This Week’s News
New numbers highlight Covid-19’s impact on inpatient mental health care and emergency departments
New numbers reported this week suggest that inpatient psychiatric care capacity in Vermont slowly started to rebound last year, but still remains significantly below pre-pandemic levels.
Brandon Town Manager resigns
After the public portion of its meeting on Monday evening, the Brandon selectboard went into executive session to discuss a “personnel matter.” By Tuesday morning, that matter was no longer a secret: Dave Atherton, Brandon’s town manager since 2015, had announced his intention to resign, effective February 21.
Brandon SB talks shade trees, class 4 roads, and solar funding
In its regular meeting on Monday, the Brandon selectboard addressed several issues, including the Tree Warden’s shade-tree preservation plan, the designation of Briggs Lane as a Class IV highway, and the Brandon Energy Committee’s request for ARPA funding for a community solar array.
New England Woodcraft takes woodworkers on a tour
To a certain kind of person—someone as fascinated with woodworking as kids are with candy—the machine shop at New England Woodcraft (NEW) must seem like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory: a place of endless bustle and wonder.
Erastus Laird: Vermont Civil War soldier
Erastus Laird re-enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War, after a 2-year stint and some time home.
Photos of the Week
Sports
Tremont takes first again, FitzGerald comes close at Devil’s Bowl Speedway
By RUSSELL JONES On Sunday, June 30, Kenny Tremont Jr., of West Sand Lake, N.Y., picked up his second win in as many weeks in the Pepsi Sportsman Modified division, […]
Pond Hill Ranch Rodeo saddles up for summer
By RUSSELL JONES The 48th year of pro rodeo excitement got underway near Castleton on Saturday, June 29 at Pond Hill Ranch. The field was packed with young cowboys ready […]
Local racers see success at Devil’s Bowl
By RUSSELL JONES After rain has cancelled or shortened the first several events of the season, racing finally got underway as Devil’s Bowl Speedway dropped the green flag for the […]
OV coaches named coach of the year, other Otters make All-MVL teams
By RUSSELL JONES Six members of the Otter Valley baseball and softball teams were selected to the 2019 All-MVL teams, and OV softball coaches Kelly Trayah and Toni Poalino were […]
Slaters top Otters, 3-1
Controversial call ends OV’s title chances By Andy Kirkaldy An Otter Valley Union High School baseball team led by seven multi-year senior starters compiled an outstanding 18-win season this spring. […]

