Two veteran patrol officers are standing up a new bureau of criminal investigations within the Williston Police Department.
John Hamlin and Avery Lemnah have been with the department since 2018 and 2020, respectively. In the spring, they were promoted to the roles of detective, fulfilling a long-held goal of Police Chief Patrick Foley.
“It took a while to get here,” Hamlin said. “Part of the issue was just simply we needed to have (more) staff. It’s hard to bump people up into a detective role … without enough people to cover the road.”
While the department is still currently short a patrol officer, its staffing level has stabilized to the point where the timing is right to launch the bureau.
The detectives’ focus will be on evidence handling, crime scene investigation, death investigation, subpoenas and court proceedings. They are aspects of policing that patrol officers had been taking on out of necessity, but really belong in the hands of dedicated detectives, Hamlin said.
“Before you have a (detective bureau), all your patrol officers are your detectives,” he said. “You do the subpoenas, you do the search warrants, you go to court, you sit in the jury trial. John
see DETECTIVES page 3
CVU’s season of champions
Town, police union reach 3-year contract
The Williston Selectboard approved a three-year employment contract with the Williston Police Officers union on June 17. The contract will take over for the current contract that expires at the end of this month. The new contract runs through June 2028. According to Town Manager Erik Wells, the contract bumps officers pay by about 11 percent across the board; starting patrol officer pay will increase to $34.15 per hour. It also includes annual cost-of-living increases of between 1 percent and 3.5 percent.
Even for a Vermont high school sports powerhouse like CVU, this past spring season was otherworldly. Redhawks expect success and are no stranger to state titles, but they took their dominance to new levels this spring: Four spring sports won it all during Father's Day Weekend championship games earlier this month.
Coverage begins on Page 21 of the girls ultimate Frisbee team’s undefeated season, the tennis team’s nailbiter of a title game victory over South Burlington, and CVU’s lacrosse sweep — winning both girls and boys state championships.
LEFT: The CVU boys lacrosse team celebrates its 15-7 state championship win over the Mount Mansfield Cougars on June 15 at UVM's Virtue Field.
CENTER: The CVU girls lacrosse team celebrates its state championship win over the Burr and Burton Bulldogs on June 15 at UVM's Virtue Field.
RIGHT: The CVU girls ultimate Frisbee team celebrates its 15-2 state championship win over the Milton Yellowjackets on June 14 at UVM's Virtue Field. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
NOW SERVING BREAKFAST
Hamlin and Avery Lemnah have been promoted to launch the Williston Police Department’s detective bureau. OBSERVER PHOTO BY JASON STARR
REVIEW: Molière’s ‘The Miser’
Generous with Laughter
How delighted I was to see my play, “L’Avare,” brought to life at Isham Farm earlier this month. The cast and crew — assembled by Vermont Repertory Theatre — are endowed with such great talents!
From his first appearance on the stage, I was hooked by Christopher Ziter’s portrayal of Harpagon. Hannah Normandeau’s Élise brought me to tears with laughter. Mariane, played by Keely Agan, made me swoon.
The calm nobility of Jayden Choquette’s Valère contrasted richly with the simpering of Connor Kendall’s lovesick Cléante. I took great pleasure in the mockery simmering beneath the straight-faced subservience of Eamon Lynch’s versatile Maître Jacques.
Each and every player brought so much to the stage and made me appreciate the timelessness of my farcical creation, as relevant today as it was centuries ago.
And when they joined together for their grand musical finale ... c’etait magnifique!
[ASIDE: I’m not really Molière. Nor am I a professional theater critic. But I really loved this show!]
Finally, Vermont Rep certainly did not skimp on production! The set, the costumes, the hair and make-up, were wonderfully
Guest Reviewer
Molière
reminiscent of the theater of my own time. And the sound, the lights, the music! What I wouldn’t have done to have such technology at my avail three hundred and fifty-someodd years ago!
I await next season with great anticipation! In the meantime, I may well make an appearance at the first ever Rep Gala, September 18 back at Isham Barn.
Au revoir, passionnés de théâtre!
— Rick Cote
EMAIL EVENT LISTINGS TO EDITOR@WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM
THURSDAY, JUNE 26
Maple Tree Place Concert Series ♦
Kick off the summer series with Little Lies, Fleetwood Mac tribute band. 6-8:30 p.m. Maple Tree Place green.
THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, JUNE 26-28
Social Media and Technology Risks seminar ♦ “Avoiding the Pitfalls for Today’s Youth” with Dr. Renton Rathbun.
7 p.m. each night. Trinity Baptist Church & School auditorium. Register at tbcvt.org/ online-registration.
SUNDAY, JUNE 29
Lafayette monument unveiling ♦ Williston Historical Society will unveil a monument to Marquis de Lafayette. 10:15 a.m. on the Town Green.
THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, JULY 3-5
Independence Day Celebration ♦ Parade, fireworks, book sale, ice cream social, concert, games and 5K race. For details, see Pages 11-14.
THURSDAY, JULY 10
Maple Tree Place Concert Series ♦ “Elvis Echoes of a Legend.” 6-8 p.m. Maple Tree Place green.
CLOCKWISE (top to bottom): The cast performs the closing number in Vermont Repertory Theatre's production of Moliere's 'The Miser' at the Isham Barn Theatre on June 11. Mariane (Keeley Agan, left) and Frosine (Brit Flynn, right) sing of Mariane's arranged marriage to Harpagon, the Miser (Christopher Ziter). Harpagon reflects on his life's situation. Maitre Jacques (Eamon Lynch, left) is joined on stage by Valere (Jayden M. Choquette, center) and Elise (Hannah Normandeau, right).
Last lunch: Senior community meals take summer hiatus
Aug. 19.
You do it all through patrol because there’s nobody else to do it. Now we can alleviate some of that from patrol.”
The detectives are also there to step in on any higher level crime prosecutions, such as
fraud, embezzlement, burglaries and assaults — without the daily responsibilities of street patrol and traffic enforcement. With retail theft, an ongoing problem in Taft Corners, the detectives plan to take over follow-up investigations and prosecutions. They also plan to work proactively with retailers to improve
BY TRENT SNYDER Special to the Observer
On June 10, Age Well and the Williston Recreation and Parks Department served the last senior community meal of the season.
Senior community meals are hosted in the R.E.C. room at 94 Harvest Lane — “an opportunity to have a meal with others,” said Program Coordinator Taylor Hayes.
Food is served each Tuesday at noon for residents ages 65 and up. A suggested donation of $5 contributes to the program’s
evidence collection.
“We’re going to work on trying to make sure all the stores and businesses are familiar with the elements that we need in order to be able to even go forward with a case,” said Hamlin. “Because you may have a retail theft at your establishment, but if you don’t provide us with the information we
Feel Better… Grow Stronger!
sustainability. Age Well provides catering for the event with a focus on healthy, warm, lightly seasoned foods, followed by fruit or pie for dessert.
After the meal, different programs are offered each week, such as bingo, guessing games, informational lectures and trivia. Occasionally, live music is provided by the band G-man, who describe themselves as “seniors in their 70s who like to play music from the ‘70s.”
Senior community meals will return Aug. 19.
Over the past year, the
need, we can’t help you.”
The detectives plan to be a visible presence in the community, available to discuss crime prevention at homeowners association meetings and scam and online fraud awareness at senior living communities.
Before joining the Williston Police, Hamlin worked as a
program has grown in popularity, with around 30 seniors coming each week, many of whom are regulars.
“It’s a great opportunity to meet people,” said Pat Johnson, who has lived in Williston for 12 years and comes to these meals regularly with her friends.
“Taylor does a wonderful job,” she added.
The meals are on pause, but the Recreation and Parks Department still has plenty of programs for seniors running throughout the summer such as tai chi, senior strength, bone builders and more.
patrol officer in Richmond. Lemnah, a certified athletic trainer, joined the department after a stint as a dispatcher with the Vermont State Police. Hamlin can be reached by email at jhamlin@willistonpdvt.org and Lemnah at alemnah@ willistonpdvt.org. Their phone number is (802) 878-8422.
Residents line up for dessert June 10 during the last senior community meal of the season at the R.E.C. Zone in Williston. Senior meals will return weekly on
Gardener’s Supply files for bankruptcy
BY HENRY FERNANDEZ VTDigger
An Indiana-based gardening retailer has submitted a $9 million bid to purchase Gardener’s Supply Company, a popular employee-owned Vermont business that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Friday.
Gardens Alive, Inc., is currently the sole bidder ahead of a potential auction on July 18, according to court documents. The auction will only take place if additional bidders emerge.
Gardener’s Supply, known for its wide range of quality gardening products, disclosed in its bankruptcy filing last week that it owes more than $4.5 million to 30 creditors, including two international companies and four based in Vermont. These debts, which are not backed by collateral, have left some small suppliers questioning whether they will ever recoup the money they’re owed.
Among them is River Berry Farm in Fairfax that sold Gardener’s Supply vegetable and herb transplants this season. Coowner David Marchant said the bankruptcy
came as a surprise — and with it, a financial blow. Gardener’s Supply owes the farm about $64,000, or about 10 percent of the business’ gross profit for the year, he said.
“It’s a significant hit. It’s not gonna put us out of business, but it’s gonna certainly drastically change the outcome of the year for us and our employees,” he said.
“I know the buyer who’s bought from us real well and I wish we had gotten hints earlier,” Marchant added. “It’s too bad they didn’t let everybody know that they were in trouble.”
Hannah Decker, co-owner of Fairfax Perennial Farm Inc., which has done business with Gardener’s Supply for 17 years and sells to four of its locations, is “cautiously optimistic” she will receive the $50,000 she is owed, which she estimates is almost a quarter of the farm’s yearly business.
“The timing of this really sucks … June is for perennials,” she said. “If I don’t have their business going forward with those locations, that’s a quarter of my business right there.”
Gardener’s Supply, founded in 1983, has long been considered a staple Vermont
brand. Its employee-ownership model and 20-year streak winning Seven Days’ “Best garden center award” have made it a fixture in the state’s business community.
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But in recent years, the company struggled to recover from what it described as the “post-COVID downturn in business,”
An employee waters plants at the entrance to Gardener’s Supply Company in Williston on Monday.
PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER
SUNDAY, JULY 6 ∙ 11AM-4PM ∙ FREE
In honor of this milestone, the Central Tibetan Administration has declared a year-long celebration as a:
Year of Compassion
July 2025-July 2026
As part of global observance, TAV is proud to express our heartfelt gratitude to His Holiness by supporting and promoting his four commitments: Human Value; Fostering Religious Harmony and Interfaith Dialogue; Preserving Tibetan Culture, Language and Identity; and Reviving an Ancient Indian Wisdom through Education and Science
A Beacon of Compassion: The Global Legacy of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
DHARAMSHALA, INDIA — In an era defined by division, few figures command the universal respect and admiration that His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, continues to inspire. To Tibetans, he is more than a spiritual leader—he is the very embodiment of hope, identity, and resilience. To the wider world, he stands as a timeless advocate of compassion, peace, and human values that transcend borders.
Born in 1935 in the small village of Taktser in northeastern Tibet, he was recognized at the age of two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. Since then, his life has been one of extraordinary dedication—not only to the Tibetan people, but to the greater cause of humanity.
A Spiritual Anchor for the Tibetan People For over six decades, His Holiness has carried the immense weight of a nation in exile. Following the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959, he fled to India and established the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala. Despite exile, he has preserved the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Tibet with unwavering strength.
• Publications: The Art of Happiness, Ethics for the New Millennium, The Book of Joy, Voice for the Voiceless
“Without His Holiness, we would have lost not just our land, but our identity,” says a Tibetan monk in McLeod Ganj. “He taught us to hold onto our values, even when the world tried to forget us.”
Through his leadership, Tibetan Buddhism has not only survived but flourished globally. Temples, cultural centers, and Tibetan schools now exist from New York to New Delhi, thanks in large part to his vision of a compassionate diaspora.
A Global Icon of Peace and Nonviolence
His Holiness is one of the rare voices who speaks not just for Tibetans, but for all people. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, he was recognized for his nonviolent struggle for the liberation of Tibet and his message of peaceful coexistence.
He has met with world leaders, addressed global parliaments, and shared platforms with scientists, philosophers, and environmentalists. And yet, he remains humble—often reminding audiences, “I am just a simple Buddhist monk.”
His message is simple but profound: “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”
Bridging the Divide Between East and West
His Holiness has played a unique role in translating ancient Tibetan Buddhist wisdom into secular teachings on mindfulness, ethics, and emotional well-being. In doing so, he has become a teacher to millions across faiths, cultures, and continents.
In universities and spiritual centers alike, he has
sparked dialogues between science and spirituality, emphasizing the importance of inner peace in achieving world peace.
Even in his later years, at the age of 90, his message remains as relevant as ever in a world grappling with war, climate crisis, and moral decay.
A Timeless Legacy
As Tibetans mark another year without returning to their homeland, the presence of His Holiness continues to give them strength. But his impact goes beyond national struggle—it is a legacy that belongs to all of humanity.
In his words, “The purpose of life is to be happy.” Through his compassion, humility, and courage, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has shown us that happiness is not found in power or wealth, but in kindness, forgiveness, and a deep commitment to others.
His life is a reminder that in the darkest moments, a single voice, rooted in truth and love, can light the way for millions.
— Tibetan Association of Vermont
TAV urges our Vermont community and friends to show their support! Participate in our upcoming events or visit us online to stay connected. Contact: tibetanassociationvermont@gmail.com
BY REPS. ANGELA ARSENAULT AND ERIN BRADY
The 2025 legislative session began with a number of consequential issues hanging over the proceedings: How will we deal with the health care crisis? What can we do to safeguard Vermonters in the face of federal turmoil and loss of funding? How can we stay on track to build on last session’s work to truly solve our housing crisis? And what the heck are we going to do about education and property taxes? (Please see our column from the June 12 Observer for details about our progress on health care costs and housing.)
Among this list of priorities, it was the education question that seemed to capture and hold much of the Gov. Phil Scott administration’s attention.
Gov. Scott, now in his fifth term, introduced his education transformation plan (five school districts, semi-professional school boards, foundation funding, statewide school choice, etc.) during his budget address in January.
GUEST COLUMN
Notes from the Legislature
Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders and others from the Agency of Education spent the next several weeks explaining the proposal to the relevant House and Senate committees, delivering a giant bill (H.454) to the Legislature just two weeks before crossover, the date by which bills typically have to move from one chamber to the other.
This monumental work was rushed from the start of our legislative session.
House leadership granted a crossover extension to H.454 so that our Education Committee could work on the education policy aspects of the bill and still give enough time to our Ways and Means committee to handle the education finance sections. In early April, the House passed the bill with little bipartisan support and several members explaining that their “yes” vote on the bill was to keep the process going in the hopes that a number of outstanding details, including critical work on the foundation formula, would be addressed in the Senate.
Rick Cote, Associate Publisher rick@willistonobserver.com 802-373-2136
EDITOR
Jason Starr editor@willistonobserver.com
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We heard from hundreds of community members who support our public school system asking us to vote against H.454. Nobody asked us to vote for it.
acknowledgement that the bill still needed work, but — importantly — it was backed by the professional associations of school boards (VSBA), superintendents (VSA), principals (VPA), and school business officers (VASBO) after their extensive work to help design a plan that fits into the Vermont context, rather than what out-ofstate consultants had suggested.
We supported the House version of the bill. It put us on a path to a more stable future by moving us toward scale, creating statewide cohesion, and ensuring appropriate state-level governance
and support for our system. We supported the work done on a foundation formula in the House bill but knew there were many details that needed further attention when the bill went to the Senate.
What happened next was entirely predictable, yet deeply disappointing.
In the Senate Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Seth Bongartz (an unabashed private schools booster who served for 19 years as a trustee for Burr & Burton Academy), the work deviated far from its focus on the common good and became almost exclusively about special carve-outs and protecting the status quo in private schools that receive public dollars while our public schools are asked to endure massive transformation and endless unknowns.
The Senate Finance Committee did little to improve on the bill, and both committee votes ended with members expressing their disdain for the bill. Senate President Pro Tem Phil Baruth scrambled to pull together a bill that could actually pass out of the Senate, knowing full well that the House would request a Committee of Conference to hash out the differences.
Somehow, after all of that mess, Sen. Baruth then chose to double down on the poor decision-making that led to the embarrassing outcome with the original bill. Each chamber must appoint three members to a committee of conference, and who should Sen. Baruth choose but Sen. Bongartz and a second private school champion, current St. Johnsbury Academy employee Sen. Scott Beck. Sen. Ann Cummings, as chair of Senate Finance, was an obvious third pick.
The House, for its part, broke from convention and named the Vice Chair of Education, Rep. Chris Taylor, to the Committee of Conference despite the fact that Taylor voted against the bill on the House floor.)
So it was clear from the start that this conference committee, which ran from the end of the regular session all the way until our special session on June 16, was not going to run as smoothly as one would hope given the topic was legislation that seeks to bring generational change to one of the most vital public goods in our democracy. But it’s hard
Legislature
continued from page 6 to imagine that anyone would have guessed that the bulk of the committee’s work time would be spent negotiating carve-outs and special considerations for independent schools — which serve roughly 5 percent of Vermont students! Imagine what would have been possible if that much intense scrutiny and care had been devoted to truly strengthening public education.
This is where things went off the rails, as far as we’re concerned. We knew, even before the conference committee, that there were important questions yet to be answered in the bill. We knew that there would be opportunities over the next several months to advocate for the interests of our school district and all of public education. And we believed there would be good faith efforts put forward by all involved to bring about a fairer tax system to fund education, as well as to get at the real cost drivers in education.
That kind of work takes a boatload of shared understanding, common goals and willing partners. After watching Sens. Beck and Bongartz at work, we no longer believe we have that shared understanding, nor willing partners. This fact places in jeopardy all of the near- and long-term decisions yet to be made.
The final bill establishes an unrealistic timeline, and it continues to be unclear where the financial savings in a foundation formula are derived.
As we’ve said, without more
modeling and time to work on things like special education funding, we are concerned that Chittenden County will be disproportionately impacted by a move to a foundation formula.
Our school district has cut over 80 positions in the past two years and has been one of the districts most negatively impacted by the flawed implementation of Act 127.
We cannot ask our voters to take another leap of faith on the critical funding that supports our schools without more thoughtful work. These factors — the politicization and the policy shortcomings — contributed to our decision to vote “no” on the question of adopting the committee of conference report.
But you won’t be able to look up our vote on the General Assembly website, because it wasn’t taken by roll. To explain this, we have to dive into the political and procedural weeds for a moment.
It became clear (after the fact) that neither Democratic nor Republican party leadership wanted a roll call vote on the question of adopting the committee of conference report. This could be due to several political factors, primarily that there were members of all parties likely to vote “no,” and the Governor’s office had said that they would paint any “no” votes as a vote to increase property taxes (which is entirely inaccurate).
And so it was, after some confusion on the floor, that a roll call vote was called on the question of whether to message our action on the conference committee report to the governor “forthwith.” This is a common procedural question
A
and almost always a unanimous voice vote. However, in this decidedly uncommon scenario, that roll call became a proxy for the vote on H.454. You can view those results on the General Assembly website (legislature.vermont.gov) by clicking on “Current House Journal” then scrolling to page 2,695.
As passed, H.454 initiates sweeping changes to Vermont’s K-12 education system — consolidating school districts, establishing a statewide school calendar and graduation standards, creating a foundation formula to fund schools, eliminating local school district budget votes, changing how private schools receive public funds, and significant property tax reform measures.
We heard from hundreds of community members who support our public school system asking us to vote against H.454. Nobody asked us to vote for it. But all hope is not lost. This transformational bill includes so many decisions yet to be made, and we will continue to do everything we can at
every step in the process to ensure the future success of our school district and public education in Vermont.
Believe it or not, the fraught final hours surrounding H.454 were not the last of our work for the legislative session. Just after 8 p.m. on that final day, the House voted to concur with the Senate amendment to H.480, the miscellaneous education bill. The bill contained several provisions related to education, but there was one in particular that we had been eagerly awaiting a chance to vote on.
Late in the session, and after extensive testimony in the House Education Committee, the Senate Education Committee added Vermont’s Phone- and Social Media-Free Schools bill (which Angela introduced with Erin as a co-sponsor) to H.480. The bill passed with nearly unanimous support, and we anticipate the governor will sign it into law.
We’re thrilled that all public and approved independent schools will be required to adopt a
bell-to-bell phone-free policy beginning in the ‘26-’27 school year. A second provision in the bill, which is effective immediately when signed, is a first-in-the-nation prohibition on schools using social media to communicate directly with students or requiring students to use social media for school-related activities.
This is just one of many steps that our Legislature must take to help mitigate the harms of social media and other addictive online products. The vote was an encouraging way to end a turbulent session — doing something that we know is right for our kids.
We are honored to represent Williston and strive to be accessible and responsive. Please email anytime (ebrady@leg.state.vt.us; aarsenault@leg.state.vt.us) with your questions, concerns or ideas.
Angela Arsenault and Erin Brady represent Williston in the Vermont House of Representatives.
Tracing the electric car battery life cycle
BY KEVIN THORLEY Williston Energy Committee
Electric vehicles (EVs) are often discussed in terms of their environmental footprint, especially when it comes to their batteries. Yes, building EV batteries involves mining raw materials, which can be environmentally harmful. It also includes carbon emissions from material extraction, refining and battery production.
These are valid concerns, and they’re not unique to EVs — gasoline-powered cars come with similar or worse environmental costs. But let’s focus on EVs and specifically what happens to their batteries over time.
MANUFACTURING AND EMISSIONS
Making an EV produces more carbon emissions than manufacturing a gas-powered car due to the battery. However, studies show that EVs typically break even in terms of total emissions after about two years of driving. After that point, EVs emit less over their lifetime. Also, some EVs now use battery chemistries like Lithium Iron Phosphate, which avoid problematic materials like cobalt.
BATTERY LIFESPAN
But what about the lifecycle of these batteries? How long do they last? What happens when they fail early in their lives? Where do they go when they no longer have the capacity needed to power our vehicles?
Since EVs are relatively new, long-term data is limited. But early results are promising: Many EV batteries have lasted well over 200,000 miles. Some older rideshare vehicles have pushed even higher mileage.
That said, not all batteries last that long. However, EV batteries aren’t just one big unit. They’re made of modules, which contain individual cells. In most early failures, it’s just one or two modules that go bad. These can be diagnosed and replaced, allowing the battery pack to continue operating without being scrapped entirely. Tesla’s battery design is an exception, using a “cell-to-pack” structure that doesn’t rely on modules.
SECOND-LIFE APPLICATIONS
As batteries approach the end of their useful life in a car, enough of the modules may have degraded to a point where it doesn’t make
sense to replace them all. The modules that still have acceptable life can still be re-used. These healthy modules can be harvested from end-of-life packs, tested, graded and grouped with other healthy modules to build refurbished or remanufactured packs that can go back into a car, thereby getting the longest possible life out of those original parts.
In a new and very interesting development, some EV battery components can be repurposed for stationary electric storage devices like those used in home or business
wall chargers, or even in grid-scale storage. Repurposing gives EV batteries a second life, extending their overall purpose and reducing the need to create a completely new battery. In this author’s opinion, this is one of the more interesting ways to keep that original battery in a useful capacity, reducing emissions.
RECYCLING AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Eventually, every battery reaches a point where it must be recycled, whether due to failure, age or defect. The good news is the minerals inside (lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, etc.) remain valuable and can be recovered.
The recycling process starts with shredding batteries into a fine black powder called “black mass.” This contains the key minerals, which can then be extracted using chemical processes.
Over 90 percent of the original materials can be recovered and reused to make new batteries. These materials go back into the supply chain, helping to close the loop.
LOOKING AHEAD
Like most things we use, the
materials in EVs come from the Earth. But unlike fossil fuels — which are burned and gone — battery materials can be reused. If scaled properly, this recycling loop moves us toward a circular economy, reducing the need to extract more raw materials.
The challenge today is scale. The recycling industry needs a steady supply of end-of-life batteries to be viable. But that supply is growing. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, EV sales rose 10 percent year-over-year. As more EVs hit the road — and eventually retire — there will be more used batteries to refurbish, repurpose and recycle.
To participate in Williston’s energy future, reach out to your Williston Energy Committee at energy@willistonvt.org or attend a public meeting held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. The agenda for upcoming meetings is posted on the Town of Williston website (www. town.williston.vt.us). For more information, visit: https://www. willistonvtenergycommittee.org.
Electric vehicle batteries can last up to 200,000 miles.
PHOTO BY PEXELS.COM
GREEN
VT fossil fuel use and pollution trending down
But state misses emissions goal
BY SAM HARTNETT Community News Service
Overall fossil fuel consumption is trending downward in Vermont, and greenhouse gas pollution has seen a 1621 percent reduction below 2005 levels, according to the Energy Action Network, a nonprofit that presented a report on the subject to lawmakers last month.
Additionally, Vermonters registered over 18,000 electric vehicles, installed over 70,000 heat pumps and weatherized over 40,000 homes as of last year, according to the study.
But the report estimates that Vermont fell 18-39 percent short of meeting its first legal obligation under the Global Warming Solutions Act, the 2020 law that requires the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 26 percent below 2005 levels by
2025, 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80 percent below that mark by 2050.
“There’s an important caveat to that, though, which is it’s been happening slowly and largely supported by federal funding that is going away or facing uncertainty,” said Jared Duval, executive director of the network, to the House Committee on
see POLLUTION page 10
Unplug electronics at night: Computers, printers, TVs and other electronics give off heat even when not being used.
Close blinds in windows getting direct sunlight: According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in cooling seasons, about 76 percent of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat. Light colored curtains, shades and blinds can greatly reduce heat gain from daytime sunshine.
Install window awnings on south- and west-facing windows: According to the DOE, window awnings can reduce solar heat gain by up to 65 percent on south-facing windows, and 77 percent on west-facing windows. Choose light colors to reflect more sunlight.
Insulate your water tank and warm water pipes: An inexpensive insulation blanket will reduce heat loss from a tank by up to 45 percent.
Source: Cornell University Sustainable Campus (sustainablecampus.cornell.edu).
In 2023, Vermonters threw away 71,113 tons of food scraps which ended up in our only land ll.
Enough to ll 3,555 tractor-trailer trucks, which placed bumper-to-bumper would stretch from Milton to Montpelier.
CSWD’s Organic Recycling Facility (ORF) and our six Drop-O Centers accept food scraps from residents and businesses to keep them out of Vermont’s only land ll.
continued from page 9
Energy and Digital Infrastructure on May 2.
The Trump administration’s rollback of environmental protections includes cancelling or freezing funding for many programs meant to reduce fossil fuel use.
Vermont households each year spend an average of $7,000 on energy, much of which goes toward fossil fuel–heavy activities like driving and heating homes, according to the network. Last year was the third in a row that statewide fuel costs exceeded $2 billion, according to the network, citing data compiled from the state Department of Taxes and Vermont Gas Systems.
Duval noted Vermont’s dependency on price-volatile fossil fuels as a reason for the growing price tag.
The Energy Action Network report says the state’s failure to meet the 2025 goal for the Global Warming Solutions Act is the “result of Vermont not implementing policies, regulations and programs to cost-effectively and equitably cut climate pollution” — not because the goals weren’t achievable.
According to the Agency of Natural Resources, Vermont reduced total emissions by 16 percent from 2005-2021.
New Hampshire reported a reduction of 36 percent in the same time period, according to that state’s Department of Environmental Service.
“Progress is too slow, both on emissions and, more importantly, on Vermonters’ wallets,” said committee member Rep. Chris Morrow, D-Weston. Morrow believes the volatility of fossil fuel prices “leads to expensive and uncertain economic realities” for Vermonters, and “we need to push the transition in smart ways.”
House Republicans have pushed for easier targets to meet and have largely opposed the Global Warming Solution Act’s legal obligations. This year they introduced H.62, a bill aimed at repealing the act, as well as H.289, which would soften some of its requirements.
In a press release late last year, state GOP chairman Paul Dame said that “these goals were unattainable given the currently available technology, but now the state is getting dragged into court for completely avoidable reasons.”
Republican legislators on the House energy committee did not respond to requests for comment. Community News Service is a University of Vermont journalism internship.
Independence Day Celebrations
A chance to celebrate Terry Macaig
BY TRENT SNYDER Special to the Observer
The choice for this year’s July Fourth Parade Grand Marshal is Terry Macaig, a renaissance man who has spent his life contributing to the Williston community and the State of Vermont in myriad ways.
“Terry was chosen because he was on the Williston Selectboard for years and finished up this past March,” said Recreation and Parks Director Todd Goodwin. “The Town Report was dedicated to him in January for his service to the Town of Williston. It was fitting to have him as the Grand Marshal of the parade.”
Macaig was born and raised in Schenectady, N.Y. He spent his summers visiting Schroon Lake with his family. In 1960, Macaig graduated from the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in Zoology before continuing on to medical school. He then started with the Vermont Department of Health, where he stayed for 38 years, working at the laboratory and in administration.
After Macaig left the Department of Health, he began lobbying for the Vermont State Employees Union. This left him poised to join the state Legislature in 2009, where he served until 2020.
Alongside his professional life, Macaig has held
several volunteer positions. He has been the Williston Health Officer since 1990, has served on the regional planning commission, and was also involved in Cub and Boy Scouts with his kids, helping to review Eagle Scout projects for Chittenden, Franklin and Addison counties.
Even though Macaig is retired, he has still kept busy. He has three children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren to spend time with. Additionally, he volunteers with the FDA, the Williston Historical Society and the Vermont chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans. He also serves as a justice of the peace.
“It’s a great honor to be the leader of the parade,” said Macaig. “All the festivities are fantastic, and it’s a great crowd.”
Macaig has contributed to the town’s Independence Day celebration in the past with the Historical Society, helping to organize the ice cream social that takes place before the parade.
“I’m excited to ride the convertible down the stretch, and not have to walk there anymore,” he said with a chuckle.
This July will mark Macaig’s 59th year living in Williston, where he has tirelessly served his community. Surely, he has earned a break, a chance to sit back and wave to the crowd.
Terry Macaig
Independence Day Celebrations
Theme:“Celebrate the Red, White & Blue"
Grand Marshal: Terry Macaig
The parade starts at 10 a.m. Judging of the entries starts at 9:30 a.m. The road will be closed from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Entries to the parade are free. All entries must pre-register on the Recreation website (https://willistonvt.myrec.com) by June 29.
Old Stage Road
Independence Day Celebrations
Independence Day Celebrations
THURSDAY, JULY 3
Library Book Sale
4 p.m-6 p.m.
Williston Central School
Sponsored by Friends of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library
Ice Cream Social
6:30 p.m. | Village Green
Sponsored by the Williston Federated Church
Town Band Concert
6:30 p.m. | Village Green
Library Book Sale
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Williston Central School
Stovepipe Corners
Schoolhouse Open House
9 a.m.-10 a.m. | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Village Green
Hosted by the Williston Historical Society
Old Brick Church
Open House
TBD | Old Brick Church
Hosted by Church Trustees
FRIDAY, JULY 4
Independence Day Parade 10 a.m.
Rt 2/Williston Road
Johnson’s Farm to Old Stage Rd. Activities on “The Green” 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Village Green
Sponsored by Crosspoint Church Fire Dept. Open House
11:30 a.m.-1
Take the bus to the fireworks show
Two shuttle buses operated by SSTA will run from 6:30-10:30 p.m. on July 4 to transport people to and from the Town of Williston’s Independence Day evening entertainment and fireworks display at Village Community Park. The fireworks show begins at 9:20 p.m.
The buses will make the following stops (look for special signage).
— Allen Brook School parking lot
— Corner of Stillwater Lane and Holland Lane in Finney Crossing
— Corner of Market Street and Holland Lane
— Shaw’s left-side Parking Lot
— Williston Central School
Call the Williston Recreation and Parks Department for more information at 876-1160.
SATURDAY, JULY 5
Photos from 2011 and 2013 capture hopeful children showing off their green contenders and “Frogmaster” Bill Skiff leading the annual frog jumping contest he founded. In a June 2016 letter to the editor announcing the retirement of the event, Skiff wrote,
“For three generations our family has enjoyed being in the Williston town green on the 4th of July making sure local frogs had the opportunity to prove they were the best jumpers in the country.
When I started the contest, over twenty years ago, I did it because I wanted children to learn how to have fun with nothing. A piece of string, a patch of grass and a frog.
The rewards over the years for our family have been wonderful.
For me personally, seeing the smile on that little girl's face after she won a blue ribbon, with a frog no bigger that her little finger, will always be with me.”
403 ZEPHYR ROAD 403 ZEPHYR ROAD
Frogmaster Bill Skiff
Forward to Wisconsin
Wisconsin is our 30th state, having joined the Union in 1848. This Upper Midwest state lies in the Great Lakes region, bordering Lake Michigan and Lake Superior.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, many immigrants arrived in Wisconsin, mostly from Germany and Scandinavian countries. Wisconsinites still enjoy foods such as bratwurst and kringle, a sweet pastry, that are part of these cultures.
Early peoples
When Europeans arrived, they found people of the Ojibwe, Sauk, Meskwaki, Kickapoo and Potawatomi tribes.
French explorer Jean Nicolet is thought to have arrived near Green Bay after canoeing through the Great Lakes in 1634. Other French explorers came to the area to trade furs.
The region was controlled by the British until 1783, when it became a territory of the United States.
Wisconsin today
Wisconsin is home to almost 6 million people. It is sometimes called the Badger State. The capital, Madison, is the state’s secondlargest city. Milwaukee is the largest.
Wisconsin business
Agriculture and lumber became important industries in the 1800s, and later, many
Try ’n’ Find
Next Week: Elements of art
Mini Fact: Underwater caves line the shores of Lake Superior in Wisconsin.
farmers growing crops switched to dairy production.
Cheese-making helped the state become known as America’s Dairyland. In cities, workers brewed beer and made tools and heavy machinery.
Today, agriculture and manufacturing are still important to the state’s economy, along with tourism. Wisconsin is a major supplier of paper and packaging products.
Fun in Wisconsin
People in Wisconsin enjoy outdoor sports during the winter, including snowmobiling, skiing, ice fishing and hunting. Outdoor music festivals entertain people during the summer months.
Green Bay is home to the Packers, an NFL team that’s been in the league since 1921. The Milwaukee Bucks play in the NBA, and the Milwaukee Brewers play Major League Baseball. Hockey and soccer teams also draw many fans.
The University of Wisconsin and many other colleges offer educational opportunities to hundreds of thousands of students.
Words that remind us of Wisconsin are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
Wisconsin Fact-a-Roonies
• In 1884, five brothers started a circus in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The Ringling Brothers Circus became one of the biggest traveling shows in the nation.
Today, the Circus World Museum, with a steam calliope and circus acts, is in Baraboo. The Ringling Brothers came from there and wintered their circus there.
• The ice cream sundae was invented in Two Rivers in 1881. Every year, Wisconsinites eat 43 million gallons of ice cream.
• The first kindergarten in the U.S. was in Watertown in 1856.
• The snowmobile was invented in Wisconsin. Skiing, ice skating and sleighing add to the winter fun.
• Yodeling competitions are part of the rich heritage residents have brought from lands such as Germany and Switzerland.
• World-famous magician and escape artist Harry Houdini spent part of his childhood in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Mini Jokes
Walt: Do you want to hear a joke about Wisconsin?
Winnie: Only if it’s not too cheesy!
Founded by Betty Debnam
photo courtesy National Park Service
Holstein dairy cows in Vernon County, Wisconsin.
photo by Carol M. Highsmith
The
Try ’n’ Find
Words that remind us of Wisconsin are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well.
2. Roll into small balls and place on ungreased baking sheet.
3. Flatten with a fork.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in a preheated 375-degree oven. Makes about 36.
7 Little Words for Kids
Use the letters in the boxes to make a word with the same meaning as the clue. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in the solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.
1. providing assistance (7)
2. dog with floppy ears (6)
3. fancy suit (6)
4. summertime drink (8)
5. eighth month (6)
6. changing homes (6)
7. rich person (11)
You’ll need an adult’s
Fires in the Brazilian Amazon fell nearly 70% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024, according to new government data. March alone saw a 71% decline in fire outbreaks year over year. The drop comes as welcome news after 2024, when the rainforest endured its worst fire season in 17 years, with more than 140,000 reported fires. That devastation contributed to the loss of nearly 45 million acres of Amazon vegetation — 58% of all land burned in Brazil last year.
For later:
Look in your newspaper for articles that mention Wisconsin businesses or sports teams.
Teachers: Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior, Does Medicare cover annual physical exams? I’ve gotten a physical every year since I turned 50 and would like to find out what Medicare covers when I sign up in a few months.
Almost 65
Dear Almost, No, Medicare does not pay for annual physical exams, but it does cover a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” checkup during your first year after enrolling in Part B. And after that, it covers annual wellness visits to keep track of your health.
SAVVY SENIOR
Does Medicare cover annual physical exams?
PHYSICAL VS. WELLNESS EXAM
The Welcome to Medicare checkup and annual wellness visits are different. Medicare's focus is primarily on preventive care.
Your doctor will review your risk factors, develop a personalized health plan for you, check that you’re up to date with preventive tests such as cancer screenings and flu shots and may refer you for other tests. Here’s a breakdown of what these exams may include.
WELCOME TO MEDICARE CHECKUP
This is an introduction to Medicare and focuses on health promotion, disease prevention and detection to help you stay well. It’s an opportunity for your doctor to assess your health and provide a plan for care. During this visit your doctor will:
Take your height, weight and blood pressure measurements, and calculate your body mass
index (BMI).
Ask about your personal and family health history.
Give you referrals for other care as needed.
Assess your potential for depression.
Provide a simple vision test.
Recommend vaccines, tests, screenings and other preventive services you need to stay healthy.
Offer to talk with you about creating advance directives.
ANNUAL WELLNESS VISIT
This visit includes some of the same elements as the Welcome to Medicare checkup. For example, your doctor will review your medical history, record your vital information and give you an opportunity to talk about advance directives. Your doctor may also provide the following services:
- Create a screening checklist for
recommended preventive services for the upcoming year.
Look at health risks and treatment options.
Perform a cognitive assessment to look for signs of dementia.
Provide personalized health advice.
Review your current prescriptions.
Study risk factors for opioid problems if you have a prescription for opioids, and screen for potential substance use disorders.
MEDICARE COVERAGE
The Welcome to Medicare and annual wellness visits are fully covered by Medicare Part B without any out-of-pocket costs. You don’t need the Welcome to Medicare visit to qualify for later annual wellness visits, but know that Medicare won’t pay for a wellness visit during the first 12 months you have Part B.
During these visits, the provider may order additional tests or procedures that may be subject to Medicare’s deductibles, copayments or coinsurance.
Make sure that when you book your appointment, you specifically ask for the Welcome to Medicare checkup or annual wellness visit to ensure Medicare covers it. Otherwise, you may have to pay for the visit.
If you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you’ll probably need to use an in-network provider for the wellness visits to be covered. Some Medicare Advantage plans also cover annual physicals in addition to the wellness visit. Check your plan for details.
Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1870, the U.S. Congress recognized Christmas as a federal holiday.
• In 1945, the United Nations charter was signed by 50 nations.
• In 1963, John F. Kennedy gave a speech while visiting West Berlin, declaring “Ich bin ein Berliner” (“I am a Berliner”).
• In 2000, scientists announced the completion of a basic structural map of the human genome.
TODAY’S FACT:
• The United Nations currently has 193 member states.
Gardener's Supply
continued from page 4
according to a statement from a company spokesperson. Rising shipping costs, increased competition, tariffs and steep marketing costs were cited
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Auction Under Self-Storage And Operators Lien
U-Haul of Williston 5010 Williston Rd Williston, Vt . 05495
On July 9th, 2025 at 9:00 am on www.storageauctions.com
The contents of the following units consisting of furniture, household goods and miscellaneous personal property will be SOLD to satisfy the lien of U-HAUL as self-storage operators. This Sale Is Held Under The Uniform Commercial Code Section 16a, Paragraph 7-210 Enforcement Of Vermont Self-Storage Lien.
Tido Whitney 1338
Shamar Waugh 2193
Bryant lagasse 2368
Daniel LaScala Okeefe 0144
Christine Edwards 1232
Jacob Allen 1108
Grace Weisman 1162
Kristen Curtis 2029
Steven Mermelstein 2020
Joshua Riopel 2087
Marguerite Christiansen 1207
Molly Duff 2245
Mark Conway 1350
Trevor Mobbs 0153
as contributing factors.
The company has “partnered with external professionals to strategically restructure its operations,” the spokesperson wrote.
“… As a result, AGR (America’s Gardening Resource) has made the decision to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as part of a planned move to facilitate a transaction with a potential buyer.”
Gardener’s Supply is being represented in the filing by Patrick J. Reilly, who previously represented Tupperware in its bankruptcy filing and subsequent sale. The bankruptcy announcement was first reported by WCAX.
Julie Elmore, a customer who has been shopping at Gardener’s Supply since it opened, said she has valued the company’s dependability.
“They’ve really got an
excellent reputation. I know people all over that love to order stuff from Gardener’s Supply because they have good quality, they have good return policies … I really respect companies that take care of their workers and that have employees who have ownership in it,” she said.
Morgan Brown, a manager at Gardener’s Williston location, said news of the bankruptcy was sad but that employees were sticking together.
“I would say this is the most Vermont place I’ve ever worked,” she said. “Everybody’s kind of taking (the bankruptcy) together. We’re a community business, everybody knows each other. We’re all very close, so we’re kind of just leaning on our coworkers to keep going. We’re business as usual and we’re happy to be here.”
Gardener’s Supply was founded in 1983 and the big red 'barn' garden center has been a touch point in the Williston community for years.
PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER
SPORTS
CVU girls craft the ‘ultimate’ season
BY LAUREN READ Observer correspondent
The CVU girls ultimate frisbee team captured the program’s first Division I state title on June 14 in Burlington — and they did it in style.
The top-seeded Redhawks capped off an undefeated season with a 15-2 victory over Milton at the University of Vermont’s Virtue Field to bring home the state championship.
“It feels like it was the climax of our play,” said CVU senior Abby Bunting. “We were improving all season and this was by far our best game, so I’m glad that it ended this way … I feel proud most of all.”
CVU started the game like a team on a mission, scoring four goals in the first 12 minutes. CVU’s Zoey McNabb scored three of the first four goals and assisted on the other to pace the team’s offense.
“We were hyping people up and I think everybody was in it to play and to win,” McNabb said of the hot start. “I mean, the adrenaline kicked in and we just played our best game the whole season.”
The Redhawks continued to run up the score, with McNabb scoring twice more, while Katie
Lahiri and Kaitlin Jovell both added goals to get to 8-1.
After the halftime break, Bunting, Jovell and McNabb each scored to push the lead to 11-1.
Two goals for Leona Sunderland and another goal for McNabb pushed the lead to 14-2, which put the Redhawks just one score away from the 15-point threshold.
Zoey Epstein then grabbed a pass from McNabb to clinch the win and the trophy.
“We’ve played Milton three times throughout the season,” Bunting said. “Our last game was super competitive, but we know that we have faith in everyone, and as long as we’re playing calm and playing our game, there’s nobody that can stop us.”
McNabb finished with seven goals and two assists to lead CVU, while Bunting added one goal and three assists. Jovell added two goals and three assists.
The Redhawks finished with a 14-0 record and the D-I title. It was the program’s third championship game appearance and the second in two years.
“I just hope that this continues and that we have fostered a love for ultimate … and that the program will continue and be
The CVU Redhawks celebrate their 15-2 State Champion Ultimate Frisbee win over the Milton Yellowjackets June 14 at UVM's Virtue Field
strong at our school,” Bunting said.
BOYS ULTIMATE TITLE
ELUDES REDHAWKS
For the second year in a row, the CVU boys ultimate frisbee team entered the Division I state championship with an undefeated record and the top seed. For the second year in a row, the Redhawks season came up just short.
CVU fell to No. 2 Montpelier 15-12 in the D-I final on June 14 at the University of Vermont’s Virtue Field in Burlington.
The Redhawks started the game off the way they wanted,
Redhawks capture tennis title
BY LAUREN READ Observer correspondent
Before the beginning of the Division I state championship tennis match on June 14, CVU co-coaches Amy deGroot and Heidi Willoughby told their team to stay mentally tough and focus on what was happening on their own court.
They did not realize the importance of that message.
The Redhawks survived a final that featured five matchbreakers to beat top-seed South Burlington, 4-3, in Shelburne and claim their first title since 2019.
“We expected it would be very close,” said deGroot. “The way it unfolded made it very dramatic. It felt really good and not completely expected because we have a very
young team.
“We didn’t expect that we’d be finishing with a state title.”
The drama really started with the Redhawks trailing 3-1 after losing in the first and second singles matches — one in a matchbreaker — and then falling in the second doubles match in another third set.
Then, Chapin Grubbs and Justyna Amblo found themselves down 0-6 in another third-set matchbreaker, and it seemed like the end might be coming for the Redhawks.
But the CVU duo rallied, claiming an 11-9 victory in the matchbreaker, and grabbed the win.
Sara DiGuglielmo then grabbed a win for CVU in No. 4 singles to tie the match at 3-3. All attention turned to the No. 5 singles match between CVU’s Rylee McKay and South
Burlington’s Alyona Vulpe.
“We all ran over to the fifth singles court, which is another sophomore, and she finds herself in a matchbreaker,” deGroot said. “It was incredibly close, and it easily could have gone either way.”
McKay won the first set and Vulpe took the second, sending another match to a matchbreaker. McKay pulled out the third set 10-6 to clinch the win and the title for the Redhawks.
“I was most impressed with how they handled the pressure because there is a ton of pressure on these young players,” deGroot said. “There was great sportsmanship on the court and really good tennis, and it’s hard that there has to be a winner and a loser in a match like this.”
for a 12-6 lead. Tully Dube had two goals in the run, while Benoit added another score.
CVU tried to wrest the game back with a couple of great individual efforts. First, Avery Howe made a diving catch on a pass from Jonah Story to close the gap to 12-7. Then, a curving deep pass from Jacob Lepple found Ted Connery for a 12-8 score.
grabbing a quick goal from Carter Ciffo to open the game with a 1-0 lead.
The two teams traded goals as the game continued, but momentum shifted to Montpelier when it pulled ahead 5-4 on a goal from Evan Benoit.
“We just made some higher risk throws than we needed to, caused the turnovers, and then our D wasn’t quite able to lock down after we turned it over,” said CVU coach Syrus Amadore. “They were able to score quickly both times off of those turnovers.”
Montpelier then scored seven of the next 10 goals to pull ahead
Montpelier soon reached a 1410 lead — just one goal from victory. (Ultimate frisbee plays until the first team hits 15 and is up by two goals.) But the Redhawks would not go away. Their defense forced a couple of turnovers that they turned into goals, the first from Charles Garavelli and then another from Ethan Revoir.
“There’s just a ton of resiliency on this team,” Amadore said. “We have a lot of leadership at the senior level and junior level, and they get fired up. They know what they can do, and they’re going to always work hard.”
CVU could not hold off the Solons offense though, and Montpelier clinched the win when Dube made a one-handed catch in the end zone.
The Redhawks finished the season with a 14-1 record, and Montpelier got some revenge for the only blemish on its record — a regular season loss to CVU.
OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY.
SPORTS CLASSIFIEDS
LEGAL
TOWN OF WILLISTON
Selectboard
Public Hearing Notices
2025-2033 Williston Comprehensive Plan
The Williston Selectboard, pursuant to 24 V.S.A. §§ 4384 and 4385, will hold two public hearings to receive public comment and consider adoption of the proposed 2025–2033 Williston Comprehensive Plan.
The hearings will be held in the Beckett/ McGuire Meeting Room on the 2nd floor of Williston Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road, Williston, VT 05495. Remote participation will also be available via Zoom, as detailed below.
Public Hearing Schedule:
First Hearing: Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 7:05 PM Zoom Link: www.zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 894 1702 7594
Second Hearing: Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 7:05 PM Zoom Link: www.zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 881 8629 9634
The proposed 2025–2033 Williston Comprehensive Plan will replace the expiring 2016-2024 Plan and was transmitted by the Williston Planning Commission. It was developed with the assistance of Planning staff, and with input from other Town departments, boards, committees, and extensive community engagement. The Plan addresses key topics including population trends, housing, economic development, transportation, utilities, land use, conservation, climate resilience, and municipal services.
Per Vermont statute, the plan will become effective upon adoption by the Selectboard, unless a later effective date is specified at the time of adoption.
The complete transmittal draft and supporting documents can be viewed online at https:// www.town.williston.vt.us/ (Public Records & Documents/Legal Notices). A binder with the full proposed Plan is available for review at the Planning & Zoning Office at 7878 Williston Road, Williston, VT 05495.
If you have any questions, please contact Matt Boulanger at the Williston Planning Office at (802) 878-6704 or mboulanger@willistonvt.org for additional information.
Girls lacrosse climbs back to the top
BY LAUREN READ Observer Correspondent
The CVU girls lacrosse team has been knocking on the door of a Division I state title for years.
The Redhawks have been on the losing end of three separate D-I finals appearances since 2018 — including falling in overtime two years ago and losing in the championship last season.
With the No. 1 seed and only two regular-season losses, the Redhawks knew that they had another chance at a title, and coach Tucker Pierson made sure the players knew what to do to bring home the trophy.
“We practice those moments a lot, like you’re up by two, you’re being pressured, there’s little time on the clock. How do you hold and how do you keep composure?” said CVU captain Rose Bunting. “You’ve got to keep composure in those moments.”
Clinging to a two-goal lead with just over five minutes remaining in regulation on June 14 at the Division I state championship game in Burlington, No. 1 CVU fell back on those moments of practice. They grabbed possession of the ball and used their ball control skills and
CVU's Reesa Bagnato looks to make a pass during the Redhawks' 10-8 State Champion Girls Lacrosse win over the Burr and Burton Bulldogs June 15 at UVM's Virtue Field.
speed to keep it, not allowing opponent Burr and Burton to get back into the game.
“I have to say we have practiced this a lot. We have prepared for this moment of holding possession and working to keep it,” Pierson said. “I just knew that it was a long time and that they would be coming hard, and if we could hold possession, it would be great.”
CVU hung onto the ball and the lead to clinch a 10-8 win over the Bulldogs and capture the D-I state championship, the program’s first title since 2005.
“It feels amazing. It feels like a storybook ending,” Bunting, a senior, said. “It feels like four years of hard work sort of paying off, and I just feel very proud of my team.”
In an evenly matched, back-andforth contest that featured six ties and seven lead changes, CVU (162) used a three-goal outburst in the third quarter to pull ahead for good.
with two goals in the final minute of the third quarter to make it 9-8 heading into the final 12 minutes. CVU, which lost to the Bulldogs in overtime in the final in 2023, did not want history to repeat itself.
The week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease.
“We had to keep our heads up and not take our foot off the gas,” Bunting said of the message heading into the final minutes. “We’re here to do a job. We’ve got to finish it. We’ve got to do this together.”
Trailing the Bulldogs 6-5 with just over five minutes remaining in the third frame, the Redhawks got a goal from Georgia Marcoe. Thirty seconds later, Bunting scored to give CVU a 7-6 lead. Another goal 30 seconds later from Bibi Frechette put her team up 8-6. Bunting scored again less than two minutes later to extend the lead to 9-6.
RABIES BAIT continued from page 2 saliva. ways treatment 100 a person So have those According animals mal an
RABIES BAIT
Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its
“Rose just has a competitive nature, she is not going to let anyone take this game away from her,” Pierson said of Bunting, who helped take over the game for CVU. “She’s smart and she’s a really talented player, and so she knew what to do.”
CVU extended its lead with a goal early in the fourth quarter, with Mackenzie Love taking a pass in front of the goal and beating goalie Harper Wilson for a 10-8 lead. After that, the Redhawks did not allow the Bulldogs to score again.
Bunting finished with four goals and an assist. Frechette tallied twice for CVU, while Love, Marcoe, Heather Pelletier and Carly Strobeck each scored a goal.
The week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease.
“We’ve been here before, and sadly, it’s been heartbreak,” Bunting said. “This whole season we’ve been talking about, if we get to this point again, it’s going to be a team effort and it’s going to be a team win.
Burr and Burton clawed back
continued from page 2 saliva. ways treatment 100 a person So have those According animals mal an animal it. People animals
“I’m so proud of my team. This was just such a team win, and the energy was just unbelievable.”
Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its
SPORTS
Boys Lacrosse
continued from page 24
think that the kids buying into the process really helped us accomplish that goal of being deceptive and shooting hard. I think that helped us off to a fast start.”
The CVU offense slowed in the second half but defense and goaltending stepped up, keeping the Redhawks in the lead.
Goalie Shamus Phelan was especially key as Mount Mansfield tried to pull back into the game. The junior keeper made 10 saves in the game, including seven in the second and third quarters.
“(Phelan) had his two best games of the season when it mattered most, in the semifinal and in the state championship,” Loughlin said of his goalie. “Talk about a big-game player.”
While Mount Mansfield struggled to find a way past Phelan, CVU was able to add to its lead as the game wound down.
Buehler scored twice more and Evans added another goal, while Henry Bruneau and Anderson McEnaney each tallied to extend the Redhawks’ lead. As time ticked down, CVU celebrated a championship season that followed a different path than prior ones.
“We knew coming into the season that we were going to have to get creative with the pieces that we had,” Loughlin said. “We have a lot of young players on our team, and we knew that we were going to have to rely on our senior-led defense to really win games early on in the year.
“They never gave up, they never got down for too long. They got better every single day and the results showed for themselves.”
CVU finished the season with a 13-6 record and a seven-game win streak that spanned the regular season and playoffs.
SPORTS
Boys lacrosse team streaks to state title
BY LAUREN READ Observer correspondent
The CVU boys lacrosse team was not the favorite heading into the Division I state championship game on June 15 in Burlington — at least not on paper.
On the field, however, the Redhawks looked every bit the defending champions they were.
The No. 4-seeded Redhawks jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first six minutes of the game on route to a 15-7 win over No. 2 Mount Mansfield to capture their second straight D-I state title and fourth in the last five years.
“We started off (the season) slow,” said CVU senior Ronan Evans. “Then, as the season progressed, we kind of came together. We all figured out our flow and we came together in the postseason and just dominated.”
CVU took the lead with a quick transition offense, scoring its first two goals about 30 seconds apart and then pushing the lead to 5-0 with two more goals less than 15 seconds apart.
“We recognized that, as the season progressed, the transition game was a strength for us,” said CVU coach Brian Loughlin. “We just bought into, if we’re going to be successful offensively, we’re going to have to take advantage of opportunities when we have them, even if
they’re a little risky.”
The Redhawks kept pushing as the rest of the first half progressed, with CVU opening up a 10-3 lead at halftime.
Evans scored two of his three goals in the first half, while Luke Buehler also scored twice in the
half — two of his team-leading four goals.
“We spent a lot of time really just trying to make sure that, when we came into this game we were going to shoot deceptively and we’re going to shoot hard,” Loughlin said. “I
see BOYS LACROSSE page 23
The No. 4-seeded Redhawks were able to defeat No. 2-seeded Mount Mansfield to capture their second straight D-I state title and fourth in the last five years.
