Latest News

December 30, 2025

  1. Talk in Arlington Explores the Enduring Value of Handwriting in the Digital Age: The Martha Canfield Memorial Free Library in Arlington will host author Tim Brookes for a discussion on the significance of handwriting in modern society. Brookes, known for his book "By Hand" and his leadership of the Vermont-based Endangered Alphabets Project, will address how handwriting and calligraphy link generations and preserve cultural identity. The event takes place on January 4 and aims to highlight the relevance of handwriting as technology changes communication norms. Community members are invited to attend the presentation. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 30)

  2. Documentary 'Gone Guys' Explores Challenges Facing Young Men in Vermont: A special screening of the documentary 'Gone Guys' will be held at Arlington Common in Vermont on January 11, 2026. The 45-minute film highlights the increasing social and academic struggles of boys and young men, focusing on disengagement and isolation. After the film, local panelists will discuss how these issues are affecting the Arlington area and explore possible community responses. The event is sponsored by the Keelan Foundation and seeks to address broader trends faced by young men in rural Vermont. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 30)

December 10, 2025

  1. Arlington and Rupert Libraries Welcome State Officials for 'Capital for a Day': State officials, including members of Governor Phil Scott's cabinet, visited Bennington County on December 5 as part of the 'Capital for a Day' event. Local stops included Rupert's Rosalind K. Kittay Library and Arlington's Martha Canfield Memorial Free Library, where cabinet members met with librarians and trustees to discuss community engagement and library services. The visits highlighted both libraries' roles in serving small populations and maintaining strong local participation. The event underscored the importance of rural libraries in Vermont. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 8)

December 5, 2025

  1. Governor Scott and Cabinet Visit Bennington County as Part of State Outreach: On Friday, December 5, Vermont Governor Phil Scott and key members of his cabinet visited Bennington County as part of the ongoing 'Capital For A Day' initiative. The event began with a gathering at Hildene’s Lincoln Hall in Manchester, highlighting the state government's focus on local issues and priorities. State officials met with community leaders and residents to discuss successes and areas for improvement within the county. This initiative aims to strengthen connections between Vermont’s government and its communities. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 5)

December 1, 2025

  1. Governor Scott to Hold 'Capital for a Day' Event in Bennington County on Friday: Governor Phil Scott, along with members of his cabinet, will visit Bennington County on Friday, December 5, as part of the Capital for a Day initiative that brings state leadership to each of Vermont's 14 counties. The visit aims to foster direct communication between state officials, local government, and community members. A cabinet meeting is scheduled at Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home, in Manchester at 9 a.m. The event provides residents with a unique chance to discuss local priorities with state leaders. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 1)

November 25, 2025

  1. Manchester Assessed for Infill Housing as Part of Statewide Initiative: A state-backed initiative aimed at supporting infill housing construction visited Manchester on November 20. The 802 Homes project, coordinated by Vermont's Agency of Commerce and Community Development, evaluated local neighborhoods to determine how new housing could complement existing residential areas. Manchester is one of three Vermont communities selected for detailed site assessments, with the effort focused on integrating new homes into vacant lots. The project also seeks to streamline the permitting process for such developments. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Nov 25)

November 14, 2025

  1. Serious Crash on Route 7 in Shaftsbury Leaves Two Critically Injured: A severe vehicle accident occurred Thursday afternoon on Route 7 near mile marker 16, north of Exit 2 in Shaftsbury. Responders from multiple agencies attended, and the roadway was closed between Exits 2 and 3 for over two hours as officials investigated. Two people with life-threatening injuries were transported to Albany Medical Center following the crash. Early reports suggest icy road conditions contributed to the incident, which remains under investigation. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Nov 14)

October 29, 2025

  1. 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)

October 28, 2025

  1. Attorney General Clark Discusses Legal Challenges During Bennington County Visit: Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark visited Bennington County, holding talks in Manchester, Arlington, and Shaftsbury to address a range of topics including her office's lawsuits against the federal government and ongoing legal challenges. Clark highlighted that her office has initiated 31 lawsuits against federal actions during the current administration, referencing her previous experience during the first Trump administration. The sessions encouraged questions and discussion from local residents. Community members heard firsthand updates on state legal matters. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Oct 28)

October 27, 2025

  1. Road Rage Incident on Route 7 in Shaftsbury Results in Crash and Citation: A road rage incident on U.S. Route 7 in Shaftsbury led to a two-vehicle collision on Saturday afternoon, according to Vermont State Police. The crash involved a Chevrolet Malibu driven by a Michigan resident and a Honda Pilot driven by an Arlington man, both of whom were unharmed. Police say the Malibu struck the other vehicle after being passed, then left the roadway. The Malibu driver was cited for negligent operation and reckless endangerment. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Oct 27)