This Week’s News
Brandon budget and all articles pass; Tim Guiles re-elected to selectboard in town’s only contested race
In Brandon’s one contested race during Town Meeting Day voting, incumbent Selectman Timothy Guiles won re-election to a three-year term over first-time challenger Marielle Blais in a fairly tight race, 466-396.
Town Meeting previews
Town Meeting Day is next week. Click here to see a preview for your town.
Bald Eagle removed from endangered list; but bumblebee, and others, are added
Seven species and three critical habitats received updated conservation designations on Vermont’s Endangered and Threatened Species List, including the highly anticipated de-listing of the bald eagle after over a decade of restoration efforts.
Schools with 80% vaccination rate can remove masks Feb. 28
Masking in schools — among the last remaining Covid mitigation measures in place for students — will soon be optional for schools with a student vaccination rate of over 80%, Governor Phil Scott announced at his regular press conference Tuesday, Feb. 15.
Zion Growers pursues Marble building
In addition to planning for the annual Town Meeting, Feb. 28-March 1, the Proctor selectboard heard an update on plans to revitalize the former Marble Museum complex at 52 Main Street by Zion Growers, which would operate an industrial hemp processing facility.
Photos of the Week
Sports
OV rock climbing scales to 4th at state championship
Dozens of middle- and high-school climbers from around the region vied for the top spot, ascending newly created routes ranging in difficulty level from 5.7 to 5.13.
Backcountry skiing in Brandon’s backyard
Who’d know that only 10 minutes east of Brandon on Route 73 lies a world class backcountry ski area? For skiers or snowboarders who crave untracked powder, it is a slice of heaven.
Proctor baseball team nets big bucks at Franklin’s fundraiser
Franklin’s fundraiser nets $1,574.15 for Proctor baseball team to go to Cooperstown.
OVUHS rock climbers end regular season on a high note
When the last climber was belayed down the wall for the final regular-season meet last Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Green Mountain Rock Climbing Center in Rutland, the Otter Valley Union High School climbing team topped the scoreboard, with a season total of 115,725.
Take a shot at pickleball
When was the last time you experienced a “dink in the kitchen” or made a serve from the “even court?” This is the language of Pickleball enthusiasts, and we’ve got a few right here in Brandon.