Latest News

February 26, 2026

1. Weathersfield Withdraws From Sheriff Contract Over Financial and Legal Concerns: Town officials in Weathersfield have withdrawn from their five-year contract with the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department, citing concerns about departmental finances and uncertainty over continued road patrol services. The decision followed a unanimous vote by the Selectboard, with additional insight provided during a recent public meeting. Ongoing criminal investigations and legal proceedings involving Sheriff Ryan Palmer, who faces multiple misconduct charges, have contributed to the town’s cautious approach. Discussions with the towns of Reading and Cavendish are scheduled next. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Feb 26)

   Southern Vermont Weathersfield, VT +4 Cavendish, VT Windsor, VT Ascutney, VT

February 18, 2026

1. Weathersfield Ends Windsor County Sheriff Contract, Explores Regional Policing Option: The Weathersfield Selectboard has unanimously voted to terminate its patrol contract with the Windsor County Sheriff's Department. In response, the town is now considering the formation of a joint police force with Reading and Cavendish, to be discussed at a forthcoming meeting in Ascutney. This proposed regional police initiative follows the arrest of Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer on multiple criminal charges. The affected towns are evaluating their public safety options in light of the developments. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Feb 18)

   Southern Vermont Weathersfield, VT +4 Cavendish, VT Ascutney, VT Windsor, VT

January 13, 2026

1. Marilyn T. Houghton, Lifelong Windsor Resident, Dies at 91: Marilyn T. Houghton, longtime resident of Windsor, Vermont, died at the age of 91 at Cedar Hill Continuing Care Facility on December 31. She was born in Windsor in 1934 and grew up moving throughout various Vermont towns due to economic pressures. Houghton completed her education at Brattleboro High School before working at Cone Automatic Machine Company, where she met her husband Royal. Her passing marks the end of a life deeply connected to the Windsor and southern Vermont communities. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Jan 12)

   Southern Vermont Windsor, VT +12 Hartland, VT Barre, VT Brattleboro, VT Plainfield, VT Ascutney, VT

November 25, 2025

1. Mt. Ascutney Vertical Backyard Race Challenges Runners With Steep Ascents: Ascutney Outdoors recently hosted the Mt. Ascutney Vertical Backyard Race, a unique endurance event organized by Northeast Trail Adventures. Seventy-four runners took part in a test of stamina where each lap involved ascending and descending 1,209 vertical feet, with the goal of being the last person remaining. Several participants reached milestones equivalent to the elevation gains of Mt. Washington, Mt. Whitney, and Mt. Everest. The competition continued for over two days before narrowing to the final contenders. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Nov 25)

   Southern Vermont Ascutney, VT