Medicaid Bait and Switch

by RDavis | Health

One of the best things that happened as a result of the COVID pandemic was the rules relaxation and resulting expansion of this country’s Medicaid program. There also were a number of other factors that contributed to a major increase in Medicaid enrollment. The bottom line is that this country finally started to move in the right direction with its Medicaid program.

According to the National Library of Medicine, “From 2017 to 2019, national Medicaid enrollment declined by 2.6%. The COVID-19 pandemic reversed this course abruptly, with Medicaid enrollment increasing by 15.5% from February 2020 relative to April 2021. While existing research points to massive job loss as one primary driver of this increased enrollment, this study found that approximately three-fourths of Medicaid enrollment growth could be traced to declines in the rate of disenrollment relative to 2019, with only one quarter explained by higher rates of new enrollment during the March to October study period.”

Tim Wessel on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Media

Tim Wessel brings his dynamic enthusiasm to everything he does – his years at BCTV, the Brattleboro Selectboard, “House Hunters” on HGTV, a run for the State Senate, his video production business….and now, Brattle-Boosting ! Tim’s the real deal……

Canal Street Fire

by BrattFireDept | Police & Fire

On July 10, 2023, the Brattleboro Fire Department was dispatched on a first alarm assignment at 14:40 to 198 Canal Street for a report of a building fire. The first arriving units (Engine Two, Ladder 1, Car 2, and Ambulance 1) arrived on the scene at 14:43. Car Two reported a 2-story wood frame building with smoke showing from the “bravo” side. Crews from Engine Two and Ladder One entered the building with two (2) hand lines to extinguish the fire. A second alarm assignment was initiated for additional units and manpower to the scene to assist at 14:45.

Fire attack crews were able to locate and extinguish a fire on the first floor, second floor, and attic space. As additional crews arrived, a search of the building for occupants was completed. The one occupant (and dog) were located outside the building with no injuries.

Brattleboro Road Status Reports Online

by Not Signed In | Town News

Recent heavy rainfall has resulted in widespread minor to moderate damage to town roadways. Currently, all roads are passable. In the event of road closures due to future rain, up to date closures can be viewed at https://www.mapsonline.net/brattleborovt/index.html. Crews will be completing assessments, prioritizing, and making repairs in the coming days. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Department of Public Works at 802-254-4255.

Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series – Celtic Music Festival

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present a Celtic Music Festival featuring Cantrip, House of Hamill, and Hildaland, as part of the 2023 Next Stage “Bandwagon Summer Series,” on Sunday, August 13 at 4:00 pm at Scott Farm in Dummerston, VT. The triple bill features multi-instrumentalists and singers from both sides of the Atlantic who expand the boundaries of traditional Celtic music with original songs and tunes, innovative arrangements, and lush three-part harmonies.

From the strong base of its Celtic roots, Cantrip branches out into the music of other European cultures. With swirling border pipes, raging fiddles, thunderous guitar, and four rich voices, Dan Houghton, Jon Bews, Eric McDonald, and Alasdair White take audiences on a cultural journey, putting their own spin on each musical style. The band name is an Old Scots word meaning a charm, magic spell, or piece of mischief, and it aptly describes the unexpected twists and turns in the quartet’s musical arrangements as well as the compelling potency of their musicianship. Sprung from a local music session in Edinburgh, Scotland nearly 20 years ago, Cantrip has toured throughout Scotland and the US and released six CDs.

Brattleboro Fire Department – Excessive Rain in July

by BrattFireDept | Police & Fire

During the week of July 3rd, the Town of Brattleboro began to receive information regarding multiple strong storm cells entering Vermont during the weekend. Further information collected from the Vermont Emergency Management and information from the National Weather Service indicated a strong possibility for localized flooding throughout the State of Vermont with a heightened focus on counties north of Windham County for the evening hours of July 9, 2023, through July 11, 2023.

The Town of Brattleboro began to prepare for an emergency response to these weather conditions with a strong focus on the Brattleboro Fire Department and Department of Public Works to marginalize any water-related events.

The Town of Brattleboro has been very fortunate compared to some of our neighboring communities in both Vermont and New Hampshire. Currently, the following roads have been impacted the most by the weather conditions:
– Mountain Home Trailer Park (Tri-Park)
– Ames Hill
– Marlboro Road
– George F. Miller Drive

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – July 11, 2023

by cgrotke | Town News

The results of the Brattleboro Selectboard board retreat will be discussed at their next Tuesday meeting. Hint: they have established their five top goals of the year to be good transportation center parking, the town pool, the community safety plan, safety zones, and housing.

Tax rates and utility rates will be set, housing and land use will be discussed, and you can bring up any other items not on the agenda if the Chair allows under Public Participation.

Construction Update Brattleboro-Hinsdale Bridge – July 7, 2023

by Not Signed In | Hinsdale

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: A 12” gate valve for the water main is being installed to allow tying the new water line built for the project into the existing line without having to shut off the water to 28 Vernon Street.

Backfill material, membrane, filter fabric and underdrain are being placed for the southern Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall. This operation will continue into next week along with the placement of drainage structures and embankment material in the road corridor.

WSESD Board Meeting Minutes – June 27, 2023

by Not Signed In | Education

SUMMARY: The WSESD Board and members of the Vernon School Board and Administrators attended a retreat together on June 26 to develop goals and priorities for the Continuous Improvement Plan. Administration will begin developing budgets without the support of ESSER funds in September. All schools held graduation ceremonies including BUHS, which was the final one on June 16. There was a discussion of how board members should attend when seating is limited due to holding the event indoors. The board considered new policies regarding the dress code, fire and emergency preparedness, access control, and leadership councils. The report on the sexual abuse investigation has been delayed due to new information received by the investigator. The Board adopted a set of norms to inform their meetings. The Board has not yet received any applicants for the vacant Brattleboro seat but hope to appoint someone at their next meeting on July 25. Administrators will be holding a planning retreat on August 7 and the Board hopes to hold one later that month. Tim Maciel was added to the Social Justice Committee.

WSESD Policy Warnings

by Not Signed In | Education

Windham Southeast School District has read the following three policies at two regular meetings, and anticipates adopting them at the Board Meeting of July 25, 2023.

The policies are attached below; please post for a warning period of at least 10 days prior to the potential adoption date of 7/25/2023. 

Fireworks – The Wrong Message

by RDavis | Activism

I have always felt uneasy watching fireworks displays to celebrate a holiday or a special event. The only reason I have gone to these events is because people close to me enjoyed them. Standing at a spot to view the aerial artistry has made me feel like I am in the middle of a war zone and that is not the way I want to feel participating in a celebration.

I can understand why people love the display of pyrotechnics. The people who put these show on are highly accomplished artisans and it is a tradition that has been with us for thousands of years.

According to the web site 75APA, “Many historians believe that fireworks originally were developed in the second century B.C. in ancient Liuyang, China. It is believed that the first natural “firecrackers” were bamboo stalks that when thrown in a fire, would explode with a bang because of the overheating of the hollow air pockets in the bamboo. The Chinese believed these natural “firecrackers” would ward off evil spirits.

BCTV Schedules – Week of July 3, 2023

by BCTVProg | Media

BCTV Channel 1078 Weekly Listing for 7/3/23

Monday, July 3, 2023

5:00 am Vote for Vermont – Seven Steps to Better Schools

6:00 am Brattleboro Literary Festival – A Path Lit by Lightning: David Maraniss on Jim Thorpe

7:00 am Juno Orchestra – Heavens Border – Suite for String Orchestra

7:15 am Brattleboro Gallery Walk – June 2, 2023

Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series Presents Native Son and a Beloved Musician of New Orleans Glen David Andrews and His Band

by hahrenholz | Music

The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series presents native son and a beloved musician of New Orleans Glen David Andrews and his band, on Saturday, August 5 at 6:00 pm at The Putney Inn, 57 Putney Landing Rd, in Putney, VT.

Glen David Andrews, the prodigious trombonist and vocalist, returns to the Bandwagon Summer Series to captivate audiences once again! Andrews, touring in celebration of his highly anticipated new album, “Le Trème Carnaval,” is known for his electrifying performances and soulful compositions.

With his commanding vocals and virtuosic trombone skills, Glen David Andrews has established himself as a true force in the world of contemporary jazz and funk. A native son and a beloved musician of New Orleans, Andrews is a warrior for cultural preservation at a time when indigenous traditions are being threatened in the city. His music is packed with beauty, hard-earned truths, compassion, humor, anger, joy, and – most of all – hope.

Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series Presents Somerville, MA-based Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band

by hahrenholz | Music

The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series presents Somerville, MA-based Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band, on Saturday, July 29 at 6:00 pm at Cooper Field, 41 Sand Hill Rd, in Putney, VT.

“The power of a large Balkan Brass Band just can’t be denied,” says Keith Marks, Executive Director of Next Stage Arts. “We’re thrilled to have Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band lead our community in a dancing and fun evening of music.”

Raunchy circus roots. Polished precision performances. A joyful cacophony of Balkan, Klezmer and funk, with a tasteful thrash of metal thrown in for good measure. No matter the occasion, Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band has got the brass to get you up and dancing.

Brattleboro Selectboard Summer Schedule

by Not Signed In | Town News

In observance of the Fourth of July holiday, the July 4, 2023 Selectboard meeting has been cancelled.

Please find the Selectboard summer schedule below:
• July 4-Cancelled
• July 11 – Special Meeting
• July 18 – Cancelled