You may notice an increased police presence on the roads due to the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign aimed at combating impaired driving. This initiative commenced on Wednesday and will continue until Labor Day weekend. In Vermont, between 2020 and 2024, 57% of fatal crashes involved impaired drivers. Safety officials emphasize that any death resulting from impaired driving. They advise that if you or someone you know is attending an event where drugs or alcohol will be present, it is essential to plan ahead by designating a sober driver or arranging alternative transportation.
Governor Scott continues to encounter opposition regarding his choice to disclose sensitive information of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) users to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. During a visit to a cheese company in southern Vermont on Tuesday, he was confronted by four individuals holding signs that accused him of “betraying Vermont”. These concerned citizens expressed their belief that the governor was ignoring what they termed an illegal request from the Trump administration for the data in question. A June 23 posting in the Federal Register from the USDA indicates that the department intends to cross-reference state information with federally maintained databases to identify and address fraudulent SNAP enrollments. This process may involve eliminating duplicate enrollments, investigating potential identity theft cases, and adjusting eligibility based on immigration status profoundly affects communities.
Two men were taken into custody after a gun was fired and hit a vehicle on Sylvan Ridge Road late Sunday night. Winhall police were first called to a residence on Sylvan Ridge Road at 11:54 p.m. regarding a motor vehicle issue. While en route, officers were informed that a gun had been discharged and a vehicle was impacted. Eric Sheldon, 24, from Winhall, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Michael Dirgo, 26, also from Winhall, was charged with providing false information to a law enforcement officer. Authorities stated that this was an isolated event and there are no threats to public safety. Both individuals are set to appear in Bennington court on Monday at 12:30 p.m.
Yesterday, Thursday marked the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act, with a Vermonter being among the initial beneficiaries of this federal initiative. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt enacted the Social Security Act into law 90 years ago this week, he promised it would ensure economic stability for the elderly while establishing a more robust economic framework for the U.S. On January 31, 1940, the first monthly retirement payment was sent to Ida May Fuller from Ludlow, Vermont, amounting to $22.54. Fuller, who had retired in 1939 as a legal secretary, began receiving these benefits and lived to the age of 100, passing away in 1975.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is offering a New Instructor Training Course for people interested in volunteering to teach Hunter Education courses in Vermont.
The training will take place Tuesday, August 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Camp Plymouth State Park in Plymouth.
Registration for the course is available online under Upcoming Events on Fish and Wildlife’s website.
All applicants must complete their instructor paperwork and online homework before attending the course. Instructor application paperwork is in the Hunter Education section of the website.
Policies and procedures, field techniques and teaching methods will be covered to give instructors the tools to teach future hunters how to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Lunch will be provided. Be prepared to be outside for at least part of the day.
Applicants are required to pass a background check with a Vermont State Game Warden and apprentice-teach with a chief instructor before they will receive their full State of Vermont Hunter Education Instructor certification.
WTSA SPORTS FOR FRIDAY AUGUST 15th 2025
THE REDSOX RETURN TO FENWAY TONIGHT TO START A 3 GAME SERIES WITH THE MARLINS, FIRST PITCH AT 7:10PM
YANKEES ARE BACK ON THE FIELD TONIGHT TO START A 3 GAME SERIES WITH THE CARDINALS, FIRST PITCH AT 8:15PM
THE PGA TOUR BMW CHAMPIONSHIP RUNS THROUGH SUNDAY AT THE CAVES VALLEY GOLF CLUB IN BALTIMORE MARYLAND.
THE PATRIOTS ARE IN MINNESOTA ON SATURDAY FOR A PRESEASON GAME WITH THE VIKINGS, KICK OFF AT 1PM ON SATURDAY.
NASCAR CUP SERIES ON SATURDAY, ITS THE COOK OUT 400 AT RICHMOND SPEEDWAY IN VIRGINIA, RACE TIME AT 7:30PM ON THE USA NETWORK.