Latest News

February 18, 2026

1. Vermont Land Trust Seeks Applicants for $5,000 Eric Rozendaal Memorial Award: The Vermont Land Trust is inviting applications for the 2026 Eric Rozendaal Memorial Award, which offers $5,000 to a Vermont farmer who demonstrates excellence in land stewardship, innovation, and community service. Eligible candidates must be actively managing or working on a commercial farm in Vermont and cannot have received the award previously. The recipient will be chosen by a panel of agricultural leaders, with the winner announced during the trust’s annual fall meeting. The award, now in its eighth year, honors Eric Rozendaal’s legacy. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Feb 17)

   Southern Vermont Montpelier, VT +9 Hinesburg, VT Irasburg, VT Plainfield, VT Shelburne, VT

February 9, 2026

1. Pownal Fire Department Awarded Over $1.4 Million for New Station Construction: The Vermont Congressional delegation has secured more than $1.4 million in federal funding to support the construction of a new central fire station for the Pownal Valley Fire Department. This allocation is part of a broader initiative distributing over $100 million to 69 projects across Vermont, including upgrades for historic sites such as Bennington's Old First Church. The funds were included in multiple appropriations packages signed into law between November and January. The project aims to strengthen emergency services in southwestern Vermont. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Feb 8)

   Southern Vermont Pownal, VT +14 Bennington, VT Brattleboro, VT Springfield, VT Fairlee, VT Hinesburg, VT Richmond, VT Montpelier, VT Burlington, VT Johnson, VT

February 5, 2026

1. Vermont Senate Confirms Drescher and Nolan to State Supreme Court Amid Close Vote: The Vermont Senate confirmed Michael P. Drescher and Christina E. Nolan as associate justices to the state’s Supreme Court following a closely split vote. Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers cast the deciding vote for Drescher after a 15-15 tie. The decision came after significant debate and some cross-party support, particularly from Bennington County senators. The appointments followed comprehensive reviews of the candidates’ legal records and roles in recent high-profile cases. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Feb 5)

   Southern Vermont Hinesburg, VT +10 Bennington, VT Windsor, VT Burlington, VT Chittenden, VT Rutland, VT Coventry, VT Orleans, VT

December 10, 2025

1. Woodstock Union High Girls Hockey Team Approaches Season with Rebuilding Effort: The Woodstock Union High School girls hockey team is preparing for the 2025-2026 season with a smaller roster and a renewed focus on development. After consecutive championship wins in 2022 and 2023, the team experienced a transition last year, largely due to the graduation of key seniors and the arrival of less experienced players. Head coach Ian Coates, in his twelfth season, is overseeing efforts to strengthen the program and foster growth among new athletes. The team is focusing on building skills and cohesion for future success. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Dec 10)

   Southern Vermont Woodstock, VT +1 Hinesburg, VT