Latest News

December 31, 2025

1. Bennington-Rutland Schools Highlight Math, Reading, and Community in 2025: In 2025, students across the six schools of the Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union in southern Vermont engaged in a range of educational activities. Notably, Manchester Elementary Middle School achieved its third consecutive Mathcounts Chapter Team Title for Southwestern Vermont. Sunderland Elementary marked National Reading Month with a community reading initiative. These highlights reflect a year focused on academic achievement and collaborative school events. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 31)

   Southern Vermont Manchester, VT +5 Bennington, VT Rutland, VT Dorset, VT Pawlet, VT

2. 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

December 24, 2025

1. Mid Vermont Christian School Allowed to Update Lawsuit Challenging Education Law: A federal judge has granted Mid Vermont Christian School permission to amend its ongoing discrimination lawsuit against state and local education officials. The school, located in Quechee, may now contest Vermont's Act 73, a recent law affecting tuition payments to independent schools, citing concerns over First Amendment rights. The amended suit also adds claims of personal liability against specific state education leaders. The court's decision permits these updates to proceed. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Dec 24)

   Southern Vermont Quechee, VT +3 Dorset, VT

December 18, 2025

1. Long Trail Varsity Girls Basketball Team Begins Season with Home Games: The Long Trail School varsity girls basketball team started their season at home in Dorset, facing Sharon Academy on December 12 in a close match that ended with a narrow 36-34 loss. On December 16, the Mountain Lions faced Mount St. Joseph Academy, who secured a 51-37 victory. The team was scheduled to compete against Springfield High School on December 18, but results from that contest were not available at press time. The team continues their early-season efforts against regional opponents. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 18)

   Southern Vermont Dorset, VT

December 12, 2025

1. Manchester Reflects on Lasting Impact of Dana L. Thompson’s Death 53 Years Later: On December 12, 1972, Manchester Police Chief Dana L. Thompson was fatally shot while on duty, marking one of the community’s most significant tragedies. His funeral brought together nearly 1,000 mourners and 400 police officers, with local businesses closing to honor his memory. Residents and officials continue to remember Thompson for his dedication, humility, and positive influence on Manchester. The anniversary prompts reflection on the profound effect his death had on the town’s sense of safety. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 12)

   Southern Vermont Manchester, VT +6 Dorset, VT Bennington, VT Burlington, VT Windsor, VT St. Albans, VT

December 10, 2025

1. Dorset Players Present Holiday Production of 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Jr.': The Dorset Players are bringing their annual holiday production to the stage with a performance of 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Jr.' The show, featuring both adults and children from the community, is a 60-minute musical that includes a cast directed by Michelle Cox and musical direction by Rob Ellis. Set in the historic Playhouse, this event continues a long-standing local tradition and aims to foster community spirit during the festive season. The play's presentation showcases the commitment and collaboration of local talent. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 10)

   Southern Vermont Dorset, VT

December 4, 2025

1. 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

November 25, 2025

1. Long Trail School Students Present 'Shrek the Musical' in Dorset: Students from Long Trail School in Dorset staged their fall production of 'Shrek the Musical' from November 21 to 22 under the direction of Theater Director Tripp Pettigrew. The performance featured musical direction by Ben April and costumes by Jackie Walker. The production offered students an opportunity to connect with the story and each other, emphasizing personal growth and teamwork. Community members attended the shows to support the school's arts program. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Nov 25)

   Southern Vermont Dorset, VT

November 24, 2025

1. Dorset School Hosts Annual Thanksgiving Feast for Families and Community: The Dorset School in Vermont held its annual Holiday Feast on November 19, offering students and their families an early Thanksgiving celebration. The event included a traditional meal with turkey and all the trimmings. Parent volunteers assisted with decorations and food service, while local businesses provided festive table adornments. The tradition aims to foster community spirit and gratitude among students, families, and staff. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Nov 24)

   Southern Vermont Dorset, VT

November 20, 2025

1. Dorset Congregation Organizes First 'Truth and Justice Vermont' March: In Dorset, about 50 members of the United Church Dorset and East Rupert participated in a march along Church Street and Route 30 following a Sunday service. The event marked the inaugural public action for Truth and Justice Vermont, a recently formed movement emphasizing support for First Amendment rights and due process. The effort began after church leadership encouraged congregation members to take an active stand on current social issues. Organizers describe the march as an initial step in expanding local civic engagement. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Nov 16)

   Southern Vermont Dorset, VT +1

October 31, 2025

1. 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

October 30, 2025

1. Manchester Students and Police Team Up for Socktober Homeless Outreach: Students from five Manchester-area elementary schools partnered with the Manchester Police Department for Socktober, a countywide drive supporting the Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless. The initiative, which began with two schools in 2023, now includes The Dorset School, Sunderland Elementary, Mettawee Community School, Manchester Elementary Middle School, and Maple Street School. The effort focused on collecting socks, a high-demand item in shelters, with students delivering numerous donations by October 29. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Oct 30)

   Southern Vermont Manchester, VT +2 Dorset, VT

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)

   Southern Vermont Bennington, VT +13 Arlington, VT Dorset, VT Manchester, VT Pownal, VT Readsboro, VT Burlington, VT Montpelier, VT

2. 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