Region seized by heat, drought

Addison County residents and farmers are dealing with high temperatures, dry ground, and increased fire risk.

72% of Vermont is now in drought. State officials are reminding Vermonters of steps they can take to prevent human-caused fires.

As summer unfolds, so do the statewide free meal programs that help keep Vermont children nourished, healthy and supported.

Local youth will have more opportunities to access free meals this summer, after several factors reduced the number of places kids could eat for free once school let out for summer vacation last year. 

Orwell’s scenic town green will host three farmers markets this summer that will showcase local growers while offering residents and visitors a bounty of fresh food.

I want it noted: On the front page of the Thursday, June 1, issue of the Addison County Independent the staging of the Memorial Day parades is referred to as the “Official start of summer.”

I need to come clean: Although I’ve written on this topic in a variety of ways before, I’ve always beat around the bush, obscured my true feelings, tried to be polite. But I think it’s time to be honest, to come right out and say it: I don’t like summer.

By JOYCE AMSDENExtension Master Gardener InternUniversity of VermontThere is no fruit as versatile as a tomato fresh from the vine. Canning the surplus further expands its versatility to hearty winter dishes, sauces, soups and juice.You will need canning … (read more)

The weather never seems to be normal lately: too wet or too dry, too cold or too hot, record this, record that. It could be that there never really was a “normal” — that weather is just prone to dramatic fluctuations from year to year. Or it could be that … (read more)

FERRISBURGH —Although COVID-19 put a lot of activities on hold this summer, for 124 students from seven states and two Canadian provinces, the pandemic created an opportunity to get to know the watery world of Lake Champlain — virtually. With financial su … (read more)

GOSHEN — It’s hard to believe that we are entering the final chapter of the garden for this year. But there is still activity to watch and plenty of flowers to enjoy. Every summer, for a scant three months, a profusion of tiny hummingbirds birds whirr aro … (read more)

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)

Fireworks, barbecues and heat can be a dangerous trio for pets. As the state begins to ease COVID-19 restrictions, friends and family will begin to gather again and with the Fourth of July rapidly approaching, barbecues and fireworks may be on the agenda. … (read more)

ADDISON COUNTY & BRANDON — In Vergennes, the city council on Tuesday made it official there will be no Vergennes Day for the first time since the event was founded decades ago. Organizers of July’s multi-day Basin Bluegrass Festival in Brandon have cancel … (read more)

Springtime is finally here, and with it comes many diseases and parasites that are easily preventable. Ticks, wildlife, gardening chemicals and heartworm are just a few of the things to be aware of this time of year when thinking about your dog’s health.  … (read more)