Hicks Logging was fined $6,000.00 for failing to file advanced notice of its intent and to obtain a permit to conduct a heavy cut on property in Concord, VT.
Logger fined for violating heavy cut permitting process
Timothy Page
Sex offender pleads innocent to numerous sexual assaults
Police arrested Rau on January 8 on two counts of aggravated sexual assault, voyeurism, soliciting prostitution, providing alcohol to a minor, and more.
Balint voted to not deport violent felons
51 Democrats joined Republicans in voting to protect their constituents. But Becca Balint stood with 158 Democrats who voted “nay.”
Vermont AG joins others questioning Walmart’s retreat from DEI
AGs from California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island also co-signed the sternly-worded letter.
COVID mask criminal case dismissed
One man, until Jan. 9, was still facing prosecution by the state for an alleged violation of the controversial COVID-era masking policy.
CLG: CA hasn’t requested help from Pentagon to fight fires
LA’s water chief ‘was aware of empty reservoir and broken fire hydrants months before fires’; California leads country in human bird flu with nearly 40 cases
Woolf: More people leaving Vermont than moving in
A thriving, prosperous state is a goal that all Vermonters can agree to. That goal is easier to achieve with a growing population. We don’t have that.
Police seek overdue hiker on Mount Pisgah
Vermont State Police are searching for a Craftsbury woman, Sue Mi Ko, 51, who failed to return from hiking in the Mount Pisgah area Thursday evening.
Soulia: Should Vermont consider a Stand Your Ground law?
In much of the world, and many states across the U.S., self-defense is seen as a fundamental right. In Vermont it’s…complicated.
Bryce: LA asleep at the switch
The LA Dept. of Water and Power aggressively touts sustainability, solar, EVs, hydrogen, and its pursuit of “100% clean power.” Did it ignore wildfire risk?
Vermont rated one of the best states to raise a family in
The report ranked each state in affordability, safety, education, pediatric health care and quality of life. The combined metrics determined states’ rankings.
Rodgers on “a clear path to the next level” as supporters celebrate new lieutenant governor
“It makes it so the Democrats have to negotiate,” Rodgers said to VDC shortly after entering his new office.
Roper: House Democrats circling wagons around Clean Heat Standard
Clean Heat Standard repeal kicked over to Committee controlled by those who made it law in the first place.
Bartley: Balancing reform, affordability, and Vermont’s future
It’s clear: Vermonters are calling for thoughtful reforms to keep our state affordable, functional, and equitable for all residents.
CLG: Biden approves $500M in military aid for Ukraine as Los Angeles burns
Supreme Court denies Trump attempt to stop sentencing in New York v. Trump; LA Mayor Karen Bass’s galling response to wildfires after cutting just 17.6M from FD
Duffy blocks public release of report about Woodstock Police Chief
Woodstock residents are not being permitted to read the investigative report they are paying for concerning management concerns within the village PD.
Locking people up will cost taxpayers lots of $$, Corrections committee chair warns
A brief introduction to the members of the 2025-2026 House Corrections and Institutions Committee
Balsamic: New “Keep Off My Lawn Theory” explains natural disasters
A groundbreaking new climate theory has taken the scientific community by storm, suggesting that recent extreme weather events are simply the result of a divine entity telling humanity to “get off His lawn.”
VT Headlines: Nationwide data breach affects student, staff information at Vermont schools
Vermont businesses worried about Trump’s proposed tariffs; Elmore-Morristown school district settles with feds over allegations of racial harassment
National legal brawl may decide what types of cars Vermonters can buy
All sides expect President-elect Donald Trump to try to revoke states’ authority to adopt California’s strict rules on carbon emitted by vehicles.
Crimes and consequences across Vermont
To read more, go to Keepvermontsafe.com
Despathy: Bird flu PCR test can’t detect infections
As explained by its Nobel Prize winning creator, Kary Mullis, PCR is not intended to and cannot detect infections.
Klar: Learning from ‘green’ Germany’s downfall
Germany’s once-envied efficient economy is in freefall
Soulia: Senator Harrison’s vision vs. VT’s challenges
Senator Harrison argues that Vermont is growing, but the data paints a more nuanced picture.
Royer Auto Sales manager pleads guilty in fraud case
James Royer pleaded guilty on December 19 to felony embezzlement and forged paperwork charges, along with two misdemeanors related to DMV title documentation.
Graydon Barron Stevens, 1952-2024
Musician, chimney sweep and outdoor enthusiast had a deep connection to his Vermont roots
Police arrest suspect in Lyndon gas station armed robbery
Vermont State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect who robbed a Lyndon gas station at knifepoint on Sunday.
VT Headlines: Illinois driver crashes into school bus in Richford, VT, DMV says
Decker Towers gets reprieve from drug traffic, squatters; Miro on housing crisis; Norovirus prevention recommendations
Two-vehicle crash in Swanton sends four to hospital
The crash occurred around 10:26 a.m. at the intersection of Woods Hill Road and Bushey Road, according to Vermont State Police.
Letters: The Uni-party; Gun v. car violence
The manipulating hidden hands, and the double standard of the anti-gun movement
Despathy: What to do about that Bird Flu – Part 1
It is absolutely urgent Vermont revisit the history and existing body of avian bird flu science.
Soulia: $1000 per bill introduced and you pay the tab
$1.2 Million Spent on Legislative Proposals in 2023-2024
U.S. Attorney for Vermont steps down
Nikolas “Kolo” Kerest, the U.S. Attorney for Vermont for the past three years, submitted his resignation Monday effective Jan. 20.
CLG: Congress defies snowstorm to certify Trump’s election
New Orleans terrorist Shamsud-Din Jabbar wore Meta Smart Glasses during attack; Biden issues sweeping offshore oil, gas drilling ban in 625M acres of federal waters ahead of Trump transition
Winooski School District wants “sanctuary” status
The policy would prohibit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and potentially compromise access to any federal funds used to run the school.
CLG: Mask mandates return in multiple states
Ohio Gov. DeWine vetoes ‘medical free speech’ rights of doctors who dissent; Mysterious fog sweeping U.S. sparks bioweapon fears
Adornay: Two roads diverge…
I was in Kenya during their last national election, in 2022. And it was scary. We are walking down that same dark road.
Celtics enforcer coached at Norwich in crazy ’60s
Thus, was the strange winter of the Vietnam War, D3 Norwich playing DI UVM, and a great 3-pt gunner whose long-distance baskets only counted for 2.
Roper: Randy Brock for Senate President Pro Tem!
And thoughts on the race for Speaker of the House
Ice fishing prospects abound in the Green Mountain State
VT Fish & Wildlife at the Yankee Show, Jan. 17-19; Hunters took more than 17,000 deer in 2024
Fleeing man tries to stab cops with needle
Aaron Montgomery, 35, of Springfield, who had an arrest warrant, also resisted arrest by kicking, spitting on, and attempting to bite officers.
Newbury saffron farm sustains vision of experimentation
About half the shares of Calabash Gardens are owned by family and friends, and 39% are owned by people of color.
Roper: Legislature, resolve to cut spending in the new year
Since 2019, the year before Covid, the state budget has grown from about $5.8 billion to $8.5 billion. That’s a $2.7 billion spending increase in just 4 years.
Koch: “Scribblings” on education finance
The legislature should make education reform priority ONE for the next two years.
Beware the Wampahoofus
Vermont’s cryptid with particularly slanted views
A Colchester community reflects on its first year as a village
It’s been a year since the Westbury mobile home park in Colchester became the Village of Westbury, the first village established in Vermont in nearly a century.
Roper: What’s to show for 25 years of Democrat/Progressive control
Let that be your New Year resolution: Hold your representatives in Montpelier accountable for what they are doing in your name and, ostensibly, on your behalf.
School Board to principals: Recite Pledge of Allegiance every day
The Southwest Vermont Union Elementary School District Board (SVUESD) voted shortly before Christmas to have the Pledge of Allegiance recited every day.
St. Albans man charged with animal cruelty in dog neglect case
For the Love of Dogs Vermont rescued the canine, who had lost about 77 pounds and was left w/o food, water, electricity, or heat for an extended period.
Klar: A New Year’s resolution (of political differences)
New Year’s 2025 celebrations augur the second inauguration of Donald J. Trump as president of the United States.
Low disposable income makes Vermont 5th worst state for work
Despite the highest workplace safety and a 37.8 hour work week on avg., Vermont ranks low due to a 48.46 happiness index and $15,263 average disposable income.
GOP State Senate leader: We won’t forget Vermonters
The new legislature needs to continue to focus on the difficult work of passing systemic change. VT voices deserve to be remembered and acted upon.
Keelan: VT nonprofits a new source of State revenue?
The Vermont nonprofit sector is one of the largest sectors of the State’s economy, measured by revenue generated and employees, yet is primarily unregulated.
Bossange: America’s lost political parties
If this past election proved anything, it confirmed the death of the national GOP, the unraveling of the Democrats, and the emergence of a new MAGA Party.
CLG: New Year’s ‘terror attack’ kills 10 people, injures 35 in New Orleans
Ukraine ends transit of Russian gas to EU; Canadian Teen Recovers From Severe H5N1 Bird Flu Infection; Fog Causing Mystery Illness Is Documented By Social Media
Furlough for dangerous inmate put on hold after public outcry
Breer has as a criminal history includes arrests for sexual assault, kidnapping, aggravated domestic assault and numerous violations of probation and parole.
VT Headlines: Ice jam shuts down Route 5 in St. Johnsbury with flooding
VSP interviews St. Johnsbury PD captain in connection with ongoing investigation into Dec. 13 shooting; Snow, rain to impact Vermont on New Year’s Day
Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy grew to $2.1 billion in 2023
Green Mountain State maintains #2 ranking for outdoor recreation as part of GDP.
Jesse: What we need from a new Essex-Westford school superintendent
They will have to focus on student academic achievement by setting specific measurable goals and focusing district resources on meeting those goals.
Gov. Phil Scott announces appointments to the newly-created land Land Use Review Board
This new Board is a reorganization of the Natural Resources Board, the organization responsible for the administration of Act 250, Vermont’s land use and development law.
As euthanasia booms in Canada, Vermont elections have weeded out assisted suicide proponents
Vermont’s “End of Life Choices” law means that doctors may prescribe lethal doses of medication to terminally ill patients if that’s what they choose.
2024 Healthcare: More sickness causing costs to rise?
In a nutshell, Vermont is getting sicker and older and our current health care system is going broke.
Celebrate in style at the best reception and event venues in Vermont
Vermont is home to many estates, hotels, and events places that offer picturesque settings to set the right mood for any occasion.
Police say homeless Barre man beats, robs elderly man
Police said they jailed Carlos Manuel Perez, 33, for lack of $3,500 bail at the state prison in St. Johnsbury following the arrest on Saturday.
VT Headlines: Joan Shannon will not seek reelection to Burlington City Council
Vernon police seize fentanyl, cocaine in traffic stop, two arrested; Wakefield police seek help finding missing 14-year-old; Buprenorphine initiative in Burl.
Soulia: Equal pay, unequal costs
How Vermont legislators spent your money on H.861
Swenson: From Montpelier to Austin
Lessons Vermont needs to learn from Texas. Vermont deserves better, and it’s time for its leaders to deliver.
Klar: Who will be VT’s new Lt. Governor?
Because John Rodgers unseated incumbent Lt. Gov. Dave Zuckerman with less than 50% of the popular vote, the VT Legislature will select who gets the job.
CLG: Jimmy Carter, 39th president of the United States, has died at 100 years old
Democratic Lawyers Call for Congress to Block Trump From Taking Office; Bird flu virus shows mutations in first severe human case in U.S., CDC says
Bennett: Jimmy Carter and the Marsh Rabbit
If a marsh rabbit can care about politics, the one in this story was surely a Republican.
Suspect in vicious beating/robbery released to mother
Abdirahman Mohammed, 22, is accused with four others of attacking a couple in downtown Burlington back in April.
Keelan: Is Zuckerman the reincarnation of Bernie?
The Lieutenant Governor’s traveling around the State to warn us of the crisis of book banning was irrelevant, and it fell on deaf ears.
A bone-chilling record
Vermont’s coldest day: December 30, 1933
Bird Flu confirmed in backyard flock in Franklin County
Officials alert animal owners of need for continued vigilance to protect bird flocks and cattle in Vermont
VT Headlines: Abandoned rottweiler recovering
EV infrastructure challenges; Church Street difficulties; Cats catching bird flu and how to keep them safe.
Klar: Biden renews technology-sharing treaty with China
All the while, Chinese drones threaten US national security.
Young-people’s rate of non-fatal overdoses increasing
Among these overdoses, cannabis, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and stimulants account for the most increase.
Queen City drug dens go viral
New social media clips show drug dens in Burlington as staffing challenges getting worse.
Klar: Will Donald Trump end birthright citizenship?
Birthright Citizenship hurts the nation: A constitutional examination of what makes an American.
Arnn: Drain the swamp
The following is adapted from remarks delivered on November 19, 2024, at a Hillsdale College reception in San Diego, California.
Vermont has the 2nd-most grocery stores per capita
The report notes that VT has 3.3 stores per 10,000 residents, while NY has the most with 4.3. At the bottom are UT, AZ, and NV all tied at 1.1 stores.
2024 in Education: Costs rise, performance declines
In 2024, the Green Mountain State saw education costs, aka property taxes, rise more than 13%. All while academic performance continued to decline.
Kinsley: No victory on property taxes this year
What we have is a distribution of resources problem. The resources we have are not making it to the right places to improve (or even maintain) student outcomes.
Grant: Slam the backdoor on China but keep American global business, allies in AI
The battle against China in AI is crucial. The U.S. has a narrow lead but cannot become complacent.
Letters: A little girl’s will to live
Running into turbulent seas the boat sunk and a 11 year old girl wearing a life jacket was the only survivor latching onto a tire tube.
Balint: Legislate away loneliness
Editor’s note: The holidays are a particularly lonely time of year for many people. Rep. Balint’s bill addresses a real problem.
Tree farm dream continues at Murray Hill
Bob Murray and his wife, Carlie, bought the 60-acre plot of land and planted their first tree in 1976.
New South Burlington city curator ‘exhibits’ belief in art, community
Sarah Jayne Kennelly creates showcases in South Burlington’s Public Art Gallery.
Kept from school as a girl, new district officer Saja Almogalli fights for Winooski students
Winooski is the only majority-minority school district in Vermont, and its students come from more than two dozen countries.
Bumps in the not-so-Silent Night
M.R. James and the tradition of Christmas ghost stories
CLG: Ukraine uses U.S. ATACMS to strike chemical plant in southern Russia
Interactive map reveals disturbing pattern in drone sightings across the U.S.; Pentagon Reveals It Actually Has 2,000 Troops in Syria, Not 900
Soulia: VT’s spending problem
Can our State break free from Federal dependency?
Soulia: The hidden cost of global healthcare
How U.S. overpayments prop up cheaper systems
Newport awarded $112K to launch downtown vendor cart program
The funds will support construction of custom vending carts and finance a marketing campaign targeting cross-border shoppers.
Brownington man gets 15 years in fatal shooting following abuse order
Michael Chadwick of Brownington pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Lamoille County Superior Court for the 2022 shooting death of Mark Benjamin, 42.
Page: From Reformation to redistribution
How the Protestant Reformation influenced the rise of Socialism
Wood: Daniel Penny and Luigi Mangione – was their violence justified?
Democracy is many things. One of those things is delicate. May we never live in a society where we believe that either violence or despair are the only options.
P.L.A.Y. and Cabot Creamery team up for Seriously Sharp Squeaker dog toy
Inspired by Cabot’s iconic Vermont Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese, this eco-friendly toy embodies the quality and community spirit both brands are known for.
BLOTTER: Break-in, assault, John Deere theft in Franklin Co.
A series of thefts and break-ins in Franklin Co.
Sugarbush to open new chair to summit of Lincoln Peak
On Saturday, December 21, Sugarbush Resort will debut its newest upgrade, the Heaven’s Gate Quad, providing a more spacious ride to the summit of Lincoln Peak.
