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.

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.

In the one contested race in Brandon this year, one-term incumbent Tim Guiles will face challenger Marielle Blais for a three-year seat on the Brandon selectboard. This past week The Reporter sent each candidate seven questions to address in a question-answer format and given a word limit per answer.

The Brandon selectboard on Monday threw its support behind a proposed site for 2,200 kW solar array on private land off of Steinberg Road that has a small window of visibility from Routes 7 and 73.

The Barn Opera of Brandon will be staging a romantic comic opera just ahead of Valentine’s Day this coming Friday and Saturday, Feb. 11-12.