May Day protest attracts 250+, some counter protesters
On Thursday afternoon, May 1, the Chester Green was — as it had been a month ago — lined with anti-Trump demonstrators carrying signs, waving at drivers and listening to speakers who, for this May Day celebration, emphasized the importance of workers and unions in building the American middle class. May Day is an international […]
Friends, co-workers, residents celebrate retirement with Aldrich
By Shawn Cunningham © 2025 Telegraph Publishing LLC More than 120 friends, co-workers, relatives and Chester residents turned out at the American Legion on Saturday night to celebrate Town Clerk Debbie Aldrich’s retirement after 42 years. Aldrich began working as an assistant town clerk in April 1983 and became town clerk when Sandy Walker […]
A primer: How Vermont law enforcement agencies must handle immigration issues
By Shawn Cunningham © 2025 Telegraph Publishing LLC Toward the end of last week’s Chester Select Board meeting, as members were discussing items for future agendas, Arne Jonynas asked what the relationship is between the Chester Police Department and federal immigration authorities in light of recent arrests of both documented and undocumented immigrants in Vermont. […]
Neighbors plead with Chester board to enforce on quarry violations
By Shawn Cunningham © 2025 Telegraph Publishing LLC In an otherwise light meeting – mostly followups and housekeeping – the Chester Select Board last Wednesday heard from neighbors complaining that the Julian quarries in Gassetts were continuing to violate a signed agreement with the town. The quarries were cited by the town for violations in […]
Ludlow resident, a fugitive from Brazil, arrested on federal firearms charges
By Mike Donoghue Vermont News First BURLINGTON An international fugitive, who is wanted on a child rape charge in Brazil and has lived in the United States unlawfully for more than four years, has been arrested in Windsor County on federal firearms charges after a series of gun incidents, officials said this week. Gabriel Lopes […]
Well attended forum explores future of education in Vermont
By Shawn Cunningham © 2025 Telegraph Publishing LLC Monday night’s forum on statewide education reform, sponsored by the Chester Democratic Committee, attracted about 40 people of many political stripes. And it was remarkable for the extent to which members of the invited panel — also of different political persuasions — agreed on the problems and […]
Latest News
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Chester board punts making school board rep recommendation; hears protests about protests
By Shawn Cunningham © 2025 Telegraph Publishing LLC Last Wednesday, the Chester Select Board was -
Land use board to hold public session May 22 on Act 250 and critical natural resource areas
The Vermont Land Use Review Board is hosting a public engagement session to gather input -
Weston’s Wilder Memorial Library breaks ground on expansion
Wilder Memorial Library in Weston held a ground-breaking ceremony on Tuesday, May 6 to celebrate -
Andover Select Board agenda for May 12
The Andover Select Board will hold its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday May -
May Day protest attracts 250+, some counter protesters
On Thursday afternoon, May 1, the Chester Green was — as it had been a -
Chester Select Board agenda for May 7
The Chester Select Board will hold its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday May -
Friends, co-workers, residents celebrate retirement with Aldrich
By Shawn Cunningham © 2025 Telegraph Publishing LLC More than 120 friends, co-workers, relatives -
Probationary firefighter charged in Cavendish barn fire
By Shawn Cunningham © 2025 Telegraph Publishing LLC A probationary firefighter has been charged with - More News
Community & Arts Life
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Family concert set for Saturday at Whiting Library
Musicians Stu Fuchs and Sarah Carlisle will appear in a family-friendly show to delight listeners -
Ludlow Rotary’s successful Penny Sale to aid scholarship program
The 67th Annual Penny Sale, sponsored by the Ludlow Rotary Club, returned in full force -
Historic gay-friendly Andrews Inn documentary filmmakers to hold chat on May 22
The iconic Andrews Inn was a gay-friendly bar and hotel that was open from 1974 -
Talk on Vermont policies regarding equity, sustainability and shared prosperity May 15
Stephanie Yu, executive director of the non-profit Public Assets Institute, will give a talk titled -
Windsor County Mentors seeks volunteers
Windsor County Mentors, the youth mentoring organization that has served all of Windsor County since -
Springfield Players presents ‘Five Women Wearing the Same Dress’ May 17&18, 23&24
Springfield Community Players, the longest running community theater in Vermont, presents the first show of -
Union Street School Garden Club introduces new members
WATCH US GROW: The fifth-grade Garden Club at Union Street School in Springfield, with the -
Plots available in Chester Community Gardens
The Chester Community Greenhouse and Gardens, located on Canal Street in Chester, is excited to - More in Community & Arts Life
Business & Personal Finance
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Landmark College appoints James Dlugos as new president
After a nine-month nationwide search, the Board of Trustees of Landmark College in Putney announced -
Springfield companies receive VEGI awards for expansion projects
Springfield Regional Development Corp. and the Vermont Economic Progress Council announce that two Springfield companies -
Grace Cottage joins cost-savings purchasing group
After one year in operation, the New England Collaborative Health Network has grown to 10 -
Tri-State Area Federal merges with Heritage Family Credit Union
On April 1, 4,200 Tri State Area Federal Credit Union members and the staff of - More in Business & Personal Finance
Commentary
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Op-ed: Protect voting by rejecting the SAVE Act
By Sue Racanelli President League of Women Voters of Vermont On April 10, the Safeguard American -
To the editor: Did Bill Schubart have a change of heart?
Bill Schubart is a lifelong progressive Democrat. (Chester Telegraph, April 21, 2025, Op-ed: Where are -
To the editor: Former Vermont lawmakers say education reform bill weakens system
More than 50 years ago, Vermont recognized the hardship faced by homeowners whose property taxes -
To the editor: GM middle schoolers do their part on Green Up Day
On Friday, May 2, close to 80 7th and 8th graders of Green Mountain Middle - More Commentaries
Education News & High School Sports
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College News
Jonathan Griffin of West Townshend, a senior pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from -
Landmark College appoints James Dlugos as new president
After a nine-month nationwide search, the Board of Trustees of Landmark College in Putney announced -
One Credit offers scholarships for graduating seniors, non-traditional students Deadline to apply is May 11
One Credit Union is seeking applicants for its 2025 scholarship program. The deadline to apply -
Well attended forum explores future of education in Vermont
By Shawn Cunningham © 2025 Telegraph Publishing LLC Monday night’s forum on statewide education reform, - More in Education
Obituaries
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Shawn Augustine Merrick, 74, formerly of Chester
Shawn Augustine Merrick died on March 3, 2025, following a long illness. He was born -
Richard ‘Dick’ Adams, 84, of Landgrove
Richard Holbrook Adams, “Dick” to his family and friends, died unexpectedly March 31, 2025 at -
Celebration of Life for William Shelton Ballou set for May 24
The Celebration of Life for William Shelton Ballou, 85, a former Chester resident who died -
Nora E. ‘Bonnie’ Watters, 85, of Chester
Nora E. Watters, known as “Bonnie,” aged 85, of Chester passed away on Monday, April - More Obituaries
Other Recent Articles
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Join Cavendish Streetscapes to beautify the region
Last fall, Cavendish Streetscapes coordinators Julia Gignoux and Lisa Ewald enlisted volunteers to plant yellow daffodil bulbs in a variety of new locations. One spot is shown in the photograph. Can you identify four more locations that feature these beacons of spring? Seeking to promote civic pride and beautification of the village centers, Cavendish Streetscapes […]
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Springfield Rotary Club Food Drive May 17
Springfield Rotary Club will be holding a “Fill the Cart from the Heart” Food Drive from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 17 by Shaw’s in the Springfield Shopping Plaza. Donations are to benefit the Springfield Family Center Food Shelf. Grab a bag and fill it with non-perishable food items or personal care […]
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Henry Homeyer: It’s time to celebrate those long-blooming annual flowers
By Henry Homeyer ©2025 Telegraph Publishing LLC In recent years there has been a push to reduce lawn and to substitute native trees, shrubs and perennials that support pollinators and birds. I am all for that. Entomologist Doug Tallamy’s excellent new book, How Can I Help: Saving Nature in Your Yard explains the case well, […]
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SoVera to host talk by noted Dartmouth scientist May 15
Southern Vermont Astronomy Group is sponsoring a talk by Dartmouth physics and astronomy professor Dr. Robyn Millan at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 at Horowitz Performing Arts Hall on the campus of the Vermont Academy, 10 Long Walk, in Saxtons River. Millan will be discussing, “Remotely Sensing Earth’s Magnetosphere Using Energetic Particles.” According to […]
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Celebrate moms with art at Derry Library May 10
The South Londonderry Free Library, 15 Old School Road, is celebrating moms with a free art workshop for children of all ages at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 10. Art teacher Casey Junker Bailey will help kids to create a special keepsake present for their mothers, in time for Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11. Thanks […]
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Grace Cottage’s family-friendly 5K set for May 10
Spring weather is just around the corner. The 16th annual Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital’s Spring into Health 5K begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, on the Townshend Common, Common Road. Entrants can run, walk, roll, stroll or push a baby carriage for this fun, family-friendly event. Registration […]
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‘Just Getting By’ screens in Weston, Chester
A new documentary film by Bess O’Brien, Just Getting By, is a sweeping, yet intimate, look at the lives of low-income Vermonters who are struggling with food and housing insecurity. Two free screenings will be held this week. The first, sponsored by Neighborhood Connections, will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 8 at […]
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Volunteers needed at Chester-Andover Family Center Food Shelf
The Chester-Andover Family Center Food Shelf is facing a serious volunteer shortage. This is not just about stocking shelves; It’s about making sure that one’s neighbors have access to healthy food and the dignity of choice when times are tough. Volunteers are needed for the following positions: Drivers — pick up donated goods from area […]
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Dance Factory presents 41st annual Spring Recital May 10
The Dance Factory presents its 41st annual Spring Recital on Saturday, May 10 at Springfield High School, 303 South St. More than 120 students aged preschool through adult will perform original works of ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, hip hop and tap set to classic and contemporary music. Because of the large number of performers, most […]
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Paper flower workshop May 10 in Proctorsville
To celebrate springtime, a paper flower-making workshop will be held from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, May 10 at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library, 573 Main St. in Proctorsville. Participants will be able to make flowers from various types of paper. Because celebrations are under way to commemorate the 250th anniversary (semiquincentennial) of the […]
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State to auction surplus heavy equipment, vehicles May 10
The Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services will be auctioning an assortment of state vehicles and equipment, rain or shine, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 10 at the Agency of Transportation Central Garage, 1756 US Route 302, Berlin. Auction registration and vehicle previews will be held from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. […]
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To the editor: Bellows Falls Trump, DOGE protest attracts more than 485
Saturday, April 19 was an amazing day in Bellows Falls with over 485 people lining the streets protesting the actions of President Donald J. Trump. Despite the rain, protesters came from Bellows Falls, Saxtons River, Chester, Springfield, Brattleboro, Westminster and Claremont, N.H. The man from Claremont came dressed in a kilt and carried the […]
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Heather Chase elected chair of Chester Town Democratic Committee
At its Thursday, April 24 meeting, the Chester Town Democratic Committee unanimously elected Heather Chase as its new chair. Chase has served as a Chester Select Board member, chair of the Chester Board of Civil Authority, Justice of the Peace and a Vermont state legislator. Upon being seated as the committee’s chair, Chase thanked Nick […]
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Free workshop on horse diet, nutrition, hay and forage set for May 7
Ottauquechee Natural Resources Conservation District and the Connecticut River Watershed Farmers Alliance are co-hosting a free workshop on diet, nutrition, hay and forage for horses from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7 at the Green Mountain Horse Association’s campus, 5491 South Road in South Woodstock. Speakers will include equine specialist Mackenzie Chauncey, from […]
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Ludlow Rotary donates $2,000 to Okemo TV
LUDLOW ROTARIANS DONATE FUNDS TO OKEMO VALLEY TV: Ludlow Rotary Club President-elect Kevin Barnes, right, recently presents a check for $2,000 to Patrick Cody, executive director of Okemo Valley TV. The funds will be used to help defray the costs of equipment needed for its new podcasting program. Photo by Kim Lampert.
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Whiting Library to screen Alzheimer’s documentary on May 1
The documentary Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s will be screened at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 at Whiting Library, 117 Main St. in Chester. The film follows three families and the unique challenges of their loved ones’ diagnoses, delving into their lived experiences. It explores how this disease impacts identities and roles in relationships: […]
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