LETTER: ‘If our systems fail one of us, they fail us all’
It seems the discussion about the “proposed” homeless shelter at the former armory building has taken on an us vs. them dichotomy that I believe ignores or, at the very least, oversimplifies the nuance and complexity of homelessness.
Manager update: Following up on state shelter proposal
Regarding the state’s plan to open a shelter at the former National Guard Armory: “We do plan to have a more formal discussion at the selectboard meeting on Monday, Feb. 19, at which time we hope to have more concrete details to share.”
LETTER: Mailing error sends letters to Waterbury
The Mad River Valley Ambulance Service recently sent out its annual subscription renewal/purchase form.
LETTER: Station should ‘consider the impact’ of radio ad’s message
Writer Randy George of Moretown sent the following letter to the new owners of Radio Vermont/WDEV Meyers Mermel and Scott Milne regarding an ad airing on the station for a gun show in Barre this weekend, Feb. 3-4. He shares it with the community here.
Kane Sweeney: Affordable housing now
Last year, I promised to work hard to expand affordable housing in the town of Waterbury. To date, the only affordable housing project that was approved in the last year was 51 South Main Street. That’s unacceptable to me and to many renters within our borders. It’s simply not enough.
James Moore: Let’s strive for a more resilient and sustainable future
As we begin 2024, there’s a profound acknowledgment of the resilience and strength displayed by Vermonters, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating floods of 2023.
Mad River Mentoring seeks adult mentor volunteers
Mad River Mentoring is looking for mentors!
UVM Health Network CEO: Optimism, opportunity and urgency for the future
As we begin a new year, and as I embark on my second year as CEO of the University of Vermont Health Network, I feel a sense of both optimism and urgency.
Rep. Wood: Times call for overdose prevention centers
The beginning of the 2024 legislative session has started with all committees picking up right where they left off last spring. Legislators and onlookers all commented that the first two weeks were the busiest first weeks of a session in many years.
LETTER: Vermont library groups issue Freedom to Read statement
In response to growing concerns of censorship and attacks on libraries around the country, the Vermont Library Association and Vermont School Library Association have joined together to issue the attached Vermont Library Freedom to Read statement.
How Baby Bonds will strengthen Vermont’s economy
Government exists to solve problems, and as state treasurers, our offices are committed to supporting economic well-being for all.
Harwood Bond #2: Will history repeat itself?
The HUUSD School Board will likely be asking voters to approve an expensive bond for renovations and new construction to the Harwood Union High School in South Duxbury. The current estimates for the list of possible work is just over $92 million. The package will be brought to voters in November 2024.
Jan. 6 Rally in the Valley
Members of Indivisible Mad River Valley hosted a Jan. 6 rally along Vermont Route 100 in Waitsfield near the Mad River Green.
Harwood School Board responds with contract negotiation details
Harwood School Board Chair Kristen Rodgers read the following comments at the board’s Jan. 10 meeting addressing contract negotiations for the union contract covering support staff employees that expired June 30, 2023.
LETTER: School district engagement leaves staff behind
Contract negotiations with support staff have been and continue to be at a standstill because the board won’t come back to the table to talk. One must wonder then just how invested the board is in the future of our district.
LETTER: Harwood staff seek community support for contract resolution
The Harwood Unified Union School District Support staff have been working under an expired contract since July 1, 2023. They started the negotiation process back in November 2022. It is time that our community is aware of the struggle that our district support staff is having. We are reaching out for community support.
Op-Ed: Protect the Worcester Range in perpetuity
Even by Vermont's standards, the Worcester Range ecosystem is a rare ecological gem. The sheer volume of wild and unfragmented land, especially on the Worcester/Middlesex east side of the range, is unusual. I believe that this contiguous forest block should be protected in perpetuity.
LETTER: A fire chief’s reminder to prevent common house fires
The St. Albans Town fire chief shares a fire prevention message following Dec. 23 house fire that destroyed a three-unit apartment building in St. Albans.
COMMENTARY: Vt. Secretary of State issues statement on 2024 Presidential Primary Ballot
As Vermont’s Secretary of State, I take nothing more seriously than my non-partisan role as Vermont’s Chief Elections Officer and overseeing free, fair, accessible and transparent elections.
State seeks public comment on Worcester Range Management Unit
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources will host the second of two public meetings this month to present a draft long-range management plan for state lands along the Worcester Range that lie in five municipalities.