This Week’s News
Howard Dean optimistic about democracy, but current threats are still looming
Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean on Thursday, Nov. 10, warned folks in Middlebury that eroding trust in the U.S. Supreme Court and the political practice of “othering” — or scapegoating — groups of people stand as the biggest threats to the survival of democracy in America.
Democrats secured a historic majority in Vt. Legislature
Vermonters once again split their ticket in a big way Tuesday night, reelecting Republican Gov. Phil Scott by his widest margin yet — and handing Democrats commanding veto-proof super-majorities in the Vermont House and Senate.
Board flies through Brandon business
The Brandon selectboard breezed through a short meeting Monday night, Nov. 14, in about 35 minutes with no controversy or much discussion from the handful of community members attending.
Proctor eyes purchase of new fire truck
The proposed purchase of a firetruck for the town was just one aspect of the town’s larger budget that is currently being planned and discussed by Ramsey, department heads and the selectboard ahead of a January 2023 deadline for Town Meeting.
Brandon’s Breanna Elaine gains regional notoriety
It’s been almost a year since local singer-song writer Breanna Elaine, 25, quit her day job and dedicated herself to becoming a full-time professional musician.
Photos of the Week
Sports
OV’s Lucas Politano signs deal to play Div I golf for Rutgers U.
The Politano family of Brandon extended its golf dynasty even further last Wednedsay when OV senior Lucas Politano signed a letter of intent to play golf for Division I Rutgers University in New Jersey.
Otter Valley puts up a fight, but loses in Championship game to powerhouse Woodstock
The Otter Valley football team made an unanticipated trip to the Vermont Division 3 championship game but lost 65–14 to a fast and dominating Woodstock team that featured 13 seniors.
OV football stuns BFA Fairfax; will play division championship
Last Saturday, in a show of outstanding football, the Otter Valley Otters defeated the BFA Fairfax Bullets in a show of stellar offense and gutsy defense. On a raw day with occasional sleet, a crowd of 300 showed up in Fairfax to witness the semifinal game which looked to be a sure thing for the Bullets, who were undefeated at 10-0 versus the Otters at 5-4.
OV Football wins big in playoffs, moves to state semis
Isaac Whitney had a huge game, gaining 180 yards and scoring 4 touchdowns to lead the Otter Valley football team to a 46–14 playoff win over rival Mill River Saturday night under the new lights at Markowski Field.
Local group proposes multi-town community rec center
On a rainy Sunday afternoon, a bunch of middle-aged friends in Pittsford want to play some pick-up basketball. Or some older folks want to continue their daily exercise walks when the snow is knee deep outside in winter. Or some kids want to play volleyball but the school gyms are all closed. Where can they go?
