Primary winners chosen in key state, local races
August 13, 2026
News
County hospital trims FY27 budget for state review
August 13, 2026
Health care regulators began their review of Porter’s budget proposal this week.
Sports
Mindset could make Midd men’s soccer season
August 13, 2026
The Panthers finished the 2025 season 10-6-2, a record that did not align with their ambit … (read more)
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
- MIDDLEBURY SWIM TEAM members Maxine King, Felix Poduschnick, Cassandra Bellmann and Porter Mackey pose for a photo after making Marlins history during the state championship meet at the Upper Valley Aquatic Center in Hartford on Aug. 1 and 2. Not only was the foursome’s 2:08.89 swim the fastest that any has finished the mixed 12U 200-yard medley relay at the state meet — by 21 seconds, to tout. It also marked the first time ((wh “The entire team was beyond excited for them,” Coach Carina Bellman said. “It was a once in a lifetime kind of unicorn event where you had the state champions in each of their individual events come together, and that just that that doesn’t happen often. King was victory in the girls’ 11-12 50 yard backstroke (34.03), Poduschnick in the boys 11-12 50 yard breaststroke (36.47), Cassandra Bellmann in the girls 11-12 50 yard butterfly (30.51) and Mackey in the boys 12U 50 yard freestyle (30.52). For Bellman, the relay team achieved more than a personal accomplishment. “That’s huge to have those four kids break the Vermont state record. That is definitely a huge accolade,” she said. “But you know, that’s a testament to the community we built, to the history of the team.”
- Abigail Fitzsimmons of St. Johnsbury works hard — but doesn’t forget to have fun — during the annual armwrestling competition at Field Days, competing in the girls’ ages 6-7 category. Independent photo/Steve James.
- Aubrey Jackson of Hubbardton won the girls’ ages 10-11 category in the annual armwrestling competition at Field Days. Independent photo/Steve James.
- Camille Plouffe, Hubbardton, stares down her opponent before winning the girls’ age 14-15 category in the annual armwrestling competition at Field Days. Independent photo/Steve James.
- Levi Rose of Ferrisburgh competed in the boys’ ages 8-9 category in the annual armwrestling competition at Field Days. Independent photo/Steve James.
- TJ Ashley of Whiting competed in the boys’ ages 10-11 category during the annual armwrestling competition at Field Days. The contests of raw strength, cunning and perseverance celebrated their 19th year at the fair, drawing competitors from across the Northeast and reaffirming its status as one of the longest-running tournaments in the country. Independent photo/Steve James.
- TRICIA ALLEN, ILSLEY’S children’s librarian, fills bookshelves in the newly renovated children’s section. Independent photo/Steve James
- Lydia Tucker of Orwell wins the girls 16-17 division at the Field Days armwrestling competition.
- Cornwall’s Avalee Barnes shows her stuff in the girls 8-9 division at the Field Days armwrestling competition.
- Tucker Sheldrick of Salisbury wins the boys 14-15 division in the Field Days armwrestling competition.
- Boys 8-9-year-old winner Hunter Steady of Orwell makes it look easy at Field Days last week.
- Vergennes armwrestler Hunter Grant wins a match in the 8-9 girls division at Field Days.
- Renee Plouffe of Bridport competes in the girls 14-15 division at the Field Days armwrestling competition.
- Levi Laroche of Cornwall tries his hand at armwrestling in the boys 10-11 class at Field Days.
- Hunter Steady of Orwell sure looks proud to be the winner of the boys 8-9 division at the Field Days armwrestling competition.
- Two Ilsley Library supporters — one wearing black and red, the other wearing red and black — get ready to move books back to the main building last week. Independent photo/John S. McCright
Arts & Leisure
Snuggle into an analog reality: An evening of words and art in Ripton
August 13, 2026
Escape the late-summer rush and find grounding at the Chipman Inn on Thursday, Aug. 27. En … (read more)





































