whether to close Sunderland Elementary School and Currier Memorial School. Voters in each community expressed clear opposition to the proposed school closures, with the majority preferring to keep the schools open within the Taconic & Green Regional School District. Voter turnout remained below 20 percent in all three towns. The results are advisory and do not obligate the school district to act. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Oct 29)