Key lawmakers indicate that a significant reform of Vermont’s education system may require more time than initially anticipated. Regarding the intricate matters of funding, class sizes, and the number of school districts, some believe it would be prudent to defer decisions until next year. “All proposals must be carefully considered and thoroughly examined to enhance education in Vermont,” stated Rep. Chris Taylor, R-Milton, a member of the House Committee on Education. The committee, which is currently reviewing Governor Scott’s educational proposal, decided on Thursday to establish a summer study committee to address these complexities prior to the upcoming legislative session.
The state of Vermont has announced its support for federal workers who have lost their jobs. The Vermont Department of Labor has introduced initiatives aimed at assisting federal employees, contractors, and others affected by changes at the federal level. According to the commissioner, there are approximately 6,800 federal employees within Vermont’s workforce; however, the exact number of jobs affected by layoffs has not been disclosed. Some termination letters issued to employees reference “poor performance” as a reason for dismissal. These individuals are not eligible for unemployment benefits until the issue is resolved through a complicated legal process. In response, the state is informing affected individuals about the resources available, including unemployment insurance benefits and career assistance.
On Thursday, members of Vermont’s LGBTQ+ community urged lawmakers to prioritize their safety. This appeal was part of Outright Vermont’s 2025 Leadership Day, which focused on the theme “protect our rights.” The event featured calls for enhancing the state’s anti-discrimination measures and establishing a sanctuary school policy to safeguard students. Advocates emphasized the urgency of taking action and voicing opposition to violence against youth. Last month, the group gathered handwritten letters from young individuals throughout the state to deliver to representatives in each district.
On Thursday morning, the Vermont State Police apprehended a 46-year-old man from Dummerston, Seth Holton, for allegedly breaching an active Relief from Abuse Order. The arrest occurred at approximately 9:07 a.m. after authorities received a report of the violation on Miller Road in Dummerston. Troopers from the Westminster Barracks responded to the incident and, following their investigation, confirmed that Holton had indeed violated the court order. He was subsequently processed at the Westminster Barracks and charged with violating an abuse prevention order and stalking. Holton made an appearance earlier today in the Vermont Superior Court, Windham Criminal Division.
The Social Security office located in Littleton, New Hampshire, is one of several nationwide that is set to close, as reported by Senator Maggie Hassan. This decision follows the Trump administration’s announcement that an increasing number of seniors will be required to visit in person to receive their benefits. According to Hassan, the nearest alternative office for older residents is nearly 100 miles distant. On Friday, Hassan plans to visit Littleton to support efforts to keep the office operational. Additionally, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has expressed concerns regarding the modifications to the accessibility of Social Security services.
2025 Proposed Fish Regulation Changes
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board is inviting public comment on several proposed changes to state fishing regulations, including new regulations for panfish.
Here are some things you should know:
- Panfish are becoming increasingly popular with Vermont’s anglers, and we know that angler harvest has affected the size structure of some populations. The proposed rules are intended to prevent overfishing of panfish and maintain quality fishing opportunities for large sized panfish.
- The proposal includes a new Fish Seller’s Endorsement for anglers who want to sell panfish. This would be a free add-on to a regular Vermont fishing license. Endorsement holders will be required to report their fish sales so that biologists can better understand the commercial sale of fish in Vermont.
- One of our main reasons for proposing the rules related to panfish is to bring the panfish discussion to the forefront. Public participation, input, and support are integral to the rule making process, so we encourage all interested anglers to participate in the public comment period and/or attend one of the upcoming public hearings.
The proposed fish regulation changes can be read in their entirety on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website under “Active Rulemaking”.
The public hearings will be held:
Monday, March 24 (6:30 – 9PM)
Vermont Supreme Court Building, conference room #110
111 State St., Montpelier VT
Tuesday, March 25 (6:30 – 9PM)
Town Educational Center, Library Room
169 Main Street, St. Albans VT
Thursday, March 27 (6:30 – 9PM)
Rutland High School, Lecture Hall
22 Stratton Rd., Rutland VT
Monday, March 31 (6:30 – 9PM)
Virtual – Microsoft Teams (by link, or by phone to 802-828-7667 with code 435865335#)
The department will accept public comment on proposed regulation changes through April 7, 2025, via email to ANR.FWPublicComment@vermont.gov
A woman from Nashua who had been reported missing has been discovered deceased in Massachusetts. Authorities announced shortly before 3 p.m. on Friday that 73-year-old Margaret Hammersley was found in Forge Pond, situated near the wooded area close to the Groton town line. In a statement posted on Facebook, the Westford Police Department expressed their heartfelt condolences to Hammersley’s family and friends, urging the public and media to honor the family’s privacy during this difficult time. Hammersley was reported missing on Thursday. Although she had no known ties to the Westford area, her vehicle was located unoccupied in a parking lot on Pleasant Street on Thursday evening. Search efforts commenced on Thursday night and continued on Friday morning.
WTSA SPORTS FOR SATURDAY MARCH 22nd 2025
THE CELTICS AND TRAIL BLAZERS ON SUNDAY, TIP OFF AT 6PM IN PORTLAND.
THE BRUINS ARE IN SAN JOSE TONIGHT AGAINST THE SHARKS PUCK DROPS LATE AT 10:30PM
REDSOX AND RAYS IN SPRING TRAINING THIS AFTERNOON, FIRST PITCH AT 1:05PM
IN NASCAR THIS SUNDAY ITS THE STRAIGHT TALK WIRELESS 400 AT THE HOMESTEAD MIAMI SPEEDWAY WITH 267 LAPS, RACE TIME AT 3PM