The Windham County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a series of public meetings aimed at rural policing. One objective is to enhance access to emergency services in an area where resources are often lacking. Windham County comprises 23 towns, yet only four possess their own police departments. Consequently, the Sheriff’s Office has established patrol contracts with specific towns and seeks community feedback. The meetings commence tonight (Thursday) and continue through next week in Jamaica, Marlboro, Newfane, and Putney. For the meeting schedule, please visit windhamcountyvt.gov.
The Senate on Wednesday rejected an attempt by Sen. Bernie Sanders to prevent the sale of U.S. bombs and firearms to Israel. However, the vote indicated an increasing number of Democrats opposing these arms sales due to the widespread hunger and suffering in Gaza. Over the past year, Sanders has consistently sought to block the sale of offensive weapons to Israel. The resolutions presented to the Senate on Tuesday aimed to halt the sale of $675 million in bombs and the shipment of 20,000 automatic assault rifles to Israel. Although they did not pass, 27 Democrats, which is more than half of the caucus, supported the resolution concerning assault rifles, while 24 backed the resolution regarding bomb sales. This marked a significant increase compared to Sanders’ previous attempts, which peaked in November of last year with 18 Democratic votes.
The Brattleboro Police are establishing a satellite station in the transportation building, a known crime hotspot in downtown. Authorities indicate that this area attracts drug use, dealing, and violence, and the substation is a direct response to community and business owner concerns. The transportation center is situated between the Boys and Girls Club and the Youth Theater. Currently under construction, the substation is anticipated to open by November, with a community resource specialist also assigned to the location.
A man from New Hampshire has received a sentence for child sex offenses, as reported by authorities. Newport Police state that Ryan Barbin, 42, was found guilty by a jury on Wednesday and sentenced to a term of 10 to 20 years. He was apprehended last year on charges that included aggravated felonious sexual assault, endangering a minor’s welfare, and possession of a stolen firearm. The charges related to the assault and the firearm were subsequently dismissed. Barbin will be eligible for credit for participating in sexual offender treatment.
Advocates for the homeless assert that Vermont is facing a “humanitarian crisis” regarding the number of individuals without housing across the state. The 2025 Vermont State of Homelessness Report, published on Wednesday, reveals unprecedented figures of homeless residents and a system that is overwhelmed by demand. As of June, the report indicates that at least 4,588 Vermonters, which includes over 1,000 children and 269 seniors, are currently experiencing homelessness. More than 75% of unhoused Vermonters have been without stable housing for over 90 days, and nearly one-third have been without a home for more than a year.
A plea deal is being negotiated for a Vermont woman charged with animal cruelty. Concerns regarding two pigs under the care of Sheila McGregor at Heidi’s Haven in Williamstown led to an inspection by game wardens and a subsequent evaluation by a veterinarian. The findings indicated that the pigs were malnourished, weak, and emaciated. In the spring, the pigs were relocated to Merrymac Farm Sanctuary, and McGregor faced two counts of animal cruelty. She has entered a not guilty plea, and a plea deal is currently in progress. The sanctuary reports that the pigs have since regained their health and strength.
WTSA SPORTS FOR FRIDAY August 1st 2025
THE REDSOX ARE BACK AT FENWAY TONIGHT TO START A 3 GAME SERIES WITH THE ASTROS, FIRST PITCH FRIDAY AT 7:10PM
THE YANKEES ARE IN MIAMI TONIGHT TO START A 3 GAME SERIES WITH THE MARLINS AT 7:10PM
THE PGA TOUR WINDHAM CHAMPIONSHIP AT SEDGE COUNTRY CLUB IN GREENSBORO NC. CONTINUES THROUGH AUGUST 3RD.