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 10, 2026

1. Bellows Falls Upholds Skiing Tradition at Historic Municipal Snow Tow: Bellows Falls maintains a longstanding skiing tradition with its Municipal Snow Tow, a 200-foot hill featuring a rope tow, night lighting, and a warming hut. Operated by the Recreation Department, the ski area has served the community for over 70 years and is one of Vermont’s oldest continuously operating slopes. After limited openings in recent years, the facility has seen more active days this season than in previous winters. The Rec Area also offers various amenities including pools, playgrounds, and sports courts. (Source: The Commons on Feb 10)

   Southern Vermont Bellows Falls, VT +8 Brattleboro, VT Westminster, VT

February 3, 2026

1. Westminster Voters to Decide on Future of North Westminster Community House: This spring, Westminster residents will vote on whether to permit the Selectboard to sell the North Westminster Community House for conversion to residential housing. The measure, similar to one presented in 2025, reflects ongoing debate about the building's future. A civic group, the Friends of the North Westminster Community House, advocates for keeping the nearly century-old building as a venue for community events. The outcome will determine whether the structure continues as a public space or is repurposed for housing. (Source: The Commons on Feb 3)

   Southern Vermont Westminster, VT +3

January 31, 2026

1. Windsor County Sheriff Released After Denying Criminal Charges, Ordered No Contact: Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer has pleaded not guilty to seven criminal charges that stem from alleged inappropriate relationships with four women, including two 19-year-olds. During a court hearing, Palmer was released without bail but ordered not to contact the women involved or attempt communication through any means. The charges against him include aggravated stalking with a deadly weapon and lewd conduct. Palmer has stated he intends to remain in office and contest the allegations. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Jan 31)

   Southern Vermont Windsor, VT +6 Woodstock, VT Rutland, VT Westminster, VT Chelsea, VT Bennington, VT

January 30, 2026

1. Windsor County Sheriff Pleads Not Guilty to Multiple Sexual Misconduct Charges: Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer has entered a not-guilty plea to several charges related to alleged sexual misconduct. The charges follow an investigation by Vermont State Police and include counts of lewd conduct, aggravated stalking with a weapon, obstruction of justice, soliciting prostitution, and others. Palmer has temporarily stepped back from his regular duties but has not resigned from his position as sheriff. Proceedings are now underway in Vermont Superior Court. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Jan 28)

   Southern Vermont Woodstock, VT +11 Windsor, VT Rutland, VT Chelsea, VT Westminster, VT Bennington, VT Springfield, VT Chester, VT Brandon, VT Concord, VT

January 20, 2026

1. Bellows Falls Man Held Without Bail on Multiple Sexual Assault Charges: Kenneth J. Olsson, a former music minister and local arts leader in Bellows Falls, is being held without bail following arraignment in Windham County Superior Court. Olsson faces charges including sexual assault, lewd conduct, and domestic violence related to incidents involving a juvenile between 2016 and 2024. Vermont State Police allege the most severe offense pertains to the sexual assault of a minor under his supervision. Olsson surrendered to authorities earlier in January and was arraigned on January 15. (Source: The Commons on Jan 20)

   Southern Vermont Bellows Falls, VT +4 Grafton, VT Westminster, VT

January 15, 2026

1. Brattleboro Sees Increase in Workforce Housing Availability Amid Low Renter Demand: Brattleboro has experienced a recent surge in available workforce housing, marking a notable change from just a few months ago when units were scarce. Despite this increase, the number of people seeking to rent these units remains unexpectedly low. The term workforce housing typically refers to homes affordable for earners with moderate incomes, often those employed nearby but unable to secure quality housing otherwise. The mismatch between supply and demand has drawn attention among local housing advocates and realtors. (Source: The Commons on Jan 15)

   Southern Vermont Brattleboro, VT +6 Brandon, VT Newport, VT Putney, VT Westminster, VT

January 11, 2026

1. Remote Worker Builds New Roots in Westminster, Vermont Community: Ruthann Rudel, a remote researcher, has established a new home in Westminster, Vermont after relocating from Cambridge, Massachusetts. Balancing her professional commitments with Cambridge while engaging in local farm work highlights her integration into the southeastern Vermont community. Rudel’s experience reflects a broader shift of professionals moving to the region while retaining ties to their previous workplaces. Her story exemplifies recent migration trends seen in southern Vermont. (Source: SoVermont on Jan 11)

   Southern Vermont Westminster, VT +1 Cambridge, VT

December 2, 2025

1. Fire Extinguished at Former Revival Kitchen Site in Londonderry: Firefighters from Londonderry and Chester responded early Tuesday morning to a blaze at the former Revival Kitchen building on Vermont Route 11. Emergency crews arrived shortly after 5 a.m., quickly containing the fire by 6:45 a.m. Surrounding roads were closed temporarily as a precaution while crews worked. The building has been vacant since Revival Kitchen closed earlier this year and was listed for sale, with no active business present when the fire broke out. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 2)

   Southern Vermont Londonderry, VT +2 Chester, VT Westminster, VT

November 24, 2025

1. 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)

   Southern Vermont Westminster, VT +9 Randolph, VT Manchester, VT Putney, VT Brattleboro, VT

November 18, 2025

1. 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)

   Southern Vermont Randolph, VT +5 Westminster, VT St. George, VT

October 30, 2025

1. Vermont Task Force Nears Completion of School Redistricting Recommendations: The Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force is preparing to deliver its recommendations to state lawmakers, following public hearings and discussions about the challenges of reorganizing school districts. Established under Act 73, the task force seeks to address declining student enrollment and rising educational costs across the state. Their forthcoming report will propose new district boundaries, which the Legislature will review in January. The final decisions aim to ensure equitable opportunities for all students. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Oct 30)

   Southern Vermont Winooski, VT +4 Westminster, VT