Originally published on Christmas Eve, 2005, and published every Christmas Eve since. It was awarded 3rd Place in the 2021 New England Better Newspaper Competition, sponsored by NENPA
Keelan: A little boy’s wish
Timothy Page
CLG: Biden regime spent $267 million on ‘disinformation’ research
Biden Education Department spent over $1 billion on DEI grants; U.S. pays $20 billion into Ukraine loan fund; Israel preparing to strike Iranian nuclear sites
Three opioid related overdoses in less than a 24 period in Hartford VT
100+ Vermonters a month die from opioid related fatality
Fernandez: Syria’s regime change: “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss”?
Flooding from their base in the northern Idlib province, HTS, or Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, is now Syria’s ruling para-military presence.
$21.8M housing project to create 40 units in Newport area
The $21.8 million project includes converting Newport City’s historic Sacred Heart Convent into 26 mixed-income rental units the high school into 24 condos.
Champlain College research on machine learning & data science gets noticed
Mentored by their professor, two Champlain College students gain international recognition for groundbreaking research that helps secure privacy in big data.
Guv reshuffles administration leadership team
Governor Phil Scott Wednesday announced new appointments within the administration and on his senior policy team.
VT Humane: File charges over slaughterhouse cruelty
The most recent animal cruelty reports, .documented by a federal inspector at the Vermont Packinghouse in N. Springfield, VT, should result in criminal charges.
Albee: The consumer and the Vermont story
Understanding the history of the U.S. and World Trade
Roper: Ideologically driven electrification mandates make VT unaffordable too
Don’t force businesses to install EV charging stations their customers don’t want/need.
Soulia: The massive tax burden hiding in plain sight
How much are you really paying?
VSP poke holes in Derby Line driver’s shooting claim
A 23-year-old Derby Line man faces felony charges after claiming he drove off Route 5 to escape gunfire, though police found no corroborating evidence.
Longtime Milton Town Clerk and Treasurer is dead
John Cushing was known for his public service
‘No confidence’ vote for police chief prompts hire of private detective
According to the contract with the town, the investigator has been asked to investigate employee concerns based on town policies and procedures.
Vermont population trends: Incoming from blue states, outgoing to red states
VT had the third highest population increase via migration in the nation. Only SC and ND experienced greater population increases due to migration.
‘Vermont’s most promising jobs’ announced
List includes promising jobs projected to pay a median wage above $30/hour and to have at least 300 openings in the state between 2022-2032.
Police execute search warrants across Chittenden County
Alleged prostitution and physical altercation in Burlington; Police execute search warrants across Chittenden County; Fight breaks out on Church and Main
Thurston: Unreliable renewables
The Global Warming Solutions Act, the Clean Heat Standard, and the 100% Renewable Electricity laws are taking us into a cul-de-sac of energy poverty.
Burlington minister delivered eulogy over John Brown’s body
The life and times of Joshua Young, the deaf abolitionist minister of Vermont
Cruising Vermont’s wine bars
A look Into Vermont’s vibrant wine culture.
Analysis: Vermont 4th worst state for substance abuse
A storage company analyzed the rates of substance abuse across the country by using data from the CDC, SAMHSA and the United States Census Bureau.
Donna’s Christmas Village brings joy to Newport visitors
What began as a small collection has grown into a sprawling display of nearly 200 pieces, including houses, figurines, and festive scenes, assembled with painstaking attention to detail.
Klar: Questionable environmental policy on trial?
Texas lawsuit alleges mega-funds manipulated energy markets for illegal gain.
Roper: More bad news for unworkable Heat Standard
PUC recommends not adopting obligations; cites lack of data, and harm to low-income Vermonters.
Riding along with Meals on Wheels
The Greater Randolph Senior Center delivers about 45 meals per day to homebound people 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities.
No consensus but continuing talks for psychedelic therapy in Vermont
The state advisory group plans to keep monitoring research and policy around psilocybin nationwide.
Klar: A rebuttal to letter attacking Liberty Food Festival
Jenevra Wetmore of Strafford wrote that this year’s December 12-14th Liberty Food Fest in Bellows Falls should be banned from the Opera House.
Harvey’s Lake: Home of Jacques Cousteau’s first dive
The place where the great marine explorer first learned to work underwater is not where you’d expect.
Joe Gervais named new Chairman of Bennington County Republican Committee
Gervais succeeds Carol duPont of Manchester, who is retiring after an impressive 13-year tenure as chairwoman.
Shepard: Presidential Medal of Freedom given to abortion advocate
Better a medal like this goes to Vermont’s Mary Beerworth.
Smuggling boosted NH revenues by nearly $1 billion over 15 years
New Hampshire is the No. 3 state in the country for outbound cigarette smuggling, resulting in a revenue windfall, concludes report.
FYIVT: Examining ethical standards in abortion and euthanasia
Animals in the womb get better pain management than fetuses undergoing abortion.
CLG: Jihadists claim to take over power in Syria
Russian-Syrian airstrikes kill dozens of terrorists; Biden regime announces $988M in aid to Ukraine on same day Trump meets with Zelensky in Paris
Bryce: China runs the table
On Tuesday, Beijing banned exports of antimony, gallium, and germanium to the US. China now dominates supplies of nearly two dozen strategic elements.
Woodstock petitioners want answers on why Chief Swanson remains on leave
Citizens question how Municipal Manager Eric Duffy has handled the paid administrative leave he ordered for Police Chief Joseph Swanson in October.
Spider brain research leads VT neuroscientists to groundbreaking Alzheimer’s discovery
The scientists’ report outlines possible underlying causes for neurodegeneration that may offer a promising new avenue for treatment.
Winooski officials eye old National Guard armory for new housing site
Deputy Mayor Thomas Renner emphasized three goals city leaders are looking at: affordability, multi-bedroom units and putting units up for sale.
Klar: VT parents appeal to SCOTUS to defend rights of parental consent
This comes after Vermont courts ruled schools can vaccinate kids against parents’ wishes.
FYIVT: The government usurpation of charity
How policies displace responsibility
Why Vermont declared war on Germany months before Pearl Harbor
Our Brave Little State knew the war was coming.
McLeod: Thoughts on Deer Season
At dusk in November, lights will flicker on and in the hills, dales, and deep woods throughout VT as hunters gather for our 16-day unofficial holiday.
Vermont State Historic Site attendance hits 22 year high
Eight sites bring in a record $512,053
Bird Feeding Season and F&W gift licenses
“Winter bird feeding is a great way to observe and learn about our year-round bird residents such as black capped chickadees, nuthatches and blue jays. “
Bananas: Beg your pardon?
To beg one’s pardon: to apologize for misdeeds, like “Oops, I may have left an ounce of cocaine at your house, Dad.”
Pharmaceutical companies owe Vermont nearly $3 million in unpaid fees
There are roughly 200 companies on the late-list provided by the state all with outstanding balances totaling close to $3 million as of October.
Clark: On the unnatural, unlawful, Constitutional right to murder our sons & daughters
Can a state really confer a right on its citizens that so clearly contradicts the Law of Nature?
Roper: New Democrat Majority Leader blames losses on voters who “didn’t understand”
Not terrible policies voters intelligently disagree with.
Man steals giant rock
Man threatens to kill man and family, arrested; Man crashes car in Dummerston, arrested on DUI and assault; Sentence hand down in BPD drug raid
VT House leaders address public education, property taxes ahead of legislative session
Speaker Krowinski and the Chairs of House Education and Ways and Means outlined plans to address rising property taxes, future of public education in Vermont.
Banzhaf: Hegseth may be replaced, and what he can do
Beyond refuting charges; Go on offensive with promise to women
Klar: An old farmer’s opinion
A one-century perspective from Roland Greene
Ellis: Twilight of the Liberal Left – and then some
This piece by Ross Barkan reflects my thinking about what ails the flailing Democratic Party.
Sanders warns Biden’s plan will spike seniors’ Medicare premiums
Biden proposes Medicare, Medicaid cover weight-loss drugs.
Stormwater build at South Burlington schools needs Act 250 permit
South Burlington School District’s middle and high schools have had to play the waiting game for their planned stormwater project.
Bradley: Is Burlington gun ban above the Law?
By banning guns in bars Burlington has broken State law, namely 24 VSA 2295, better known as the “pre-emption statute.”
Licata: Vermont Democrats and the Liberal Papers
Science, technology, organization and knowledge have immensely changed over time… Human nature, has not.
End Homelessness notes big overspending on emergency housing
The organization alleges that the family shelters championed by the State are much more expensive than the hotel voucher program.
Plainfield Co-op balances nostalgia and growth with planned expansion
The change comes at what seems to be a significant time for regional co-ops as 2 other within 30 minutes have undergone significant changes in the last 6 yrs..
Illegal alien busted at border with gun, suppressor, handcuff keys pleads innocent
Border Patrol: An illegal immigrant was carrying a fully loaded firearm, a gun suppressor, extra ammunition and handcuff keys when he unlawfully entered the US.
Keelan: State’s problems worse than reported
Recent reports on the status of Our State’s healthcare, education, and housing are the “canaries in the coal mine,” and it seems that they are not doing well.
Roper: Why are property taxes absurdly high?
Money committee chairs simply do not care about taxpayers.
Soulia: Renewable Energy Credits are the Kardashians of Vermont’s renewable industry
Vermonters are being scammed—and they’re paying for it twice.
CLG: Biden pardons son Hunter in bombshell U-turn
Explosive report exposes Biden administration’s targeting of Christians; Ukraine trained Syrian terrorists – media; Trump picks former ex-aide as FBI director.
‘Missing middle’ housing needed in Newport
Strong support voiced for the draft Master Plan, despite many remaining questions.
‘All Aboard: The Railroad in American Art’ debuts at Shelburne Museum
The exhibit opened in Shelburne last month as the first stop on its national tour and will run until Oct. 20.
Campbell rings the bell after final cancer treatment
John Campbell, former state senator, rang the bell after completing his final radiation treatment.
“Soldiers Atop The Mount” at Mount Independence
Join the annual celebration of Vermont’s Revolutionary history on August 31 and September 1
Putting the Cap on Essex senior art projects
Capstone projects are a way for Academy of Visual and Performing Arts 12th graders to explore their artistic careers in a wider range.
Letters: Murray on Clarkson taxes, Nelson on rising crime, Mazur on spending
Also, Frank Mazur on the US’s deteriorating fiscal policies.
Certified fraud examiner has “no confidence” in Vermont’s electronic voting systems
Recommendations similar to French policy: mail-in ballots are banned, voters required to vote in person with a photo ID, and paper ballots must be hand-counted.
CLG: Urgent manhunt for Arizona suspect who threatened to shoot Trump during visit to the border today
Robert Kennedy Jr.’s running mate suggests ticket may drop out, join forces with Trump; Tesla Semi battery fire in CA rages at 1,000 degrees, spews toxic fumes
Blotter: Lewd conduct and Dutchmill robbery
Cortina Inn resident exposes himself to teacher, children, police say.
92 years ago, ‘Green Mountain Boy’ airplane left Berlin airport for Norway – and disappeared
Like Amelia Earhart on her attempt to circle the world a mere five years later, their fate remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in aviation history.
Burlington aggravated assault suspect had missed eight court dates
AA arrests at all-time high in Queen City
Roper: Who voted how to make Vermont so freakin’ unaffordable?
The key roll call votes driving up property taxes, energy costs, health insurance premiums and more.
Rebuild at Green Mountain Club visitor center undeterred by storms
September Long Trail Day fundraiser aims to power ongoing trail work.
Fed. $2.1M for communities announced
Wednesday, August 21, State and Feds announced $2,155,468 in Community Development Block Grant federal funding through the Vermont Community Development Program
Bossange: Trump’s seeming hypocrisy on immigration
Trump’s past comments on immigrants seem hypocritical, especially given his family’s, VP’s backgrounds.
Squirrel hunting season opens September 1
The daily bag limit is four gray squirrels, and the possession limit is eight.
Feds approve July 9-11 flood disaster declaration
To apply for IA funds, impacted Vermonters in the eligible counties should register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
Greatwood and Goddard College
A legacy of architectural innovation
Psychics, mediums and more bring mystical services to Champlain Valley Expo
Supernatural senses and well-running AC filled the air, occasionally pierced by drumbeats and the echoes of singing bowls.
Klar: Vermont Supreme Court sacrifices children to big pharma
Rules no liability even for experimental shots administered against parental wishes
Koch: Much ado about climate change
It’s time we stop trying to “lead the nation” and start trying to “save our neighborhoods.”
Attempted murder in Burlington, victim narrowly survives
A second-degree attempt in Burlington Monday may have involved brass knuckles and a knife.
Letters: Mazur on media needing to focus, and on Kamala’s housing plans
The press is trying to define the Presidential candidates by focusing on Vance’s weirdness, Kamala’s black/Indian race, and Trump’s motives, rather than issues.
DMV launches program to assist drivers on Autism Spectrum
DMV has launched the Blue Envelope Program for Vermont drivers on the autism spectrum to make routine traffic stop interactions easier, safer, less stressful.
Shorts: Bus-safety awareness BBQ/ Peeper begone
Also, UVM names interim president, Provost Patricia Prelock. She is a scholar and practitioner in the nature and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
Community banks help flood-ravaged communities while they wait for federal support
“It’s deeply personal,” said Jim Kisch, the President of Passumpsic Savings Bank. He added, “Our employees are impacted.”
VTGOP adds new Attorney General candidate, Ture Nelson to November ballot
This as Charity Clarke has not made any indication of how aggressively she will defend the taxpayers of Vermont in the Global Warming Solutions Act lawsuit.
Suspected repeat offender Ibbotson held without bail – finally
August 19, Patrick Ibbotson, 37, was arraigned and held without bail, marking a significant turn in his ongoing legal saga.
Mercier: Federal bill could ban non-citizen voting in public elections
“Let America Vote Act of 2024”: Noncitizen cannot vote in ANY taxpayer-funded elections in the US, held by or in any State, nor permitted locally.
IRS enforcement is on the rise
Here’s how to stay prepared year-round.
NEK towns swamped by flood repair costs
Current relief costs estimates “unsustainable,” even with the promise of FEMA funds.
CLG: UK to treat ‘extreme misogyny’ as terrorism
Ukraine could trigger ‘another Chernobyl’; Trump shooter’s body is ‘gone’ as congressman uncovers ‘disturbing fact’ about FBI investigation
New bear population estimate based on 2023 data available
Bear population down some but still high.
Roper: What IS your cost ceiling for the Clean Heat Carbon Tax, Rep. Sibilia?
A question every Vermonter should demand every candidate answer RIGHT NOW.
Shelburne farm hosts fundraiser to help Latin America farmers
Farmers in Vermont and in Latin America face many of the same challenges, and events like the picnic help make that connection for people here, organizer said.
Bananas: A.I. endorses Harris-Walz campaign
Though we were uncertain about these claims A.I. assured us it would be happy to fact-check them using the latest A.I. fact-checking technology.
CLG: British tanks taking part in invasion of Russia
WHO declares mpox a global health emergency; video shows cops enforcing Tim Walz’s curfew by shooting paintballs at residents as they stood in their doorways
