Latest News

February 24, 2026

1. Newfane Residents Question Role of Town Meeting Debates on Global Issues: As Newfane prepares for its annual Town Meeting, debate has emerged over whether discussing national and international issues should be part of the local agenda. In previous years, residents have proposed measures on topics ranging from genetically modified foods to international conflicts. However, this year will see fewer advisory resolutions as some advocates shift their focus to other forms of activism. The ongoing discussion reflects a wider debate within Vermont communities about the impact of their Town Meeting decisions. (Source: The Commons on Feb 24)

   Southern Vermont Newfane, VT +14 Brandon, VT Bristol, VT Middlebury, VT Putney, VT Westminster, VT Bennington, VT Brattleboro, VT Montpelier, VT Burlington, VT

February 17, 2026

1. Brattleboro Voters to Consider Changes to Town Government Structure: Residents in Brattleboro are set to vote on three significant ballot questions on March 3 that could reshape the town's longstanding government system. The articles focus on potential revisions to the Representative Town Meeting, which has been central to Brattleboro's governance for 65 years. Panel discussions, including insights from the Charter Revision Commission, aim to clarify the proposed changes and their potential effects. The outcome could lead to amendments to the town charter if voters approve the measures. (Source: The Commons on Feb 17)

   Southern Vermont Brattleboro, VT +2 Middlebury, VT Burlington, VT

January 30, 2026

1. Ski Vermont Expands Specialty Food Day Tour to 17 Locations for 2026 Season: The Specialty Food Day Tour presented by Ski Vermont has expanded for the 2026 season, now featuring 17 stops at ski areas statewide. Running from January 23 through March 22, the tour offers visitors the chance to sample and purchase Vermont-made foods, beverages, and other products directly from local producers. Notably, three new locations—Stowe, Middlebury Snowbowl, and Bolton Valley—have been added. The event highlights Vermont's ties between winter recreation and its food culture. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Jan 30)

   Southern Vermont Jay, VT +9 Stowe, VT Middlebury, VT Bolton, VT St. Johnsbury, VT Ludlow, VT

January 14, 2026

1. Vermont's First Kid Governor and Cabinet Sworn In at State House Ceremony: Vermont's inaugural Kid Governor, Roslyn Fortin of Highgate Elementary, was officially sworn in at the State House in Montpelier. She was joined by her newly formed cabinet, which includes Phoebe Bingham from Manchester's Red Fox Community School and other fifth-grade finalists from across the state. The group met with Governor Scott before holding their first cabinet meeting, focusing on Fortin's platform to address homelessness. Cabinet members will also pursue initiatives on mental health, school safety, healthcare, and nutrition. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Jan 14)

   Southern Vermont Montpelier, VT +14 Manchester, VT Barnet, VT Bradford, VT Lincoln, VT Winooski, VT Bennington, VT Middlebury, VT Burlington, VT Waterbury, VT Huntington, VT Hardwick, VT

2. Woodstock Student Athlete Finds New Purpose After Suffering Major Pole Vault Injury: Woodstock High School sophomore Pippa Shaw faced a serious setback when she sustained a life-changing injury during a pole vault warm-up last spring. Known for her dedication to track and intended college ambitions, Shaw's season was further challenged by a lack of training facilities and rainy weather. Despite these obstacles and her injury, she has redirected her athletic ambitions and discovered a new passion. Shaw's journey highlights perseverance and adaptation in the face of adversity. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Jan 14)

   Southern Vermont Woodstock, VT +5 Rutland, VT Lebanon, IN Middlebury, VT

January 8, 2026

1. Residents Challenge Shaftsbury Solar Project Approval in Vermont Supreme Court: Eight Shaftsbury residents have appealed the Vermont Public Utility Commission's approval of a proposed 20 megawatt solar power facility on Holy Smoke Road to the Vermont Supreme Court. The residents, represented by legal counsel, filed their notice of appeal in late November, citing concerns over the project. The planned development covers approximately 80 acres across four parcels and involves multiple stakeholders, including the developer and state agencies. The Supreme Court is now reviewing the case. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Jan 7)

   Southern Vermont Shaftsbury, VT +3 Middlebury, VT Stamford, VT Burlington, VT

December 17, 2025

1. Woodstock Boys Hockey Opens Season With Draw Against North Country: The Woodstock boys hockey team began its season with a 2-2 draw against North Country, a strong Division II opponent. Coming off a previous quarterfinal appearance, the squad enters this year with less experience after key senior departures but maintains a high level of determination. Preparations included summer practices and early fall workouts, setting the tone for the team's strong effort. The team features 14 players and aims to build on recent improvements. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Dec 17)

   Southern Vermont Woodstock, VT +4 Montpelier, VT Newport, VT Middlebury, VT

November 29, 2025

1. Longtime Rye Resident and Acclaimed Creative Director John Blumenthal Dies at 96: John Irving Blumenthal, a Rye resident for more than 80 years, passed away on November 21, 2025, at age 96. After serving as a Sergeant in the Korean War, for which he received the Bronze Star, Blumenthal built a distinguished career in advertising, earning numerous international awards. He contributed his expertise as a partner in several agencies and volunteered with local organizations such as Westchester Lighthouse and the Rye Free Reading Room. Blumenthal's impact was notable throughout the Rye community. (Source: Rye Record on Nov 29)

   Sound Shore Rye, NY +7 Austin, MN White Plains, NY Middlebury, VT Old Greenwich, CT Frisco, CO Beverly Hills, CA New York, NY

November 18, 2025

1. 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)

   Southern Vermont Manchester, VT +5 Danby, VT Middlebury, VT

October 22, 2025

1. Vermont Authorities Seek Missing Middlebury College Student: Law enforcement in Middlebury, Vermont, are conducting a search for Lia Smith, a 21-year-old senior at Middlebury College, who has been missing for several days. Smith, originally from California, was last seen nearly a week ago, and her disappearance was reported to police on Sunday. Authorities in (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Oct 22)

   Finger Lakes Middlebury, VT