This summer marked the 250th anniversary of the United States, and many Vermont towns and cities celebrated residents who played important roles in the fight for independence. But there are many other notable Vermonters who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Their names may be lesser known, but their stories reveal the realities of life at the time.  

BURLINGTON — A Colchester man is accused of kidnapping his family and was reportedly later found with three handguns while wearing body armor.

For the Nov. 3 General Election, all active registered Vermont voters will be mailed their ballots and Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas encourages voters to ensure their registration has their current address. This includes college students, service members and overseas citizens.

While Waterbury voters headed to the school gym to vote in Tuesday’s primary, many walked past a second opportunity to cast a ballot.

Waterbury Backcountry Rescue recently responded its 301st call to assist an injured 16-year-old hiker on Camel’s Hump. The operation involved 12 crew members and took place entirely in daylight. 

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles recently announced that it has renamed it Enforcement and Safety Division to be known as the Vermont Highway Patrol.

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation will hold two meetings in September -- including one in Waterbury -- seeking public comment on proposed updates to the state's primitive camping rule for state forests and state park public lands.

Recent reports from Vermont State Police news releases from various incidents and investigations in and around Waterbury recently include several crashes, a voyeurism investigation and a DUI-drugs charge.

The latest data from Vermont wildlife biologists says the state’s black bear population continues to grow and officials at the Department of Fish & Wildlife are considering expanding the state’s annual bear hunt.

Two flood-damaged homes on Union Street were demolished last month through a FEMA buyout program. The tear-downs mark the latest step in Waterbury’s effort to reduce future flood damage in which homeowners have to weigh difficult choices about whether to leave, rebuild or adapt. 

One of the few local contests in Tuesday’s primary in Washington County is a three-way race among Democratic candidates for two Assistant Judge seats on the November ballot.

The Secretary of State’s office on Thursday shared details from a survey of municipalities around the state to see how many Vermonters have taken the opportunity to vote early.

Up for discussion at tonight’s Waterbury Select Board meeting is an item posing the possibility of shifting Waterbury’s elected town clerk and treasurer positions to appointed roles in town government.

BARRE — A Milton man is accused of defrauding a Moretown couple out of over $18,000.