News

State files $1.2 million more in tax claims on Hermitage

WILMINGTON- The Vermont Department of Taxes recently filed more than $1.2 million in additional liens against James Barnes and the Hermitage.
The documents, filed at the Wilmington Town Clerk’s office in November, are filed against James Barnes and Hermitage Club LLC, as well as Hermitage...

State touts progress on opioids

MONTPELIER - In December, the Opioid Coordination Council, a state council, released a progress report on its work in 2017 and 2018. The report,“Strategic Actions and Progress,” outlined the council’s progress in expanding access to services, increasing public awareness, and reducing stigma...

Wilmington may appoint town clerk, treasurer

WILMINGTON- Selectboard members approved a fiscal 2020 municipal budget with a higher pay raise for town employees, and debated a request to use 1% tax funding for an East Main Street sewer upgrade at their regular meeting Tuesday evening.
Following a unanimous vote to increase the annual...

Wilmington resident Lynne Matthews, standing, told attendees at Monday’s meeting she’d like to see a recreational marijuana dispensary as a CEDS project.

Development plan looks at ways to improve economy, seeks projects

WILMINGTON - Representatives from several economic-development-focused groups were in Wilmington on Monday where they spoke to members of the public about the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a five-year economic development plan for Bennington and Wilmington counties.
...

WCSU superintendent Bill Anton presents his recommendation at Wardsboro School Monday.

Board wants more input on programs

WARDSBORO - At Monday’s meeting of the River Valleys Unified Union School District, Windham Central Supervisory Union superintendent Bill Anton made his official recommendation that the board consider a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) or STEAM (science, technology, engineering,...

Budget up in Dover

By Lauren Harkawik
DOVER - The Dover Selectboard’s Tuesday meeting was sparsely attended and was adjourned swiftly, with the entire agenda worked through in under 15 minutes. Nevertheless, decisions were made, mainly the board’s approval of the town’s budget, which is up this year by 5%....

Tear down or fix up?

READSBORO - “It to me, is a philosophy that is like having a full mouth of teeth and deciding to take out all the teeth with cavities rather than repair them — creating a smile full of holes.”
These words were contained in letters from James Dassatti, which were sent to town officials in...

Bob Grinold, right, and attorney David Dunn, center, during a May hearing at the Windham County Courthouse. File photo

“We’re trying to serve notice on a turtle, and it’s not sticking its head out.”

NEWFANE- A hearing on a motion for an injunction against James Barnes and the Hermitage was stalled last week, after Windham Superior Court Judge Robert Gerety questioned whether Barnes or the Hermitage had received sufficient notice of the hearing. White House Inn owner Robert Grinold and his...

Hermitage Club reports, mystery goat kept many guessing

Compiled by Lauren Harkawik
DEERFIELD VALLEY- This week we take another look at some of the news that made headlines in 2018. For this installment of our year in review, we look back at the second half of the year.
July
The old Carinthia Base Lodge came down at Mount Snow...

Dalton Kissell in court Friday afternoon.

Man charged in OD death pleads not guilty to amended charge

BRATTLEBORO- On Friday, December 21, Dalton Kissell pleaded not guilty to amended charges stemming from the alleged sale of regulated drugs resulting in the overdose death of Wilmington resident Connor Rusin in June.
Kissell, 28, of Westminster, and Neal Bolster, 28, a Hinsdale, NH...