Private contractor takes on security at courthouses

Securitas USA, rather than Sheriff’s Department, will protect judicial branch in Windham County

On Sept. 1, a private contractor took control of all security functions at Windham County's courthouses.

The transition from county sheriff's protection apparently went smoothly: Officials say the only differences courthouse visitors will notice are “new faces and new-style uniforms” worn by Securitas USA personnel.

But some wonder whether the Windham County security switch is a sign of things to come. The Vermont State Employees Association, a union that represents several categories of Judiciary employees, is speaking out against any further privatization.

“[The union] thinks it's a really bad decision to transfer the security of any Vermont courthouse from state employees and sworn law enforcement officers to an unknown, private firm with personnel known only to Securitas and no one else,” said Doug Gibson, an Association spokesman.

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Moran: a people’s candidate

Capitalism is the servant of democracy, not her master. I'm writing to support the election of my colleague and friend John Moran. Nationally and locally, issues such as income disparity, livable wages, and the right to affordable health care have finally entered the dialogue, thanks to Bernie Sanders' run...

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A useful weather column

Thank you for adding Dave Hayes' most useful column, which makes The Commons definitively more informative. The Sept. 28 narrative explained the curious weather experienced in downtown Brattleboro on Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., whereas national websites reforecast the day on an hourly basis with little...

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A great person and machinist

Love the article. I've known Lester Dunklee for years and always had a great respect for him - you couldn't find a nicer person! A great machinist, too - very innovative!

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Do-over vote based on tainted petition

What is going on here? The Newfane Selectboard has accepted a petition for a re-vote on the same Town Office Building Bond issue that was just defeated in August by a large majority of the voters. To accept a petition at all for a second chance to reverse the majority's decisive vote is a slap in the face to the voters of Newfane. To accept such a petition even though the board had knowledge that an unknown number of signatures...

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Vernon’s strategy can preserve heritage

Vernon should focus on baseload power. Decentralized intermittent generation gobbles up open lands. Vernon should preserve its history of agricultural and open lands.

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Around the Towns

Monthly food distribution in PutneyPUTNEY - On Thursday Oct. 27, from 9 to 9:45 a.m., the monthly food distribution will take place at Putney Meadows on Carol Brown Way (the white building across from the Co-op and Fire Station). The Vermont Foodbank's Direct Distribution Program, in partnership with the Putney Foodshelf, aims to provide fresh food to families in need of food assistance. Fresh produce and healthy snacks are delivered to the Putney Meadows parking lot or commons room on...

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Shoales an alternative to White’s corporate-friendly stances

I urge Windham County voters to join me in casting a vote for Dave Schoales for the Vermont State Senate. Schoales has said he is running to replace Senator Jeanette White. As chair of the Government Operations Committee, Senator White has been the Legislature's leading proponent for allowing corporations to finance Vermont political campaigns. In 2011, she took the extreme step of not bringing a campaign finance reform bill that had been approved by her committee to the secretary of...

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BMC Chamber Music Series opens with performance by pianist Gilles Vonsattel

The Brattleboro Music Center's Chamber Music Series opens for the 2016-17 season with a performance by pianist Gilles Vonsattel. The concert is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 29, at 7:30 p.m., at the Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro. Vonsattel will perform Beethoven's Sonata Op. 81a, “Farewell,” Webern's Variations Op 27, Brahms' Four Piano Pieces, Op. 119, and Fantasy, Op. 17 by Schumann. Vonsattel is on the faculty of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He has performed as a soloist with...

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Colonels overcome injuries to beat MAU

This has not been a great season in terms of wins and losses for the Brattleboro Colonels football team. But on a rainy night at Natowich Field last Friday, the Colonels showed they were champs in the character department in beating the Mount Anthony Patriots, 45-7. The previous week, Brattleboro was not only knocked out of playoff contention with a loss to Essex, they also lost their third quarterback of the season to injury. Freshman Tyler Millerick needed shoulder surgery...

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Reconsider wind-turbine opposition for the greater good

When a wind-power project like Stiles Brook is planned, property owners will be concerned about their lovely ridgeline views and their property values. That is normal self-interest. On the other hand, some opponents go on to say they are concerned about endangered species, such as our bats, or about black bear corridors. That seems like hypocrisy. What's missing here is the bigger picture: The greatest threat by far to all living things in Grafton and Windham is climate change! Spinning...

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Vermont better served by microgrids, not wind farms

Regarding the wind turbine vote, it's clear to many of us that Vermont's energy goals are better met by microgrids - home and community-level power generation - than by industrial wind farms on Vermont ridgelines. Such industrial sites feed into distant grid centers and are not the future of Vermont fossil-fuel independence. Power generation that is small-scale and local makes sense: it reflects our values and can meet state power goals. Development of such systems is growing, and the market...

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Milestones

College news • Jonathan Elwell of Brattleboro, a member of the class of 2019 at Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., is a member of Carleton's men's soccer team for the 2016 season. Obituaries • Judith “Judie” Vincelette Deschaine, 71, of Guilford. Died Oct. 13 at her home. Partner of Steve Martin. Mother of Michelle Vincelette. Sister of the late Jean Vincelette Provencher and Terrance and Carl Vincelette. Also survived by two granddaughters and many nieces and nephews. Born April 21,

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Recommendations for union- and labor-friendly candidates

As a local union chapter president, I encourage those exercising their hard-earned right to vote to choose the following candidates who have been vetted to be among the more labor-friendly candidates we have in Vermont. These folks also are supportive of state services and, in general, all hard-working Vermonters. U.S. Senator: Patrick Leahy; U.S. Representative: Peter Welch; Governor: Sue Minter; Lieutenant Governor: David Zuckerman; Treasurer: Beth Pearce; Attorney General: TJ Donovan; Secretary of State: Jim Condos; Auditor: Doug Hoffer. Locally...

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An uncomfortable first step

It's certainly not comfortable being a white male these days. But that's the good news. For along with the many women, people of color, and indigenous folks standing up these days and speaking truth to power, this discomfort is a necessary first step to the change that must take place.

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We must confront climate change and demand that government do, too

On Oct 20, environmental activists and concerned citizens from across the state joined at Geprags Park in Hinesburg to protest the fracked-gas pipeline that is being constructed by Vermont Gas through Addison County. Across the country, battles are being waged against the development of fossil-fuel infrastructure. Some of these fights have drawn huge numbers of people; others are being enacted by small groups of brave citizens. Even though I wasn't able to join the folks in Hinesburg, I pledge my...

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BMAC announces four calls for submissions

The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center is accepting submissions for four different projects from creative people of all ages, according to a news release. More information and guidelines on each project are available at www.brattleboromuseum.org. • Open Call NXNE 2017 is the latest iteration of BMAC's annual juried exhibit. It is open to photographers and video artists living or working in New York or any of the six New England states. Submissions are due Nov. 14 and will be reviewed...

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Rhetoric from GunSense VT: deceitful, reprehensible, and untrue

Let's get a few things straight. Vermont is the safest state in the nation with the lowest violent-crime rate in 2013, 2014, and 2015, according to FBI statistics - the same years that GunSense VT has pushed its gun control agenda! Contrary to the rhetoric of its executive director, Ann Braden, nothing about Vermont is “dangerously out of whack,” except GunSense VT's constant barrage of disparaging comments about Vermont and lies about Vermont gun owners. Her constant wailing about how...

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Winter Farmers’ Market opens for season Nov. 5

The Winter Farmers' Market - one of the longest-running diverse indoor farmers' markets in southern Vermont - returns to the River Garden in downtown Brattleboro for its 11th season this year starting Nov. 5. As the famous outdoor summer farmers' market in West Brattleboro closes Oct. 29, fans can simply follow many of their favorite vendors indoors the following week, according to a news release. Visitors to the Winter Farmers' Market will find more local produce than ever before. Each...

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Police warn residents about new phone scam

Brattleboro Police say they received a complaint about a caller stating they were with the Brattleboro “Village” Police Department and then saying that there was a warrant out for the arrest of the person who had picked up the call. According to a news release, the caller ID number received by the complainant was one of the actual lines used by the Brattleboro Police Department (802-257-7946). Police said the caller provided a fictitious case number to the complainant and directed...

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BEEC opens its trails for annual Forest of Mystery performances

This year's Forest of Mystery, presented by Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center, is “The Invaders.” Envisioned by James and Jessica Gelter, the performance involves “crazy conspiracy theorists, British time travelers, and maybe, just maybe, some friends who are out-of-this-world.” Performances are Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center at 1221 Bonnyvale Rd. in West Brattleboro. Rain date is Oct. 30. Because the audience moves through in groups of 20, reservations are required. Visit www.beec.org for...

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Clown comedy opens Friday at NEYT

How does a clown learn to juggle? Sometimes, it's with the help of another clown. Area clowns have gathered to create “Clowns in a Joke Factory,” which opens Friday, Oct. 28, and runs for two consecutive weekends at the New England Youth Theatre, according to a news release. Led by NEYT founder Stephen Stearns, clowns including acrobat-stunt-man Bill Forchion, mime Chris Yerlig, street juggler Tom Yahner, and performance artist Kali Quinn have worked with 16 up-and-coming clowns to create an...

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Brattleboro Fire Department hires two and promotes four

The Brattleboro Fire Department put through two new hires and four promotions in a short ceremony last week. In the early evening on Oct. 11, Town Clerk Annette Cappy swore in the new recruits and those receiving promotions. Fellow firefighters and family members filled the second floor common area in Central Station. “This is the biggest movement [of personnel] we've seen in recent history,” Fire Chief Michael Bucossi said. Jason Davis and Dave Emery Jr. were promoted to captain. Josh...

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Attorney says clerk’s politicking on bond vote was a matter of propriety, not law

After controversy over an elected official's advocacy for a reconsideration of the town offices bond vote, the Selectboard has voted changes to the town personnel policy to prohibit employees from using municipal property without advance permission from the board. But the town employee whose recent actions prompted the town to seek legal clarification believes her actions weren't unreasonable. “I'm frustrated, and it makes me angry,” Town Clerk Gloria Cristelli said. “I've done and continue to do my job, and beyond.”

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Board appoints new town clerk

Brattleboro resident Hilary Francis will succeed long-serving Town Clerk Annette Cappy later this year. Cappy, an award-winning clerk, will step down in December after more than 20 years in the Brattleboro town offices. The Selectboard unanimously approved Francis's appointment on Oct. 18. According to Town Manager Peter Elwell, Francis has 16 years experience in different professional settings including working in the executive offices of C & S Wholesale Grocers in their Keene, New Hampshire, and Brattleboro offices. She holds degrees...

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Selectboard raises more questions on treasurer's completion of duties

More than a year after town officials discovered Treasurer Anita Coomes failed to file municipal tax forms with the state and the Internal Revenue Service, thus subjecting the town to hefty penalties, problems remain and new ones have cropped up. Last year, Coomes also was in hot water for neglecting to file three years' worth of dog licenses with the state. At the Oct. 12 Selectboard meeting meeting, the board unanimously voted to grant Town Manager Cynthia Stoddard power of...

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Putney briefs

Hickory Ridge Road updatePUTNEY - “The road is still closed,” Town Manager Cynthia Stoddard announced at the Oct. 12 regular Selectboard meeting. The culvert replacement on Hickory Ridge Road is behind schedule, Stoddard said, because the crane A.S. Clark & Sons is using for the project will come too close to power lines, necessitating a planned power-outage. Dorothy Schnure, spokesperson for Green Mountain Power, confirmed the utility needs time to send notification cards to affected customers. “We like to alert...

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Data show town recycling more, producing less solid waste

The community has successfully embraced every-other-week trash collection, and has begun to produce less waste and recycle more, town staff and Selectboard members say. According to an Oct. 13 memo from Assistant Town Manager Patrick Moreland to Town Manager Peter Elwell, Brattleboro residents generated 60 percent less solid waste for the town to haul in June, July, and August, compared with the same period in 2015. The amount of recycling has increased, Moreland noted in his memo. The big increase...

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Selectboard votes against reimbursements

The Selectboard voted four to one against crediting an estimated 390 residents hit with late fees on their water and sewer utility bills. Traditionally, first-quarter property tax and utility bills are due on Aug. 15. Earlier this summer, however, the board announced it would delay the property tax collection date by 30 days. According to Town Manager Peter Elwell, some residents incorrectly assumed this change also effected utility bills. It didn't. Elwell explained at the board's Oct. 18 meeting, that...

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Brattleboro briefs

Police station plans ready for bids BRATTLEBORO - The construction plans for the new police station slated for Black Mountain Road are ready for the bidding process. The board approved the detailed plans unanimously Oct. 18. Designs included everything from removing and replacing a section of parking lot, to electrical systems, to plumbing, to storm water drainage, to structural work. Most of the companies bidding on aspects of the project will be subcontractors working with DEW Construction/The MacMillin Company, which...

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Poor people ignored in presidential debates

I may be wrong. But I believe we got through the presidential debates without ever hearing the word “poor.” With occasional exceptions like Lyndon Johnson, politicians stick to talking about the middle class: their virtues, their problems, how we're failing them, etc. They don't talk about poor people because it would cost them white votes. Though many more whites than blacks live below the government's poverty line, “poor” for many whites conjures “black.” And whoever it is that comes to...

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Superintendent search process: all of the nuances of a predetermined outcome

In a letter to the Reformer on Oct 21, Rus Janis, chairman of the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union finance committee, and Amy Wall, chairwoman of the WSESU board, indicated that the search committee worked with the central office administration to prepare for a search for a new superintendent of schools. According to the letter, they posted the position internally in September. Only one person applied and was interviewed. Here we are, not even at the end of October, and apparently...

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ACO model’s outcomes far from certain

Retiring Gov. Peter Shumlin and his outgoing administration promoted “all-inclusive population-based payment” for hospital and medical diagnosis, care, and treatment during recent public forums about the Vermont All-Payer Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Model. They did not say how much this all-inclusive payment will cost. I asked at the Rutland forum and learned that it will cost $4,960 annually per commercially insured patient and $8,165 annually per Medicare patient. They also did not say that “capitation, now referred to as all-inclusive...

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Burke champions bikes, pedestrians at local and state levels

I support Mollie Burke, a Progressive/Democratic candidate for re-election in the Vermont House of Representatives for the Windham-2-2 district. Mollie has been a tremendous supporter of bicyclists and pedestrians through her work at the state level on the House Transportation Committee, and at the local level through her work with the Safe Streets Project. She consistently advocates for better conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians, and she communicates what is going on at the state level so that we in Brattleboro...

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Finally a licensed forester thanks to White

Earlier this year, when I needed Jeanette White, she was there for me - just as she has been in the past. She graciously agreed to meet with me, and she carefully listened to my concerns. This time, I hoped that she would support a proposal to - finally - license forestry professionals in Vermont. This bill was heading to the committee she chairs, the Senate Committee on Government Operations. She encouraged me to testify in the Senate. (I had...

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Moran deserves return to House

Sometimes a new voice is important and necessary, but in the case of the current race for state representative in Windham-Bennington, the voice of experience and consistency is the preferable one. John Moran, the Democratic candidate, consistently represented the best interests of all residents of this district. He understands and consistently addresses the needs of children, working adults, and military veterans as well as senior citizens. He has demonstrated his commitment by serving on the local school board and speaking...

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Hundreds chip in to help artist rebuild studio

A heartfelt thank-you to the hundreds of people who have supported me and contributed to my fire fund and recovery after my artist studio and decades of paintings suddenly burned to the ground. There are too many individuals to list here - I'll write to them personally - but groups and businesses deserve special mention as well. Brattleboro-West Arts essentially insisted I step aside as members planned, promoted, organized, and ran a magnificent, successful benefit auction. BWA members and friends...

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First, we must define ‘highly qualified’

According to Andy Davis, who attended the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union Finance Committee Meeting of Oct. 13, Chairman Russ Janis stated that “this [hiring] process has been used for many years by WSESU to identify and hire highly qualified administrators.” Had I been present for the conversation, I would have asked, “How do you know you hired highly qualified administrators?” That question might seem like a surprising response, but there has to be an answer. What was the administrator expected...

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White an ally in alimony reform

I support Jeanette White in her Vermont Senate campaign this year. White has been extremely helpful to Windham County in many ways throughout her career in the Senate. She has always been willing to listen to any constituent's problem and offer suggestions or work to propose legislation to address their concerns. On a personal level, White has been very helpful in addressing alimony reform in Vermont. I approached her 18 months ago asking her for help in updating and modifying...

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Lucky we had Paul Cameron

We were lucky to have Paul Cameron around as long as we did. Enjoy North Carolina, Paul! We'll miss your dedication and kindness!

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Deen, Mrowicki bring their complementary experience to Windham-4

Our support goes to David Deen and Mike Mrowicki for reelection to the Vermont House in Windham-4 District. Both are knowledgeable, experienced, and very committed to the well-being of both Dummerston, Putney, and Westminster, and Vermont as a state. David Deen is, in fact, the dean of the House, having served as a representative from 1993 to the present. His tenure is recognized in his chairmanship of the important House Rules Committee. He also chairs the Fish, Wildlife and Water...

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Does Scott’s economic plan benefit the people he visits?

Thomas Joseph's letter is trying to contrast the two major-party candidates. When he says that Republican Phil Scott has integrity, the implication is that his Democratic opponent, Sue Minter, lacks integrity. To imply anything of the sort, without so much as a hint of evidence to that effect, is a terrible claim to make about a person whose integrity and concern for the public have never been questioned. As for Scott's concern for controlling fraud, let me point out that...

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New WSESU leadership offers great opportunity for change

A great opportunity sits before the community of Brattleboro and its surrounding towns. The superintendent of our public schools is retiring, and now we get to pick someone new to lead the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union. Thank you to Ron Stahley for the steadfast quality of his work over the last 14 years. He did an excellent job, but I am not sorry to see him leave. Any strong leader knows that there is a cycle to leadership and a...

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Halifax road crew does what it can

So they widened the roads a little? Big deal. Steve Moore: What happens when you meet a fully loaded town truck with a fixed plow and wing out? You move without backing up or driving into a ditch. Yes, the gravel they have used on some roads sucks. If you want to complain, complain to the vendor for inadequate materials. The guys on the town road crew are doing what they can with what they have to work with. Also,

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How much worse do we dare let things get?

Donald Trump on TV can, temporarily, make me think, “He's not so bad” and that the prospect of his winning would not be so bad. So I can see how people think he's not a threat - that he's entertainment, actually. But contemplate an America with no gun control, no Social Security, no Medicare, no Medicaid, no public health care, no Planned Parenthood, no minimum wage, no Environmental Protection Agency. Some third-party voters think things have to get worse before...

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One can oppose Clinton’s qualities without hatred

So if I read this conclusion correctly, then I should probably tell people of color who won't vote for Hillary Clinton that their “wasted” vote (even in a safely Democratic state like Vermont) is actually their white privilege? Got it. Sorry. This piece is riddled with circular reasoning and fiats. One can vehemently oppose oligarchy, militarism, and duplicity without hating anyone.

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Critique of co-op consulting: ‘completely resonant’

Marilyn Scholl, I have been a lifelong member of more than a dozen food co-ops as well as a manager in some and a working member in others. I have founded what is possibly the only truly 100-percent-organic-food co-op in the country. Years ago, I was an employee board member on a policy governance board. In my hometown at another co-op I am a member of, I attended a “Community Conversation” run by one of your CDS Consulting Co-op staff...

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Clinton has withstood a lifetime of attacks

MacLean Gander has written one of the most honest, intelligent, insightful pieces I've seen on the “hate Hillary Clinton” phenomenon and on what I've come to think of as a mass demonstration of “mother hatred” - deeply ingrained and rarely acknowledged. This piece is in marked contrast to “The two Hillary Clintons” piece running alongside it, which is emblematic of that same irrationally bitter vein. There is one Hillary Clinton. She will be our first female president. Bernie Sanders fully...

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Anti-gun supporters like Braden in the same class as pedophiles

GunSense VT Executive Director Ann Braden will never be a true Vermonter. She is just like Hillary Clinton - a pure liar. Braden will do anything possible to make her silly little fears trump our Vermont and U.S. Constitutional rights. I put all anti-gun supporters like Braden and her supporters in the same class as pedophiles: the lowest of the low. If Ann Braden and her followers don't like Vermont gun laws, they should move to states that have strict...

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Vermont is the safest state in the country

Ann Braden, let's set the record straight. Yes, I am the president and founder of the Gun Owners of Vermont. No, we are not an affiliate of Gun Owners of America, and you know that. So, as usual, you are - to put it mildly - stretching the truth. As a matter of fact, you and your sugar daddy Michael Bloomberg have spent almost half a million dollars in this state in the past few years trying to push his...

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Benefit masquerade ball celebrates Day of the Dead

The Arts Council of Windham County will hold its Baile De Los Muertos (Dance of the Dead) Masquerade Ball on Friday, Oct. 28, from 8 p.m. to midnight at the River Garden at 157 Main St. The fundraiser for the nonprofit, an all-volunteer organization that has worked to strengthen the environment for artists and arts organizations in Windham County since 1975, is a nod to the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The late-fall holiday focuses...

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Town clerks administer elections with integrity and accuracy

As a Vermont town clerk, I am disgusted by even the notion that anyone could attempt to commit fraud with the results of an election. We use paper ballots, our town's computer scanning machine is checked for accuracy in advance, and a hard working crew of volunteers helps with making sure my town follows the rules. This process is replicated in every town across Vermont, and across the USA. You are welcome to observe how we do our jobs. Let's...

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Snow likely Thursday morning as autumn deepens

Hello to everybody in southern Vermont! We've flipped the switch to Autumn, and I'm afraid summer lovers are going to be pining for warmth until the Spring at this rate. Despite the potential for a couple of warmer periods, the last warm-up appears to arrive the first and/or second week in November. Beyond that, we're heading into Winter, my friends. The coming season will not be like last year's, from what I can see at this point. But, that's off...

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Feds endorse Vermont Yankee handling of fuel and waste

Federal inspectors are satisfied with Vermont Yankee's environmental monitoring, spent fuel storage, and handling of radiological waste - including contaminated water that had accumulated at the shut-down plant. A new report from a Nuclear Regulatory Commission inspection identifies “no findings of safety significance” at the Vernon facility. The NRC in 2015 terminated its resident inspector program at Vermont Yankee, which stopped producing power at the end of 2014. But the federal agency still conducts regular inspections at the plant, and...

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Main Street Arts celebrates Diwali

Diwali, the Indian festival of light, will be celebrated Saturday, Oct. 29, at Main Street Arts. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with the lighting of the Diwali lamps and an invocation by Prachi Dalal, followed by a short demonstration of Indian music by Do One Thing, the duo of Gordon Korstange on south Indian flute and Joel Eisenkramer on north Indian slide guitar. Dalal will then present movement and rhythms from the classical dance repertoire of Kathak, a dance...

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State OKs $3.65M electrical upgrade in Brattleboro

State regulators have given the go-ahead for a $3.65 million project to boost the capacity, reliability, and flexibility of Brattleboro's electrical system. Green Mountain Power has received a state certificate of public good to overhaul its South Brattleboro substation on Cotton Mill Hill. Construction is scheduled for next year, and administrators say they'll install a temporary transformer nearby so electrical service isn't disrupted during the nine-month project. “We're always looking at ways to make sure we're providing reliable service to...

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Samirah Evans offers a ‘musical memoir’ in benefit for Brooks Memorial Library

Renowned jazz and blues vocalist Samirah Evans will perform a benefit concert for the Brooks Memorial Library on Friday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m., in the Library. The program is titled “How the Heck Did I Get to Vermont? A Musical Memoir of Samirah Evans' Life from Childhood to the Present,” according to a news release. Hurricane Katrina brought Evans to her husband's hometown of Brattleboro from the Crescent City, where she was a regular performer in New Orleans' fabled...

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Carving out a niche

Horror filmmaker Hannah Neurotica is almost overwhelmed by how her Ax Wound Film Festival has blossomed in just a year. The first Ax Wound Film Festival had been a bigger success than Neurotica anticipated. “Not only did we sell out but as the day progressed,” she says, “no one ever wanted to leave, and since more kept showing up throughout the day, we finally had to turn people away.” Neurotica is hosting the second annual Ax Wound Film Festival at...

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Windham-4 candidates differ on guns, but want to focus on other issues

The Windham-4 House District race features two leaders of a statewide gun-rights group and two incumbents who've received public support from a gun-control organization. Nevertheless, each of those candidates is insisting that gun regulation - though a hot topic in Vermont politics - is not a central issue in their campaigns. Rather, Democratic Reps. David Deen of Westminster and Mike Mrowicki of Putney are touting their experience and expertise on topics like environmental regulation and human services. In total, they've...

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Marlboro residents, state police work together amid burglary spree

When Vermont State Police Lt. Tim Oliver stepped in front of a crowd at Marlboro School Oct. 19, he was met with a round of enthusiastic applause. “I don't get this very much,” Oliver quipped. But the greeting was representative of a new spirit of cooperation and communication between police and residents here, even as a string of burglaries has left Marlboro on edge. Residents are organizing, using email, social media and Neighborhood Watch-style groups. And they're connecting with state...

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Standing up for nonviolence

On a recent afternoon, students at the Wildflowers Playschool grabbed tiny shovels and helped install a new Peace Pole outside the Putney Community Center. They were joined by members of the center's advisory board, Foodshelf volunteers, and other community members. “The event was simple and sweet, with the kiddies filling the hole with their mini shovels and telling us what peace meant to them,” said Janice Baldwin, one of the Foodshelf's coordinators. The wooden poles, made in Maple City, Michigan,

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‘The public square of shame’

On Nov. 1, the Hooker-Dunham Theater will show a free screening of “Audrie & Daisy,” an American documentary film released this year. The film tells the stories of two high school girls who were raped by boys they considered friends. The assaults were captured on camera and shared online. The victims and their families were harassed after the rapes, including on social media. Both victims attempted suicide; one was successful. In the directors' statement, Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk write,

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Public radio journalist will speak at Brooks library

Award-winning public broadcaster and economics reporter David Brancaccio will consider how a “Secretary of the Future” might help the U.S. in a talk at Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St., on Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. His talk, “What This Country Needs is a Secretary of the Future,” is part of the Vermont Humanities Council's First Wednesdays lecture series and is free and open to the public. Brancaccio will consider one way our democracy might get beyond the short-term focus...

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Stiles Brook proposal prompts concern from bird advocates

A national bird-protection organization says the proposed Stiles Brook Wind Project “poses an unacceptably high risk” to some species, including a rare thrush that has been considered for endangered species status. In an Oct. 20 letter to the chairs of the Windham and Grafton selectboards, the American Bird Conservancy argues that the planned construction of 24 turbines in the 5,000-acre forest “is a potential threat to migratory and resident birds and bats” that frequent the area. If the project is...

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Undermining voter confidence undermines our democracy

Recent unsupported allegations and sensationalized reporting are sowing seeds of doubt about our democratic process. This doubt undermines voter confidence and calls into question whether all voices will be heard on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8. As Vermont's secretary of state and chief elections officer, a former state senator, a former city councilor, and a lifelong voter, I've been following our elections my entire adult life. I am frustrated by the careless way in which these stories attack our very...

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When the need for control controls us

Eating disorders never entered the mind of filmmaker Bess O'Brien. At least not until she met Norm. He was at a screening of “The Hungry Heart,” O'Brien's 2013 documentary about drug addiction, and he told O'Brien that his daughter had struggled with an eating disorder. O'Brien said his story struck her. She started digging into the issue. Two years and many interviews later, O'Brien's new documentary, “All of Me,” strives to bring the topic of eating disorders - what she...

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