Dear Editor, Factory farms are destroying the environment and a animals on a massive scale. Their waste pollutes our water, harms sea life, and creates awful conditions for people living nearby. And now, these big U.S. meat companies are moving their operations to developing countries, which will hurt local farmers, food supplies, and the environment…

Dear Editor, The Legislature allocated a large sum of money—I believe a million dollars—for a consultant to assess the state of Vermont’s healthcare and identify potential solutions. After many months and miles and meetings, the consultant, Dr. Bruce Hamory, released a lengthy report that identified numerous problems.  The vast majority of these he could have…

Dear Editor, What happened yesterday in Vermont to people experiencing homelessness is nowhere close to a humane treatment of our neighbors. I saw babies and school children being sent to live in the woods and on our streets. I saw people on oxygen and in wheelchairs completely disregarded by our state. I saw people who…

Dear Editor, The people in Windsor District are so fortunate to have Alison Clarkson representing us in the Vermont Senate where she is currently the Senate Majority Leader. She is one of our three state senators from the Windsor District and is seeking re-election for her fifth term in the senate. In her 20 years representing our…

The Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) has concluded its annual review of hospital budget submissions for fiscal year 2025. This year’s decisions reflect a careful balance between ensuring access to high-quality, affordable healthcare for Vermonters, maintaining financial sustainability of hospitals, and responding to the evolving healthcare landscape. The GMCB also took corrective action against The…

By Rep. Brian Cina Editor’s note: Brian Cina is a state Representative for Chittenden 15 (Old North End | East District, Burlington). Cina is also on the House Health Care Committee and House Ethics Panel. This commentary was originally addressed to the members of the Vermont General Assembly, Governor Scott and Administration, Lieutenant Governor Zuckerman,…

With the average price of a used car currently around $31,000, many people are unable to afford even the most modest vehicles. For a family of seven from Rutland, these high prices have pumped the brakes on their ability to live self-sufficiently. Thankfully, a generous donor presented this family with a life-changing gift that will…

Heritage Family Credit Union Business Development Officer Tracy Adams and Tanya Bergantino, Castleton Branch Manager presented a $2,500 check to Castleton Community Center Director Jo Ann Riley to support a Bocci Court at the center.  The bocci court will be located on the back lawn at the center allowing members and guests to enjoy playing…

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept. (VTF&W) announced Sept. 10 that entries are being accepted for the 2025 Vermont Student Fish Art Contest in partnership with Wildlife Forever. The department invites Vermont students in grades K-12 to select a fish species found in Vermont waters and submit an illustration and one-page creative essay on the species. The essay is not…

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) published its weekly report of planned construction activities that will impact traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont, Sept. 23-27 and ongoing. Local roads are included below: Hartford: Monday through Friday, motorists should expect moderate delays with traffic shifts and alternating one-way traffic on Route 5 and sideroads from…

By Brett Yates Thanks to a recently expanded state program, municipal buildings in Vermont have a chance to go green without burdening local budgets. Officials in Chittenden hope to take advantage. Eyeing heating, lighting, and weatherization upgrades, Chittenden has applied for $499,999.49 — out of a maximum of $500,000 – in grant funding from Vermont’s…

Spoiler alert: Author’s political bias may show… The race to Election Day (Nov. 5), has officially begun in Vermont. The Secretary of State’s office has begun the mailing of general election ballots to all active voters in the state. Voters can choose to mail or drop off their ballot at their Town Clerk’s office or…

Kahan brings awareness to mental health initiatives Last  Wednesday,  Sept. 18, Governor Phil Scott announced that he proclaimed Thursday, Sept. 19 “Noah Kahan’s Busyhead Project Day” in Vermont as critically acclaimed Vermont singer and songwriter, Noah Kahan, returns to Vermont to perform a sold-out benefit concert with all proceeds going to Vermont-based mental health organizations. The…

The Mint makerspace announced Monday, Sept. 23, the upcoming transport of an innovative S.P.A.C.E. unit to Mac Steel, marking a significant step in the organizations collaboration with Mac Steel, who further partners with Salem Art Works.  This unique 8 foot by 12 foot unit, acquired from Mike’s Country Store in Clarendon, has been meticulously weatherized…

Vermont State University (VTSU) announced Monday, Sept. 23, that it was recently awarded a $1.8 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, along with researchers from the University of Maine, to conduct groundbreaking research on ticks and invasive plant species.  VTSU faculty members Drs. Kristen Ross and William (Bill) Landesman are co-investigators on the grant.  The project, titled “Management of…