Six years after our state was locked down and government officials imposed mitigation measures to “slow the spread” and “flatten the curve” of the Covid-19 virus, Vermonters are finally being invited inside the statehouse to share how the restrictions imposed by our local government officials impacted their lives.
This week (March 9 – 13) is Civic Learning Week, an annual nationwide nonpartisan event that brings together students, educators, policymakers, and leaders in the public and private sectors to highlight and promote the movement for civic education.
This spring, VHS collections staff are focusing intensely on the items we’ve selected for the “50 for 250” project. One of these objects is a cane that was present at the famous St. Alban’s Raid, the northernmost Confederate action in the Civil War.
The restoration of wild turkeys in Vermont is one of the Fish and Wildlife Department’s most notable wildlife restoration efforts. It began on February 28, 1969, when wild turkeys were live-trapped by the department’s former turkey biologist William Drake in southwestern New York and stocked in Pawlet, Vermont.
Among the longest‑serving hospice volunteers in the nation, Charlotte Kenney, Jan Watt and Lil Venner have each devoted more than 45 years to UVM Health – Home Health & Hospice because, they say, helping patients and their families make the most of the time they have left of this earth is a privilege, rooted in grace and connection.
In June, 10-year-old Grayson Carey of Colchester landed the record-setting fish while competing in the Lake Champlain International Father’s Day Derby with his father and grandfather. The Freshwater Drum, also known as “sheepshead,” weighed 28.5 pounds and measured 37 ½ inches long with a 29-inch girth. It beat the previous state record set in 2016 by three pounds.
In 1935, the Vermont legislature designated Old First Church as Vermont’s Colonial Shrine. The church stands at the heart of Bennington’s historic district and occupies land central to the founding of Vermont. Constructed in 1805, the church has long served as a place of worship, civic gathering, and remembrance, and is a central institution in the Revolutionary-era history and early leadership of the state. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Today, it continues to welcome visitors from across the nation and around the world who come to engage with Vermont’s rich cultural and civic heritage.
Because of this policy change, an estimated 14,322 additional Vermonters will become newly eligible for Medicare Savings Programs—allowing each of them to keep $2,435 more per year in their pockets and enjoy additional cost-saving benefits.
The one-week camp programs are held at Lake Bomoseen in Castleton and Buck Lake in Woodbury. Campers participate in hands-on learning about fish and wildlife conservation, ecology, forestry, orienteering, safe firearm and archery techniques, swimming, canoeing, fishing and more. Natural resource professionals come to the camp to share information on their programs and take campers out for field activities.
According to court documents, Francisco Antonio Luna Rosado, 27, an illegal alien from the Dominican Republic, and Jesus Hernandez Ortiz, 37, of Puerto Rico, are charged with one count of conspiracy to illegally bring aliens to the United States and 12 counts of illegally bringing aliens to the United States for the purpose of private financial gain related to a Sept. 17, 2023, smuggling event. Luna Rosado is also charged with two counts of transactional money laundering for engaging in monetary transactions involving property derived from smuggling activities.
The Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund will support the protection of 1,460 acres of critical habitat across the state
Speakers warned that Act 181 is moving faster than the maps and rules needed to implement it clearly and fairly, creating uncertainty for towns, housing projects, and working landowners across Vermont. The coalition is urging legislative leaders to take up H.730 to extend timelines and prevent further misalignment.
BEAD, a $42.45 billion federal grant program authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, sets the goal of connecting every American to high-speed internet by funding partnerships within states to build infrastructure.
Kelly is a retired four-star Marine general who later served as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and White House chief of staff. Since leaving government service in 2019, he has worked as an advisor, mentor, and educator with organizations including the Department of Defense, Marine Corps War College, National Defense University, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Moon rocks from VHS’s object collection are now on display at the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier!
Nine current or former students from the University of Vermont are set to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will take place in Northern Italy with competition starting Thursday, February 5 and running through February 22.
Travelling exhibit utilizes unique “peer-education” to teach the lessons of the Holocaust
Unpaid caregivers provide millions of hours to dementia patients
Vermonters will have an opportunity to share their concerns and become better informed regarding the increasing role schools and government have been playing in their family’s health care decisions.
Despite national headwinds and federal regulatory uncertainty, leading OPO coordinated organ donations from 640 deceased donors across the New England region that resulted in a record 1,692 life-saving organ transplants
Lights, Camera, Safety!
Bingham was selected as one of only seven finalists from across the state in an election that saw more than 1,000 Vermont fifth-graders cast their ballots. As a Cabinet member, she will serve alongside Vermont’s first-ever Kid Governor, Roslyn Fortin of Highgate, to address critical issues facing the state’s youth.
Governor Phil Scott’s office today announced a range of appointments made in the fourth quarter of 2025 – including former UVM police chief and public safety entrepreneur Gary Margolis of Shelburne to the State Police Advisory Commission.
The adorable Southern bog lemming, delicate small whorled pogonia orchid, mysterious lake sturgeon and humble wood turtle may not seem to have much in common. But, all four are classified as “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” (SGCN) in a newly-drafted update to Vermont’s Wildlife Action Plan, which is now available for public comment.
Editor’s note: the White House released this commentary January 8.
Free service gives journalists instant, searchable access to committee hearings—with video verification and shareable SmartClips
Valley Vista has opened 27 new residential treatment beds at its Vergennes facility.
Another case of following sweet-looking tracks without paying heed to destination or daylight hours.
Most notable are the updated regulations referring to panfish and the use of baitfish. Additional changes can be found in the 2026 Fishing Guide & Regulations booklet available free from license agents and on Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website.
Tuesday, December 16, the halls of the Vermont State Capitol were filled with light and song as the community gathered for the annual Hanukkah celebration. A tradition for the last 15 years, the event serves as a public declaration of religious freedom and communal resilience.
The pedestrian has been identified as Mauricio M. Martinez, 52, of Schenectady, New York.
Juan Hernandez-Santos has a criminal history of multiple DUIs, possession of a controlled substance, and two prior removals from the U.S.
Richard Heinberg, a senior fellow at the Post Carbon Institute and a prominent voice on global energy trends, will give a public presentation on December 16 examining what he describes as mounting pressures on both the world’s—and Vermont’s—energy systems.
Also, Governor Scott on the need for “education transformation” this legislative session.
According to an announcement shared with supporters, the platform will serve as a digital gathering space “with room for members to connect with each other, build networks and help us meet our mission.” VSU said the service will prioritize open conversation among “real, human neighbors.”
The program matches financial contributions with donations of heating oil, kerosene, and propane from local energy providers. The delivery ticket or invoice is split 50/50; every $1 donated buys $2 worth of heating fuel. The same split works with local heating contractors who donate labor and equipment.
The appeal was sent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which will review it and then send a recommendation to President Trump, who will approve or deny the request.
New bees bring Vermont’s total to 352 species—more bees than any other northern New England state
The Community Driver program, coordinated through Go! Vermont and local transit providers, relies on volunteers using their own vehicles to transport neighbors to critical destinations. According to the program, most trips involve medical care — including dialysis, radiation therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and preventive treatment — though drivers may also bring riders to senior centers, food-access sites, and other services.
Like federal employees across the country, during the lapse in funding that began on October 1, and ended during the evening of November 12, the men and women of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont were not paid for the work they performed.
The winner of the election is Roslyn Fortin, a fifth-grade student at Highgate Elementary in Highgate Center. Teacher Courtney Kiser brought the Kid Governor program to Highgate.
Governor Phil Scott, Community Action Agencies, Wheels for Warmth volunteers and partners announced the record-breaking year for the annual Wheels for Warmth initiative, which began in 2005.
Nitrogen is a bit of a conundrum. In its gaseous form it’s the most abundant element in the atmosphere, but few organisms can readily use it. And while all living organisms contain nitrogen, a new University of Vermont study finds that even tiny amounts of nitrogen can fuel cyanobacterial blooms and disrupt lake ecosystems.
More than 140,000 servings of Vermont wild turkeys are harvested each year – that’s 140,000 servings of free-ranging, wild and sustainably harvested protein.
Veterans and citizens will be observing Veterans Day Tuesday, November 11 in parades and other gatherings across Vermont. Check out one near you.
Emergency responders were called to 180 Market Street, home of the South Burlington City Hall, around 6:05 a.m. on November 4 after someone discovered an unresponsive adult male in a first-floor restroom. Emergency medical personnel pronounced the man dead at the scene.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is asking hunters to participate in its annual deer hunter effort and sighting survey.
Beechnut production excellent in most of Vermont
Hunters who get a deer on opening weekend of the Nov. 15-16 deer season can help Vermont’s deer management program by reporting their deer at a biological check station.
Hypothermia is a real thing. Carry plenty of clothing – not cotton – and a waterproof layer, top and bottom. Headlamps – not one but two! Cell phone battery bank. High calorie snacks and plenty of water.
The Nancy Wicks Bemis, RN Endowment will provide scholarship assistance for undergraduate and graduate nursing students with financial need who demonstrate potential to become future leaders in the profession. Priority will be given to students who are Vermont residents.
Excerpts from President Donald Trump’s speech today at the Israeli Knesset.
The closure aims to provide a safe corridor for the landlocked Atlantic salmon that gather in Hatchery Cove before migrating up the nearby Hatchery Brook to spawn each fall.
The Governor’s office is currently soliciting applications to fill vacancies and upcoming term expirations.
If Andrew Oestringer of Barnet had brought his bass to a certified scale before filleting the fish, he would probably hold a new state record.
Vermont 4-H youth showcased their talents, dedication and prize livestock at the 2025 Eastern States Exposition, better known as The Big E, held in West Springfield, Massachusetts. They brought home enough ribbons to fill a milk can – or two.
New book reveals how lobbying drives up healthcare prices
Scheduled speakers include Gov. Phil Scott, Commissioner of Public Safety Jennifer Morrison and Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the state police. They will honor members of the agency and others for acts of heroism and community service, and recognize 23 sworn members of the state police who have received promotions since last year’s awards ceremony was held in September 2024.
On Saturday, September 27, The Light is celebrating its 40th anniversary by throwing a concert party at the Barre Auditorium in Barre, VT.
Claire Burns was recommended to the Governor by the Caledonia County Republican Committee. Burns has worked in public defenders’ offices in Colorado and California, representing individuals at all stages of criminal proceedings, including those facing deportation at the Aurora ICE Processing Center, as well as at a juvenile detention center in Colorado, providing group and individual therapy.
Vermont’s 40 Days for Life 7 AM – 7 PM sidewalk campaignon Washington Street, outside the Barre Planned Parenthood, starts on Wednesday, September 24 and runs through Sunday, November 2.
New research will explore why.
Non-profit seeking to grow VT’s middle class updates its research priority list for 2025.
Nearly a century ago, America’s most famous defense attorney, Clarence Darrow, came to Vermont to fight for the life of a convicted murderer. Now, that forgotten chapter of legal history is the focus of a new book from the Vermont Historical Society.
The U.S. Marshals in Vermont issued a warning Wednesday to local residents to be aware of several imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be U.S. marshals, court officers, or other law enforcement officials in an effort to try to collect a court fine.
The camp, led by seasoned experts in EMSO, Cyber Operations, Electromagnetic Warfare (EW), and Information Operations (IO), offered an intensive three-day curriculum.
One pediatrician attributes the practice’s high rates to its patients and their belief in the benefits of vaccines.
Don Keelan will serve as master of ceremonies and Bill Budde, curator of the Russell Vermontiana Collection, will speak on the topic of Remember Baker’s place in history.
A new pathogen called beech leaf disease (BLD) is spreading across Vermont forests.
“In the last two years, more than 150 cities, towns, and villages across Vermont felt the impacts of flooding, which caused over a billion dollars in damage.
But instead of throwing up our hands, Vermonters rolled up their sleeves and got to work.”
Governor Phil Scott July 9 announced a trio of high-level appointments to key leadership positions within Vermont state government, naming Sara Teachout to the Green Mountain Care Board, Jason Batchelder as Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Misty Sinsigalli as Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Its pure white fur could be due to one of two conditions: albinism or leucism.
The adoption of the new Climate Action Plan comes at a time when the federal government is pulling back on key policies, such as support for electrification of vehicles and deployment of renewable energy, and curtailing funding.
The Vermont Warden Service, Vermont State Police and other local law enforcement agencies will be partnering with the National Association of Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard by participating in the Operation Dry Water heightened awareness and enforcement weekend, which takes place July 4-6, 2025.
Pledges to “finish what we started”
As the sun set on the final day, U.S. and Hellenic troops executed a second live-fire exercise, using U.S. Humvees and Hellenic tanks under the cover of total darkness. Working together in nighttime conditions added a new level of challenge and helped soldiers improve their coordination, communication, and trust.
Health system committed to improving, preserving access to high-quality care
“What we’ve accomplished over these last few months is important, but what comes next will be even more important. We cannot make the mistake others have made to declare victory and assume our many crises have been solved.”
The numbers don’t lie—Vermont is in the middle of an addiction crisis. These are not just statistics. Every number is a cry for help.
Amphibian road mortality drops by over 80% with wildlife underpasses, study shows.
While fatal overdoses involving fentanyl decreased by 25% between 2022 and 2024, fentanyl continues to be the number one substance involved in opioid-related deaths, accounting for 93% of opioid fatalities in 2024.
Proposed double-digit health care premium increases could be even larger if a current federal tax credit expires, according to a statement released by the Green Mountain Care Board, the State of Vermont’s health insurance regulator.
The Catalyst Church on Raceway in Jericho – a suburban town in Chittenden County – will open a sister church in the former Third Congregational Church at 1095 East US Route 2 in East St. Johnsbury, and will be known as the Catalyst Church on Route 2.
For the first time, self-employed individuals and workers without employer-provided coverage can voluntarily enroll in the paid leave program, which offers partial income replacement during qualifying family or medical events.
The unique tests, launched late last year, allow people with an interest in becoming a state trooper to just show up without an appointment, application or taking any prior steps.
Nasir Hussain, 31, has been in continual federal custody since his arrest in May of 2023 on a wire fraud conspiracy charge.
The effort has been greatly helped be targeting sea lamprey which were attacking the trout.
“Attaining R1 status will extend UVM’s ability to attract the best talent, secure groundbreaking grants, and contribute to solving global challenges.”
Steelhead can be spotted moving up the falls during warmer days in mid-to-late April and sometimes into early May.
Picking up young wildlife can do more harm than good, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, and it is also against the law.
Parental awareness is of the utmost importance, yet that is not being supported now. It is time for us to take action.
Vermont Historical Society announces Vermont History Day, April 5
Montpelier HS Principal Jason Gingold will present a draft of a cell phone-free school day policy to the Montpelier-Roxbury School Board tonight, Wed., April 2.
Peaceful protests to de-fund Planned Parenthood are planned for Wednesday, April 2.
One common concern unites Vermont’s challenges: the need to ensure the safety of our communities, downtowns, neighborhoods, and personal property.
About 50 teachers recently convened to participate in the Sixth Annual Vermont Holocaust Memorial (VTHM) Educators Workshop in Montpelier.
From September through December, our homeless fellow Vermonters suffered multiple catastrophic outcomes, including many preventable deaths.
Berlandy became involved in a pursuit and gun battle in Burke with a wanted fugitive from Rhode Island, and then provided life-saving medical care to the man who just attempted to kill him and two other troopers.
Governor Phil Scott’s office today announced a range of appointments made in the last two quarters of 2024. Beginning April 1, appointments will be announced on a quarterly basis.
First Vermont case in 2025. School-aged child had been traveling internationally. Not related to Quebec, Texas outbreaks
