News

Building a career by figuring out animals’ needs

Local woman communicates with animals
MARLBORO - It would be an understatement to say that Nicole Birkholzer, owner of Marlboro-based Mindful Connections, convenes with nature. Birkholzer, an animal behavior and communication specialist, converses with her clients. And by...

School board discusses budget cuts, looks at staffing levels

DOVER - During their meeting on Monday, February 3, River Valleys Unified School District discussed the fiscal year 2026 budget. In the spring, River Valleys Unified School District will host their annual meeting and present the fiscal year 2026 budget to the public.
“Over the last few...

ACLU lawsuit alleges surveillance of pregnant Vermonter

LAMOILLE COUNTY - A lawsuit filed in January by the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont claims the Vermont Department of Children and Families routinely and illegally surveils pregnant Vermonters throughout the state using information obtained from medical and social service...

One of Bruce Busa's campaign lawn signs during the November 2024 General Election

Legislature sides with committee, denies Busa election rebid

MONTPELIER- In a 91 to 45 vote Friday, the Vermont House of Representatives voted to accept a committee recommendation affirming the election of Bennington-1 Rep. Jonathan Cooper, of Pownal.
Cooper was certified as the winner of the election following a close election in November and a...

Board asked about redirecting option tax funds

DOVER- During a brief meeting Tuesday, February 4, selectboard members discussed a suggestion that the town should consider changing its priorities for use of its 1% local option tax funds.
When Dover voters adopted a 1% local option tax in 2007, they did so with the understanding that...

Fire and ice: Freak explosion burns family

WILMINGTON- A Brattleboro man and his two daughters are home and continuing to recover after they were seriously injured in what is being described as a freak ice fishing incident over the weekend.
Brattleboro resident Joel Shepard planned to spend Saturday morning ice fishing on...

Wilmington's former fire station

Former firehouse use questioned

WILMINGTON - During a meeting on Tuesday, February 4, the Wilmington Selectboard approved the purchase of a new police department vehicle and approved a license renewal for a small indoor cannabis cultivator. They also reviewed articles that will be voted on at the upcoming Town Meeting on...

Make it on Main Street judges name finalists, winner announced soon

By Lauren Harkawik
WILMINGTON - Judges for the second iteration of Make it on Main Street, the Wilmington-focused business plan competition, have named finalists. They comprise two existing businesses, Butter Mountain Bakery and Valley Craft Ales, which seek to expand their operations, and...

House committee votes to uphold Cooper win

MONTPELIER- In a livestreamed meeting Wednesday, the House Government Operations and Military Affairs committee voted in favor of a report recommending the Legislature uphold the election of Jonathan Cooper as Bennington-1 Representative.
In a 9 - 1 vote, with one member absent, the...

River Valleys board looks at school budget, tries to reduce spending

DOVER - During their meeting on Monday, January 27, the River Valleys Unified School District discussed the board’s financials in preparation for approving the fiscal year 2026 budget this spring.
Dover Town Clerk Andy McLean gave an overview of important dates coming up for the board....