Latest News
December 31, 2025
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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)
December 18, 2025
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Toys for Tots Begins Annual Holiday Toy Distribution in Bennington: The Bennington County chapter of Toys for Tots has launched its yearly toy giveaway at the Bennington Moose Lodge. Families gathered in large numbers to receive gifts, reflecting the high need during the holiday season. The event aims to support families facing economic challenges by providing toys for children. Organizers have noted a significant turnout, highlighting the ongoing importance of such community initiatives in Bennington. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 17)
December 9, 2025
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June Waters, Longtime Bridgewater Resident and Community Member, Dies at 96: June Waters, a lifelong resident of Bridgewater, Vermont, died on December 5, 2025, at the age of 96. She was known for her commitment to family, stepping up to care for her siblings following the early loss of her father, and later found fulfillment working at a local soda fountain. June was passionate about music and dancing, and she met her husband, Julian Waters, at a local dance. Her life was marked by strong family ties and service to her community until her passing in Woodstock. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Dec 9)
November 20, 2025
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Army Veteran Rick Yarosh Shares Message of Resilience with Area Students: Army Sergeant Rick Yarosh, a Purple Heart recipient and motivational speaker, recently visited several schools in southern Vermont to encourage students with his story of resilience. Yarosh, who grew up in Vestal, New York, and served in the Army following the events of 9/11, emphasizes the importance of hope and perseverance. He is scheduled to speak at Woodstock Union Middle/High School, Woodstock Elementary, and Prosper Valley School in April. His outreach aims to inspire youth to overcome adversity and embrace possibilities. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Nov 20)
November 17, 2025
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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 12, 2025
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Vermont Chamber Leaders Convene in Manchester for 2025 Annual Conference: Chamber of commerce representatives from throughout Vermont assembled at Manchester’s Kimpton Taconic Hotel for the 2025 Vermont Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Annual Conference. The event centered on collaboration and strategies for enhancing Vermont's business environment, featuring expert-led sessions on topics such as organizational sustainability, board engagement, and economic development. Attendees participated in discussions addressing workforce and rural issues. The multi-day gathering sought to strengthen chamber partnerships across the state. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Nov 12)