Archive for 2026
To the editor: In support of Chase for VT Senate
We are writing to encourage folks in the Windsor County state Senate District to vote for Heather Chase in the upcoming Democratic Primary on Tuesday, Aug. 11. There are many reasons to support Heather for this seat, including her longstanding commitment to our community where she has lived for over 25 years, raised her family, […]
Sheriff candidate Lake put on administrative leave by Bellows Falls Police
By Michael Donoghue Vermont News First Embattled Windsor County Sheriff candidate Joshua Lake has been placed on paid administrative leave by the Bellows Falls Police Department while an independent investigation is undertaken about his exaggeration about possible crimes, officials said. Bellows Falls Police Chief David Bemis told Vermont News First the move was made after […]
To the editor: When community care is hard work
The situation surrounding Windsor County sheriff candidate Joshua Lake has left me angry, disappointed and deeply conflicted. I was an enthusiastic and vocal supporter of Lake’s candidacy. I believed in the vision he presented: a sheriff’s department that would not participate in civil immigration enforcement for ICE, that would approach substance use and mental-health crises […]
ICE arrests five Manchester residents in Derry
By Cynthia Prairie ©2026 Telegraph Publishing LLC Five Manchester residents were detained by ICE around 8:30 this morning as they were driving east along Route 11 in Londonderry apparently toward a job, according to Migrant Justice, a Burlington-based advocacy group. Little is known about the situation other than a convoy of six unmarked SUVs, also […]
To the editor: Windsor County Democrats issue statement on sheriff’s race controversy
It has come to the attention of the Windsor County Democratic Committee that on Monday Aug. 3, Joshua Lake, one of the three Democratic candidates for Windsor County Sheriff, received a Giglio letter jointly signed by Steven Brown, State’s Attorney for Windham County and Domenica Padula, Chief, Criminal Division, Office of the Vermont Attorney General. […]
To the editor: Why I support Lake for Windsor sheriff
I am writing to voice my support for Joshua Lake for Sheriff of Windsor County. Josh chose to become a police officer after the tragic loss of his brother to a fentanyl overdose and his belief that a different approach by law enforcement could have led to a different outcome. Over the years, the merit […]
To the editor: No better endorsement of a leader than old guard mobilizing against him
I am a licensed clinical social worker and have worked within child welfare, community mental health and addiction treatment for over 10 years. Our system of care is highly reactive and punitive, rather than proactive and restorative. This is the context in which I met my friend Joshua Lake. Josh is a gifted speaker, funny […]
To the editor: Chase is able to face Vermont’s problems
Heather Chase is the candidate I support for the Vermont Senate. Heather has had many professional experiences that make her an excellent choice for the Vermont Senate. She is the perfect person to able to address the problems that Vermont faces. As a nurse, Heather understands the problems facing health care in Vermont, and understands […]
Andover Select Board agenda for Aug. 10
The Andover Select Board will hold its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday Aug. 10 at the Andover Town Hall, 953 Weston-Andover Road. Below is the board’s agenda: 1. Call Meeting to Order. 2. Act on Agenda. 3. Act on Minutes of July 27th meeting. 4. Public Comment (Time allowance: Five minutes per visitor, […]
To the editor: Angry about Trump’s no-bid contracts? Say something
Anyone who is struggling to pay for gasoline and groceries these days might wish to reflect upon the fact that President Trump just made a deal with Finland to purchase 11 icebreakers (more than twice the number of vessels the Coast Guard says it really needs) for over $6 billion via no-bid contracts. Apparently, it […]
To the editor: Clarkson endorses reelection of state Sens. White, Major
I’ve had the pleasure of serving in the Vermont Senate with Sens. Becca White and Joe Major. Together, the three of us make up the current Windsor District team. Together we have addressed some of the most pressing issues facing our state and our district. Together we have campaigned, met with constituents, toured Town Meetings, […]
Liberty Tree planted at Crown Point Country Club Springfield Garden Club donates Princeton Elm
On the afternoon of Tuesday, June 30 more than 60 people gathered to celebrate the planting of a “Liberty Tree” by the Springfield Garden Club. This event was part of a larger effort to plant 250 Liberty Trees across the nation by July 4th, the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation. This story […]
To the editor: Rep. Burrows is ‘smart, savvy, prepared’
I have a unique perspective on Rep. Elizabeth Burrows: She sat next to me on the floor of Vermont House and in the House Committee on General & Housing Affairs. Elizabeth is incredibly smart, savvy and always prepared. Rep. Burrows is as compassionate as they come, she puts people first, fighting for justice and fairness. […]
VTel Neighbor Appreciation Day event Aug. 12
VTel is excited to announce a special “Neighbor Appreciation Day” cookout taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Designed as a thank you to the local community and our subscribers, this free, family-friendly event will be hosted at VTel headquarters, 354 River Street in Springfield. Neighbor Appreciaion Day is […]
To the editor: Brickner an invaluable resource for Windsor
From the moment Ben Brickner moved to Pomfret to raise his young family, he has been someone who could be relied upon to show up, get involved and make a difference in his local community. Over the past eight years, Ben has served in multiple roles in local government. Even if you’ve never met Ben, […]
Rustie Bus closes out Chester Summer Music Series on Thursday
The annual Chester Summer Music Series closes out of Thursday with fan favorite Rustie Bus from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at the Academy Building Lawn in downtown Chester. Bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic dinner and enjoy the show. Rain venue is Upstairs at Town Hall, 556 Elm St. Rustie […]
To the editor: Elizabeth Burrows is the real thing
I am proud to lend my support to Elizabeth Burrows for the Vermont Senate. The moment she heard I was running for the Windsor Selectboard, she reached out — not because she had to, but because that is simply who she is. She has been a mentor and a sounding board throughout my time in […]
To the editor: Brickner believes in protecting local schools
In 2023, I got to know Ben Brickner when we both volunteered on the grassroots campaign for the Mountain Views school bond. As a parent, teacher and community member, I saw firsthand the qualities Ben brings to public service. Ben showed up and stayed actively involved throughout the campaign. He was dependable, organized, prepared and […]
To the editor: Chase is smart, capable and authentic
Heather Chase, a long-time friend and neighbor, is smart, capable and authentic. I watched Heather raise four children, two miniature donkeys, a flock of sheep and a brood of chickens, all with grace. As a registered nurse with a master’s in community health, Heather managed the birth center at Springfield Hospital for many years before […]
Prosecutors say Lake admitted he ‘exaggerated’ claim against wife Windsor Sheriff's candidate also had denied he said she brandished gun, harmed child
By Michael Donoghue Vermont News First and Cynthia Prairie ©2026 Telegraph Publishing LLC A Windsor County Sheriff’s candidate from Chester is denying that he ever made claims in a private conversation to a Walpole, N.H., police officer in December 2025 that his wife pointed a gun at him and that she also abused their child […]