A woman from Westfield, identified as 42-year-old Jessica Gottsche, died Saturday morning in a snowmobile accident in Vermont. The Chester Police Department reported that at approximately 10:45 a.m., they were alerted by Chester Ambulance about the incident on Goodrich Road. First responders were administering life-saving measures upon arrival, but despite their efforts, Gottsche succumbed to her injuries. The investigation indicated that she was riding recreationally when she lost control and crashed into a tree, and she was not wearing a helmet at the time.
Town Meeting Day is approaching in about two weeks, marking a significant transition for Vernon residents as they elect a new town moderator for the first time in nearly thirty years. Tim Johnson Arsenault, a lifelong resident, is stepping down from his roles, including nine years as town clerk and 27 years as moderator. Arsenault, who has deep ties to the community, emphasized the importance of allowing residents to voice their opinions during town meetings. He believes it is time for new leadership to take over, enabling him to focus on family, although he will continue to contribute as a Vermont Hall of Fame broadcaster from time to time. His final responsibilities will include leading the meeting on March 3rd and swearing in the new officials on Town Meeting Day.
Vice President of the United States JD Vance will be in Vermont this week for a vacation. Vance and his family will be visiting Sugarbush Resort in Warren, Vermont for a weekend ski trip. The family will be staying at The Pitcher Inn in Warren. Vance and his wife, Usha, will both be in Vermont along with their two sons and daughter. Additional details about the visit were not immediately available.
A Vermont woman has been charged with assaulting a pregnant woman during a youth hockey tournament in Lyndon on Sunday. Witnesses reported that 41-year-old Jacqueline Fingon of Rutland injured the other woman after a verbal altercation. The pregnant victim sustained minor injuries. Fingon faces charges of simple assault and is scheduled to appear in court next month.
On January 16, 2025, Denise M. Madeja, 51, of Brattleboro, Vermont, was arrested by the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force and the Brattleboro Police Department as part of a drug investigation. This investigation, which focused on the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine from 9 Canal St. in Brattleboro, utilized confidential informants who made three purchases from Madeja. Following her arrest, Madeja was processed at the Brattleboro Police Department and released on a citation to appear in the Vermont Superior Court, Windham Criminal Division, at 8:30 a.m. on March 25, 2025.
A Powerball ticket purchased in Vermont is now valued at $1 million after matching five numbers in Saturday’s drawing, though it did not match the Powerball number. As no one matched all the numbers, the next jackpot is estimated at $230 million. The drawn numbers were 7, 18, 22, 50, 65, and Powerball 15.
Monday marked the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Governor Phil Scott affirming Vermont’s support for Ukraine. Recent drone strikes in Ukraine sparked protests across the United States. In his statement, Gov. Scott expressed hope for peace and emphasized American ideals of liberty and self-determination. Meanwhile, President Trump claims Ukraine initiated the conflict and continues to engage with Russia. On Monday, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House to discuss efforts to end the war.
Gas prices in Burlington have fallen after two weeks of increases, with the average price per gallon decreasing by 0.8 cents from last week. Although this marks a slight reduction, it remains one cent higher than a month ago and 4.3 cents lower than last year. On February 23, Vermont’s gas prices ranged from $2.85 to $3.29 per gallon, a difference of approximately 44 cents.
Vermont Democrats have appointed Jim Ramsey of Manchester as the interim chair of the Vermont Democratic Party, succeeding David Glidden, who is stepping down after two years. Ramsey, previously the chair of the Bennington County Democrats and a DNC member, aims to advance the party’s mission and mobilize support for the 2026 elections. This leadership change follows a decline in local and federal election results for Vermont Democrats, with President Donald Trump receiving over 31% of the vote in 2024, marking the first time a GOP presidential candidate has achieved this since George W. Bush.
WTSA SPORTS FOR TUESDAY FEBRUARY 25th 2025
THE CELTICS ARE LOOKING FOR THEIR 6 STRAIGHT WIN WHEN THEY PLAY THE RAPTORS IN TORONTO TONIGHT, TIP OFF AT 7PM
THE BRUINS ARE BACK HOME TONIGHT AGAINST THE MAPLE LEAFS, THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 7PM.
THE REDSOX PLAY THE ATLANTA BRAVES THIS AFTERNOON IN SPRING TRAINING FIRST PITCH AT 1:05PM