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Vermont Needs A New Governor

by RDavis | Activism

Governor Phil Scott needs to retire as Vermont’s governor. Five two-year terms is enough. His ideas have become outdated and his approach to problem solving does not seem to be working for the benefit of a majority of Vermonters.

When Scott was first elected I was fearful that he didn’t know enough about health care issues to be able to move the state forward. My fears were realized and he still seems to be locked into the position that the private market is the way to go to improve access and affordability to health care. How’s that working out Governor?

Luckily we have two extremely capable candidates running as Democrats to defeat Scott. Amanda Janoo and Aly Richards both have work credentials that make it clear they are able to tackle some of the state’s most difficult problems and to develop fresh new approaches. The Vermont primary is August 11 and Democratic voters have an excellent but difficult choice to make.

July 2026 Precipitation Report

by local | Nature

July was quite a dry month right up until the end. On the 28th my total was 2.22″ but the month ended with 4.80 inches, greater than the NOAA normal of 4.28″. The drought monitor has only a  tiny sliver of Vermont in any kind of drought and that should go away with the next report. Year to date my total is 24.58″ compared to the NOAA normal for this date of 26.41 inch. About 93% of the average.

Across Vermont the monthly totals range from a low of 1.7″ in north central Vermont to over ten inches in southern Bennington County.  That area received more rain from the month ending storm. There were towns just north of here that also received inches more rain than the 2.58″ measured over 3 days at my gauge.

Agnes Mikijaniec on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Health

AGNES MIKIJANIEC is held in high esteem by patients and her fellow providers at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital where she is an Oncology/Cancer Care APRN. She is known for her compassion, candor, and expertise. Agnes is a hero to many.

An Elusive Treatment Plan

by RDavis | Activism

Should a municipality use its taxing ability to help bale out a local non-profit hospital?

That is a question that voters in Brattleboro may face if the selectboard’s plans go forward. At a recent selectboard meeting there was a unanimous vote to look into holding a special town meeting to vote on creating a one-time tax, of an undetermined amount, to help the financially troubled Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.

The selectboard’s intentions are good. The hospital board recently announced a plan to close its birthing center in the next six to 12 months. Town government and other organizations quickly rallied to work on a strategy to save the birthing center as it is projected to cause a $4.8 million deficit next year.

Saving Our Hospital

by RDavis | Activism

Our small community hospital is facing unprecedented financial problems. Sadly, this is a common problem throughout our country. Small hospitals close and a community is left to drive hours and many miles for health care. Our community is fighting to keep our Brattleboro, Vermont hospital open while difficult decisions have to be made.

Most recently, the hospital board decided to close its birthing center because it loses too much money. Projected losses over the next year are over $4 million while facing an overall deficit of $14 million.

An Impending Health Care Crisis

by RDavis | Health

The world of direct-care health care workers such as nursing home aides, home health aides and a variety of private caregivers is about to come crashing down. The Supreme Court has ruled that the Trump administration can end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program.

TPS was created in 1990 to provide relief from deportation and work authorization to foreign nationals in the U.S. According to Wikipedia the protected population are people, “ who are nationals of a country experiencing ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster, or any temporary or extraordinary conditions that would prevent the foreign national from returning safely. Temporary protected status allows beneficiaries to live and, in some cases, work in the United States for a limited amount of time. In March 2025, approximately 1,297,635 people had TPS.”

Brattleboro Civic and Business Leaders Launch Coordinated Campaign to Save BMH Birthing Center

by Not Signed In | Activism

Coalition commits to fundraising, state advocacy, and community mobilization to prevent closure within the six-to-nine month window.

BRATTLEBORO, VT — A broad coalition of Brattleboro and Windham County civic leaders, public officials, and business community members announced today a coordinated effort to prevent the closure of the BMH Birthing Center. The group is moving forward immediately on three fronts: community fundraising, state-level advocacy, and public mobilization.

The BMH Board of Directors recently voted to move toward closure of the BMH Birthing Center within six-to-nine months, citing unsustainable financial losses that will require significant external support. The coalition views that window as an opportunity to protect an essential public service in our town and region.

June 2026 Precipitation Report

by local | Nature

June was a near normal month for precipitation at this location. Measured 4.42″ compared to the NOAA average of 4.52″ There was measurable rain on 10 of 30 days. At the halfway point in 2026 I have recorded 19.78″ compared to the NOAA normal of 22.13″ or about 89%.

Looking Statewide there were two locations in northern Vermont with over 9 inches for the month and many locations along the spine of Vermont that reported 6-8 inches.  There were a couple hot spells in June but most of the last 2 weeks were pleasant warm days and cool low humidity nights.

A Funeral For America

by RDavis | Activism

The U.S. is getting ready to celebrate the 250th year of this experiment in democracy. Do we really have anything to celebrate when all of the principles that this country was founded upon have been ignored and desecrated? Do we have anything to celebrate when the people we have elected allow a leader to trample on the rights of citizens and turn this country into a dream come true for a deranged would-be dictator?

What we should be doing on July 4 is having a great national funeral. We should declare a day of mourning and have funeral processions all over this country while we carry coffins containing the Constitution.

Father’s Day Brunch this Sunday in Guilford

by DonInGuilford | Food

Broad Brook Grange will present its 26th annual Father’s Day Brunch on Sunday, June 21, from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Broad Brook Community Center in Guilford.

The all-you-can-eat brunch features eggs and the signature item: omelettes, any style, made to order. Also on the menu are pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon, and roast potatoes, with Guilford maple syrup. Other treats include home-baked coffee cakes, cupcakes, quiche, muffins, gluten-free goodies, and other baked goods, fresh fruit salad, and bread for toasting. A selection of juices will be available, along with coffee, teas and milk.

Election Tampering

by RDavis | Activism

It’s not a matter of if but when. The Republicans are poised to take some degree of a beating in the mid-term elections in November and Trump is already trying to manipulate the outcome. No surprise.

Elections are controlled by states so Trump’s options are limited, but that hasn’t stopped him from trying to use the U.S. Postal Service to rig the vote-by-mail system.

The Brennan Center for Justice has analyzed a Trump executive order that they point out is illegal. Breaking the law is something Trump does well because he never has to be accountable for his actions.