This Week’s News
Brandon’s Tonya Durant takes her drag craft in a new direction
Tonya Durant has built a devoted following as Anita Cocktail, the powerhouse momma hen to a big brood of drag performers in Rutland County. An unusual drag artist, Durant is a biological woman whose drag persona has also been female—until now.
Sheila Gearwar to be Grand Marshal in July 4th parade
Anyone who’s been in the Brandon area for any length of time has at some point crossed paths with Sheila Gearwar at the beloved Brandon House of Pizza on Center Street, which she has owned and/or managed since 2011.
After 15 years, Butch Shaw bids farewell to the Statehouse
Community service is part of Vermont culture: everyone pitches in however they can to make this brave little state work. Few embody this as fully as Charles “Butch” Shaw, who has decided after 15 years as a State Representative to pass the legislative torch.
Photos of the Week
Sports
VT Wrestling Championship at Otter Valley; Cole named Coach of the Year
Vermont’s top wrestlers competed in the “House of Noise” at OV last Friday and Saturday. One hundred and fifty-one competitors on 25 teams vied for the individual and team state championships.
Otter Valley Wrestling Alumni Association presents the first Ray Miro scholarship to Cassy Sue Thompson
A $1,000 check was presented to OV senior Cassy Sue Thompson by Wrestling Alumni Association President Richard Kepner last week.
Brandon Country Club created to fill the gap
After the first Neshobe Golf Club folded in 1903, the town of Brandon went without a golf course for the next 24 years.
Devil’s Bowl Speedway gears up for 58th season
New England’s fastest dirt track is back for another year of jam-packed racing action this May. The 2024 season will be the historic half-mile’s 58th, the 13th under the supervision of Mike & Alayne Bruno and this season’s schedule is a blend of returning classics, new ideas and new renditions of the Bruno era events fans have come to love.
Isaac Whitney wins his 100th wrestling match
Otter Valley Union High School junior wrestler Isaac Whitney recently won his 100th match, reaching the milestone at a Feb. 3 tournament hosted by Monument Mountain High School in Great Barrington, Mass.