Formerly known as the beloved “Garlic Fest,” the annual festival has grown into one of Vermont’s largest family-friendly agricultural celebrations, drawing thousands of visitors from across the country to downtown Bennington each Labor Day weekend.
Garlic Town USA returns for 31st anniversary with expanded entertainment, chef demonstrations and family programming
Motorcycles speeding 105 MPH thru village this summer
Police identified the motorcyclist as Adam Blow, 47, of Burlington. Officer Blake Allen was conducting traffic enforcement near Shelburne and Bay roads at about 12:16 AM Aug. 20 when stationary radar recorded Blow’s Suzuki GSX-8R traveling south at 100 mph. Blow pulled over and was issued a speeding ticket in lieu of arrest.
Franklin County man is dead after walking into train
The male approached the crossing from the west, walking east, when he collided with the train.
VT Headlines: Coast Guard investigates charter boat business on Lake Champlain
Burlington man arrested for assaulting first responders in Montpelier, police say; ATM stolen from convenience store in Hancock, police say; Police cite 2 in East Montpelier underage drinking investigation; South Hero man sentenced to 8 months in mail theft case
WEEKEND: State Fair in Rutland, world soccer in Montpelier, Little City throws big party
Late August in Vermont is when the state squeezes every last drop out of summer, and this weekend the calendar shows it.
Springfield, MA men dodge federal death penalty in Rutland drug killing
Dylin “Slim” Wainscott, 30, and Precious “P” Okorie, 32, both of Springfield Mass. are charged in the latest federal indictment returned by a grand jury in Rutland this week, officials said.
Website in opposition to Proposal 4 launched
On July 28, 2026, Governor Scott issued a press release formally proclaiming two constitutional amendments upon which voters will decide on the November 2026 general election ballot. Governor Scott encouraged voters to, “do their homework before making their voices heard on these issues in November.”
A brief history of Vermont’s eclectic license plates
Vermont’s license plates have changed steadily since the first cars appeared on the state’s roads, moving from fragile porcelain tags to the sturdy green plates that feel like part of the landscape.
Teenage e-moto rider dressed in black runs red lights at night
A young teenager dressed entirely in black reportedly raced through Burlington streets the night of August 18 on a high-powered electric motorcycle without lights, reflectors or a helmet, adding another incident to growing concerns over e-bikes, e-motos and other motorized devices on city streets.
Letter: Why I left Vermont
The vast majority of Burlington’s and Vermont’s citizenry deserve what they are getting, either through their voting habits or apathy or (mostly) willful share of ignorance and stupidity.
Stone: Who Vermont’s economy actually works for
Vermont’s property tax carries the highest effective burden in the country — first out of 50 states, per WalletHub’s 2026 analysis, at 4.89 percent of income.
We read all 2.59 million checks Vermont wrote. Now you can too.
Introducing the Citizens’ Checkbook — and five questions the state should answer
Students standing up for LIFE on campus
We all know how colleges can indoctrinate students with a leftist agenda. But when it comes to abortion, the consequences aren’t just badly informed citizens or bad politicians winning. It means children being killed and women deeply hurt by a predatory abortion industry.
Reckless target shooting injures 84-year-old neighbor
Two men were target shooting near a Ceres Circle home when a round entered the residence and struck her.
Colchester man gets 36 days in prison for breaking arm and leg of baby
The boy with the broken bones in February also had been treated at the hospital for a sprained ankle in January when he was about two weeks old, court records noted.
Fourth Burlington knife assault in last week leads to arrest
Burlington police say Nicholas Hulbert, 38, a vagrant, was allegedly committing a retail theft at City Market at 82 South Winooski Avenue at about 6:41 PM August 19 when a store manager attempted to intervene. Police say Hulbert then produced a knife, placing the manager in fear for his life, before fleeing on foot.
VT Headlines: South Burlington fire chief named president of world’s largest professional association
Man sent to the hospital with gunshot wound, Hardwick police investigating; Vermont State Police patrols end in Burlington following violent weekend; Juvenile seriously injured in e-bike, car crash in Weathersfield; Vermont teen killed in ATV crash
Klar: Becca Balint responds hysterically to hysterical AI video
Free speech includes the best of satire!
Montgomery voters affirm short-term rental ordinance
The new ordinance, adopted by the Selectboard in June, requires property owners to register annually and comply with multiple policies, including limits on the number of guests.
Fernandez: Bernie & Mamdani’s political clan clouded by Rama Duwaji, the New York City Mayor’s wife
Duwaji and every other genocide accuser will have a tough time explaining Israel’s genocidal intent, given that the population of Israeli Arabs has grown from 156,000 in 1948 to more than two million today – one-fifth of the population.
14 year old girl dies in ATV crash
She was driving the ATV on private land.
Meet ‘Indian Joe’ of Joe’s Pond, and Rev War vet black Baptist preacher
“The majority of people throughout history have been common people whose stories have not been highlighted,” researcher Angie Grove said.
$192M issued in state tax refunds, so far
The State of Vermont has sent $192 million in tax refunds to Vermonters so far for Tax Year 2025 – thanks, in part, to a multi-million-dollar tax relief package signed into law last June.
Scott traces Burlington violence back to 2020 Defund the Police vote
Bird call recordings to discourage Montpelier vagrants. Fallout of dairy, paper mill closings. Connecting defund the Police and violent crime in Burlington. Incumbent Phil Scott gives his take on Dems electing progressive-backed Janoo to oppose him in November.
VT Headlines: Vermont Supreme Court deals setback to defense in case of deadly cruiser crash
Police say man shot in leg in East Hardwick; Vermont health insurance rates will rise next year, but less than expected; Woman accused of firing gun in downtown Burlington pleads not guilty; Police searching for missing Vermont teen
Small town struggles with juvenile e-bike, e-moto riders
Statewide, public officials are grappling with public safety threats posed to juvenile e-bike and e-moto riders, both to themselves and those around them.
The failure of knife laws to curb violent crime
Office for National Statistics figures and related studies show that when access to certain lethal means is tightly limited, the underlying drive to harm does not disappear; people simply turn to whatever remains available.
Blotter: Elderly driver dies in crash
Also, Vermont State Police are seeking the public’s help identifying two suspects who allegedly broke into the Champlain Farms convenience store at 5127 Main St. in Waitsfield early Tuesday morning.
New roof at Waterbury state complex to cost $8 million
The Waterbury State Office Complex needs an $8 million slate roof because the old slate is beyond its life expectancy and cannot be replaced with cheaper materials due to historic and architectural significance.
Artisan cannabis cultivators are struggling to make money in Vermont
Independent growers want a way to sell their product directly to consumers.
AdaptHealth breach exposed health records of one in 13 Vermonters
AdaptHealth sells and rents durable medical equipment — the industry term for medical gear people use at home rather than in a hospital or clinic.
Keep dairy plant open, don’t punish union workers, Bernie says
A federal judge on Monday granted a temporary restraining order blocking the closure, according to Sanders’ office. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Thursday. Sanders is calling on DFA to keep the St. Albans operation open and preserve the roughly 80 jobs at the facility.
Roper: Amanda JaNOO THANKS!
VT Dems go full communist.
VT Headlines: Judge halts St. Albans Creamery closure
Lawsuit had accused Dairy Farmers of America of retaliation for employee strike
There and back again—the journeys of two Wood Thrush
Highlights of Audubon Vermont’s Wood Thrush migration tracking efforts as part of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service project to better understand Wood Thrush migration patterns across their breeding range.
18 Dem primary winners, including Janoo, endorsed by Progressive Party
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amanda Janoo heads a group of Vermont Progressive Party-endorsed candidates who advanced in the Aug. 11 primary and are now headed to the November general election, according to Ballotpedia.com.
Mice may drive Lyme disease
Vermont has second highest Lyme disease rate in nation; Researchers hope to genetically modify mice
BREAKING: Bristol resident wants historic Lord’s Prayer Rock destroyed
The Bristol Town Selectboard has been asked to demolish the historic “Lord’s Prayer Rock” leading into the village on Vermont 116.
VIDEO: Vermont has become unlivable for regular people
In this thoughtful video essay, Vermont native Morgan Gold examines the demographic and economic pressures that are making the Green Mountain State increasingly difficult for ordinary residents.
Balsamic: Vermont, ICE officials launch “Operation Honk Off” to deport Canadian geese
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife announced a joint campaign Monday to stop Canadian geese from “violating U.S. borders” and to remove those already occupying Vermont ponds, golf courses, and public parks.
Hunt Canada Geese in September
Vermont’s resident Canada goose hunting season will be held September 1 through September 25 to help control Vermont’s resident Canada goose population prior to the arrival of Canada geese migrating south from Canada, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.
Victims shot at home identified
Timothy Magee, 45, was shot during an incident reported at about 8:35 PM Sunday, Aug. 16, at a residence on Holliday Road in Albany, police said.; Cops seek green Subaru from MA
Child Evangelism Fellowship fires Vermont director after kiddie porn bust
“CEF has zero tolerance for such misconduct and is fully cooperating with law enforcement.”
Montreal porn suspect bagged at border
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol called State Police and turned over the wanted man.
Man arrested for kidnapping, unlawful restraint
State police received the report at about 1:24 PM Aug. 16 that Nubian Mohammed had unlawfully restrained household members at a location on U.S. Route 2.
VT Headlines: Police seeking person of interest in Sunday night shooting
Crews rescue trapped resident in overnight Burlington fire; Two kayakers rescued from Lake Champlain; Ver-Monster Brawl strongman competition held on Statehouse lawn in Montpelier
Vermont governor’s salary among nation’s highest, due to legislated pay hikes
The salary of Vermont’s governor has risen about $100,000 since 2017, putting the chief executive of the nation’s second-least-populous state among the highest-paid governors in the country.
Boston Tea Partier buried in VT
A commemorative plaque was installed at a Sharon cemetery yesterday to recognize Boston Tea Party participant Anthony Morse, the Journal-Opinion reports.
How the mysterious ‘Bennington Triangle’ came to be
A series of eerie disappearances led to the creation of the state police force and birthed a lasting cultural phenomenon.
CLG: Trump snubs South Korea over ‘very good relationship’ with Kim Jong Un
Secret texts from Dr. Fauci’s COVID-era phone released – jab ‘could be associated with miscarriage in the 1st trimester’; Far-right troops bid farewell to Nazi collaborator with torch-lit march in Kiev; Netanyahu nixes Trump’s Gaza peace plan; Travel warning upgraded to highest level amid thousands of deaths in Ebola outbreak – ‘avoid all travel’; Potentially deadly fungus spreads across U.S. with cases reported in 27 states
VT taxpayers covering the cost of police defunding
Vermont literally paying for Burlington’s failures.
Woman downtown pulls gun from purse, fires by mistake, cops say
The crime spree has included a homicide of a young man behind Courthouse Plaza on Main Street; a shooting at Church and King Streets; a stabbing near St. Paul and Bank Streets; and the assault of a bicyclist on the Bike Path near North Beach by three juveniles with a knife that was used to slash the man’s tires.
Update: Stabbing death reported in Downtown Burlington overnight
The victim is believed to be a young man in his early 20s, VNF was told.
Burlington Police Lieutenant resigns after 5 internal investigations
Henry, 51, of Colchester reportedly has reimbursed the city for any overpayment.
Juvenile e-bikers on city bike path assault adult bike rider
Youths also slashed the adult bike rider’s tires.
Thayer: America’s freedom depends on defending free-market capitalism
America did not become an economic superpower because Washington controlled business. It became great because ordinary people were free to dream, invest, invent, build businesses, own property, and reap the rewards of their hard work. Our Founders understood that liberty and economic freedom go hand in hand.
The Champlain Porpoise?
The case for Champ: Sonar, sound, and our ancient sea
Windham County moves forward with $1.1M plan to remove lead hazards from local homes
The Windham County Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Capacity Building Program, run out of the Windham County Sheriff’s Office, announced this week that it intends to formally request the release of the funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on or around August 31. The money comes from HUD’s Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Grant Program, established under the Consolidated Appropriations Act.
On Chronicle Conversations, Eric Metaxas tells why the Battle of Bennington matters
The interview came on the anniversary of the Battle of Bennington, fought Aug. 14, 1777.
VT Headlines: Train hits tractor-trailer in Shrewsbury
Healthcare workers plan picketing outside UVM Medical Center; Operation Stonegarden immigration arrest conflicts with Vermont’s fair and impartial policing policy; Rutland structure fire leaves significant damage inside a medical supply company
BLOTTER: Man floods third floor apartment on purpose/ Woman gouges another woman’s eye/ OD’er gets violent
Hartford police say a 66-year-old man intentionally flooded his third-floor apartment in an effort to damage the building and force his own eviction, leaving eight apartments uninhabitable.
New Spend-O-Meter shows what Vermont spends, where it goes, and what it costs you
Vermont state government will spend more than $9.3 billion this fiscal year — about $297 every second. A new ‘Spend-O-Meter’ page on FYIVT.com tracks that money in real time, follows it to its destination, and measures it against what Vermonters actually earn and pay. Everything here comes from public records, and every source is named.
Dogs who killed poodle, goats still missing
After two recent fatal dog attacks, the Waitsfield Select Board is reminding residents and visitors that dogs must be physically leashed on public property, the Valley Reporter, the weekly newspaper for the Mad River Valley, reported August 13.
Blue Paddle Bistro in South Hero has closed with no notice
The restaurant, founded by Patience “Mandy” Hotchkiss and Phoebe Bright in March 2005, had become a well-known dining destination in the Champlain Islands.
The Navy is coming to Burlington
The U.S. Navy will descend on the Champlain Valley later this month for Vermont’s first-ever Navy Week, bringing sailors, military musicians, historic displays, patrol boats and other demonstrations to Burlington and surrounding communities.
Lamoille County nonprofit plans to open Waterbury birthing center
The Green Mountain Birthing Center, a nonprofit organization based out of a new clinic in Morrisville, is working to give families more birthing plan options. The nonprofit plans to open a full-service freestanding birth center in Waterbury by 2028, which they say will help address a great need in the region.
Newport pit purchased for $1.1 mil
The acquisition marks a major milestone in Newport’s long-term strategy to activate economic growth, beginning with the transformation of one of the city’s most prominent properties that was locked up in the aftermath of the EB-5 scandal.
Keelan: Raptor Lane’s issues: Greater than the number of units
If only 35 units are approved and construction started, will the project succeed, and if not, what debt will Dorset be obligated for?
Church elder charged with kiddie porn distribution
The FBI said they arrested Buzzell during a raid at his home at 472 Clarendon Avenue last Friday.
Local cat café robbed by vagrant cat klepto
After the alleged theft, the café says it made contact with the person, who admitted to taking the cat and sent photos of the animal. However, subsequent attempts to negotiate the cat’s return reportedly broke down, with the individual instead threatening self-harm and making threats toward staff.
Strong support in Burlington, progressive enclaves boosts Janoo over Richards
The clearest piece of Janoo’s winning formula was Burlington.
Raised in Mao’s China amid famine, House candidate warns of threats to U.S. liberty
Lily Tang Williams, candidate for one of New Hampshire’s two seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, was a guest today on Chronicle Conversations on WVMT AM 620 and wvmtradio.com.
VT Headlines: State Hazmat team responds to sunken vessel leaking fuel
St. Michael’s College accreditation at risk amid steep enrollment drop; About 1/5 of registered voters participated in Vermont primary, data shows; Police seek suspect in car theft from St. Johnsbury Ford dealership
Arrest made for summertime heists of gold and silver
Also, two truck crashes in northeastern VT, and Smokies make DUI bust in Queen City
President Trump’s USPS mail-in rules head to US Supreme Court
Midterm voting integrity is embroiled in panicked lawfare.
Connecticut, Vermont primaries showcase Democratic Party’s rift
Voters in Connecticut and Vermont went to the polls Tuesday to decide primary races that showcased Democrats’ struggle between moderates and its progressive left wing and demands for generational change in Congress.
Waterbury home demolitions begin under FEMA buyout program
When it comes to flood resiliency, Waterbury homeowners consider their options.
Page: Why Bennington Battle Day matters
So why is Bennington Battle Day a state holiday, and why should a minor battle fought 240 years ago still matter to Vermonters? The answer is that Vermont probably wouldn’t exist today if not for the Battle of Bennington. August 16th is our “Independence Day.”
Free admission to all state historic sites on Bennington Battle Day, August 16
This annual celebration honors the historic Battle of Bennington, fought on August 16, 1777. After a day of non-stop rain, the American forces lead by Gen. John Stark and Col. Seth Warner defeated the British and German troops desperately trying to capture much needed provisions from the colonial arsenal in Bennington.
Old Stone House Museum marks 190th anniversary with granite demonstration, daylong celebration
The Old Stone House Museum and Historic Village will celebrate the 190th anniversary of its granite dormitory building with a daylong event on Sunday, Aug. 16, featuring a granite cutting demonstration, live music, heritage crafts and more.
A Bermuda charity is paying to send a first-time skier to Jay Peak
The Bermuda Ski and Snowboard Association announced its Snow Angel bursary Tuesday, as reported by The Royal Gazette. The recipient joins the island’s snow-sports community at Jay Peak from Feb. 7 to 12. The award is means-tested, and it is built for someone who has never skied or snowboarded — first snowfall, first chairlift, first run.
E-scooter crashes with bus, rider badly injured
Police said both the bus and scooter had been traveling southbound on Elmwood Avenue.
Who was nominated, and why?
Listen to Chronicle Conversations news coverage of the primary results on WVMT AM 620 and wvmtradio.com noon to 1 PM today.
Dem Senate incumbents keep seats in primary – but two House members lose nomination
House races, however, saw a pair of incumbents replaced. John Bartholomew of Windsor and Jim Masland both finished third in their two-seat district primaries. All of the other House candidates in contested primaries were renominated.
U.N. planner Janoo gets Dem nod for governor
Janoo, 38, entered the race in March with little statewide name recognition and had never before run for public office.
VT Headlines: Brattleboro woman arrested for parking lot shooting incident
Police identify man found dead at Charlotte Town Beach; Plans to demolish old Bove’s restaurant in Burlington put on hold; Poll workers in Rutland observe low turnout for Vermont Primary Election voting; Local, small blood drives help stabilize blood supply during critical shortage, according to Red Cross
FINAL Results of all Vermont contested primaries HERE
Click on link to contested candidate spreadsheet, and/or Secretary of State Election Results page, for primary election results.
Evslin: Where are we going to recede from?
The question used to be “where will we grow?”
Burlington Beer League builds community one softball game at a time
The summer league offers Chittenden County adults a chance to compete, connect and enjoy beer.
Norton man delivers aid to civilians in frontline Ukrainian city
A Norton resident has returned from a humanitarian trip to Kherson, Ukraine, where he helped deliver food and supplies to civilians living under daily threat of attack near the front line of the war.
Burlington not alone as Vermont communities move to clear homeless encampments
Burlington is not the only Vermont community taking a more aggressive approach toward homeless encampments, as St. Johnsbury officials this week ordered the removal of five camps along a riverside recreation corridor and say they intend to prevent new encampments from becoming established.
South Burlington now has officers on the bike paths it decided not to police
South Burlington police announced Aug. 10 that they have launched a bicycle patrol, putting a five-member unit — four officers and a parks patrol member — on Market Street and Garden Street, in city parks, and on the recreation paths. The department is supplying bikes and e-bikes, and says those assigned have trained in bike safety, regulations, and public engagement.
Rattlesnake captured in Shelburne
May have swum Lake Champlain, authorities say
Molly Gray in a landslide wins Dem LG race
Sarah George won re-election as state’s attorney, despite losing in Burlington.
Teen passenger dies in high-speed crash
Investigators said the Subaru had been traveling at a high rate of speed when it lost traction, went off the road and struck a tree.
VT Headlines: Migrant Justice accuses Vermont sheriff’s deputy of wrongful arrest
Polls open across Vermont as Democrats decide who challenges for governor; Waitsfield takes closer look at dog safety after two attacks; Williston fire rescues hiker during storm; Several departments work to extinguish Essex Junction apartment fire
Burlington police brutality protest leader wins Miss Black USA
She has gone from being a UVM student pouring red liquid at the feet of Burlington Police leaders at a George Floyd protest, to owning a Winooski food business. And now Harmony Edosomwan is Miss Black USA 2026.
Trump admin sues over 2024 VT law giving preferential college financial aid to some non-citizens
The 2024 law gives preferential status to some non-citizens (see below) and places all non-citizens, regardless of immigration status, on equal eligibility status with Vermonters.
BREAKING: DiSabito faces last-minute challenge for Grand Isle State’s Attorney
St. Albans lawyer files for General Election in November
Vagrant with 29 convictions pulls knife on store employee during attempted grocery theft, Burlington Police say
A trip to City Market ended in a knife threat and an arrest Monday morning after a Burlington man tried to walk out of the South End store with a cart full of unpaid groceries, according to Burlington Police.
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