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February 24, 2026

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

Londonderry Prepares Agenda for Traditional Town Meeting: Londonderry residents are set to gather at Town Hall on March 3 for the annual Town Meeting, where decisions on local governance, including the budget and public offices, will be made directly by voters. This year's agenda may see extended discussion about a proposed 1 percent local option tax on sales, an item previously rejected in 2024 but now back for reconsideration. The meeting continues the town's tradition of community participation and face-to-face debate. All business will be conducted in person on the meeting floor. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Feb 18)

Southern Vermont Londonderry, VT +7 Brattleboro, VT Manchester, VT Wilmington, VT Jamaica, VT

Southern Vermont Faces Heavy Snowfall and Prolonged Cold Weather: Southern Vermont experienced its largest snowstorm of the season, with accumulations averaging between 9 and 11 inches. Higher elevations saw deeper snow, while valley areas received less accumulation. Forecasters anticipate several days of dry yet frigid weather, with nighttime temperatures expected to drop below zero and daytime highs remaining in the single digits and teens. Local residents are unlikely to see a January thaw soon, as cold conditions continue. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Jan 26)

Southern Vermont Jamaica, VT +2 Brattleboro, VT

Brooklyn-Born Triplets Aim to Represent Jamaica in Olympic Ski Racing: Eighteen-year-old triplets Helaina, Henri IV, and Henniyah Rivers, originally from Brooklyn, are striving to secure spots representing Jamaica in ski racing at the upcoming Winter Olympics. Competing across the globe, they are working to qualify for the technical events of slalom and giant slalom, with Henri having already secured a place. Their efforts highlight increased diversity in a sport where Black racers are underrepresented. The final determination will be made by January 18. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Jan 8)

Southern Vermont Beaver Creek, VT +9 Jamaica, VT

Stratton Mountain Resort Hosts Concert to Aid Jamaican Employees Affected by Hurricane: Stratton Mountain Resort is organizing a benefit concert to support its Jamaican employees and their families following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica this past October. The fundraising event, featuring the band Saints & Liars at Grizzly's, is scheduled for Friday, November 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. All contributions will help provide essential items—including generators, building materials, and clothing—for those who suffered losses. The initiative is led by the resort’s human resources team. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Nov 14)

Southern Vermont Stratton, VT +2 Jamaica, VT

Plane Carrying Hurricane Relief Supplies to Jamaica Crashes in Florida, Two Killed: A small aircraft en route to Jamaica with hurricane relief supplies crashed into a waterway in a Coral Springs, Florida neighborhood, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. Authorities reported that the Beech B100 plane went down behind residential homes on Monday morning. The flight was part of efforts to deliver aid for those affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Local officials are investigating the circumstances of the crash. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Nov 10)

Finger Lakes Coral Springs, NY +1 Jamaica, VT

Hurricane Melissa Leaves 19 Dead in Jamaica as Death Toll Likely to Grow: Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm this week, resulting in at least 19 confirmed deaths. Authorities indicated that the number of fatalities may rise as recovery and assessment efforts continue across affected communities. Significant damage to infrastructure and disruption to essential services have been reported following the hurricane’s impact. Local officials are coordinating relief efforts and monitoring the situation closely. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Oct 31)

Finger Lakes Jamaica, VT +1

Severe Damage Reported in Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa Makes Landfall: Early Wednesday, southwestern Jamaica experienced significant destruction after Hurricane Melissa struck directly. Visual accounts from affected areas show widespread property damage, including demolished homes, overturned vehicles, downed power lines, and uprooted trees. The storm's impact has disrupted essential services and left many residents facing substantial recovery efforts. Authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage as recovery begins. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Oct 29)

Finger Lakes Jamaica, VT

Winsome J. Hinds, Longtime Nurse and Community Member, Dies at 89: Winsome Joyce Hinds, a dedicated nurse and Bronx resident, died peacefully on October 23, 2025, at the age of 89. Originally from Jamaica, she immigrated to the United States in the late 1960s with her family and spent many years caring for patients at St. Barnabas Hospital. Hinds also achieved her bachelor's degree from Mercy University later in life. She is remembered for her commitment to family, love of travel and gardening, and positive influence on those around her. (Source: Pelham Examiner on Oct 28)

Sound Shore Bronx, CA +3 Pelham, NY Valhalla, NY Jamaica, VT

Hurricane Melissa Expected to Strike Jamaica as a Category 5 Storm: Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 5 hurricane and is projected to hit Jamaica late Monday. The storm is forecast to make landfall in either central or western parts of the island, potentially becoming one of the most severe weather events in Jamaica’s history. Emergency services and residents are closely monitoring the hurricane’s predicted path. The region is preparing for significant impacts as Melissa approaches. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Oct 27)

Finger Lakes Jamaica, VT

Cool and Dry Weather Expected, Rain Forecast for Halloween in Tompkins County Area: The coming week in Tompkins County will bring generally cool and dry conditions, with clear skies and seasonable daytime highs. A northerly flow is expected to introduce colder air, resulting in the first widespread freeze across the region. Residents should anticipate a hard frost soon, including in typically milder areas like Ithaca and along Cayuga Lake. Rain and windy conditions are forecast for Halloween, potentially affecting trick-or-treating plans. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Oct 26)

Finger Lakes Ithaca, NY +3 Ontario, NY Jamaica, VT