Op-Ed: Are solar panels Vermont’s new sacred cow?
Are solar panels Vermont’s new sacred cow? Vermont agricultural lands are in decline and a recent contributor to this alarming trend is industrial-scale solar development, which brings ecological devastation and threatens food security.
LETTER: Vt. businesses, individuals push back on Amazon proposal for Essex
Led by the owners of the independent bookstore chain Phoenix Books, 270 Vermont individuals and business owners have signed a letter to town officials in Essex opposed to plans by Amazon to build a 107,000-square-foot distribution center there. The Essex DRB meets about the project on Thursday, July 17.
COMMENTARY: Individual wild animals matter
We’ve all seen the videos—bears lounging in a hammock, coyotes playing with tennis balls, otters sliding down a snowy embankment—clear reminders that wild animals are capable of a wide range of emotions, not so different from our own.
LETTER: Green Mountain Morgans softball team seeks community support for next games
Coaches and families of the Central Vermont 8-10-year-old girls softball team are fundraising for the team to represent Vermont at the regional competition later this month.
LETTER: What’s next for disaster preparedness
July 10th didn't pass by without stress, worry, and rain. While we are keeping our neighbors in the NEK in our thoughts (link to volunteer at the bottom of this post), we are also so very grateful that Waterbury made it through the day without any emergencies.
Gov. Scott: Marking Vermont’s one- and two-year flood anniversaries
As we look back at how far we’ve come, it’s also important to remember the work is far from over. In fact, after Tropical Storm Irene, it took over a decade to complete the final project. So, we have to stay focused and continue to build back better, stronger, and more resilient.
Op-Ed: A digitally enslaved generation cries for independence
As is generally accepted, the norm today is that everyone my age has a smartphone and social media. What is not generally known is just how harmful these things are, especially to the underdeveloped, impressionable mind of the adolescent.
COLUMN: An insider’s look at Phantom Turns 40!
This summer, Phantom Theater reaches a remarkable milestone – 40 years of bold, original, and unforgettable performances.
LETTER: Harwood superintendent resigns from state education panel
After much reflection, I will be stepping down as the Vermont Superintendents Association’s representative to the Commission on the Future of Public Education, effective at the conclusion of today’s meeting.
Op-Ed: Asking ‘why’ on the details of the federal Reconciliation Bill
This bill has passed, even with 24 hours of proposed and rejected and some passed Senate amendments. It passed with a 50-to-50 tie and the Vice President added his vote. This bill has since passed the House once again and is on its way to the White House.
LETTER: Everyone loses with suits challenging climate action
Of all the brainless things the legislature did in recent years when there was a supermajority that freely overrode Governor Scott’s vetoes, perhaps the most senseless was the provision in the Global Warming Solutions Act that allows absolutely anybody to bring suit against the state, at state expense, for failure to attain the arbitrary and unattainable mandates established in the act.
LETTER: Gratitude to The Tiny Acorn and its legacy
The Tiny Acorn, along with owners Sally and Bob Dain, has been such a lovely resource in our community for many years. The shop will be missed. I just stopped in this week, and they still have a large inventory.
LETTER: Harwood has Sen. Sanders to thank for federal funding reimbursement
We would like to sincerely thank Sen. Bernie Sanders and his staff for their help in getting the U.S. Department of Education to reimburse the Harwood Unified Union School District for the approximately $500,000 we were owed by the DoE.
Metal detector, anti-violence steps improve CVMC staff, patient safety
The following was submitted by Central Vermont Medical Center as an announcement and commentary on steps taken over the past year to improve staff and patient safety at the hospital.
LETTER: A new chapter for MakerSphere’s Woodshop and more
MakerSphere, Waterbury’s community nonprofit art and maker organization, is thrilled to share a major update about the future of our woodshop.
Op-Ed: SOS for Public Health in Vermont
We Vermonters pride ourselves on Vermont being one of the healthiest states in the country. In 2024, Vermont ranked second in the widely respected United Health Foundation’s rankings and in recent years, it has been among the top five.
LETTER: Calling all flood-response volunteers, past, present & future
The Natural Disaster Preparedness Committee would like to invite all past, present, and future flood preparedness/response volunteers to a pizza party and informational meeting on Wednesday, June 25, at Dac Rowe Park.
Reps. Torre & White: Legislative session summary
At 8:35 p.m. on Monday, June 16, the Vermont Legislature officially adjourned after passing H.454, the education transformation bill. Reps. Torre and White share a summary of legislative highlights from the session.
Rep. Wood: Ed reform moves ahead with much work still to do
The legislature passed H.454 – the education reform bill – and it is headed to the governor’s desk where he is expected to sign the bill.
Ed Reform Rap
They’ve done this before: Rushed out of the door. A bill few have read, with aspects unsaid.