Local News

Bald Eagle Numbers on the Rise in Southern Vermont. Southern Vermont has seen a significant increase in its bald eagle population in recent years. Monitoring efforts between Vernon and North Windsor have identified multiple active nests, with several successful eaglet fledgings each year. The resurgence of bald eagles along the Connecticut River marks a notable environmental recovery, credited in part to reduced human interference. Many older residents recall when sightings were rare, highlighting the species’ remarkable comeback. (Source: The Commons on Apr 14) Southern Vermont Brattleboro, VT

Rep. Mollie Burke Announces Retirement After 18 Years in Vermont Legislature. State Representative Mollie Burke, who has represented Brattleboro's District 8 for nine terms since 2008, announced she will not seek re-election. Burke shared her plans during the Annual Town Meeting on April 11, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and contribute on issues affecting Vermonters. During her tenure, she served on the Transportation Committee, focusing on climate action and transportation policy. Her departure opens the seat for new candidates this fall. (Source: The Commons on Apr 14) Southern Vermont Brattleboro, VT Montpelier, VT

Locally Sourced Rolls Receive Positive Feedback at Brattleboro Union High School. Students at Brattleboro Union High School sampled locally made whole-grain, sourdough rolls during a recent lunch as part of a new pilot program. The initiative, which features bread from Butter Mountain Bakery in Wilmington, uses locally grown grains and flour milled in Vermont. Approximately 600 students participated in the rollout, and the program will soon expand to other Windham Southeast Supervisory Union schools. Organizers aim to eventually bring the effort to more public schools statewide. (Source: The Commons on Apr 14) Southern Vermont Brattleboro, VT Wilmington, VT Putney, VT

Brattleboro Voters Approve $27 Million Budget at First Open Town Meeting. Brattleboro residents approved a $27 million budget covering services such as trash removal and human services during their first open town meeting on April 11. Nearly 300 participants attended, a notable increase due to the recent shift away from the traditional 150-member Representational Town Meeting. This change follows a March vote favoring broader public participation, leaving an open town meeting as the format for this year. A commission will soon review and recommend further changes, pending state approval. (Source: The Commons on Apr 14) Southern Vermont Brattleboro, VT Rutland, VT

Aly Richards Enters Vermont Governor Race, Emphasizing New Policies. Aly Richards, former leader of Let's Grow Kids, has announced her candidacy for Vermont's governorship, stressing the need for fresh solutions to statewide issues. Richards points to rising unaffordability, challenges for small businesses, and lack of health care and housing reforms as pressing concerns. Her prior work included spearheading a successful push for landmark child care legislation. She now seeks to bring her experience to broader state challenges through her gubernatorial campaign. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Apr 13) Southern Vermont Brattleboro, VT Newbury, VT Montpelier, VT

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