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

2. 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

February 3, 2026

1. Protesters Arrested During Demonstration at Brattleboro Citizens Bank Branch: In Brattleboro, Vermont, several protesters were arrested following a demonstration at Citizens Bank on Putney Road. The protests, which began January 26, aimed to highlight the bank's business ties to private prison operators involved with immigration detention centers. Demonstrators expressed concerns over the facilities operated for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The protest escalated on February 2, resulting in a brief blockade and arrests as part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness about these issues. (Source: The Commons on Feb 3)

   Southern Vermont Brattleboro, VT +1 Newfane, VT

January 29, 2026

1. Manchester Chef Tiara Adorno Receives James Beard Award Nomination: Tiara Adorno, executive chef at The Crooked Ram in Manchester, has been named a James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef in the North East region. The nomination is a significant recognition in the restaurant industry and marks a rare achievement for the southern Vermont area. Prior to Adorno, the last nominee from the region was Wesley Genovart of SoLo Farm & Table in South Londonderry. This nomination highlights the growing reputation of local culinary talent. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Jan 29)

   Southern Vermont Manchester, VT +7 Newfane, VT

December 4, 2025

1. Taconic & Green Board Approves Sale of Sunderland School for Special Needs Facility: The Taconic & Green Regional School Board has approved the sale of the Sunderland Elementary School building and grounds to the town of Sunderland for $1. The agreement stipulates that if Sunderland retains ownership until at least June 2031, no further payments will be required. However, if sold to a different buyer before then, the town would need to reimburse the district for recent building improvements totaling $25,630. Sunderland officials have not yet made a final decision on the purchase. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 4)

   Southern Vermont Sunderland, VT +11 Danby, VT Manchester, VT Bennington, VT Dorset, VT Mt. Tabor, VT Pawlet, VT Newfane, VT Londonderry, VT Weston, VT

November 19, 2025

1. Newfane Congregational Church Efforts Focus on Restoring Historic Bell: The Newfane Congregational Church in southern Vermont is engaging in a project to repair its steeple and enable the church bell to ring again. After structural concerns were discovered, including a rotted post and a cracked beam, church leaders implemented temporary supports and sought expert guidance. Preservation specialists have evaluated the damage, and a detailed report outlines necessary repairs. The effort reflects the community's goal to preserve an important historic landmark. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Nov 18)

   Southern Vermont Newfane, VT +1

October 29, 2025

1. Newfane Author Deborah Lee Luskin Explores Hunting Journey in New Book: Deborah Lee Luskin, a longtime Newfane resident and former town moderator, has written a narrative nonfiction book titled Reviving Artemis: The Making of a Huntress. The work chronicles Luskin's transformation from a New York–born academic into a Vermont deer hunter, a process that spanned four years. The book is scheduled for release on November 4 by Sibylline Press, just ahead of Vermont's rifle and shotgun deer hunting season. Luskin's story delves into both the challenges and achievements of her journey. (Source: The Commons on Oct 28)

   Southern Vermont Newfane, VT +3 Brattleboro, VT Burlington, VT Boston, IN