After 14 years as Brattleboro’s assistant town manager, Patrick Moreland is resigning to become the executive director of DVFiber, a nonprofit fiber-optic Internet provider in southeastern Vermont. Moreland has held the assistant town manager position since 2011, working under Barbara Sondag, Peter Elwell, Yoshi Manale, and the current Town Manager, John Potter. He also served as interim town manager twice: for six months in 2022 and for 19 months from 2013 to 2014.
The American Civil Liberties Union is calling on colleges in Vermont and nationwide to safeguard free speech in light of recent executive orders from the Trump administration. This week, the ACLU sent an open letter to college officials, urging them to resist federal pressure to penalize international students, faculty, or others participating in campus protests. This follows President Trump’s warning to withdraw federal funding from any institution that permits “illegal” protests. The ACLU contends that the White House is attempting to intimidate university officials into targeting immigrant and international community members exercising their First Amendment rights and emphasizes the need for schools to uphold these rights.
The University of Vermont has implemented a hiring freeze due to uncertainties surrounding federal funding. According to a memo released Tuesday, the institution will not hire long-term faculty or postdoctoral positions for the next 60 days. Staff roles posted before January 1st will be closed by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, and any new postings will be removed. Critical positions will still be evaluated, and existing job offers will be honored. The situation will be reassessed after the 60-day period.
Local libraries in Vermont are alerting residents to a rising trend in book banning. The Vermont Library Association reports an increase in requests to censor or remove books from library collections in recent years, attributing this to the current administration in Washington. Today, they hosted former UVM President Thomas Sullivan, who discussed the implications of these book challenges for Vermont’s libraries and readers.
An executive from an Ohio hospital is advising the Green Mountain Care Board on enhancing service accessibility, improving care quality, and reducing costs as part of the “Medicare Breakeven” initiative. Currently, hospitals incur high expenses serving Medicare and Medicaid patients, leading to increased costs for those with regular insurance. With an aging population, Vermont’s cost challenges are expected to escalate. Peter Pronovost from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center stated, “The core issue is our cost structure, which is unsustainable. As Medicare becomes our primary payer, we must reduce costs to maintain profitability.”
One of Vermont’s favorite musicians is lending his “Northern Attitude” to a local theater production. Covers of three popular songs by Strafford’s own Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Noah Kahan will be performed live during performances of “Our Town,” helping put a local twist on the famous American play.
“Our Town” by Thornton Wilder runs until March 9 at the Chandler Center for the Arts in Randolph. The classic is about the passage of time and changing chapters of life in a tight-knit New England community.
Director and performer Ben Rapson is clear the production is not a musical. Rather, the three Noah Kahan covers are performed before each of the play’s three acts, Rapson said. He said the production team hopes the music helps make the themes of “Our Town” feel even more universal and relatable.
Brattleboro Business License Renewals are Due March 15
The Brattleboro Assessor’s Office is currently processing business license renewals for the year 2025. Business proprietors have the option to renew their licenses or apply for new ones through the online platform. It is essential to note that business licenses must be renewed annually by March 15, with a renewal fee of $50. Should the renewal be submitted after the deadline, late fees will be incurred. Specifically, the renewal fee will rise to $75 after March 15 and to $175 after April 15. For those who have previously applied for a license, the renewal option will be accessible in the dashboard of your OpenGov account. LOGIN HERE
WTSA SPORTS FOR FRIDAY MARCH 7th 2025
THE CELTICS DEFEATED THE 76ERS LAST NIGHT 123 – 105 THE CELTICS ARE OFF TONIGHT AND ARE BACK ON THE COURT SATURDAY AT HOME AGAINST THE LAKERS, TIP OFF AT 8:30PM.
THE HURRICANES BEAT THE BRUINS YESTERDAY 3 – 2. THE BRUINS HAVE THE NIGHT OFF AND ARE BACK ON THE ICE ON SATURDAY IN TAMPA AGAINST THE LIGHTNING, PUCK DROPS AT 3PM ON SATURDAY.
THE REDSOX AND MARLINS THIS AFTERNOON IN SPRING TRAINING FIRST PITCH AT 1:05PM
NASCAR CUP SERIES THIS SUNDAY ITS THE SHRINERS CHILDRENS 500 AT PHOENIX RACEWAY, 312 LAPS, RACE TIME 3:30PM
IN LOCAL BOYS ICE HOCKEY, THE BEARS VISIT H.U. TONIGHT TIP OFF AT 7PM