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January 2, 2026
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Vermont to Receive $195 Million for Rural Health Improvements Under Federal Program: Vermont will be awarded over $195 million in Rural Health Transformation Funds as part of a new federal initiative aimed at improving healthcare access in rural areas. The funding, distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, is one of the highest per capita awards nationally. This investment is part of a broader $50 billion federal program, with funds distributed over five years beginning in 2026. State leaders believe the allocation will make healthcare in rural Vermont more affordable and accessible. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Jan 2)
December 31, 2025
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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)
December 30, 2025
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Bennington Resident Leads Effort for Legal Competency Reform in Vermont: Kelly Carroll, a Bennington resident and founder of Voices of Vermont Victims, is spearheading advocacy for changes to Vermont's legal competency restoration process. A public discussion at the State House in Montpelier on January 21 will address the lack of a secure forensic psychiatric facility and a formal system for competency restoration in Vermont. This legislative gap has resulted in delays for justice and challenges for victims' families. The event highlights ongoing concerns around public safety and judicial accountability. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 29)
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West Windsor Initiative Aims to Create 70 New Housing Units by 2030: Officials in West Windsor are working to address local housing needs by forming a Housing Commission tasked with securing grants and prioritizing suitable land. Former and current planning commission members have narrowed their initial review from 21 potential parcels to two viable sites that are targeted for development in 2026 and 2027. Their goal is to provide 70 new housing units within the coming years. Site evaluations and planning are underway to advance this initiative. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Dec 30)
December 29, 2025
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Vermont Lawmakers Prepare for Challenging 2025-26 Legislative Session: The Vermont Legislature will reconvene on January 6 for the second half of the 2025-26 biennium, facing unresolved issues such as education funding, housing, health care, and transportation. The recent gubernatorial veto of a homelessness bill and uncertainty regarding federal support add to the complexity of the session. With budget pressures mounting and an election on the horizon, legislators anticipate a contentious and demanding year in state government. Upcoming debates are expected to address key priorities for Vermont residents. (Source: The Commons on Dec 29)
December 24, 2025
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Woodstock Manager Chooses to Remain After Withdrawing from Other Job Finalist Roles: Eric Duffy, municipal manager of Woodstock, Vermont, decided last week to withdraw from consideration for manager positions in both Montpelier and Winchester, Massachusetts. He had been scheduled for final interviews and public forums in both locations alongside other finalists. Instead, Duffy has chosen to continue discussions on a renewed contract with the Woodstock Town Selectboard and Village Trustees. The boards cited their ongoing confidence in his leadership as they voted to update his employment agreement. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Dec 24)
December 23, 2025
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Michael Hoyt Named Vermont House Representative for Windsor-4 District: Michael Hoyt, a West Hartford resident and vice chair of the local selectboard, has been appointed as the new Vermont House Representative for the Windsor-4 district. The area includes Pomfret, Bridgewater, Barnard, and West Hartford. Hoyt, a Dartmouth College employee with past experience as a legislative and labor department attorney, has lived in West Hartford since 2017. He brings significant public service experience to his new legislative role. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Dec 23)
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Manchester Eighth Grader Selected to Serve as Page in Vermont Legislature: Tamsin Wilson, an eighth-grade student at Manchester Elementary Middle School, has been chosen to participate as a page in the Vermont Legislature for the 2026 session. Wilson will serve during April and May, balancing her legislative duties with school attendance. She will commute weekly to Montpelier, accompanied by her grandmother, who will act as her chaperone. The selection highlights the involvement of local students in state government activities. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 23)
December 17, 2025
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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)
December 4, 2025
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Woodstock's Eric Duffy Named Finalist for Montpelier City Manager Position: Eric Duffy, the municipal manager of Woodstock, is among the three finalists being considered for the city manager role in Montpelier, the capital of Vermont. Duffy is the only finalist currently working in municipal management within Vermont or New England, while the other two candidates have backgrounds in government roles in other states. Having led Woodstock's administration for nearly three years, Duffy’s potential departure could impact local governance. It remains unclear if he is seeking any additional positions elsewhere. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Dec 4)
December 3, 2025
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Michael Hoyt Appointed to Vermont House, Succeeding Surprenant in Windsor-4 District: Governor Phil Scott has named Michael Hoyt of West Hartford to represent the Windsor-4 district in the Vermont House following the resignation of Heather Surprenant. Hoyt, who has experience working as an attorney for the state and at Dartmouth College, currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Hartford Selectboard. His appointment was effective as of December 2, 2025. Hoyt steps into the role to complete the remainder of Surprenant’s term. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Dec 3)
November 12, 2025
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TD Bank Woodstock Branch to Close in January After 160 Years of Local Banking: TD Bank has announced that its Woodstock branch at 21 Elm Street will close on January 29, marking the end of 160 years of continuous banking operations at that location. The site originally housed the Woodstock National Bank, serving the community since 1865 before a series of mergers led to its current ownership. The closure reflects broader trends of banking consolidation. Local residents will see an end to traditional banking services at this historic village site. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Nov 12)
November 3, 2025
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Woodstock Wasps Field Hockey Season Ends with Double-Overtime Loss to Montpelier: The Woodstock Wasps concluded their pursuit of a state field hockey title after falling to the Montpelier Solons in double overtime. Woodstock initially led with a first-quarter goal, but Montpelier equalized in the third and sealed the victory with a decisive goal in the second overtime. The Wasps' season ends with a record of 12 wins, 5 losses, and 1 tie. The team wrapped up another competitive season despite the playoff exit. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Nov 1)
October 29, 2025
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Vermont Allocates Emergency Funds to Continue Food Assistance During Federal Shutdown: Vermont state officials have allocated $50 million in emergency funding to maintain grocery benefits for residents relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. The move ensures both food and heating assistance programs continue for households in need, despite a lapse in federal support. The Vermont Legislature had previously reserved $110 million for emergencies, with leaders recently prioritizing these funds. This state intervention aims to secure basic needs during a period of increased uncertainty. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Oct 29)
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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)