Latest News
February 26, 2026
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Ukrainian Ballet Company to Perform Swan Lake in Dorset for One-Night Fundraiser: The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine is scheduled to present Swan Lake at Dorset Playhouse on March 6, with all ticket proceeds benefiting the company. The performance aims to support the troupe, which has been displaced due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the destruction of its facilities. The theater has waived its usual fee to maximize funds for the dancers, who are now touring internationally while based temporarily in the United States. Local donor Lisa J. Hadlock played a key role in organizing the event. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Feb 26)
February 25, 2026
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Grand Kyiv Ballet to Present 'Giselle' at Chandler Center in Randolph March 11: The Grand Kyiv Ballet is scheduled to perform 'Giselle' at the Chandler Center for the Arts in Randolph on March 11. The company, founded by Oleksandr Stoianov, has toured the United States for several years and brings together talented dancers from various international backgrounds. This season, the group has presented a diverse repertoire, and principal dancer Viktor Tomashek, who has experience with the Odesa National Opera, will lead the Vermont performance. The event highlights the ballet's ongoing cultural outreach. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Feb 25)
February 23, 2026
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Norma Bradley, Longtime Barnard Resident, Dies at 97: Norma Bradley, a native of West Hartford, Vermont, and longtime resident of Barnard, passed away peacefully at Mertens House at the age of 97. Born in 1928, Bradley attended school locally and graduated from Woodstock High School. She married Thomas Bradley in 1946 and together raised five children. Over the years, she worked in several local businesses, including the Woodstock Inn and Vermont National Bank, contributing to her community until her retirement in the late 1980s. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Feb 23)
February 3, 2026
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Doris Archer Baker, Longtime Bridgewater Resident, Dies at 93: Doris Archer Baker, a longtime member of the Bridgewater community, passed away at age 93 on January 29, 2026, at Gifford Medical Center in Randolph, Vermont. Born in Bridgewater in 1932, she dedicated much of her life to local institutions, working at the Woodstock Inn, Guthrie Nursing Home, Alice Peck Day Hospital, and the Bridgewater Woolen Mill. Doris was active in several local organizations and was known for assisting many area families. A memorial service was held February 1, with burial to follow later. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Feb 3)
January 27, 2026
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State Regulators Issue Warning, Allow Brattleboro Hospital to Address Budget Deficit: Vermont health care regulators have formally warned Brattleboro Memorial Hospital about its projected $14.5 million annual budget deficit but decided not to intervene directly. The Green Mountain Care Board asked hospital leaders to identify essential services and establish a sustainable financial plan after concerns about the accuracy of prior financial reports. The hospital, which serves roughly 55,000 residents in southeastern Vermont, is currently exploring cost-saving measures and leadership changes. Regulators stated they will not provide direct financial assistance at this time. (Source: The Commons on Jan 27)
January 12, 2026
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Hailey Elizabeth Westcot, 21, Remembered for Community Spirit After Fatal Crash: Hailey Elizabeth Westcot, a 21-year-old from Randolph, Vermont, died on December 17, 2025, in a motor vehicle accident on I-89 involving a wrong-way driver. A graduate of Randolph schools and the Randolph Technical Career Center, she was recognized for her achievements in cybersecurity and her positive influence within her community. Hailey worked at Northfield Elementary School and attended O’Brien’s Aveda Institute in Williston pursuing a career in cosmetology. Friends, family, and classmates remember her for her compassion and adventurous nature. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Jan 12)
December 24, 2025
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Woodstock Boys Basketball Defeated by Randolph on the Road: The Woodstock High School boys basketball team was defeated by Randolph, with a final score of 65-47 during an away game on Tuesday night. Junior player Elvis Lavallee contributed 24 points for Woodstock, but Randolph maintained control and secured a home victory. The game reflects ongoing efforts by the Woodstock team to strengthen their season performance. Randolph’s win marks another success in their campaign this year. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Dec 24)
December 23, 2025
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John Raymond Lundquist, 72, Passes Away in Randolph, Vermont: John Raymond Lundquist, formerly of Odell, Illinois, died at age 72 on December 3, 2025, at Gifford Medical Center in Randolph, Vermont. Arrangements for his services are being handled by Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home, located in Chelsea, Vermont. The obituary notes his relocation from Illinois and provides details for those seeking to contact the funeral home. Further information about memorial arrangements may be made available by the family. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Dec 23)
December 19, 2025
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John Raymond Lundquist, 72, Former Odell Resident, Dies in Randolph: John Raymond Lundquist, age 72 and formerly of Odell, Illinois, passed away on December 3 at Gifford Medical Center in Randolph, Vermont. Funeral arrangements are being managed by the Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea. His passing marks a loss for both his former Illinois community and his connections in Vermont. Additional details about services and survivors were not immediately disclosed. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Dec 19)
December 18, 2025
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Heather Surprenant Leaves Vermont Legislature to Focus on Farming Career: Heather Surprenant, a resident of Barnard, has resigned from her position as state representative for Windsor-4 to dedicate herself to farming. With thirteen years of experience in agriculture and a history of legislative work, including serving as vice chair of the Agriculture Committee, Surprenant cited a desire to focus her efforts fully on her farm. Her departure was marked by reflection on her accomplishments in supporting Vermont agriculture. Surprenant made her decision after careful consideration of her career path. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Dec 18)
November 24, 2025
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Windham County Democrat Selected as New State Party Chair: Lachlan Francis of Westminster has been elected chair of the Vermont Democratic Party, marking a leadership change following several challenging years for the organization. At the party's biennial meeting in Randolph, Francis prevailed over Justin Willeau of Vershire with a clear majority. Francis previously served as chair of the Windham County Democratic Committee, a role now taken by Stuart Brown of Rockingham. Other major parties in Vermont have also recently selected new leaders. (Source: The Commons on Nov 24)
November 18, 2025
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Lachlan Francis Elected Chair of Vermont Democratic Party: Lachlan Francis, a political consultant from Westminster and former Windham County Democratic chair, has been elected to lead the Vermont Democratic Party. He won the position during the party's biennial reorganization meeting, securing 33 votes to 12 over his opponent, Justin Willeau of Vershire. Amanda Gustin of Barre City was reelected as vice chair, and additional party officers were confirmed. This leadership change occurs as the party faces significant challenges in Vermont and nationally. (Source: The Commons on Nov 18)