Latest News
April 16, 2026
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Currier Memorial School Hosts Final Camp Read-a-Lot with Hawaiian Theme: Currier Memorial School in Danby held its last Camp Read-a-Lot, marking the end of a long-standing literacy tradition as the school prepares to close in June. The event, which engaged students from pre-K through fifth grade, featured activities in reading, writing, storytelling, and listening. This year's program was inspired by Lavinia Currier's book, "No More Plastic in the Ocean," and incorporated both aquatic and Hawaiian themes. The community joined together to celebrate literacy and honor the school's legacy. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Apr 16)
April 9, 2026
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Taconic & Green District Schools Receive New Names, Regional Middle School Proposed: The Taconic & Green Regional School District will rename two of its schools starting in the 2026-27 academic year, aiming for a broader district identity. Dorset School will become Green Ridge Elementary School, serving students from Sunderland, Danby, Mt. Tabor, and Dorset due to the closure of two other schools. Manchester Elementary Middle School will be called Taconic Elementary School, with grades 6-8 forming Equinox Valley Middle School. A new regional middle school proposal was also discussed by board members. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Apr 9)
March 19, 2026
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Exploring Maple Sugaring Traditions and the Pawlet Tap House in Vermont: Maple sugaring remains a deeply rooted tradition in southern Vermont, with sugar shacks like those in Pawlet highlighting both historical practices and ongoing innovation. Local producers recall earlier days of more widespread, labor-intensive methods, while modern operations increasingly use advanced techniques such as sap lines. The region's maple industry, once a sideline for dairy farmers, continues to evolve and sustain its legacy. The Pawlet Tap House is among the local hubs celebrating this seasonal craft. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Mar 19)
March 5, 2026
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Taconic & Green School District Budget Approved With 3.2% Increase: Voters in Manchester, Dorset, Danby, Mt. Tabor, Sunderland, Peru, Landgrove, Weston, and Londonderry approved the Taconic & Green Regional School District’s $41 million budget, a 3.2% rise from last year. The budget drew 1,155 votes in favor and 422 against, including funding for bus and technology reserve funds. Additional articles were also passed. Education spending will rise 3.8%, which is below Vermont's statewide average for school budgets. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Mar 5)
March 4, 2026
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Danby Voters Approve Town Budget, Elect Officials in Local Balloting: Residents of Danby, Vermont participated in local elections, approving a $1.53 million budget and endorsing all proposed appropriations. Kenneth Abbott, Jr. was elected to the contested select board seat, while other officials, including the moderator and town clerk, retained their positions. The election left one auditor seat unfilled due to insufficient write-in votes, a vacancy the town may address later. The budget passed by a wide margin, reflecting strong community support. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Mar 4)
March 3, 2026
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Sunderland Adopts Australian Ballot System After Narrow Town Meeting Vote: Sunderland residents voted at a recent town meeting to adopt the Australian ballot for deciding public questions, shifting away from traditional floor votes. The decision, passed by a slim margin of 26 to 25, followed extended discussion about voter turnout and representation at local meetings. This change aims to increase participation in important town decisions by allowing voters more flexibility. The measure reflects ongoing debate about maintaining democratic fairness in Sunderland. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Mar 3)
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Danby Residents Address Town Issues and School Consolidation at Annual Meeting: Approximately 25 residents gathered at Currier Memorial School for the annual Danby floor meeting to discuss town business. Attendees voted by voice on the town report and a proposed property tax delivery date, both of which passed. Candidates vying for a contested selectman seat introduced their backgrounds to the community. State Representative Sandy Pinsonault addressed ongoing uncertainty regarding high school choices for local students due to anticipated school consolidation. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Mar 3)
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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 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 21, 2026
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Manchester Launches Community Forum for Comprehensive Town Plan Update: Manchester residents gathered at the Manchester Community Library for the launch of the Vision Manchester project, which aims to create a comprehensive update to the town's plan. Over 150 attendees participated in discussions about the direction and future of Manchester. The Planning Commission is leading the initiative, supported by funding from the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development. The project will continue through autumn, culminating in a draft plan for the town. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Jan 21)
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 31, 2025
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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)
December 18, 2025
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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)
December 9, 2025
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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)
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 25, 2025
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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)
November 18, 2025
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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)
November 7, 2025
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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)
October 31, 2025
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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)
October 29, 2025
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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)
October 28, 2025
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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)