By Guy Page

Chester A. Arthur died exactly 139 years ago today, but he lives on larger than ever as a key character in the new Netflix series, “Death By Lightning.”

Chester Alan Arthur (October 5, 1829 – November 18, 1886) was the 21st president of the United States, serving from 1881 to 1885. Born in Fairfield (although some say Bakersfield or Waterville, or even Canada), he was the son of a preacher.  An early civil rights lawyer, he was a Republican from New York who previously served as the 20th vice president under President James A. Garfield. 

Assuming the presidency after Garfield’s assassination, Arthur’s administration saw the largest expansion of the U.S. Navy, the end of the so-called “spoils system”, and the implementation of harsher restrictions for migrants entering from abroad, according to Wikipedia

Death by Lightning is mostly about the assassination of President James Garfield. Garfield’s death effectively ended the hopes of Reconstruction, the ambitious post-Civil War plan its supporters said would give freed slaves land, education, opportunity and hope. Episodes 1-4 are now available. 

Land conserved at Long Trail’s Journey’s End

The Northeast Wilderness Trust has permanently protected more than 340 acres adjacent to the Long Trail corridor and Jay State Forest, creating the Journey’s End Wilderness Preserve, the Newport Dispatch reports.

The Montpelier-based regional land trust announced the protection, which bolsters Vermont’s conservation landscape and strengthens northern Vermont’s wildlife corridors during a time of rapid ecosystem change.

The project capitalizes on habitat connectivity opportunities presented by long-distance hiking trails. The 272-mile Long Trail is a continuous stretch of conserved lands spanning Vermont’s length and connecting with Canada’s Sutton Mountains.

Battery maker joins Vermont Electric Co-op energy storage program

FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc. has been named one of the first approved manufacturers in the expanded Vermont Electric Co-op (VEC) Flexible Load battery storage program. The partnership is considered a major milestone in expanding residential energy storage options across Vermont. 

Customers who install qualified systems will be able to provide energy to help stabilize the grid during high demand times, supporting Vermont’s goals for community-based energy innovation and decarbonization. The new program was anticipated to launch during the week of October 27.

Topnotch Resort adding 27 luxury residences

Topnotch Resort in Stowe announced plans for a significant expansion and enhancement project that is scheduled to break ground in 2026. The project includes introducing 27 fully furnished luxury residences to the Mountain Road location. 

The new three-story building will offer one- to four-bedroom residences (ranging from 1,000 to 2,400 square feet) featuring finely crafted furnishings by RH and views of the Green Mountains. Owners will have full access to Topnotch’s extensive amenities, including the Wellness Spa, state-of-the-art Fitness Center, and the Topnotch Tennis Academy. 

The expansion coincides with renovations to the existing resort, including upgrades to all 68 hotel rooms, an expanded lobby, and the reimagining of the all-day restaurant, The Roost. The resort will remain open during construction, which will be completed in phases. The project is projected to generate significant economic benefits for the Stowe region, including the creation of approximately 500 construction jobs.