Obituary: Gracie B. Dunbar
With unimaginable sadness and broken hearts, we announce the sudden and tragic passing of Gracie Blair Dunbar, born March 2, 2012, a deeply loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend.
Last climb of the zombie millipede
More than 50 millipede species across three genera rely on bright colors to communicate the message: “Eat me and you’ll be sick or dead.” Bright colors, strong smells, and even cyanide, however, are no match for a fungus that lacks eyes, a nose, and apparently eats cyanide for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Obituary: Diane Jones Severance
Diane Jones Severance, 83, of Waterbury, Vermont, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2026.
Obituary: William Charles (Bill) Riegel
William Charles (Bill) Riegel passed away on October 15, 2026, at age 85. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family in Greenville, South Carolina. In his career, Bill was principal at Waterbury Elementary School and superintendent of the Washington West Supervisory Union.
Obituary: Carol A. Plunkett
A longtime resident of Waterbury, Vermont, Carol (Dibbell) Plunkett passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Central Vermont Hospital in Berlin, Vermont, while she was under the loving care of Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice.
Halloween candy collection in progress
Neighborhood organizers have delivered collection boxes for community members to contribute to the supply of Halloween candy that will be distributed this year in the Randall Street/Elm Street/Park Row neighborhood.
The American coot: Easy to spot, but a rare visitor in Vermont
By mid-October, many birds have migrated south, but some lucky birders may still be able to spot an American coot, an uncommon bird in New Hampshire and Vermont.
Obituary: Krystal Lynn Blaisdell
Krystal Lynn Blaisdell, 41, of Waterbury, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Obituary: William Wendell Lowe
William Wendell Lowe passed peacefully in his sleep with his granddaughter by his side on October 12, 2026. He was 99 years old.
Obituary: Sandra L. “Sandy” Williams
DUXBURY— Sandra L. “Sandy” Williams, 78, of Duxbury, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Colchester.
Local stages, music venues are busy with October performances
From the intimate performance space at The Phoenix in downtown Waterbury to concert halls in Barre and Hyde Park, live music and theater shows are in good supply this month.
Halloween isn’t just for kids: Adults-only spooky October events
Proving that kids don’t get to have all the Halloween fun, several events this month geared to adults will serve up some spooky literature, theater and film history.
Halloween Autumn Onion 5k & Monster Mile supports soccer club’s Spain trip
This Halloween, Onion River Outdoors is hosting its annual Halloween Autumn Onion 5K race with a new Monster Mile 1-mile fun run this year.
Ben & Jerry’s swaps pumpkins and ice cream for market donations
The annual Pumpkin (and ice cream) Giveaway at Ben & Jerry’s Waterbury ice cream plant happens on Sunday, Oct. 18, in the lower guest parking lot. Bring a non-perishable food or monetary donation for the Waterbury Common Market to swap for the goodies, including Halloween treats for kids.
At the Grange Hall: Play reading on Sunday; Improv Night Oct. 24
The Grange Hall Cultural Center in Waterbury Center is hosting the New Stage Players’ monthly play reading this weekend and an Improv Night performance and workshop on Oct. 24 featuring improv performers from Burlington.
Duxbury Historical Society program explores ‘The Abundance of Fall Harvest,’ Oct. 18
The Duxbury Historical Society invites the community and local visitors to a service celebrating “The Abundance of the Fall Harvest” this Sunday, Oct. 18, at 10:30 a.m.
The joy – and science – of watching a leaf fall
We know people love to spend time watching leaves change color and taking in the autumn hues. And many can attest to spending time raking leaves to add to the compost pile. But who knew there is science in observing leaves falling to the earth?
Obituary: Makaela Rose “Max” Bolduc
Makaela Rose “Max” Bolduc was born at Copley Hospital on September 1, 2000, and passed away peacefully at his home on September 30, 2026.
Obituary: Alan James Sparks
Alan James Sparks passed away on September 30, 2026, at the age of 81.
Efficiency Vermont offers rebates, contractor connections to ‘Button Up’ for winter
Cooler weather is coming as Vermont faces soaring heating fuel prices this winter, and a statewide coalition of energy partners reminds Vermonters to “Button Up” their homes to save energy and money this winter.