Latest News

April 15, 2026

1. Pomfret Selectboard Chair Benjamin Brickner Announces Windsor Senate Campaign: Benjamin Brickner, who leads the Pomfret Selectboard, has officially joined the race for the Windsor District seat in the Vermont State Senate. The seat will be open following the upcoming retirement of State Senator Alison Clarkson of Woodstock. Brickner is now the third Democratic candidate for this position, joining Elizabeth Burrows and Heather Chase ahead of the August primary. Brickner launched his campaign at Pomfret Town Hall, outlining his priorities and receiving support from local community members. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Apr 15)

   Southern Vermont Pomfret, VT +2 Woodstock, VT Chester, VT

April 10, 2026

1. Vermont Baseball Historian Tracks State’s Professional Ballplayers: Baseball historian Dana Sprague has dedicated years to cataloging every Vermonter who has played or signed to play professional baseball. Driven by a passion for both the sport and his home state, Sprague's research includes those born in Vermont as well as alumni of Vermont high schools. His comprehensive effort aims to capture the full scope of the state’s contributions to professional baseball. The project reflects Vermont’s longstanding connection to the sport and its resilient spirit. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Apr 10)

   Southern Vermont Brattleboro, VT +18 Newbury, VT Burlington, VT Rutland, VT Springfield, VT Randolph, VT Chester, VT Bennington, VT Northfield, VT Quincy, IL St. Louis, VT Greensboro, VT

April 7, 2026

1. Bennington Museum Launches Season with Events Amid Entrance Renovations: The Bennington Museum marked its seasonal reopening with a day of family activities, live performances, and educational presentations. Despite ongoing construction affecting the main entrance and parking lot, the museum remained open to the public and highlighted efforts to address longstanding infrastructure concerns. Renovations are focused on improving traffic flow, capacity, and water drainage around the facility. The updates aim to enhance future visitor experiences as the museum approaches its centennial. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Apr 6)

   Southern Vermont Bennington, VT +1 Chester, VT

March 24, 2026

1. Southern Vermont Prepares for National No Kings 3.0 Protests: The third national No Kings Day of Nonviolent Action, known as No Kings 3.0, is scheduled for March 28 and will include events in Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, and Wilmington. The movement has previously drawn millions nationwide, with organizers locally seeking to increase participation by encouraging newcomers to attend. In Brattleboro, the main event will feature a march beginning at 10 a.m. on Main Street. Coordinated demonstrations are planned to occur across the United States on the same day. (Source: The Commons on Mar 24)

   Southern Vermont Brattleboro, VT +5 Wilmington, VT Chester, VT Putney, VT Whitingham, VT

January 30, 2026

1. Windsor County Sheriff Pleads Not Guilty to Multiple Sexual Misconduct Charges: Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer has entered a not-guilty plea to several charges related to alleged sexual misconduct. The charges follow an investigation by Vermont State Police and include counts of lewd conduct, aggravated stalking with a weapon, obstruction of justice, soliciting prostitution, and others. Palmer has temporarily stepped back from his regular duties but has not resigned from his position as sheriff. Proceedings are now underway in Vermont Superior Court. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Jan 28)

   Southern Vermont Woodstock, VT +11 Windsor, VT Rutland, VT Chelsea, VT Westminster, VT Bennington, VT Springfield, VT Chester, VT Brandon, VT Concord, VT

January 7, 2026

1. Woodstock Girls Basketball Team Adapts After Star Player's Departure: The Woodstock girls basketball team is adjusting to the loss of standout freshman Paula Cortijo Martin, who recently left the squad. After a significant defeat by Otter Valley in their first game without her, the Wasps bounced back with a 47-39 victory over Rivendell. The team has focused on staying positive and supporting one another, as players and coaches work to redefine their approach on the court. Their recent win signals determination to remain competitive this season. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Jan 7)

   Southern Vermont Woodstock, VT +4 Williamstown, VT Chester, VT

January 6, 2026

1. Shaun McGinnis Appointed Chief of New Rockingham Fire and Rescue Department: On December 29, Shaun McGinnis was officially named the permanent chief of the consolidated Rockingham Fire and Rescue Department. Previously serving in an interim role, McGinnis's appointment was confirmed by a joint resolution from the Rockingham Selectboard, Saxtons River, and Bellows Falls Village Trustees. The decision was one of outgoing Municipal Manager Scott Pickup's final acts before his move to Springfield. McGinnis brings extensive experience from leading the Bellows Falls Village Fire Department since 2017. (Source: The Commons on Jan 6)

   Southern Vermont Rockingham, VT +7 Bellows Falls, VT Chester, VT Springfield, VT Brattleboro, VT

December 29, 2025

1. Springfield Telecom Firm Donates to Rural Vermont Food Pantries: Vermont Telephone Company (VTel), headquartered in Springfield, distributed $5,000 in donations to 10 rural food pantries in Vermont this December, with three pantries located in Windham County among the recipients. The company, which serves 14 rural villages, increased its usual contribution this year to expand its support to more communities. The Grafton Community Church’s food pantry received funds for the first time. These donations come at a busy time for local pantries during the holiday season. (Source: The Commons on Dec 29)

   Southern Vermont Springfield, VT +4 Grafton, VT Chester, VT Bellows Falls, VT

December 9, 2025

1. Book Review Examines Essays on the American Revolution and Bennington's History: A new book published by the Bennington Museum, titled "A Continued Clap of Thunder," compiles essays that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Many entries are reprints from the Walloomsack Review, a publication focusing on local history between 2008 and 2020. The collection, edited by Damien McCaffery and Tyler Resch, features detailed accounts of significant events such as the Battle of Bennington. The volume is recognized for its in-depth research and thoughtful writing. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 8)

   Southern Vermont Bennington, VT +8 Manchester, VT Chester, VT Salem, IN

December 2, 2025

1. Fire Extinguished at Former Revival Kitchen Site in Londonderry: Firefighters from Londonderry and Chester responded early Tuesday morning to a blaze at the former Revival Kitchen building on Vermont Route 11. Emergency crews arrived shortly after 5 a.m., quickly containing the fire by 6:45 a.m. Surrounding roads were closed temporarily as a precaution while crews worked. The building has been vacant since Revival Kitchen closed earlier this year and was listed for sale, with no active business present when the fire broke out. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 2)

   Southern Vermont Londonderry, VT +2 Chester, VT Westminster, VT