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December 31, 2025

Major Fires in Northshire Prompt Community Action and Fire Safety Campaigns in 2025: Throughout 2025, several tragic house fires in towns including Sandgate, Danby, and Manchester resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, deeply affecting Northshire residents. In response, the Manchester Fire Department spearheaded a campaign to improve fire safety awareness, conducting outreach and distributing smoke detectors to local households. Community members were also involved in these efforts, reflecting a collective push to prevent future tragedies. The initiative marked a significant public safety effort in the region. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 31)

Southern Vermont Manchester, VT +12 Danby, VT Dorset, VT Pawlet, VT Montpelier, VT Londonderry, VT

Taconic & Green School District Continues Budget Review Amid School Closures: The Taconic & Green Regional School District board met at Flood Brook School in Londonderry on December 16 to review the evolving draft budget to be presented at March Town Meeting. In the wake of recent decisions to close Sunderland Elementary and Currier Memorial School, the district is shifting from operating five schools to four. The board also plans to divide Manchester Elementary Middle School into separate elementary and middle schools to adapt to programming needs. Broader changes in Vermont’s education system may influence final budget outcomes. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 18)

Southern Vermont Londonderry, VT +6 Danby, VT Manchester, VT Pawlet, VT

Sarah Hunter's 1986 Murder Solved as Killer Pleads Guilty in Bennington Court: Nearly forty years after the 1986 murder of Manchester golf professional Sarah Hunter, David A. Morrison has admitted guilt in a Bennington courtroom. Morrison, who was also implicated in a separate Massachusetts case, confessed to the killing while incarcerated in California. Multiple law enforcement agencies and a retired Vermont State Police detective played key roles in resolving the longstanding cold case. Hunter’s family received long-awaited closure following the resolution of both cases. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 9)

Southern Vermont Manchester, VT +8 Bennington, VT Danby, VT Pawlet, VT Springfield, VT

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)

Southern Vermont Sunderland, VT +11 Danby, VT Manchester, VT Bennington, VT Dorset, VT Mt. Tabor, VT Pawlet, VT Newfane, VT Londonderry, VT Weston, VT

Currier Memorial School Hosts Thanksgiving Feast for Students and Families: Families, students, teachers, and staff gathered at Currier Memorial School in Danby for a Thanksgiving celebration featuring traditional dishes. The event brought the school community together to share a festive meal, which included turkey, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and pumpkin spice cake. The occasion emphasized a sense of togetherness and community spirit for those in attendance. Local residents participated and enjoyed the holiday festivities. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Nov 25)

Southern Vermont Danby, VT

Legally Blind Painter Showcases Her Art at Equinox Village Gallery in Manchester: Jane Johnson, a resident of Manchester, is exhibiting her paintings at the Equinox Village Gallery. Despite losing much of her vision due to medical issues affecting both eyes over the past decade, Johnson continues to pursue her passion for painting. Her works offer a unique perspective shaped by her experience with blindness. The exhibition highlights her resilience and creativity within the local arts community. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Nov 18)

Southern Vermont Manchester, VT +5 Danby, VT Middlebury, VT

Danby Man Sentenced to 90 Days for Crashing Vehicle Into Manchester Bookstore: A Danby resident received a 90-day jail sentence after pleading guilty to driving under the influence with injury, following a 2024 incident in which he drove his truck into the front of Northshire Bookstore in Manchester. The crash resulted in serious injuries to a passenger. The plea agreement led to the dismissal of five other charges, reducing the potential maximum sentence. The injured passenger continues to deal with neurological aftereffects from the event. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Nov 3)

Southern Vermont Manchester, VT +2 Danby, VT Bennington, VT

Northshire Rescue Squad Seeks Funds for New Cardiac Monitors and Equipment: The Northshire Rescue Squad, serving Manchester, Dorset, Danby, Mt. Tabor, and part of Winhall, has launched a fundraising campaign to raise $140,000. The nonprofit squad responded to nearly 1,500 emergency calls over the past year and provides advanced life support, emergency transport, and training. Funds are needed to purchase updated cardiac monitors, with each monitor costing $50,000. The existing equipment has reached a decade of service and urgently needs replacement. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Oct 31)

Southern Vermont Manchester, VT +4 Dorset, VT Danby, VT Mt. Tabor, VT

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)

Southern Vermont Sunderland, VT +8 Danby, VT Mt. Tabor, VT Dorset, VT Manchester, VT Londonderry, VT Weston, VT

Currier Memorial School Hosts Annual Trunk-or-Treat Celebration in Danby-Mt. Tabor: Currier Memorial School in Danby-Mt. Tabor held its annual Trunk-or-Treat event on Sunday, October 26, providing families with a festive start to Halloween. Parent volunteers from Project Currier Experience organized the celebration, offering candy and activities to attendees dressed in costumes ranging from monsters to pop culture figures. The event is part of ongoing efforts to enrich student life through community support. Later in the week, students will participate in a parade to the local Veterans Memorial. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Oct 28)

Southern Vermont Danby, VT +1 Mt. Tabor, VT