Vergennes to recognize Vt’s first Black sheriff, elected there in 1879

Vermont’s first known elected Black sheriff and chief of police, Stephen Bates, lived in Vergennes more than a century ago. Bates will be honored with the unveiling and dedication of an historic marker in Vergennes City Park.

What’s under the shire town?

MIDDLEBURY — The massive railroad tunnel construction project in the downtown has dug deep into Middlebury’s bedrock, exposing a deep-seated geology that most of us rarely — if ever — think about.  Turns out, these rocks that we can now see formed in a mu … (read more)

Clippings: The importance of our local history

History has become a controversial topic, and rightly so. Much of what children and teenagers are given in the United States details history primarily centered around white supremacy and the patriarchy. This is true at national and local levels. Recently, … (read more)

Childcare and preschools have a vision

ADDISON COUNTY — As elementary, middle and high schools are implementing plans for reopening this fall, childcare services and preschools are preparing as well — and in some cases are implementing creative outdoor classes to start off the fall. While chil … (read more)

Bartlett Falls draws heavy crowds

BRISTOL — Bartlett Falls in Bristol has been a serious hot spot for swimmers this year. The popular New Haven River locale is known for its cliff jumping and smooth rock face across the river.  A recent Saturday saw at least 50 bathers in and around the p … (read more)

Lumberyards & contractors hustle to meet demands fueled by COVID-19

ADDISON COUNTY — Lumberyards and building contractors seem to have experienced a surge in business in Addison County since the stay-at-home mandate was loosened in June. And building supply stores can’t seem to keep up with demand for one product in parti … (read more)

Online music festival to bring vocal works to life

If your heart is hungry for live music of the vocal variety, New Haven resident George Jaeger is passing on news of an opportunity to hear some. “My English son-in-law Robin Tyson,” wrote Jaeger, “a graduate of the King’s College Choir and for years a cou … (read more)

State launches program to help struggling renters and their landlords

ADDISON COUNTY — With federal laws designed to keep people in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic due to expire next week, a new Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) program looks to support people who are falling behind on rent and landlords worki … (read more)

ATV riders threaten Salisbury landfill

SALISBURY — Members of the Salisbury selectboard were very pleased last month when the town landfill was finally capped after a multi-year effort. But now they are frustrated that the town’s expensive project is being torn to pieces. Riders of all-terrain … (read more)

Retired counselor offers thoughts on isolation

MIDDLEBURY — The isolation of this pandemic can feel at times unmanageable. That can especially be the case for seniors who cannot leave their homes or visit with loved ones. Elise Blair, a friendly face in the Middlebury community (and beyond) shares som … (read more)

Kids take COVID precautions and have fun

ADDISON COUNTY — Addison County youth are seeing a different look at their camps and sports this summer. There are no field trips for day camps, no fighting for draws in lacrosse, only small games in soccer, and no spitting on the baseball diamond.  But t … (read more)

Musicians choose between online adaptation and quiet creation

In all the ways that COVID-19 has halted life, musicians have had the especially challenging task of reaching audiences in a world in which people can no longer gather in person to enjoy and support the sounds they love. Five Vermont-based musicians share … (read more)

Grift members find venue for fan support

If you are from Vermont, and particularly Addison County, it is likely you’re familiar with The Grift and the members of this homegrown band: Clint Bierman, Peter Day, Jeff Vallone and Andrew Moroz.  Bierman and Day, leaders of the band, told the Independ … (read more)

Taylor contributes to BLM protests with music

MIDDLEBURY — In addition to attending some small-scale rallies around the state, Middlebury College Assistant Professor of Music Matthew Evan Taylor felt like he needed to respond in his own way to the Black Lives Matter protests that have sprung up over … (read more)

Vermont’s last unlined landfill is now capped

SALISBURY — The town landfill in Salisbury has finally been capped, marking the end of unlined landfills in Vermont.  To protect the environment, Vermonters over the past few decades have been closing their old-fashioned town dumps and sending their trash … (read more)

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