By Guy Page

Todd Wellington, a longtime reporter for the St. Johnsbury=based daily newspaper Caledonian-Record, founder of the Kingdom All Stars, and beloved performer known as the “King of Silly,” died Tuesday at age 60 after complications from dementia, the Caledonian-Record reported last week.

 A resident of Lyndon, Wellington spent nearly three decades in the Northeast Kingdom as a journalist, musician and community figure. “It went very quickly, and he wasn’t in any discomfort for very long,” said his son, Jack Luna.

Wellington joined the Caledonian-Record in 1996 and covered municipal government, courts and public safety, earning a reputation for persistence and fairness. Publisher Todd Smith called him a “trusted and tireless journalist” who worked under pressure and never stopped caring about accuracy or community impact.

Beyond journalism, Wellington founded the Kingdom All Stars to give young musicians performance opportunities and performed for years as the King of Silly. “He cared deeply about what he did and the people he worked with,” Luna said.

Mental health clinic defrauded Medicaid – The Vermont Attorney General’s Office Dec. 29 announced that they have entered into a civil settlement with Revolution Youth, Inc., which operates the Eden Valley mental health clinic in Burlington, Vermont. Under the terms of the settlement, Revolution Youth will pay $200,000 in damages and penalties to the State of Vermont to resolve allegations of Medicaid fraud pursuant to the False Claims Act.

The allegations of Medicaid fraud came to light as a result of an investigation by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit (MFRAU), which found that in February 2025, Revolution Youth, through its Vice President and Clinical Director Savannah Lord, submitted to the Department of Vermont Health Access more than 150 false records that had been materially altered or fabricated. These falsified records related to prior Medicaid claims that had already been paid by the State. 

In addition, between May 2022 and December 2024, Revolution Youth submitted at least 250 false Medicaid claims for services that did not meet the State’s minimum treatment and medical documentation standards. The settlement acknowledges the important role that mental health providers play in Vermont’s Medicaid program.

“Vermont depends on every health care dollar to ensure vital care for the most vulnerable members of our communities,” said Attorney General Charity Clark. “Mental health resources for the youth of our community are particularly crucial. Those who fraudulently claim Medicaid payments deplete these shared resources, harming the people who rely on them.”

A copy of the settlement is available on the Attorney General’s website. The settlement does not provide more specific information, other than provided above, about the nature of the claims or the identity of the individuals involved. 

Yankee Sportsman’s Classic Jan. 16-18 – The annual Yankee Sportsman’s Classic show will be held January 16, 17 and 18 at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction.

“We are looking forward to talking with as many people as possible at the show,” said Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Jason Batchelder.  “It’s a great opportunity for us to share the latest information about fish and wildlife, and it gives people a chance to talk with us about fish and wildlife issues.  Our wardens, biologists and other staff will be at our exhibit.”

The 2026 hunting, fishing and trapping lawbooks will be available at Fish and Wildlife’s exhibit booth.  Hunters, anglers and trappers will also be able to buy their 2026 licenses.

Show hours are Noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.