Barbara Lee Smela

She lived a full life that can be summed up with a quote from Pablo Neruda, a poet she long favored: “He who does not travel, who does not read, who does not listen to music, who does not find grace in himself, she who does not find grace in herself, dies slowly.”   Read more

Allan N. Mackey

Allan had a relentlessly positive attitude and valued laughter and love above all else.   Read more

Lorraine Maybelle Walker

She loved spending time with her five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who knew her as "Nanna."   Read more

Crime and Justice

‘Not enough oversight’: Scandals in Vermont sheriffs’ departments spur legislative action

Key state senators are proposing a constitutional amendment that would establish qualifications for sheriffs, on top of a bill that could get rid of sheriffs’ administrative fee for contract work their departments undertake.

Politics

After splitting from Essex Junction, Essex town residents face a proposed 22% property tax hike

A median homeowner in the town of Essex could expect a $340 increase in their property tax bill next fiscal year, according to Daniel Roy, the town’s financial director.

Politics

Final Reading: Legislators try to revive universal health care plan

The bill calls for “incremental implementation of Green Mountain Care” starting with publicly financed primary care in the first year, adding preventative dental and vision in the second, with no deductibles or copayments.