Latest News
December 31, 2025
-
Bennington-Rutland Schools Highlight Math, Reading, and Community in 2025: In 2025, students across the six schools of the Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union in southern Vermont engaged in a range of educational activities. Notably, Manchester Elementary Middle School achieved its third consecutive Mathcounts Chapter Team Title for Southwestern Vermont. Sunderland Elementary marked National Reading Month with a community reading initiative. These highlights reflect a year focused on academic achievement and collaborative school events. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 31)
-
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
-
Mettawee Community School Presents All-School Musical 'Rainbow Fish': Mettawee Community School in Pawlet recently staged its annual all-school musical, featuring a production of 'Rainbow Fish.' Students and staff dedicated several weeks after Thanksgiving to preparing the performance, which involved learning lines, building sets, and choreographing scenes. The show promotes themes of sharing and building confidence, giving participants the opportunity to develop teamwork and self-assurance. The event is considered a valuable tradition for the school community. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 30)
December 29, 2025
-
Pawlet Residents Hold Contest for Best Holiday Home Decorations: Residents in Pawlet, Vermont, recently participated in a holiday home decoration contest as part of an ongoing effort to foster community spirit. Organized by Rekindle Pawlet Community Spirit, the event followed the earlier lighting of the town’s Christmas Tree and featured 17 entrants with diverse decoration styles. Judges toured local roads to evaluate displays, helping bring neighbors together after a challenging period for the town. The contest marks a new tradition aimed at strengthening local ties. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 29)
December 18, 2025
-
Nature Conservancy Expands Pawlet Conservation Area by 190 Acres: The Nature Conservancy in Vermont has added 190 acres to its North Pawlet Hills Natural Area, bringing the conserved land to nearly 1,600 acres. This marks the organization's eighth project in the Pawlet area, furthering a long-term commitment to protecting diverse habitats and rare plant species. The newly acquired land includes forested slopes and a headwater stream of the Mettawee River, as well as important wildlife nesting sites. The conservation effort preserves a cherished part of Vermont’s natural landscape. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 18)
-
Taconic & Green School District Continues Budget Review Amid School Closures: The Taconic & Green Regional School District board met at Flood Brook School in Londonderry on December 16 to review the evolving draft budget to be presented at March Town Meeting. In the wake of recent decisions to close Sunderland Elementary and Currier Memorial School, the district is shifting from operating five schools to four. The board also plans to divide Manchester Elementary Middle School into separate elementary and middle schools to adapt to programming needs. Broader changes in Vermont’s education system may influence final budget outcomes. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 18)
December 10, 2025
-
Kidnapping Victim Supports Manchester's Sarah Hunter After Conviction in Cold Case: A survivor of a 1981 Massachusetts kidnapping spoke at a Bennington press conference following the conviction of David Allen Morrison, who confessed to both her abduction and the 1986 murder of Manchester resident Sarah Hunter. Laura Sheridan recounted her escape and expressed support for Hunter, whose case remained unsolved for nearly four decades. Morrison, already serving time in California, recently admitted guilt and was convicted in both Massachusetts and Vermont. The resolution ends years of uncertainty for Hunter’s family and the local community. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 10)
-
Arlington and Rupert Libraries Welcome State Officials for 'Capital for a Day': State officials, including members of Governor Phil Scott's cabinet, visited Bennington County on December 5 as part of the 'Capital for a Day' event. Local stops included Rupert's Rosalind K. Kittay Library and Arlington's Martha Canfield Memorial Free Library, where cabinet members met with librarians and trustees to discuss community engagement and library services. The visits highlighted both libraries' roles in serving small populations and maintaining strong local participation. The event underscored the importance of rural libraries in Vermont. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 8)
-
Two Pawlet Public Library Trustees Step Down Amid Board Tensions: Trustees Joni Lee and Grace Larson resigned from the Pawlet Public Library Board following a routine board meeting, citing ongoing interpersonal conflicts and an unhealthy work environment. Lee emphasized her concerns about board dynamics and the lack of mutual respect among board members, which she said contributed to her decision. Larson also chose to resign at the same session. The departures leave the board with only three remaining trustees. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 10)
December 9, 2025
-
Sarah Hunter's 1986 Murder Solved as Killer Pleads Guilty in Bennington Court: Nearly forty years after the 1986 murder of Manchester golf professional Sarah Hunter, David A. Morrison has admitted guilt in a Bennington courtroom. Morrison, who was also implicated in a separate Massachusetts case, confessed to the killing while incarcerated in California. Multiple law enforcement agencies and a retired Vermont State Police detective played key roles in resolving the longstanding cold case. Hunter’s family received long-awaited closure following the resolution of both cases. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 9)
-
Pawlet Holds First Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: Pawlet residents gathered for the town's inaugural Christmas tree lighting on Friday, marking a new community tradition. The ceremony included a special tribute to recently deceased residents, with their names displayed on ornaments adorning a blue-lit tree on the Town Green. Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance, arriving by fire truck in front of attendees. The event was organized by Rekindle Pawlet Community Spirit, a group founded by locals to strengthen town unity. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 8)
December 4, 2025
-
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)
December 2, 2025
-
Mettawee Community School Hosts Thanksgiving Gathering for Seniors: Mettawee Community School in Pawlet continued its annual tradition by inviting local seniors to join students for a Thanksgiving celebration. The event, held before the holiday break, featured games, singing, and a shared turkey meal with all the traditional sides. Retired teachers also attended, reconnecting with former students and colleagues. The gathering welcomed over 90 community members, making it a memorable occasion for participants of all ages. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 2)
November 17, 2025
-
Vermont State Police Investigate Fatal Assault in Pawlet: Vermont State Police are investigating a homicide in Pawlet after an assault in August led to the death of a local resident. The incident occurred at the Newmont Slate Quarry in West Pawlet on August 24, when Mark Ray, 53, was found with life-threatening injuries and transported to an Albany hospital. Ray passed away on November 12 at Albany Medical Center due to complications from traumatic brain injury and pneumonia. The investigation into the circumstances of the assault is ongoing. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Nov 17)
November 13, 2025
-
Mettawee Community School Opens Wetlands Boardwalk in Pawlet: The Mettawee Community School in Pawlet recently celebrated the completion of a new wetlands boardwalk, a project resulting from years of collaboration and support from local partners. The walkway now links the school to 145 acres of diverse natural areas, including forests, streams, and hiking trails. The boardwalk is intended to provide students with expanded opportunities for outdoor learning and hands-on engagement with the environment. The official ribbon cutting drew local dignitaries and the entire student body. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Nov 13)
November 11, 2025
-
Mettawee Community School Holds Annual Veterans Day Breakfast in Pawlet: The Mettawee Community School in Pawlet hosted its traditional Veterans Day breakfast, welcoming 28 veterans with a combined 250 years of military service. Veterans from the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force attended, including individuals who served as far back as the Korean War. Students, staff, and family members gathered to recognize and thank local veterans, highlighting the school's ongoing commitment to honoring their service. The event remains a significant tradition for the school community. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Nov 11)
November 7, 2025
-
Pawlet Library Brings on Two Assistant Librarians Amid Director Vacancy: The Pawlet Library board has hired Helen Wood and Heidi Hammell as temporary assistant librarians while the search for a permanent director remains unresolved. Discussions regarding the possible reappointment of former director Lyndsi Barnes have not led to a public decision, and the board continues to meet privately on the matter. The new assistants have longstanding ties to the library, and their addition has been met positively by the community. The situation with the library director is expected to be addressed soon. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Nov 7)