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Brattleboro Police Chief Norma Hardy Announces Retirement, Asst. Chief Jeremy Evans to Take Helm in March

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

The Town of Brattleboro is announcing the retirement of Brattleboro Police Chief Norma Hardy. Hardy will step down from her role on March 30, 2026. Assistant Chief Jeremy Evans will succeed her as the new Police Chief, and Captain Adam Petlock will be promoted to Assistant Chief.

Hardy joined the Brattleboro Police Department in July 2021, stepping out of retirement to serve during a critical period when communities across the nation were examining ways to reform policing following the death of George Floyd. Hardy, who previously served 26 years with the Port Authority Police Department of New York and New Jersey, believed her distinct background as a Black woman with extensive law enforcement experience would be an invaluable part of that conversation.

Masters of Nordic Folk: Frigg Brings “Nordgrass” to Next Stage Arts

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts will welcome an electrifying night of Nordic folk music on Thursday, February 5, when internationally acclaimed Finnish band Frigg takes the stage with opening set by fiddle duo Teho. The show begins at 7:00 pm, with doors opening at 6:15 pm, at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, Putney.

Hailing from Finland and celebrated worldwide, Frigg is among the most exhilarating and innovative bands in contemporary folk music. The six-piece ensemble are true masters of the Finnish folk tradition, known for delivering heart-bursting, life-affirming tunes with astonishing precision and joy.

Named after the Norse goddess of love and fertility, Frigg has forged a singular sound they call “Nordgrass”—a captivating fusion of Nordic folk music and American bluegrass. Their violin-driven melodies soar over ringing strings and the deep, propulsive pulse of double bass, creating music that feels both ancient and entirely fresh. The result is hypnotic, infectious, and often impossible to sit still through.

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – January 22, 2026

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will hold a special meeting on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Brattleboro Municipal Center (230 Main Street, Room 212) and over Zoom.  The attached agenda contains information on how to access the meeting remotely, including the required “passcode.”  Closed captioning will be available for deaf and hard-of-hearing community members. The backup materials for this meeting will be available on the town website by the end of the day.

Steve West on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Media

A musician, songwriter, talk-radio host, and computer fix-it guy, STEVE WEST is a natural storyteller and all-round excellent human. He’s also served on many local boards, and is an advocate for our local media.

Tune in for a fun conversation and Steve’s take on life in Brattleboro.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year

by ACCVT | Entertainment

The Asian Cultural Center of Vermont (ACCVT) celebrates the Lunar New Year of China, Korea and Vietnam Sunday, February 8, 1:00-3:00. You don’t have to be Asian or know anything about Asia to participate! Join us at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center to usher in the year of the Red Fire Horse ushering in  a year focused on bold moves, exploration ,and potentially transformative change.

Join us for traditional Chinese Performances with Li Fei Osborne and her Mandarin language students, Chinese morning exercises and Qigong led by Cai Xi, and traditional New Year songs and crafts. We end our celebration with a Dragon parade up from the Museum towards Main Street to bring us luck for the coming year. 

Healthcare & SNAP Info Hours

by ESchwartz | Health

The Vermont Workers’ Center is hosting drop-in hours at the Brooks Memorial Library Community Meeting Room on Jan. 23 and Feb. 6 from 2:00-4:30 PM to help people understand and navigate changes to SNAP, Medicaid and Medicare. There will be information about the changes, including the SNAP work requirements and exemptions, and on the rights of individuals currently on or applying for these programs. Workers’ Center members can work with people on submitting applications and other paperwork.

We Need To Stop The Rogue President

by RDavis | Activism

Most reasonable people assume that governments exist to support people and provide the infrastructure to make sure commerce provides whatever is needed to keep people safe and healthy. Sadly, a lot of people who are not reasonable, ethical and moral tend to rise to the top of the power structure in many countries.

When that happens, all of the documents and policies in place become meaningless. The founding fathers of the American experiment wrote a number of documents to guide the new country that was breaking away from the tyranny of King George III. The hope was that they could provide more freedom for people in a new country.

Brattleboro Overnight Snow Removal Planned for Downtown Parking Lots

by Not Signed In | Town News

Snow and ice will be removed from the uncovered parking lots in Brattleboro’s downtown area starting around midnight tonight and into the early morning hours. Vehicles parked in the downtown lots must be removed or they may be towed at the owner’s expense.

If you plan to leave your vehicle in town overnight, please park it at the Brattleboro Transportation Center. If you use the Transportation Center, do not park in a reserved permit space without a reserved permit. If parking is not available in the Transportation Center, overflow parking is allowed in the Preston Lot. Parking enforcement is in effect after 9 a.m.

Brattleboro Senior Meals

by KTurnas | Food

Jan. 19  CLOSED FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

Jan. 20   Baked Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce

Zucchini

Green Beans & Peppers

Garlic Bread

Pineapple

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Closings

by Not Signed In | Town News

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all Brattleboro Town Offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, with the exception of emergency services.

Parking is free at all metered spaces and in the pay-and-display lots on Monday, January 19. All other violations will be enforced.

Brooks Memorial Library will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 19.

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – January 20, 2026

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Brattleboro Municipal Center (230 Main Street, Room 212) and over Zoom.  Prior to the meeting, at 3:00pm the Selectboard will convene and hold a site visit at Bittersweet Lane. The Selectboard will then hold a site visit at 4:00pm at TH-20 / Gulf Road. The Board will then meet at 5:45pm and is expected to enter immediately into executive session to discuss contracts. The attached agenda contains information on how to access the meeting remotely, including the required “passcode.”  Closed captioning will be available for deaf and hard-of-hearing community members. The backup materials for this meeting will be available on the town website by the end of the day. Please note that the Zoom credentials for this meeting have changed. They can be found inside the agenda and administrative report.

Why Is President Trump Threatening To Use The Insurrection Act?

by Cris Ericson | Politics

There are a hundred news reports this morning, January 15, 2026, about President Trump Threatening to use the Insurrection Act. The allegations come from an alleged Truth Social post.

I don’t use Truth Social, my cellphone number was permanently banned. (Applause!) But this is going around, apparently President Trump is threatening to use the Insurrection Act.

The protests against ICE Immigration raids have escalated into destructive behaviour by protesters as evidenced last night in “LIVE” coverage by independent journalists I follow on Youtube.

We Need to Responsibly Lower Brattleboro’s Municipal Taxes

by IsaacEF | Op/Ed

The Brattleboro Selectboard, where I’ve served as clerk since last spring, has repeatedly committed to prioritize fiscal responsibility. Now the rubber meets the road — We have an opportunity to align our actions with our words.

The selectboard has tough decisions to make. At our meeting Tuesday night we prioritized honest budgeting for a more realistic picture of expected revenue and expenses. We restored funding for critical infrastructure for our bridges, retaining walls and bicycles. And we unanimously passed my motion to restore the finance director position. If we can stick with these decisions, we will set the town up for better financial health and stability.

Brattleboro Selectboard Special Meeting Thursday January 15, 2026

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will hold a special meeting on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 7:00pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room (230 Main Street, Room 212) and over Zoom. The attached agenda includes information on how to access the meeting remotely. Closed captioning will be available for deaf and hard of hearing community members.

Support for People Living with Serious Illness

by CenterforSolace | Health

Center for Solace (formerly Brattleboro Area Hospice) is offering support  for people living with Serious Illnesses.

Are you going through treatment? Feeling overwhelmed or scared? Living with a chronic illness or autoimmune condition? Talking with others may help.

The Serious Illness Program support groups provide a space for people to share personal experiences, feelings, coping strategies, and allow for shared learning. 

Endless Butter: A Communal Feast of Poetry and Music

by hahrenholz | Music

Midwinter calls for warmth, words, and community—and Endless Butter: A Communal Feast of Poetry and Music offers all three.

On Sunday, February 1, from 1–4 pm, Next Stage Arts in Putney will host an afternoon inspired by the legend of St. Brigid, patron saint of poetry, fertility, and everyday miracles. The title nods to one of her most beloved miracles: endless butter—an emblem of abundance, generosity, and shared sustenance during the lean months of winter.

This gathering brings together an extraordinary roster of regional poets, musicians, and a storyteller for a relaxed, come-and-go celebration of art and connection. Poets include Sarah Anderson, Katie Bachler, Megan Buchanan, Michael Carter, James Crews, Dede Cummings, Alice Fogel, Lyedie Geer, Taylor Mardis Katz, Brad Peacock, Ben Pease, Erin Pesut, Nellie Prior, and Diana Whitney. Music will be woven throughout the afternoon by Elijah Berlow, Gráinne Buchanan, Jake Klar, Shawn Magee, Hannah Mohan, and Brendan Taaffe, with Michael Kohout serving as seanchaí—traditional storyteller and keeper of tales.

Volunteer for Center for Solace!

by CenterforSolace | Health

Are you looking for a way to be involved in building community?

Volunteering at Center for Solace can make a direct impact on your neighbors and other local folks who need support!

Serious illness, hospice, and bereavement volunteers at Center for Solace undergo about 25 hours of training, and then work directly with clients, either one on one or facilitating support groups. You’ll learn to be a supportive presence to a person or family going through a difficult time.

Unrestrained Aggression

by RDavis | Activism

It’s not the first time in the history of the world that a power-hungry deranged head of state is trying to take as much of the world as he can grab. It is the first time this type of leader is from the United States. It makes me sick, and it is not only causing Americans to be fearful in their own country, but it is also causing the rest of the world to worry if their country will be his next target.

Fear is the weapon of dictators and autocrats, and Trump is using it here to make people feel unsafe in their own country. If we really had a functional system of checks and balances the legislative branch would have the ability to be guided by a moral and ethical compass. Instead, Washington republicans are following a severely mentally ill leader in lockstep for fear of personal retribution. The lock on domestic power is almost complete.