Latest News

February 24, 2026

1. Windham County Towns Prepare for Annual Town Meeting Day on March 3: Residents across Windham County are set to gather for Town Meeting Day on Tuesday, March 3, to discuss local budgets, elect officials, and vote on key warrant articles. Towns including Athens, Brattleboro, Brookline, Rockingham, Vernon, Westminster, and Windham will hold meetings according to their own schedules, with Marlboro casting votes by Australian ballot. Vermont state law recognizes Town Meeting Day as a holiday for state employees, and also permits unpaid leave for others to attend. (Source: The Commons on Feb 24)

   Southern Vermont Athens, VT +27 Brattleboro, VT Grafton, VT Jamaica, VT Londonderry, VT Newfane, VT Putney, VT Townshend, VT Wardsboro, VT Westminster, VT Whitingham, VT Wilmington, VT

January 20, 2026

1. Bellows Falls Man Held Without Bail on Multiple Sexual Assault Charges: Kenneth J. Olsson, a former music minister and local arts leader in Bellows Falls, is being held without bail following arraignment in Windham County Superior Court. Olsson faces charges including sexual assault, lewd conduct, and domestic violence related to incidents involving a juvenile between 2016 and 2024. Vermont State Police allege the most severe offense pertains to the sexual assault of a minor under his supervision. Olsson surrendered to authorities earlier in January and was arraigned on January 15. (Source: The Commons on Jan 20)

   Southern Vermont Bellows Falls, VT +4 Grafton, VT Westminster, 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 26, 2025

1. Ben & Jerry’s Foundation Supports Lawsuit Against Magnum Over Funding Dispute: The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, led by Brattleboro resident Liz Bankowski, has joined a legal effort challenging Magnum and its parent company Unilever. The dispute centers on allegations that Unilever and Magnum have withheld key funding and information, potentially undermining the foundation’s independence and obligations outlined in the original acquisition agreement. The case is being considered in the Federal Court of the Southern District of New York. The outcome could impact the foundation’s continued operations and its stated mission. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 23)

   Southern Vermont Brattleboro, VT +3 Grafton, VT