After the September 10th forum in Newport with a panel presenting opinions on the expansion of the Coventry landfill, I’ve been asking myself and others a lot of questions. As a member of DUMP, Don’t Undermine Memphremagog’s Purity, I’ve met concerned citizens working hard to investigate the issues surrounding our local landfill, unfortunately, the only…
In November of 2013, Congressman Peter Welch made an impassioned plea to save Vermont jobs in front of the International Trade Commission in Washington D.C. He did so on behalf of hundreds of Vermont loggers, truckers and wood workers at Columbia Forest Products’ hardwood veneer plant in Newport, Vermont. In no-nonsense “Vermont” fashion, Peter educated…
Dear Orleans County voters, I am pleased to support the re-election of Sheriff Kirk Martin. I was honored to appoint Sheriff Martin in 2008 to succeed Sheriff Lance Bowen and I’ve never regretted it. Sheriff Martin has demonstrated his commitment to serving the community. He’s able to adapt to new circumstances and opportunities and he’s…
To the citizens of Orleans County, I am writing in support of State Attorney Candidate Jennifer Barrett. After growing up in Orleans County, and seeing how the times have changed, the only responsible choice for our community is to vote for Jennifer Barrett. My support of Jennifer Barrett is largely in part due to her…
Two of our most basic human rights should be clean air to breathe and untainted water to drink; both of these basic human rights are now under threat in the NEK. If you detect the slightest hint, or an overwhelming stench coming from the Coventry landfill please report it as SOON as you smell it.…
I am writing this letter to the editor in support of Sheriff Kirk Martin to be re-elected Sheriff of Orleans County. Sheriff Martin is a lifelong member of our community. He grew up in Brownington and attended Brownington Central School and Lake Region Union High School. He was first appointed Sheriff in 2008 by Governor…
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Solid Waste Management Division has granted approval of a proposed Coventry Landfill expansion of 51 acres. The decision was based on existing rules that are probably outdated, and certainly do not address the very real concerns of those of us who live in the area or who are impacted…
The only reason Vermont has a monster landfill by the lake in Coventry is because 100 years ago dumping trash into wetlands was considered a great way to manage solid wastes. We don’t do things that way now, but due to inattention on the part of the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR), there are now…
Over the past two weeks, sold out audiences from the Northeast Kingdom and the Eastern Townships enjoyed performances of Little Shop of Horrors, the premier musical production by the new theatre group Borderline Players, directed by former local talent, Thomas Perry. A convergence of sheer will to keep theatre in the Haskell after 25 years…
The following letters to the editor were submitted to Newport Dispatch: From Rick Danforth, Westfield. I am writing this letter in support of Sheriff Kirk Martin. I have worked with Sheriff Martin for many years. He is a dedicated to making our communities a better place to live. While I was working as a Community…
I am writing this letter to the editor in support of Woody Page for Vermont House of Representatives Orleans-2, (Newport, Newport Center, Coventry, Irasburg and a portion of Troy). Woody was born and raised in Newport, he went to school in Newport and graduated from North Country Union High School and Norwich University before joining…
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing as a concerned citizen. I have been scouring your news and webpage for information about the proposed forced mergers of school districts due to Act 46, and I have not seen one article discussing it. As an educator in a small school faced with this reality, I…
Vermont’s farmers and agricultural producers are struggling, yet, according to the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Vermont’s agricultural sector contributes nearly $281 million to Vermont’s GDP. Why then are our farmers losing their lands and livelihoods at such an alarming rate? We cannot claim to be an agricultural state and sell images of red barns…
My name is Kendall Lambert and in March, I announced that I was seeking the Republican nomination to represent the Orleans 2 district in the Vermont House of Representatives. It was a mistake. I originally sought the Republican nomination because I consider myself a conservative. I believe in small government, fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, local…
There is some discouragement afoot about whether the upcoming generations can rise to the needs and social requirements we have ahead. I myself have fallen prey to this curmudgeonly outlook. However, my three visits to Mr. Gratten’s classes at North Country Junior High (Derby) certainly gave me lots of hope. It was great fun to…
The Vermont Land Trust (VLT) would like voters to have the facts about property taxes on the former Scott Farm, which it purchased in 2015, before voting on Article 7 at the Annual Town Meeting on March 5, 2018. Article 7 reads: “Shall the City ask the City Assessor to reassess the property owned by…
For over 50 years students from Hazen and Craftsbury Academy, who are pursuing education beyond high school, have been able to spend their state-funded grants and scholarships without any restrictions. This issue is called portability. Under consideration in the Vermont legislature are H.114 and S.257, which would change the half-century policy of portability. I support…
In this season of Giving and Thanksgiving, Memphremagog Watershed Association (MWA) wishes to thank all the swimmers in the Kingdom Games both summer and winter. Their enthusiasm for our beautiful NEK lakes and ponds has contributed substantial proceeds to MWA’s works over the last 3 years. MWA thanks you for your great generosity to the…
The following letter to the editor was submitted by Mary Patricia Goulding, President of the Memphremagog Watershed Association. We will miss seeing the blue and white boat cruising Lake Memphremagog. The Northern Star served the community under the leadership of Captain Chris Johansen. It is disappointing to learn that after the summer tours (2017), Captain Chris…
People are always wondering the “what if’s” or what something will become. Or the power of working together to make a place better. We all have our differences, but we can make a “something” even more special. Remember “We the People.” So here it goes, and you may be wondering what that is all about.…
The following letter to the editor was submitted by Beth Barnes, Community Outreach Specialist with North Country Hospital, and Safe Kids Vermont coalition member: How to Have a Holly, Jolly and Safe Christmas Unintentional injuries are the number one killer of kids in the United States according to Safe Kids Worldwide, an international non-profit dedicated…
Dear Vermonters, I hope to have the honor of your vote on Tuesday. If I am successful, my election will be a loud and clear message—delivered from the Green Mountains—that the days of big money propping up career politicians are numbered. I am running on a clean government reform platform that will restore trust in…
My name is Katherine Sims and I am running to represent the towns of Eden, Jay, Lowell, Troy, and Westfield in the Vermont House of Representatives. I am running for state representative because we deserve better. It’s time we have someone representing us who isn’t content sitting on the sidelines. We need a new voice…
I would like to inform residents about some of the legislation that has been considered and some that has passed in Montpelier. I consider myself fortunate to have represented the people of Eden, Lowell, Troy, Jay and Westfield, with a respectful and conservative voice in Montpelier. My votes on issues don’t come easy for me,…
The following letter to the editor was submitted by Beth Barnes, Community Outreach Specialist with North Country Hospital: Kids Left in Cars Can Have Serious Consequences Summer is here and with hot weather comes the possibility of heatstroke. Young children are especially at risk from the dangers of heatstroke because their small bodies heat up…