BRATTLEBORO-The annual Brattleboro Goes Fourth! parade on July 4 featured plenty of vehicles from all the town departments, not many politicians, and lots of protesters. Perennial participants included bands from the local American Legion and Brattleboro Union High School, and various veterans, civic, and youth groups. Local personality Alfred Hughes Jr. capped the event, wearing a red dress, white feathers, and a blue mesh shawl wrap. The tradition of free speech was represented by approximately 200 marchers from Invisible Brattleboro,
BRATTLEBORO-When the Vermont Legislature adjourned on June 16, it had run more than a month longer than expected. The reason was the controversial and complex reform bill that will, as written, drastically change the way education is delivered in Vermont. Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, who many would say instigated the changes by presenting his own more-drastic educational reforms before the session began, signed the bill into law on July 1. The final 155-page bill, H.454, does two major things:
BRATTLEBORO-The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) is about to begin a nearly $19 million night paving project on sections of Routes 5, 9, 30, and 142 within the town. VTrans says motorists this week "should be vigilant for daytime sign installation and crews with uniformed traffic officers accessing the shoulders along all approach routes to the project." Sign installation crews will continue to work on installing construction signs on all project and approach routes and will also be conducting project...
BRATTLEBORO-Last week, the Vermont Legislature adjourned after passing a controversial education reform bill that many observers both inside and outside the Vermont State House called "drastic," and which Vermont Public called "the single most transformational piece of education legislation passed in Vermont in modern times" if all its provisions are enacted. Republican Gov. Phil Scott, who made the effect of school spending on property taxes a cause célèbre during the last election cycle, approves of the bill and has pledged...
WINDHAM-Approximately 40 people gathered at the Windham Meeting House on June 17 for "What's Possible, Windham?," a community vision discussion hosted by the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD), who came at the invitation of the Selectboard. In his introduction, Selectboard member Michael Pelton said that the town is at a crossroads. The town manages several properties, including the Windham Meeting House (where the discussion was held), the town offices, and the town shed. In addition, Pelton said, the town...
BRATTLEBORO-Three school districts will begin their summer meals programs, distributing free, weekly meal kits to families with children. Susan Grabowski, food program coordinator of the Windham Southeast School District, runs the program for that region and has a message for parents: "We know summer can be a challenging time. These meal kits are one way we're trying to make things a little easier. There's no paperwork, no proof of need - just free, nutritious food for any child 18 and...
