Archive for February, 2026
To the editor: Chester Dems do not comment on private conduct of candidates
Information regarding personal conduct of Jesse Bailey, candidate for the Green Mountain Unified School District Board has come to the attention of the Chester Town Democratic Committee. The position of the CTDC is not to engage in public comment regarding the personal, private behavior of candidates. This is now in the hands of the Chester voters. […]
Bailey drops out of school board race amid ‘worry for my wife’s safety’
By Cynthia Prairie © 2026 Telegraph Publishing LLC Jesse Bailey has decided to drop out of the race for the board of the Green Mountain Unified School District. His decision comes after two days of facing outrage, criticism, but also support, when a right-wing troll from Brattleboro found, repackaged and distributed a video of he […]
To the editor: Poitras and Keller weren’t attacking a candidate, they were attacking his wife
On Thursday, Hank Poitras and John Keller publicly circulated a video of themselves viewing subscription-based sexual content involving Jesse Bailey and his wife. The content in question involves legal, consensual activity between adults. The content Poitras and Keller shared without consent exists behind a paid platform called OnlyFans, which requires contractual agreement and payment to access […]
GMUSD candidate Jesse Bailey in hot water over OnlyFans video with wife But Bailey says he is concerned about the safety of his wife
By Cynthia Prairie ©2026 Telegraph Publishing LLC Jesse Bailey, a first-time candidate for the Green Mountain Unified School District Board, is taking a lot of heat over a sex video of himself and his wife and photos of her from her private OnlyFans site that were made public this morning. But while he’s in the […]
To the editor: I’m running to help Chester return to prosperity
My name is Steve Mancuso. I’m a semi-retired local tradesman living on a farm I built on the Springfield side of Chester. I have a long history serving my community in emergency services and now would like to serve you in another capacity. I am running for a one-year seat on the Chester Select Board. […]
What’s on Chester’s March 2 and March 3 ballots Infrastructure projects fall in the shadow of contested elections
By Shawn Cunningham and Cynthia Prairie © 2026 Telegraph Publishing LLC The Tuesday, March 3 Australian ballot will contain more than just the contested races for Chester’s Select Board and for Chester seats on the Green Mountain School District Board. And on Monday, March 2, the Town Meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. will offer […]
To the editor: Roper seeks your vote on March 3
I am seeking my third one-year term on the Chester Select Board because I care deeply about this town. That motivates me to think carefully about how the actions of today’s town government will impact the quality of life in the days and the decades to come. I’m not always vocal when sitting behind the […]
To the editor: Benelli for school board
Alan and I grew up in Chester and our families have been Vermont residents for generations. We have observed all the changes in Chester and been involved with many of them. I have been a teacher in this town for over 30 years. Our children and grandchildren attended our schools. We have what you would […]
Q&A: Ucci challenging incumbent Jonynas for three-year Select Board seat
The Chester Select Board is made up of five members voted at large — three are three-year terms, which are elected on a staggered, and two are one-year terms, which are, of course, voted on every year. This year, incumbent Arne Jonynas, who holds a three-year term, is being challenged by Jerry Ucci. You’ll find […]
Q&A: Spaulding, Roper, Mancuso and Fierman compete for two Select Board seats
The Chester Select Board is made up of five members voted at large — three are three-year terms, which are elected on a staggered, and two are one-year terms, which are, of course, voted on every year. Those two one-year seats are currently held by Tim Roper, who is seeking reelection and Ariana Knapp, who […]
To the editor: Supporting teachers among reasons why I’m running for GMUSD board
Let me get straight to the point. I’m running for a spot on the Green Mountain Unified School District school board for a number of reasons, chief among them these: 1. Education shouldn’t be politicized. Yet, all around the country, school boards have become puppets to political ideologies. We need directors devoid of any interest in […]
League of Women Voters lecture series on voting rights continues March 11 VT Secretary of State Sarah Copeland-Hanzas to speak
The League of Women Voters of Vermont, in partnership with Kellogg-Hubbard Library, presents the next installment of its 2025-2026 lecture series on Voting Rights and Access to the Ballot at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11. Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland-Hanzas will discuss two bills now before Congress: the SAVE Act and the John […]
To the editor: Vote for Bailey for GMUSD board
Dear Chester Voters, I’m writing to support Jesse Bailey for the one-year unexpired term on the Green Mountain Union School District board. I’ve known Jesse for several years, and have always admired his clear thinking and his willingness to express his beliefs clearly and openly. He understands both the importance of keeping politics out of […]
Q&A: Miles & Bailey face off for an unexpired term on the Green Mountain district board
From left, Randy Miles and Jesse Bailey The Green Mountain Unified School District Board has 11 members; six of whom represent Chester, the largest town by population within the school district. In addition to Chester, there are three representatives from Cavendish and one each from Baltimore and Andover. Two Chester residents are vying for one […]
Q&A: Ucci, Hance & Benelli vie for two three-year seats on the GMUSD board
The Green Mountain Unified School District Board has 11 members; six of whom represent Chester, the largest town by population within the school district. In addition to Chester, there are three representatives from Cavendish and one each from Baltimore and Andover. Three Chester residents are vying for two three-year terms. Those candidates are Patricia “Penny” […]
Chase away winter blues with seed starting
While waiting for yet another snowstorm to grace the garden plots with a layer of snow, the Chester Community Greenhouse & Gardens folks say that starting to plan your garden is the best way to chase away the winter blues. The seed catalogs have long since arrived in the mail, and you have likely picked […]
Derry Rescue offers First Responder course March 7-9
If you are interested in helping out in your community, now is your chance. The Londonderry Volunteer Rescue Squad is holding a Vermont Emergency First Responder course at the LVRS squad building, 6068 Vermont Route 100 in Londonderry, beginning Saturday, March 7. To be eligible for this VEFR certification course you must be at least […]
Vital Communities announces appointment of interim executive director
Vital Communities announces the appointment of Ellen Hender as interim executive director, effective April 11. Hender joined Vital Communities in 2022 and has served as program manager focused on projects related to housing, transportation, leadership and civic engagement during her time with the non-profit organization. Before joining Vital Communities, she spent nearly a decade working […]
‘How To Raise Edible Fruits and Berries’ March 2 in South Londonderry
The Green Mountain Gardeners invites the public to attend a discussion on raising fruits and berries in the home landscape at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 2 at Rugg Valley Greenhouse, 968 Haven Hill Road, South Londonderry. The program will be led by Mark Wright, owner of Rugg Valley Landscaping. Attendees are asked to bring […]
Ludlow Rotary Club readies for 100th anniversary
When the Ludlow Rotary Club was chartered by Rotary International on Jan. 27, 1927, with 25 members. Since then, LRC has grown to become a major contributor to the Okemo Valley area, the nation and international groups. To prepare for the 100th anniversary, the club is gathering information on its history, membership and many activities. […]