A new statewide ban in Vermont prohibits burning debris until dry conditions improve. Officials from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources state that due to the severe drought and elevated fire risk, town forest fire wardens are unable to issue burn permits until further notice. Falling leaves may serve as fuel for fires. It is essential to verify local restrictions before igniting anything. Additionally, a statewide burn ban is currently in effect in New Hampshire, where officials have indicated a high fire danger, resulting in a ban on all open burning except in campgrounds.
The US Drought Monitor reports 78% of Vermont is experiencing severe drought. Neighboring states are also in similar drought conditions, with 73% of New Hampshire experiencing severe drought, 23% of which is in extreme drought.
Vermont drought hits dairy farmers: The ongoing drought is forcing many Vermont dairy farmers to purchase extra feed for their cattle, a costly measure that is expected to lead to a drop in profits. Some farmers are reporting a 40–50% drop in their usual feed growth.
According to police, a body found on Monday near Tanglewood Estates on Court Street in Keene does not seem suspicious. Witnesses noted the arrival of first responders in the vicinity earlier that morning. Shortly before noon, Keene Police Lieutenant Benjamin Nugent stated that the death is not considered suspicious, although he refrained from sharing further details.
A man missing in Orange since Saturday has been found. On Monday September 22nd, 2025, at approximately 11:38 AM, Jonathan Brauch was located deceased on Eastman Road in the town of Orange. A Detective with the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to the scene to conduct a death investigation. An autopsy will be conducted by the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington, Vermont to determine the cause and manner of death. Initial investigation does not indicate this to be a suspicious death.No additional details are available at this time. The Vermont State Police were assisted by the Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team and North County Search Dogs.
A small heap of still-smoldering wood ashes placed on a pile of leaves at the Rockingham Transfer and Recycling Center on Saturday ignited a significant brush fire. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and no structures at the Rockingham-owned facility were harmed. However, firefighters from Westminster spent over an hour dousing the challenging fire with thousands of gallons of water. Larry White, the manager of the Rockingham transfer station, noted that the large brush pile is several years old and descends a steep embankment. He was on duty Saturday morning when the incident occurred but was unaware of the identity of the individual who left the ashes. He mentioned that individuals are permitted to bring wood ashes to the center, provided they are cold. He also stated that he contacted the Rockingham highway department to assist the firefighters with an excavator, which helped to dismantle the brush pile, facilitating a substantial application of water.
Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.19 per gallon, down 2.0 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.21/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.89/g while the highest was $3.35/g, a difference of 46.0 cents per gallon.
WTSA SPORTS FOR TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 23rd 2025
THE SOX ARE BACK ON THE FIELD TONIGHT FOR A 3 GAME SERIES WITH THE 1ST PLACE BLUE JAYS IN TORONTO.FIRST PITCH AT 7:07PM’
THE YANKEES ARE BACK ON THE FIELD TONIGHT TO START A 3 GAME SERIES WITH THE WHITE SOX AT HOME FIRST PITCH ON AT 7:05PM
NHL Hockey preseason, Boston at N.Y. Rangers at 7 p.m.
The WNBA Playoffs continues with the Semifinal Game 2 matchups, starting with Phoenix at Minnesota at 7:30 p.m.