Edifice next
Whimsical works
Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on six Hinesburg homes
From hobbit holes to giant sculptures, artist turns imagination to art
Page 7
Page 12
August 13, 2026
POSTAL CUSTOMER
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #217 CONCORD, NH ECRWSSEDDM
Weekly news coverage for Charlotte and Hinesburg
thecitizenvt.com
Candidates show their spending ahead of primary election Chittenden Southeast Senate
BRIANA BRADY AND LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITERS
PHOTO BY SOPHIA BALUNEK
Eli Enman, one of the owners of Sleepy Hollow Inn Ski and Bike Center, next to some of the center’s regular snow making machines.
Sleepy Hollow begins plans to farm snow BRIANA BRADY STAFF WRITER
Snow farming is not, despite how it may sound, the practice of planting snowflakes in fall and growing blizzards by March. What Eli Enman — one of the owners of Sleepy Hollow Inn Ski and Bike Center, which straddles the Hinesburg-Huntington town line — has in mind involves storing snow made during the season’s coldest days through the warm summer months. This will help build out the center’s training
capacity and snow cover in early winter. “We’ll have access to that snow November and early December when it’s difficult to make, especially due to global warming. Like, the outlook isn’t good. We’ve already raised up five degrees Fahrenheit in the last 40 to 45 years,” Enman said, standing on the grassy trails at the center as campers biked by. Enman’s plans, while preliminary, include building a 95-foot by 240-foot storage facility up the hill from the inn, among the trails.
The hope, Enman said, is to have a pile of snow in the building about 15 feet deep, using the common method of snow making, which flash freezes water as it’s sprayed — usually when the temperature gets below 28 degrees for a few days. The garage doors will close and then insulation and heat pumps will help keep the snow frozen as spring and summer temperatures rise. Eventually, after the first See SLEEPY HOLLOW on page 10
As newcomers try to break into political office, contributions for their campaigns — and their incumbent opponents’ coffers — have poured in from both in-state and out-of-state donors, according to the most recent campaign finance disclosures filed with the Vermont Secretary of State’s office. In the Democratic primary for governor, as of Aug. 1, both candidates had raised hundreds of thousands of dollars — Amanda Janoo’s contributions topped $300,000 and Aly Richard’s war chest reached more than $450,000. In the nearby Chittenden Central Senate race, Nikhil Goyal has raised more than $150,000, almost $100,000 more than the other newcomer in the race, Elaine Haney. Similarly, the Chittenden state’s attorney Democratic primary saw one candidate, Bram Kranichfeld, rake in more than $150,000. Closer to home, spending has been more modest. Here’s a look at what local candidates’ were raising and spending over the summer. State law will require candidates to disclose their campaigns’ financial activity four more times before the Nov. 3 election, so money will continue to matter.
BREAKFAST, COFFEE, LUNCH OR DINNER 8AM-9PM DAILY DINE-IN / TAKE OUT / ONLINE ORDERING
Contested races often result in more fundraising and spending — candidates need to spend more on things like lawn signs or advertising to gain visibility in comparison to other candidates. The primary election race was competitive for Democrats seekFor local ing one of the three primary Chittenden election Southeast results, see senate seats, pages 2-3. representing South Burlington, Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg, Williston, Jericho, Underhill, Richmond, Bolton, St. George and a small portion of Burlington. Two new candidates — Joanna Grossman, D-Burlington, and Elizabeth Hunt, D-Charlotte — challenged incumbents Kesha Ram Hinsdale, D-Shelburne, Ginny Lyons D-Williston, and Thomas Chittenden, D-South Burlington. However, the spending among the candidates varied widely. Without the benefit of leftover funds from previous campaigns, the two newcomers raised the most See CAMPAIGN on page 11 258 Market Street & Shelburne Road, S. Burlington Maple Tree Place, Williston
GetBlissBee.com @getblissbee
Page 2 • August 13, 2026 • The Citizen
Democratic county races see incumbent victories LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER
Despite some hopeful competitors in Chittenden County-wide races in Tuesday’s primary election, incumbents are keeping their spots on the democratic ticket come November. It was a thin margin for one race. In the heated contest for state’s attorney, incumbent Sarah George,
D- Colchester, bested challenger Bram Kranichfeld, D-Burlington, by 1,008 votes, much closer than the last time George faced competition in 2022. Kranichfeld, currently the state’s attorney for Franklin County, launched his campaign as the tougher on crime candidate amid escalating tensions over public safety in the Queen City between Progressives and Democrats — he
won higher votes than George in Burlington, but she ultimately took the cake elsewhere in the county. Chittenden County Sheriff Dan Gamelin, D-Colchester, a longtime cop, also beat out progressive newcomer Kevin Bloom, D-Burlington, for the Democratic seat for sheriff by a larger margin — 3,742 votes. Despite the loss, Bloom’s campaign highlighted an interesting facet of Vermont law when it comes
Chittenden Southeast Senate County
Candidate
Charlotte Hinesburg Shelburne S. Burlington Total
Joanna Grossman
223
301
550
1,430
5,131
Elizabeth Hunt
763
420
1,030
1,542
6,571
Thomas Chittenden
510
546
1,305
2,705
9,332
Kesha Ram Hinsdale
517
551
1,320
2,189
8,425
Virginia “Ginny” Lyons
467
594
1,258
2,325
9,149
*Charts show the vote totals for the towns covered by the papers in the Vermont Community Newspaper Group. All candidates listed are Democrats — no Republicans faced primary challengers — and only contested primary races are listed.
County
Charlotte Hinesburg Shelburne S. Burlington Total
Augustus Barkyoumb
29
27
73
187
1,691
Paul McManus
79
126
299
638
5,248
Amy Payne
150
227
410
987
8,603
Helaine “Lainey” Rappaport
35
43
111
217
1,778
Michael “Mikey” Roberts
275
139
397
322
2,583
Chittenden County Sheriff Candidate
County
Charlotte Hinesburg Shelburne S. Burlington Total
Kevin Bloom
343
369
644
1,536
12,134
Daniel Gamelin
486
496
1,183
2,161
15,876
Chittenden County State’s Attorney County
Candidate
Charlotte Hinesburg Shelburne S. Burlington Total
Sarah George
526
554
1,154
2,005
15,930
Bram Kranichfeld
451
382
943
2,000
14,922
however, that she would work with whichever sheriff wins the race. Notably, as Gamelin moves to the general election, the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Department is facing some scrutiny. A deputy within the sheriff’s department is currently under investigation after the advocacy group Migrant Justice released troves of documents just one day before the primary election that showed that an officer had called in support from U.S. Border Patrol during a routine traffic stop in Berkshire last month, resulting in the detention and subsequent deportation of the passenger of the vehicle. The group has called it a clear violation of the state’s fair and impartial policing policy. Gamelin, in a statement ahead of the primary election, said the incident is under active investigation, and the sheriff’s department notified the Vermont Criminal Justice Council of the incidents “immediately.”
Malloy wins GOP race for Congressional seat SHAUN ROBINSON VTDIGGER
Chittenden County High Bailiff Candidate
to sheriffs — they aren’t required to have any law enforcement experience. And Bloom certainly didn’t. Bloom, who uses they/them pronouns and ran to be possibly the first transgender sheriff in the country, launched their campaign focused heavily on eviction reform. Also unique this year was the competition for a lesser-known position in county government in Vermont — high bailiff. The role has three main duties: serving legal process when the sheriff is disqualified; taking over the sheriff’s duties if the office becomes suddenly vacant until the governor appoints a new sheriff; and, in rare cases, arresting the sheriff. While duties are rarely exercised, five candidates made their pitch for the position this year. Amy Payne, D-Burlington, took home the highest votes, 8,603, despite launching her campaign in support of Bloom. She told The Other Paper earlier this year,
Gerald Malloy won Vermont’s Republican primary for U.S. House on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press, setting up the Weathersfield veteran and defense contractor to challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. Becca Balint in the general election this fall. Malloy beat out Mark Coester, a logger and sugarmaker from Westminster. As of just before 8 p.m., Malloy had 76% to Coester’s 22%, according to unofficial results from the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office. Vermont has only one seat in the U.S. House. With his win Tuesday, this fall’s election will be the third in a row in which Malloy has run for a seat in Congress. He was the Republican nominee for one of Vermont’s U.S. Senate seats in 2022 and 2024, losing both contests. Malloy has said his experience working with the military and other parts of the federal government gives him the know-how to be an effective member of Congress. He argues Balint spends too much time criticizing the Trump administration as opposed to finding ways to work with the president and his allies. In an interview after the race was called, Malloy said he thought Republican voters recognized that experience when casting ballots on Tuesday and that he was looking forward to debating Balint in the coming months.
“She has not produced results for Vermont from Washington, D.C. She has not supported our Republican governor,” Malloy said. “I have many things that I’m going to do in Washington, D.C. to address affordability for Vermonters — and turn it around so the economy and Vermont as a whole can start to thrive.” Balint easily won Vermont’s Democratic primary for U.S. House on Tuesday. The Associated Press called the race for Balint, who did not have any opponents on the ballot. Since President Donald Trump took office a second time, Balint has been among the administration’s most ardent critics in Congress, including for its focus on expanding immigration enforcement and waging a costly war in Iran alongside Israel. Balint has said that if she’s elected again, she’ll continue to stand against the administration’s priorities and advocate to nullify the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court ruling Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission as well as to bar members of Congress and their families from trading stocks. In a statement Tuesday night, Balint said she was “focused on the work ahead of the November election.” “I’m grateful to Vermonters for their continued trust and support,” she added. “It’s an incredible honor to represent our state in Congress, and I never take that responsibility for granted.
The Citizen • August 13, 2026 • Page 3
Janoo wins the Democratic primary for governor SHAUN ROBINSON AND GRACE BERTRAND VTDIGGER
Amanda Janoo narrowly won Vermont’s Democratic primary for governor Tuesday, according to the Associated Press, after a campaign that called for sweeping progressive policy changes and limiting how much the state relies on federal funding. Janoo, an economist, has never run for office before and was virtually unknown before announcing her campaign. She beat out Aly Richards, the former head of a prominent childcare lobbying and advocacy group who also had the backing of a well-endowed political action committee, with 49% of the vote as of 11 p.m., the AP reported. Richards had 46% at that point. In a victory speech at her campaign’s election night watch party in Burlington, Janoo said that when she decided to run for governor, she knew “it was going to be a long shot.” “We didn’t have the establishment for support, or big political kingmakers on our side,” she told a crowd of at least 250 people. “But we had something so much more powerful. We had you.” Janoo’s comments echoed how she framed herself on the campaign trail this year: the race’s anti-establishment choice. She was openly critical of the power and influence of large technology companies, calling for a new tax on advertising revenue they earn and new state regulations on large data centers used for artificial intelligence. She also made the case that the federal government could not be trusted to fully fund key human services programs and proposed
finding new revenue at home instead. That includes using a surcharge on personal income over $500,000 to pay for free primary care for every person in the state, her campaign has said. In a statement issued around 11:30 p.m., Richards conceded the race, calling it “the honor of a lifetime to run for governor of this amazing state.” She said she would do everything she could to help Janoo beat Republican Gov. Phil Scott this fall. Scott did not have an opponent in Tuesday’s GOP primary for governor. “Now that the primary is behind us, it’s time for Vermonters to come together and rally behind Amanda,” Richards said. Janoo’s win means Democrats will again have a gubernatorial nominee who has never held state-level office before. Janoo, who grew up in Strafford but now lives in Burlington, has made the case that her experience working with think tanks and international development organizations, both in the U.S. and abroad, gives her the know-how to tackle the state’s biggest economic and social challenges. Her challenge now will be to sell her ideas to voters across the political spectrum, many of whom — including Democrats — have for years supported Scott in general elections. Scott remains the most popular governor in the country, according to the firm Morning Consult, though another poll from the University of New Hampshire showed his job approval rating slouching in recent months. This year’s Democratic primary was the most competitive in years. Janoo and Richards both raised more money for their prima-
ry campaigns than any Democratic candidate for governor since 2020. Notably, Janoo’s support proved strong enough to overcome an eleventh-hour purchase of more than $200,000 worth of digital advertising by a PAC created to support Richards, but that was not affiliated with Richards’ campaign. Pro-Richards ads have blanketed websites and social media feeds in Vermont over the past week. Several of Janoo’s supporters said at the watch party that they decided to vote for her because of her policy positions. Jackie Stanton of Johnson, for one, cited
BRIANA BRADY STAFF WRITER
Although two Democratic hopefuls put their hats in the ring for the Chittenden Southeast senate seats, the three incumbent candidates came out on top. Thomas Chittenden, D-South Burlington, Virginia “Ginny” Lyons, D-Williston, and Kesha Ram Hinsdale, D-Shelburne, will return to the general election ballot in November to face off against Republican candidates Bruce Roy of Williston and Javen Sears of South Burlington. Overall, Chittenden was the top vote-getter of the day with a combined 9,332 across the 11-town district. Lyons garnered 9,149 votes and Ram Hinsdale brought in 8,425. Newcomers Elizabeth Hunt from Charlotte and Joanna Grossman of Burlington got 6,571 and 5,131 votes, respectively.
Statewide
Charlotte Hinesburg Shelburne S. Burlington Total
Amanda Janoo
431
427
710
1,668
39,151
Aly Richards
466
444
1,122
1,815
37,116
Vermont Lieutenant Governor Candidate
ees were instructed to go up to at least one stranger, introduce themselves and share their astrological sign and the first concert they attended. Janoo told her supporters during her victory speech that, even with her uncertainty about the result, she’d only prepared one version of the address. “In all honesty, I really only wrote one speech this evening because when I sat down and thought about what I wanted to say if we won or if we lost, I realized it was pretty much the same thing: Thank you,” she said.
Senate incumbents victorious in primary
Vermont Governor Candidate
Janoo’s views on healthcare, taxes and housing as what drew her to the campaign. “She is by far the most progressive candidate for governor we’ve ever had,” Stanton said. “This is a people-powered movement, and so many everyday people have worked very hard to bring us to this moment.” As live music played throughout the evening, people clapped and sang along to lyrics such as, “All these fascists got to lose” and “Out with the old and in with Janoo, that’s what Vermont has got to do.” At the start of the event, attend-
Statewide
Charlotte Hinesburg Shelburne S. Burlington Total
Esther Charlestin
107
109
169
519
9,041
Molly Gray
600
529
1,180
2,229
50,238
Ryan McLaren
260
287
696
1,129
22,863
The race may have demonstrated how difficult it can be to unseat an incumbent. Grossman, who has worked on Democratic campaigns before, often referenced her door knocking efforts, reporting that she had been at more than 2,500 doors by mid-July. Hunt, a pediatrician in South Burlington, held several events including walks at Shelburne Bay Park and a social at Shelburne Sugarhouse. Chittenden, Ram Hinsdale and Lyons leaned into the boost that incumbents often get from name recognition and campaigned together. All three of their names were listed on lawn signs and newspaper ads and the trio pitched themselves to the public as a package deal.
Ultimately, the voters decided to go with what they knew — although the margin between any two candidates didn’t exceed 10% of the total votes. Beyond the state Senate, the only contested local legislative primary, here’s who will be appearing on the ballot come November: • Chittenden Southeast Senate Republicans: Bruce Roy of Williston and Javen Spear of South Burlington. • Chittenden-4 House (Charlotte-Hinesburg): Chea Waters Evans, D-Charlotte. • Chittenden-5 House (Hinesburg): Kelsey Pasteris D-Hinesburg, and John Kingston, I-Hinesburg.
Page 4 • August 13, 2026 • The Citizen
Third person linked to Hinesburg homicide sentenced MIKE DONOGHUE CORRESPONDENT
A Milton man who officials say helped conspire in the fatal shooting of the estranged husband of his mistress in 2019, has been sentenced to two years on federal probation. John Turner, 54, also was assessed $1,100 in court costs and fines in U.S. District Court in Rutland last week. Federal Judge Mary Kay Lanthier also ordered special probation conditions for Turner, including he complete 150 hours of community service within 12 months. Turner, a longtime employee at Rocky Ridge Golf Club in St. George, is the third person convicted in court as part of the
fatal shooting of David Auclair, 45, of Williston, in 2019 in Hinesburg. Angela M. Auclair, 55, has been sentenced in Vermont Superior Court in Burlington to 35-years-to-life with all but 18 years suspended for her part in a conspiracy to commit first degree murder in the killing of her estranged husband. Her son, Kory Lee George, 38, of Monkton, has been sentenced to 18-years-to-life in prison for his part in the conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. He pleaded guilty in September 2023. Turner pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony — the failure to report a crime when you know it has taken place. He admitted that between July 24, 2019, and Dec. 14, 2021, that he
Are you tired of missed pick ups? We come right to your door - no need to lug your can anywhere! Low impact, reliable, four wheel drive trucks, so no need to worry. We are owner operated and live right Charlotte.
Servicing Charlotte, Shelburne and Hinesburg Call us today to reserve your spot on our schedule.
repeatedly provided false state- memo included dozens of supportments to law enforcement about ive letters noting Turner was well George possessing two stolen thought of in the community and firearms. that he lives with his fiancée, The bullet-riddled body of the Rebecca Mead-Alger, in Milton. victim was found July 11, 2019, None of the letters appeared to at the LaPlatte Headwaters Town address his part in the high-profile Forest trailhead parking lot off homicide. Gilman Road in Hinesburg. The Assistant U.S. Attorney victim was lured to the scene for Wendy Fuller asked Judge Lanthihis execution through a pre-paid er to impose a 60-day prison burner cellphone sentence as a that was traced “just punishTurner said he would ment” for his to a Milton store where George conviction and sneak back into the bought it, state the disrespect police said. for the law. house in what he David Auclair Fuller also was shot 11 said the prison called the “longest times, and no time should be shell casings followed by a game of hide-andwere left behind term of superfrom the shooting seek I’ve ever played vised release. by the conspirThe two months ators, Vermont would serve as in my life.” State Police said. a deterrence for A nearby doorbell camera at a those that might want to obstruct Hinesburg home captured the a similar investigation, Fuller sound of 14 shots. said. The victim was the son of a The federal sentencing guidewell-known South Burlington lines, which are advisory, had family that operated a large farm suggested a penalty between on Vermont 116 near the Shel- zero and six months in prison. burne line. The calculation included a felon Defense lawyer Karen Shin- possessing a stolen firearm and gler argued that Turner did not the case involved four or more need any prison time and that stolen guns, Fuller said. he is generous with his time and She said Turner started his talents as a mechanic helping his sexual relationship with Angela family and friends. Auclair 14 years before the homiShingler’s 74-page sentencing cide and while she was married
The Citizen Serving the community of Charlotte & Hinesburg A publication of Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC thecitizenvt.com Advertising Wendy Ewing wendy@shelburnenews.com (802) 238-4980 Advertising Director Judy Kearns judy@otherpapersbvt.com (802) 734-2928
ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT SENIOR COMMUNITY
Call today to plan for your future home at The Pines.
Spacious 1- and 2-Bedroom Apartments Hair Salon • Massage Studio • Art Gallery Expanded Outdoor Patio and Grilling Area • Exercise Room Community Rooms • Mature Landscaping • Resident Garden Vibrant Social Atmosphere with Weekly Events and Activities LOCATED IN THE HEART OF SOUTH BURLINGTON
7 Aspen Drive, South Burlington, VT • 802. 865.1109
www. SummitPMG. com
Editor Tommy Gardner tommy@stowereporter.com (802) 253-2101 x25
General Manager Katerina Werth katerina@stowereporter.com Billing inquiries Leslie Lafountain leslie@stowereporter.com (802) 253-2101 Advertising submission deadline: Friday at 5 p.m. advertising@thecitizenvt.com classifieds@thecitizenvt.com
Editorial Assistant Sophia Balunek
Editorial submission deadline: Friday at 12 p.m. news@thecitizenvt.com
Staff Writers Liberty Darr, Patrick Bilow, Briana Brady
Calendar submission deadline: Friday at 12 p.m. news@thecitizenvt.com
Production/Design Stephanie Manning stephanie@shelburnenews.com Kristen Braley kristen@stowereporter.com
Contact: PO Box 489 Stowe, VT 05672 (802) 253-2101
The Citizen is published weekly and mailed free to residents and businesses in Charlotte and Hinesburg and rack distributed at select high traffic locations. The Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC assumes no responsibility for typographical errors in advertisements and reserves the right to refuse advertising and editorial copy.
to David Auclair. David Auclair later objected to the relationship and told Turner he had to move out of the home the three were sharing in Bristol, Fuller said. Turner said he would sneak back into the house in what he called the “longest game of hideand-seek I’ve ever played in my life.” Turner gave multiple false statements to investigators, Fuller said in her sentencing memo. Kory Lee George broke into the unoccupied home in Colchester and stole five firearms, according to court records. The Arbor Lane home was unattended because Angela Auclair had set up a dinner with Synott and her estranged husband at the Lighthouse Restaurant in Colchester. The three were mutual friends. Turner drove his Chevrolet Suburban to the Spanked Puppy restaurant in Colchester, where he met George, records showed. Turner drove George in his own car to the Synott neighborhood and dropped him off near the home. George stole five guns, including two 9-mm Beretta handguns, a Davis Warner Arms .32 handgun, and a Llama .380 handgun. The guns were later transferred to Turner’s Chevy Suburban, according to the indictment. Also with them was George’s then girlfriend, who he later married, state police said. The stolen guns were stored for the night at a trailer used by the co-conspirators in Milton, and the next day Angela Auclair used one of the stolen Berettas to kill her husband, the indictment said. The day after the shooting, one of the co-conspirators attempted to dispose of the Beretta used in the shooting and one day later a co-conspirator attempted to dispose of the other handguns stolen from the Synott residence, the indictment noted. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and State Police arrested Turner in July 2024 on felony charges of conspiracy to possess stolen firearms and illegal possession of four of the weapons stolen from a Colchester home in July 2019. It included the handgun used by Angela Auclair to kill her husband, officials said. The case was slowed when the federal government said it had run out of funds a year ago to pay defense lawyers. Shingler, a former state prosecutor, said she needed the government to provide funds for her to hire experts and investigative services to help review the evidence. The funds were restored when the new federal fiscal year began Oct. 1, 2025.
The Citizen • August 13, 2026 • Page 5
OPINION Vermont is not for sale negative environmental impacts on our clean air, water, soils, the warming planet and our climate crisis. That should be John Bossange clear data presented by the development The pro-development advocates finally advocates as well. Why has this not been a got it right. Vermont is in trouble but not part of their messaging? for the reasons offered in a recent opinion Today there are over 65,000 unocpiece (“There are steps out of the housing cupied homes in Vermont (19.4%), the crisis,” July 9) authored by the Vermont second-highest percentage in the nation, Futures Project, the Vermont Professionals many of them owned by investors, of Color Network, the Vermont Business second-home owners and out-of-state, Roundtable, the Vermont Chamber of part-time residents. We would argue there Commerce, Let’s Build Homes and the is no real housing shortage in Vermont. It Lake Champlain Chamber. is more accurately a wealth distribution Vermont is in trouble because there problem. That’s an analysis you never is a giant “For Sale” sign posted at our read about in the promotional articles borders and our economic policies encour- written by the development industries. age investors and speculators to purchase Why not? available lots and recently built homes. Vermonters are rightfully concerned Vermont is in trouble because no about their property taxes. Building more matter what the profhomes directly increasit-making industries tell es our taxes because We’re letting us, a housing shortage, if of the short- and longit even exists, is not the term costs to build and anticipated root cause of our probmaintain infrastructure lems. and provide essential population growth Vermont is in trouble municipal services, because we’re letting such as police, fire and and speculative anticipated population schools, which are never growth and speculative fully covered by impact housing need guide housing need guide our fees or the growth in the development policy. grand list. Why is this our development. Vermont is in trouble never mentioned? because development The authors of the advocates rarely account for the long-term recent commentary are correct when they upkeep and carrying costs of infrastrucstate that the “data is clear” about our ture and essential municipal services. aging population, just as it is in many Vermont is in trouble because buildother parts of the United States. So, let’s ing more homes does not yield enough be careful not to view this as a problem revenue to offset tax increases to cover we can easily solve. It’s much bigger than those costs. Vermont. Vermont is in trouble because compaFinally, the question is not simply nies like Beta Technologies and OnLogic about abundance or scarcity as the pro-demay struggle to pay future employees velopment advocates suggest. We should enough to move here and afford a mortplan to grow carefully, building up from gage on a new home. scarcity and not down from anticipated Vermont is in trouble because the abundance. Yes, we need more cottage development industry too often overlooks industries that fit into the character of our the environmental impacts of building on state. But we must never use speculative open fields, clear-cutting natural forests population growth and theoretical housing and disturbing wetlands. needs to build homes. That is a dangerous The development advocates got it precedent, and not appropriate for governright when they wrote “the data is clear,” ment intervention. but then used a deeply flawed analysis to It’s time to slow down and take advanpromote their pro-growth, profit-making tage of this opportunity to first do what agenda with their own self-serving data is best for Vermont and its citizens. Our and avoided the facts that Vermonters care rural character, our natural environment, about the most. our cities, towns and villages all deserve Vermonters cannot afford a mortgage to be cared for before the financial interon a $750,000 home. That’s a real fact. ests of the development lobbyists and Our nonprofit organization, Better (not profiteers who try to overwhelm us with bigger) Vermont, has documented the cost more fear, myths and panic. of a new-build home in various commuVermont may be in trouble, but not for nities in Chittenden County, and that’s the the reasons argued by the pro-developaverage price. ment forces. Our uniquely beautiful state We are pricing out our next generation with its abundant natural resources and because the industry that could make a beauty, and our great citizenry, should big difference chooses to build to the open never be on the market. We are not for market and not to the working Vermontsale. er’s pocketbook. Why don’t we hear more about that? John Bossange lives in South BurlingVermonters care deeply about the ton.
Seasonal Color
at Vermont’s Finest Plant Nursery Unbeatable Garden Sale!
Guest Perspective
30% OFF
Fruit, Flowering & Shade Trees
20-30% OFF
Shrubs & Bushes
Including Blueberries, Hydrangeas & Raspberries
20-75% OFF
Pottery & Hard Goods
Plant Stands, Coco Liners, Tools, etc.
20% OFF
Amazing Perennials
EARLY MUMS STARTING TO SHOW COLOR!
10236 Williston Road, Route 2, Williston, VT
4.5 MILES EAST OF TAFT CORNERS OR 1 MILE WEST OF I-89, EXIT 11
802-434-2794 • Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 8-4, Sun 10-4
vermontnursery.com
WHO YOU HIRE.... MATTERS!
Stowe - $5,495,000
Huntington - $499,000
E. Montpelier - $1,095,000
Huntington - $439,000
St. Albans - $333,000
Essex - $210,000
CALL OUR TEAM TODAY! www.nancyjenkins.com info@nancyjenkins.com 802-846-4888
Page 6 • August 13, 2026 • The Citizen
Vermonters need protections of an AI data center bill Guest Perspective Ben Edgerly Walsh Let’s start with what isn’t in dispute. The data center bill Gov. Phil Scott vetoed, H.727, was among the strongest such laws written in any state. AI data centers are driving up electric bills across the country, and having major impacts on air, water and climate pollution in the process. And here in Vermont, that now-dead bill that would have addressed each of those issues passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming support from both Democrats and Republicans, before being killed by Gov. Scott and the 52 Republican representatives who voted to sustain his veto. You may hear that the final bill was somehow “worse” than the earlier House version — a fumble, a bill that “shape-shifted” into something that demanded a veto, as one commentary in VTDigger put it recently. The truth of the matter is that the final bill built on what the House started, and protected Vermonters more effectively in almost every way than that initial version. Let’s take a look at what actually changed. On your electric bill, the earlier version the governor preferred directed utilities to “mitigate the risk” that other ratepayers would cover “unwarranted” data center costs. To “mitigate” means to reduce impacts, not eliminate them, meaning the governor’s preferred bill inherently allowed data centers to pass on even some unwarranted costs to Vermonters. The Legislature rewrote that to require other ratepayers to be “insulated from all costs” tied to data center deployment. On pollution, the Legislature turned vague language into hard requirements. It required data centers to maximize on-site renewable energy. It required them to fund energy-saving projects in surrounding communities, to offset their inherent
WHY GO
LOCAL?
environmental impact. And it barred them from running on-site fossil fuel generators except in a genuine emergency, preventing the kind of practices that have spiked air pollution in communities across the country. So put the question plainly to every representative who voted to sustain the veto, every organization like Vermonters for a Clean Environment that has since complained about this stronger version of the bill, and Gov. Scott: Which of those provisions made the bill worse? Was it the one that shields your power bill? The one that cuts pollution? The one that delivers benefits directly to any communities hosting data centers? The only way the “it got worse” math works is if weaker protection for Vermonters is the goal. The governor also offered another reason for his veto. In his veto letter, he wrote that the bill imposed “new and unnecessary regulatory systems” that were only “seemingly aimed at data centers” and would drive other businesses away. The reality is that the bill was narrowly targeted, at data centers alone, at a time when state after state is tightening regulations on “large loads” across the board, sweeping in any business that draws a lot of power. Vermont’s Legislature deliberately chose not to go that route. H.727 applied to data centers, and only data centers, a single and uniquely power-hungry class of user. It answered the governor’s stated concern before he ever raised it. Lastly, the governor argued “existing Vermont law already provides substantial regulatory authority to prevent harmful impacts.” In essence, “we’re fine, I’m not worried.” That question, whether Act 250 and other Vermont laws already have us covered, was one of the very first things the Legislature dug into when they took this bill up. The answer? Perhaps on paper, but there were clearly gaps.
In the context of an industry with numerous players that count their market value well into the hundreds of billions or even trillions of dollars, that can hire armies of lawyers unlike an Act 250 district commission or even Vermont’s Public Utilities Commission has ever seen, that is steeped in a “move fast and break things” mentality, the Legislature chose to do everything it could to fill those potential gaps. In essence, seeing massive costs and pollution from AI data centers around the country, the
Legislature took a “better safe than sorry” approach. The Legislature handed the governor the strongest data center protections in the country: narrowly written, hard on costs and pollution, leaving every other Vermont business or potential business untouched. Simply put, the governor’s veto of a bill to protect Vermonters from AI data center costs and pollution is baffling. Vermont needs these protections before we suffer the harms people are already experiencing in other states. Data centers aren’t going
Shape the community’s character Vermont Community Newspaper Group
away, so we’ll be back next session to fight for Vermonters again. In the meantime, if a representative (or governor) tells you the bill they helped kill was actually too strong, ask them the one question they still haven’t answered: which protection, exactly, were Vermonters better off without? Ben Edgerly Walsh is climate & energy program director for the Vermont Public Interest Research Group.
The business next door donates nearly twice as much as big-box stores and online retailers to local non-profits, events and teams.
The Citizen • August 13, 2026 • Page 7
Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on Hinesburg homes comes from the work she’s done with Habitat. “I’ve worked on everything Green Mountain Habitat from pouring the cement for the for Humanity volunteers have foundation to roofing, so it’s been busy in Hinesburg — this wonderful hands-on experience,” summer, the nonprofit broke she said. Habitat for humanity works ground on a six-home developwith “sweat equity” — the homes ment on Mechanicsville Road. The development, which take longer to build, but everywill create permanently afford- thing from the initial plans to able three-bedroom townho- drilling in the last screw is led by volunteers. mes for ownerAccording to ship, has been “I’ve worked on previous reportin the works for ing from The over two years. everything from Citizen, the According to architecture property records, pouring the cement and landscape Habitat bought for the foundation designs and the property in the site survey March 2024 for to roofing, so it’s for this project $230,000. At the were all donated time, it contained wonderful hands-on by local firms. a single abanThe volundoned home. experience.” teers from the Over the course credit union of the next year, — Deb Day were only the the organization second group is hoping to finish building out the two triplexes and that had come on site to volunteer with building, but now that adjacent parking spaces. Last Thursday, Aug. 6, volun- construction is moving forward, teers from Vermont Federal Credit volunteer coordinator Caitlyn Union dotted the work site in Laughlin has lined up group after their purple t-shirts. Longstand- group to come on site to work. “We’re pretty booked August ing volunteers showed members September already. of the group how to cut wood and through install door frames in the walkout We’ve got almost a group every basement foundation of the first day,” Laughlin said, adding that she is still organizing volunteer triplex. Deb Day was one of those groups from October onward. According to Laughlin, this long-time volunteers. She’s been working on homes with the orga- volunteer work saves the projnization for, by her estimate, ect about $140,000 per unit. The about 20 years. She’s a retired organization still subcontracts educator from Grand Isle — all of with professionals for things like her experience with construction plumbing and electrical, but other BRIANA BRADY STAFF WRITER
A New Backpack Is Not Enough! PREPARE YOUR STUDENT, TOO! The TM® technique develops: Focus Self-confidence Calmness Patience Happiness Classes for ages 7 - 9, 10 -14, 15+ [and their parents!] No one has to sit still or clear their mind of thoughts. It’s VERY easy! CALL 802-923-6782 - EMAIL JSMITH@TM.ORG
than that, it’s volunteers like Day that keep the operation humming. Once the homes are finished, they will be sold through Champlain Housing Trust’s Shared Equity Program, which lowers the cost of homes for buyers with low to moderate incomes — a four-person household must make less than $100,000. The program uses state and federal funds to cover the initial down payment. When owners sell, they get 25% of how much the value has appreciated, but must sell the home through Champlain Housing Trust to new low-to-moderate-income buyers. As Habitat for Humanity wraps the six townhomes on Mechanicsville next year, the organization hopes to then turn to another partnership with Champlain Housing Trust — townhomes in Riggs Meadow, a part of the housing trust’s 76-home development along Route 116. Inherent in these ongoing projects are not just the affordable homes, but also the volunteers building their own skills, just like the group last week. “Every construction floor person that I’ve worked with has been super about meeting you where you are,” Day said. “Saying, ‘OK, so you don’t know how to get a screw gun. Here’s how you use it,’” Day said.
PHOTO BY BRIANA BRADY
Employees at Vermont Federal Credit Union were the second group to volunteer.
Nick Carter and Quasi Per Caso 6-8PM Saturday, August 22 @ Fig in Shelburne, VT Previewing their upcoming Tour in Italia: Covers, Originals and Italian Songs “From Vermont to Verona Tour”
Page 8 • August 13, 2026 • The Citizen
Community Notes Get those dancing shoes on Contra Dance presented by Queen City Contras is Aug. 28 at 6:45 p.m. at Shelburne Town Hall, 5374 Shelburne Road. The Spring Chickens Trio (Jenny Monfore, Chris Hollis, and banjo player) will play. Our caller will be Will Mentor. All are welcome; all dances are taught; no partner or experience necessary. $12 adults over 18, $5 kids 12-18/low-income, under 12 free. Please bring a pair of clean, soft-soled shoes to dance in and a water bottle to keep you hydrated.
Garden club hosts meeting next week The Burlington Garden Clubs, Inc. will hold its summer community monthly educational meeting on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 6 p.m. at the Vermont Garden Park (Wheeler Nature Park), 1100 Dorset St., South Burlington. The program will feature a meteorologist from NBC5, who will explain how recent weather trends affect gardening. The meeting will be outside under the covering near the beautiful flower gardens and
children’s PlayLand at the park. Bring a picnic sandwich (if you wish) and chair. BGC is a vibrant organization of gardeners offering many opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. For more information, visit bgcvt.org.
Drop off or pick up needed youth items With ongoing administrative changes, families are facing more challenges, and Trinity Educational Center wants to help. Schedule a pickup appointment and select needed items at the Infinite Youth Center (University Mall). Most items are for ages 12-18, but quantities are limited.
Rotary tees off 28th fundraiser tournament
Lamoille County Players present “California Suite” at the Hyde Park Opera House, Aug. 28-30 and Sept. 4-6. Tickets: lcplayers.org.
South Burlington Rotary Club will host its 28th charity golf tournament Aug. 31 at Vermont National Country Club, benefiting the DREAM Program and South Burlington Rotary Charities. DREAM offers six no-cost youth mentorship programs across eight regions, including outdoor programming at its
50-acre camp in Fletcher. SB Rotary distributes tens of thousands of dollars to local organizations — including the South Burlington Food Shelf, area Scouts and the South Burlington Public Library — and supports projects like Green Up Vermont and the Vermont City Marathon.
PHOTO BY NATALIE DUNN
Meetings are 7:30 a.m. Thursdays at the SB Senior Center.
Enjoy a weekend of culinary excellence A Taste of New England, Spruce Peak’s culinary event benefiting the James Beard
Foundation, returns Aug. 13-15. Led by executive chef Sean Blomgren, the weekend features chefs including Vermont’s Cara Tobin, Avery Buck and Tiara Adorna, alongside George Mendes, Keith Sarasin and others See COMMUNITY NOTES on page 9
LIMITED TIME
Heat pump rebates Heat and cool your space, all with one system.
efficiencyvermont.com (888) 921-5990
$375 to $2,200 off * ducted and ductless heat pumps • Alternative to traditional AC that will also heat your home all winter long
Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code below.
• Qualifies for 0% interest financing • Can be used in combination with your existing heating system • Control your ductless heat pump and central heating system by installing a qualifying integrated control, and get an additional $600 back Funding is made possible by your electric utility and Efficiency Vermont. You may also be eligible for an income-based bonus and utility rebates.
*Subject to availability and eligibility.
The Citizen • August 13, 2026 • Page 9
Columnist secures backto-back national awards Vermont columnist Carole Vasta Folley “It was working at The Other Paper in earned first-place honors in the lifestyle South Burlington that gave me the inspicategory from the National Sociration to become a columnist — ety of Newspaper Columnists for well, that and a generous editor the second consecutive year. named Judy Kearns who believed Vasta Folley previously in me,” Vasta Folley said. “Under secured the top spot in the 2025 her tutelage, I became passionate competition, ahead of secondabout the power of local newspaplace finalist Neil Steinberg pers and the boon they provide of the Chicago Sun-Times and the communities they serve.” third-place finalist Richard Sima “In Musing” has also received of The Washington Post. In the acclaim from The New England 2026 awards, second place was Newspaper and Press Associaawarded to Republican strategist Carole Vasta Folley tion over the years and previousBrad Todd, with third place going ly praised Vasta Folley’s column to Rick Liblong of Michigan’s as “a fresh, funny conversation.” Tri-City Times. Judges described the column as “amusingLaunched in 2017 and published in the ly self-aware and self-deprecating,” noting papers of the Vermont Community News- that “Carole is especially adept at bringing paper Group, Vasta Folley’s column, “In pieces back around to a universal truth.” Musing,” explores the human experience Once published in the paper, Vasta through a blend of humor, personal reflec- Folley’s “In Musing” columns can be found tion and social justice commentary. on her website at carolevf.com/columnist.
Premium Compassionate Care for Your Pets because LOYALTY DESERVES DIGNITY We understand the love you have for your pets and the importance they hold in your life. Pet Funerals Cremation Services The Island Your Pet is Always in Our Care Memorial Dignified Pet Transportation from Your Home or Vet Difference Immediate & Witness Cremation Available Full Line of Pet Loss Products
FOR OVER 50 YEARS, WE HAVE BEEN DEVOTED TO HONORING PETS THROUGH THEIR FINAL MOMENTS
802.316.2284 | islandmemorials.com | 1176 Main St. Fairfax VT | 57 Main St. Essex Jct. VT A Member of the A.W. Rich Funeral Home Family | awrfh.com
SPECIAL EVENT
COMMUNITY NOTES
continued from page 8
from the region. Highlights include a fivecourse dinner rooted in Vermont farms, a walk-around tasting with a raw bar and drink pairings from Vermont Wine Merchants, Barr Hill and WhistlePig, and a Chef Collaboration Dinner with pairings from Rare Wine Company. Details and tickets: sprucepeak.com/tone.
Doc. traces farmers’ transition to no insecticide use As Vermont phases out neonicotinoid-treated seeds by 2029 under the Pollinator Protection Act, a new documentary, “Seeding Change: Farming Beyond Neonics,” shares farmers’ experiences transitioning away from the insecticide treatment. Produced by the One Hive Foundation, the film follows farmers and researchers in Vermont, New York and Quebec. Screenings: Aug. 8, Savoy Theater, Montpelier (premiere and panel); Aug. 27, The Farm Upstream, Jericho (pizza social); Oct. 13, Marquis Theatre, Middlebury; Oct. 22, Shelburne Farms. Details: seedingchangefarmingfilm.com.
Thursday, August 20th 12pm - 5:30pm
Clothes and comedy mix in stage play Carole Vasta Folley brings a staged reading of her comedy “Control Top” to Lost Nation Theater for a two-night run, Sept. 3-4. The 90-minute play, inspired by interviews with hundreds of women, explores women, clothes and reclamation — “and why we rarely have pockets.” Talk-backs follow each show. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Lost Nation Theater, 39 Main St., Montpelier. Tickets $20, depending on seating. Info and tickets: lostnationtheater.org.
Stowe Cider screens ‘Best Day Ever’ Green Mountain Adaptive Sports will host a free screening of “Best Day Ever,” a documentary following adaptive mountain bikers Greg Durso and Allie Bianchi, Friday, Aug. 21, at Stowe Cider. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the film at 7 p.m., a post-screening discussion with Greg, Allie and others at 8 p.m., and a raffle drawing at 8:30 p.m.
SLT holds music-filled party in the meadow
Capstone Community Action celebrates 60 years
Stowe Land Trust will hold its second annual Party in the Meadow Saturday, Aug. 16, at 5 p.m. at The Meadow at Trapp Family Lodge, 854 Trapp Hill Road, Stowe. The event features music from Legendary House Red and Model Agency, food from Caja Madera and Aladdin, drinks in the von Trapp Brewing biergarten, and ice cream from Sisters of Anarchy. Tickets: stowelandtrust.org. To volunteer, contact Kelly Lilly at events@ stowelandtrust.org.
Capstone Community Action will celebrate 60 years of serving Central Vermont with a free Summer Celebration Saturday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 20 Gable Place in Barre. The family-friendly, outdoor event includes free food, music and an openhouse visit to Capstone’s Food Shelf. RSVPs are appreciated but not required: forms.office.com/r/anrsQyRsJm. Capstone’s offices will be closed for the day. Questions: cengels@capstonevt.org.
JANE Boutique 802.383.6395 27 Market St. Unit 2 Williston, VT 05495 shop-janeboutique.com @janeboutiqueshop 3v-Jane081226.indd 1
8/10/26 5:15 PM
Be sure to visit our advertisers and tell them: “I saw your name in The Citizen.”
Page 10 • August 13, 2026 • The Citizen
SLEEPY HOLLOW continued from page year, a permafrost will also form beneath the snow pile. In the winter, garage doors will open the building up to the air, allowing skiers to glide right through while staying on their trail. Snow farming isn’t a new concept. According to Enman, Craftsbury Outdoor Center, like Sleepy Hollow, offers Nordic skiing courses, and has been doing it for around a decade. Craftsbury, however, Enman said, has developed a system that uses woodchips piled on the snow to insulate it. Then, he said, workers use trucks to move the snow out to the trails. What Enman is imagining for Sleepy Hollow involves different technology. Along with the insulated building, Enman is researching different methods to bring the snow out to the 1.5 kilometers of trail he anticipates being able to cover with snow. The center hasn’t quite figured out the details of the method they’ll use — although Enman is imagining a system where the snow is delivered from the pile by pipe. He is committed to trying to build a system that is easier on the environment — the least energy-intensive option, and is willing to get creative. “It might take two or three years to go through the development process in order to figure it out,” he said. The snow farming is the largest part of several upgrades the center is hoping to make. In applying to Hinesburg’s development review board — the building falls on
A
PHOTO BY SOPHIA BALUNEK
Sleepy Hollow is starting plans to farm snow, or build a large pile that the center can maintain over the summer to spread on trails during the early winter.
the Hinesburg side — Sleepy Hollow also presented a new training facility, increased operating hours, a set of apartments intended for workers or training athletes and a
new indoor ski waxing room. The money for the waxing room comes from a $40,000 bequest left to the Champlain Valley Union Nordic team from former coach George “King” Milne, who died last year. All of these upgrades, Enman said, fit together to increase the quality of the center as a training facility. According to Enman, they host around 400 kids as part of programs or athletic teams, and they are also a destination for more professional athletes. Enman has run into Ben Ogden and Julia Kern on his trails — both Olym-
pic cross-country skiers who live locally. As for the massive pile of snow, that will serve a purpose even in the summer. The pile will be big enough, Enman said, to allow for a short circuit of skiing on top of it, allowing for a little bit of ski training in during the summer. “In a perfect world, I would get this snow structure ready to accept snow this winter, like this February. That’s really an aggressive timeline. So, in most scenarios, we probably will get delayed until next summer until we can really start in,” he said.
T E A C H E R
P P R E C Thursday, August 20 3 pm to 9 pm
I
A T
N I O
Teachers invited! Learn about newly released books! Enjoy café treats, fun back-to-school items, and educator discounts!
27 Market St., Williston | 802-755-5986 Open Thurs.-Sat. until 9 pm | Sun.-Wed. until 6 pm PHOTO BY SOPHIA BALUNEK
During winter, skiers will be able to glide right through the building that houses the farmed snow.
The Citizen • August 13, 2026 • Page 11
CAMPAIGN
continued from page 1 money as they worked for name recogni- $24,571 on similar expenditures. Surprisingly, one of the most contested tion. By the Aug. 1 filing deadline, Joanna Grossman pulled in more than $32,000 races this season was for a lesser-known — including an almost $5,000 loan from role in Vermont’s county government, high herself — and Elizabeth Hunt raised over bailiff. Despite five people competing for 40,000, loaning herself more than $9,000. the singular spot, no one received or spent In comparison, Ram Hinsdale, Chittenden much money. • Amy Payne received $2,450 and spent and Lyons disclosed total monetary contributions of $21,493, $13,940 and $1,730, $1,361. • Paul McManus received $1,386 and respectively. The challengers did not necessarily spent $1,319. • Michael Roberts received $913 and outspend the incumbents. Grossman and Hunt spent about $31,000 and $26,000 spent $895. • Augustus Barkyoumb spent and respectively. However, Ram Hinsdale spent just over $29,000. Chittenden dished out received nothing. • Helaine “Lainey” Rappaport didn’t file significantly less at almost $15,000. Lyons, who has been in office for more with the secretary of state. than a decade, is an outlier. She spent $1,543 on the campaign — largely on a Notable spenders single expense for a mailing list from the While financial disclosures offer the Vermont Democratic Party in March. public a transparent look at how much In the last push of her own primary candidates earned and spent, it also highcampaign, Lyons spent only $40 for fees lights the notable donors who, in some for the fundraising platcases, forked over some form Act Blue. Chittenden money to their top nomiIn the Democratic and Ram Hinsdale donatnee. ed almost $3,000 in-kind Local elected officials primary for governor, to Lyons’ campaign for donated and worked for the cost of their combined various campaigns this as of Aug. 1, both campaign materials. election season. Tim Barritt, the chair of the candidates had State’s attorney South Burlington City raised hundreds of For the race to be the Council was listed as Ram county’s highest prosecuHinsdale’s campaign treathousands of dollars. surer. Ben Traverse, a tor, Kranichfeld has shelled out, and raked in, almost Burlington City Council three times as much as his opponent, incum- member, held the same role for Grossman. bent state’s attorney Sarah George. South Burlington City Council Elizabeth Former Franklin County state’s attorney Fitzgerald donated $200 to Chittenden and Kranichfeld, who has cast himself as the fellow councilor Beth Zigmund gave $150 tougher-on-crime candidate, took in just to Hunt. Charity Clark, Vermont’s attorney under $150,000 in total monetary contri- general, gave $250 each to Grossman and butions — including the $250 he gave to Hunt. himself — as of Aug. 1. He spent $144,913 South Burlington City Council vice on media advertising, lawn signs, consult- chair Andrew Chalnick gave $500 to lieuing fees and other fundraising efforts. tenant governor candidate Ryan McLaren, Kranichfeld also accepted nearly $2,316 and $200 to Bloom’s sheriff campaign. in non-monetary contributions for food for Michael Wood-Lewis Front Porch campaign house parties. Forum, among other donations, gave $500 George, meanwhile, who touts and to Grossman, $200 to Bloom, $200 to Amy exercises a more progressive prosecuting Payne and $1,000 to Amanda Janoo. policy, started her campaign with $3,176 Realtors and developers have also been from 2022. She raised $42,705 in monetary making their preferences known through contributions — none from herself — the donations. Ernest Pomerleau, owner of highest she has ever earned in a race for Pomerleau real estate, donated $1,000 to the top spot, outpacing the money gathered Ram Hinsdale, $500 to Chittenden and during the contested race in 2022 when she Lyons each, $250 to Grossman. He also faced democratic challenger Ted Kenney. gave $1,500 to keep Gamelin in the sherThis year to date, she spent $35,286. iff’s office. George also received just over $8,600 Alfred Senecal, owner of Omega Elecworth of contributions for food donations trical Construction Company, was the and some video work. top contributor to Gamelin’s campaign at $1,550. Others included notable realtors Law and order, and cash and landlords, like Handy’s Hotels & RentTwo democratic hopefuls — one incum- als, along with Bissonette Properties and bent and one newbie — also duked it out for its property management company BPJS county sheriff. Kevin Bloom, a new player Management. All three gave $1,000. Evan Langfelt, the CEO of O’Brien to the political sphere in the county with no law enforcement experience, has faced off Brothers, an area developer, gave $1,000 against a police officer who has held the top to Ram Hinsdale, $300 to Chittenden and $200 to state representative Emilie Kraspost for four years, Dan Gamelin. Bloom brought in $21,135 in monetary now D-South Burlington. Of notable businesses that donated to contributions — including a $4,345 personal loan — spending $21,733 on a variety of Bloom’s campaign is Taco Gordo — the postage, yard signs, democratic campaign Burlington-based eatery — which spent software, spaces for fundraisers, among $1,020. Senate hopeful Nikhil Goyal also others. Gamelin, meanwhile, started his contributed $200 to Bloom’s campaign and campaign with $14,291 rolled over from high bailiff candidate Amy Payne donated 2022. He raised, in total, $30,330 and spent $500.
Will This School Year Be Easier? If your child struggled with reading, writing, and math last year, don’t wait to see if this year will be different. At the Stern Center we provide personalized support that meets children where they are and helps them grow from there. Now booking for fall – contact us today! (802) 878-2332 learning@sterncenter.org
Financ ial Help Availa ble
sterncenter.org
Large Animals Urgent Care General Medicine & Surgery Imaging & Laboratory Dentistry House Calls
NEW!
Large Animal Services 66 Knight Ln Suite 10, Williston 802-404-8210 hello@sugarmaplevet.com
Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:30PM sugarmaplevet.com
Page 12 • August 13, 2026 • The Citizen
STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT Chittenden Unit
CIVIL DIVISION Docket No. 25-cv-00174
NORTHCOUNTRY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, v.
Plaintiff,
FRANKLIN J. DUNSHEE, and CHRISTINE M. DUNSHEE, et al., Defendants.
) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )
NOTICE OF SALE By virtue and in execution of the Judgment and Decree of Foreclosure by Judicial Sale dated May 5, 2026, for a breach of a Mortgage dated February 15, 2012, and recorded in the Hinesburg Town Clerk’s Office on February 23, 2012 in Book 223, Pages 745-760 (the “Mortgaged Property”); and for the purpose of foreclosing the same, the Mortgaged Property will be sold at public auction on September 22, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Mortgaged Property located at 358 Magee Hill Road, Hinesburg, more particularly described as follows: Being all and the same land and premises conveyed to Franklin J. Dunshee and Christine M. Dunshee by Warranty Deed of Cynthia J. Dunshee f/k/a Cynthia R. Palmer and John N. Dunshee dated August 22, 2001 and recorded in Volume 133 at Pages 71-72 of the Town of Hinesburg Land Records. Being a parcel of land, containing one acre, more or less, with all improvements thereon, commonly known and designated as 358 Magee Hill Road, Hinesburg, Vermont TERMS OF SALE: The Mortgaged Property will be sold “AS IS WHERE IS” to the highest bidder for cash or wire funds only. The sale of the Mortgaged Property is subject to confirmation by the Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Unit, Civil Division. The Mortgaged Property will be sold subject to unpaid taxes, municipal assessments, and superior liens, if any. The public sale may be adjourned one or more times for a total time not exceeding 30 days, without further court order, and without publication or service of a new notice of sale, by announcement of the new sale date to those present at each adjournment or by posting notice of the adjournment in a conspicuous place at the location of the sale. Notice of the new sale date shall also be sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the mortgagors at the mortgagors’ last known address at least five days before the new sale date. Defendants Franklin J. Dunshee and Christine M. Dunshee are entitled to redeem the Mortgaged Property at any time prior to the sale by paying the full amount due under the Mortgage referenced above, including the costs and expenses of the sale. MORTGAGED PROPERTY DEPOSIT: A non-refundable deposit for the Mortgaged Property in the amount of $10,000.00 shall be paid by the high bidder by cash, certified check or bank draft to NorthCountry Federal Credit Union, which shall hold the deposit until the closing. The balance of the purchase price for the Mortgaged Property shall be due and payable within the latter of 10 days from the date of confirmation of said sale by the Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Unit, Civil Division, or 45 days from the date of public auction. If the balance of the purchase price for the Mortgaged Property is not paid within the period set forth herein, the deposit shall be forfeited and shall be retained by Plaintiff herein as agreed liquidation damages and the Mortgaged Property may be offered to the next highest bidder still interested in the Mortgaged Property. PURCHASE AND SALE CONTRACT: The high bidder for the Mortgaged Property shall be required to sign a no contingency contract of Purchase and Sale at the public auction, agreeing to purchase the Mortgaged Property in its “AS IS WHERE IS” condition, as a result of being the successful and high bidder at the sale. OTHER TERMS TO BE ANNOUNCED AT SALE: Inquiries can be made to Melissa Jewett at NorthCountry Federal Credit Union, 69 Swift Street, South Burlington, Vermont, 05403, (802) 264-6752. Dated: July 30, 2026.
NORTHCOUNTRY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION By: /s/ Alexandra E. Edelman Alexandra E. Edelman, Esq. Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer PC 30 Main Street, Suite 500 P.O. Box 1489 Burlington, VT 05602-1489 (802) 864-0880 aedelman@primmer.com
PHOTO BY EMILY RODIN
Joplin Wistar looks into the hobbit hole he made with cedar poles in his backyard.
Works of whimsy From hobbit holes to giant sculptures, Joplin Wistar turns imagination into local landmarks program that he runs with James. Then those structures became more elaborate. His first art installation was “The North Behind Joplin Wistar’s indigo-trimmed Wind” at Shelburne Farms for Borderhouse is a fantastical backyard filled with lands, an autumn outdoor sound and light unique architectural designs: a hobbit theatrical production. Most recently, Wistar installed hole made with cedar poles, a lotus belle shaped tent and a tree web that acts as a “Zephyr,” a 16-foot-tall wooden sculpture of the Greek God of the West Wind, giant hammock, just to name a few. It is no secret in town that Wistar, 66, outside Shelburne Pond Studios in June. embraces whimsy through his imagina- Wistar originally built the creature as a set tive creations. His hand-crafted structures, piece for Night Fires, an annual theatrical scattered throughout Shelburne as well as performance in Middlebury that celebrates the winter solstice. his own backyard, have Shelburne Pond become distinctive local “I like to make use Studios co-owners landmarks that reflect both Katharine Stockman his artistic vision and the of things that other and her husband, Rad town’s creative spirit. Romeyn, agreed to trade “He’s incapable of people might not Wistar studio space if doing anything the same he installed “Zephyr” way twice,” said chilappreciate.” in front of the barn. The dren’s book author Alison James, Wistar’s wife. “He — Joplin Wistar installation is the only wooden sculpture on doesn’t even like to take the property; the rest the same road or the same trail when we’re hiking or something. Just are polished aluminum, marble and other needs to always be discovering something materials. “It brings a whole new genre to our new.” Wistar grew up in Pennsylvania and sculptures at the farm,” Stockman said. Wistar recently pitched another set studied human ecology at the College of the Atlantic in Maine. He and James moved design piece for this year’s Night Fires to Shelburne 40 years ago. Wistar taught performance, which is set in Greenland. for 30 years at Shelburne Community Wistar imagines a 20-foot web-like strucSchool, taking yearlong leaves to teach in ture that would surround the stage and Japan, Norway and Taiwan. He now runs project the Northern Lights on it. Wistar doesn’t charge for his artwork. an alternative school and summer camps He says he creates simply for the joy of in Shelburne. When Wistar isn’t busy teaching kids, making things and solving problems. he is most likely creating artistic pieces Working with natural materials presents like the ones found in his backyard. Work- constant challenges, he said, but that’s ing with kids helps embrace his outlook of what keeps the work interesting. Although Wistar thrives in experimentrying new things in his artwork, he said. He first started making practical structures like treehouses at Treewild Forest See WISTAR on page 15 Classroom, a one-day alternative school EMILY RODIN COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE
The Citizen • August 13, 2026 • Page 13
Horoscope August 13, 2026
ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE
Weekly Puzzles
Champl 4
zen center yard sale 4x5 RABIES BAIT
saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal in humans and animals. However, Page 14 • August 13, 2026 • The Citizen treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly The week-long bait drop is a coopera- 100 percent effective when given soon after tive effort between Vermont and the U.S. a person is bitten by a rabid animal. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont to stop the spread of the potentially fatal have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of disease. those have been raccoons. Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the According to wildlife officials, rabid brain that infects mammals. It is most often animals often show a change in their norseen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, mal behavior, but you cannot tell whether but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also an animal has rabies simply by looking at get rabies. The virus is spread through the it. People should not touch or pick up wild bite of an infected animal or contact with its To advertise email advertising@thecitizenvt.com or call 802-238-4980 animals or strays – even baby animals. continued from page 2
THE CITIZEN
SERVICE DIRECTORY ANTIQUES WANTED
Tenney’s Bottle Redemption
Decluttering? Downsizing?
We can help you discover, learn about and sell: WATCHES • JEWELRY • COINS • SILVER • ARTWORK
bulk bottle returns & bottle drives
Propane Fill Station Snack Bar Creamee Window
SERVICE DIRECTO
1111-855-DRY-TIME • www.northernbasements.com
INSURANCE
Funeral / Cremation LANDSCAPE / LAWNCARE
continued from page Wednesday-Friday, with2walk-ins to sell Thursdays
bittnerantiques.com • 2997 Shelburne Road • Shelburne
The week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. CONSTRUCTION Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services • Basement to stop the spread of the potentially fatal Waterproofing disease. • Crawl Space Repair Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the • Sump Pump Systems • Foundation Repair brain that infects mammals. It is most often • Egress Windows 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
www.pleasantvalleyvt.com
FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES
Brushhogging byCHAPEL Adam SHELBURNE FUNERAL
802-862-1600 • info@turnbaughinsurance.com 188 Allen Brook Lane • Suite 1 • Williston, VT 05495
Adam Dantzscher, Proprietor Family owned and operated since 1921 Brushhogging • Brush Clearingavailable / Mulching Pre-planning services Chain Sawing • Delivery / Haul Away 209 Repair Falls •Road, Shelburne, Driveway Excavating • Roadside VT Mowing (802) 985-3370 802-578-8347 / adamdantzscher@aol.com
Build / Remodel LANDSCAPE / LAWNCARE
Health METAL
Bob & Jessica Trautwine
Call/Text 802-233-1451 • Hyperreliccards@gmail.com
3762 Shelburne Rd • Ste 3 • Shelburne, VT By appointment only www.hyperrelic.com • Insta: hyperrelic
SHELBURNE DAY Health Professional Shelburne Historical Society will have a Electrical display and president DorotheaServices Penar will Residential lead a cemetery tour at 1 p.m. Food venCommercial dors round out the event with everything • Service Upgrades from802-662-0774 coffee and lemonade to burgers and • EV Chargers • Rewire Chris Jenkinswill enjoy creemees. Kids meeting animals • Generator Connections Master Electrician Fully Licensed and Insured from Shelburne Farms, craft projects, and Charlotte, VT cjenkins@level-up-electric.com
Roofing • Lawn Mowing Siding • Spring Cleanup & Mulch Renovations • Stone Walks, Patios & Walls Painting • Planting & Excavation • Driveway, Lawn & Tree Work Decks 802-343-4820 802-343-4820 www.pleasantvalleyvt.com www.pleasantvalleyvt.com Funeral / Cremation
Huge inventory of steel, aluminum and stainless in many shapes and sizes from sheets to tubing to angle iron
Serving all your metal needs for over two generations
Cutting, Punching, Drilling and Bending Services
802-864-0326 800-540-4692 35 Intervale Rd, Burlington
www.qcsteel.com
We’ll even recycle your ferrous and non-ferrous metal Delivery available
Health
&
Eff VT EEN Contractor
Tim Gould STATION TRANSFER
rates: call 985-34 ROLL OFFforBOXES PT, MS, DPT
South Burlington 23 San Remo Drive tel 865.0010
Shelburne 166 Athletic Drive tel 985.4440
P or email advertising
DEMOLITION
www.DeePT.com
CAR Health PICK UP
DEE.PT.bCARD.2.4x1.5FINAL.indd 12
Full Line Steel Service Center
PLEASANT VALLEY, INC.
bu he th Go de M lan D Ro
SCRAP METAL Since 1988
SERVICE DIRECTORY Home • Auto • Motorcycle • Watercraft Business • Contractor
fac
ELECTRICIAN continued from page 4
Health METAL
CORBIN & PALMER Covering Your Life’s Journey
YPE
Sports Collectibles and Memorabilia R ELIC
Mon-Sat 9-6 • Closed Sun.
Flavors of Milkshakes! saliva. If leftTen untreated, rabies is almost alBeautiful 802-425-2810 Hanging ways fatal in humans and animals. However, Baskets 76 Jackon Hill Road • Charlotte treatment(atwith theHinesburg-Charlotte rabies vaccine Spear and Rd) is nearly 100 percent effective when given soon after Build / Remodel CONSTRUCTION a person is bitten by a rabid animal. So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont PLEASANT INC. have tested positiveVALLEY, for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons. Roofing According wildlife officials, rabid • ExteriortoPaint & Stain Siding animals a change • Sidoften ing show & Trim R epair in their norRenovations mal behavior, you&cannot tell whether Painting • Decks, but Stairs Land ings an animal has rabies simply by looking at Decks it. People should not touch or pick up wild 802-343-4820 802-343-4820 animals or strays – even baby animals. www.pleasantvalleyvt.com
RABIES BAIT Brian Bittner • 802-489-5210 • info@bittnerantiques.com
Sh dis lea do fro cre fro
COLLECTIBLES
H
BOTTLE REDEMPTION
con
R
ANTIQUES
SH
ti
1/9/14 9:12 AM
Nancy Marconi All Metals Certified Massage Therapist Recycling 64 Steeplebush Road Hardwick MassageWorksVT
Deep Tissue, Hot Stones & Swedish Massage
Shelburne
802-985-8984 cell 338-7001
802-793-5363 Intro Offer for New Clients
Insurance
The Citizen • August 13, 2026 • Page 15
WISTAR
PUBLIC NOTICES
continued from page 12 tation, he routinely returns to one particular material: grapevine. The strong but flexible plant grows up into trees, leaving many property owners frustrated at its persistence. “I like to make use of things that other people might not appreciate,” Wistar said. The overhead LED strip light that illuminates his living room is attached to a grapevine, adding an earthy ambiance to the room. A bench made from grapevine can also be found near “Strömkarlen,” a river troll that guards the LaPlatte Crossing footbridge, another one of Wistar’s creations. “Strömkarlen” is built out of recycled pallet wood, the same material that sculptor Thomas Danbo uses to make his world-renowned trolls. The Danish artist has installed nearly 200 of his trolls, often in secluded destinations, around the world, sparking conversations of folklore and environmentalism. Another creative that inspires Wistar is Andy Goldsworthy, an English land artist known for his natural sculptures. “My work is kind of eclectic. I don’t really specialize in one kind of thing,” Wistar said. Wistar’s creativity extends beyond his physical pieces of art. Alongside James, he runs Enchantment Camps during the summer and Treewild Forest Classroom during the school
year. Both nature-based programs encourage children to explore the outdoors while developing creativity, confidence and a sense of wonder. On one July afternoon, 15 magicians, ages 7 through 16, gathered in Wistar’s backyard “dodeca,” a 12-sided hut with several windows, to share their individual creative projects. One camper read aloud two hand-written pages in Spanish. “Welcome to Enchantment Camps, where being geek is celebrated,” James said. The last two weeks of July were spent preparing a musical set in ancient Greece. On July 22, Robin Fawcett, a retired Champlain Valley Union High School theater and public speaking teacher, led a workshop. As she greeted Wistar near the back entrance of the house, she immediately commented on his “purple aura.” In theory, Wistar likes to have one new project each year, even if that means replacing or refurbishing one of his earlier creations. This summer he has been focused on running Enchantment Camps, so his individual projects have taken a backseat. Still, he’s always imagining something new. Asked how he comes up with his pieces, Wistar responded with his trademark sense of wonder. “Who knows where ideas come from?” he said.
Development Review Board Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 6:30 PM Town Hall, 10632 Route 116 Hinesburg, VT 05461 Dennis Place (applicant/ owner): Final Subdivision Plat review for a 2-lot subdivision pursuant to Section 3.2 and Section 4.2 of the Hinesburg Subdivision Regulations on a ±36.64-acre property located at 190 Place Road West in the Residential 4 (R-4) Zoning District. The meeting will be both in person and remote. See meeting agenda on town website with details on how to participate. PHOTO BY EMILY RODIN
CHARLOTTE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD
“Strömkarlen,” the river troll that guards the LaPlatte Crossing footbridge, is built out of recycled wooden pallets. Wistar took inspiration from Thomas Danbo’s worldrenowned trolls, which were made from the same materials.
Will hold a public hearing at Town Hall, 159 Ferry Rd., Charlotte, VT on the following application during its regular meeting of Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism internship, and Report for America.
For more information, contact the Planning & Zoning Office at 802.425.3533 ext. 207, or by email at: zoningadmin@ townofcharlotte.com.
7:05 PM DRB-26-065-BA Patrick –Boundary Adjustment at 705 Cedar Beach Road and 34 Fields Farm Road
THE CITIZEN SERVICE DIRECTORY POWER WASHING
Know a landlord who’s overwhelmed? Need help starting or running an Airbnb or a mid- or long-term rental?
s & The Citizen
/week for bothHouse papers $432.00 Washing
Specializing in Low-Pressure Vinyl Siding Washes Washing Decks, Gutters, Patios, Walkways & More
Owner operated - Call Greg Mack
802-238-3386
SHEDS
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Prefer a local team to a national chain?
PBJ Property Management Local Roots. Real Results.
Serving Chittenden County and Beyond • Free Consultations propertiespbj@gmail.com • 802-734-3708 • PBJProperties.com
Check out our large inventory in Wolcott. We will custom build, too!
STORAGE SHEDS - GAZEBOS GARAGES - WOODSHEDS HORSE BARNS - RUN INS CHICKEN COOPS 2083 N Wolcott Rd., Wolcott, VT
802-888-7012
SIDING/REMODELING
BEAGLE BUILDERS, LLC Remodeling & Additions
ALL TYPES OF SIDING Vinyl/Wood/Composite
Windows & Doors • Decks & Porches
Kitchens & Bathrooms Sunrooms & Garages
Monkton, VT
beaglebuilders@gmavt.net
802-453-4340 CALL US! 802-355-0807
The Citizen Service Directory It does a BIG job for your business for a little price.
Call 802-238-4980 for details.
Page 16 • August 13, 2026 • The Citizen
Rising healthcare costs are squeezing Vermonters. Here’s how everyone can make more affordable choices. Vermont has some of the highest healthcare costs in America. This hurts everyone in our community and the well-being of our state. So, it’s the perfect time to learn ways to make care more affordable. Consider these costs comparisons for common procedures: Bone Density Study
Breast Biopsy
Cataract Surgery
CT Chest Scan
Gallbladder Removal
Hip Replacement
Laparoscopic MRI Hernia Repair of Spine
Upper GI Endoscopy
Vaginal Delivery
$913
$16,054
$9,785
$3,495
$35,057
$51,432
$30,361
$4,438
$7,768
$28,912
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
Winsdor Hospital
Dartmouth Hitchcock
Northeastern VT Regional Hospital
Northeastern VT Regional Hospital
Dartmouth Hitchcock
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
North Country Hospital
University of VT Medical Center
$359
$8,262
$4,806
$1,396
$16,262
$24,642
$17,569
$2,560
$3,626
$18,248
Porter Hospital
University of VT Medical Center
University of VT Medical Center
Vermont Open Imaging
Springfield Hospital
Dartmouth Hitchcock
Rutland Regional Medical Center
Northeastern VT Regional Hospital
Central Vermont Medical Center
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
$64
$2,597
$2,712
$1,222
$13,293
$23,558
$10,761
$1,410
$1,928
$10,135
Thomas Chittenden Health Center
Northwestern Medical Center
VT Eye Surgery and Laser Center
Vermont Diagnostic Imaging
Central VT Medical Center
Central VT Medical Center
Central VT Medical Center
Vermont Open Imaging
Green Mountain Surgery Center
Northwestern Medical Center
(Spine or Pelvis)
(with Imaging)
Source: Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Axis Cost Transparency Data Averages, Spring 2026. Costs include facility and provider costs.
There are many reasons for this affordability crisis and no one entity or individual can fix it. That’s why our organizations continue working together to be part of the solution. We invite you to join us, take action, and explore these tips to save on your care.
Compare Where To Get Care & Save
Cut Prescription Drug Costs
• Costs for procedures can vary widely between hospitals, outpatient facilities, surgery and imaging centers. Knowing your options can help you save hundreds or thousands of dollars.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about options, such as generic medications instead of more costly brand name drugs.
• Carefully consider when it’s best to visit your doctor, urgent care or the emergency room. Telehealth can be a convenient, low-cost option for common health issues, including mental health support.
Know Before You Go
• See if getting a 30-day, 60-day or 90-day supply of your medications can help you save. • Compare costs and look for discount coupons on websites like ArrayRx, GoodRx, RxSaver, WellRx, SingleCare, Cost Plus Drugs, and the new federal website TrumpRx.
Review Your Health Insurance Benefits
• For routine procedures, there is usually ample time to explore care options, understand costs, and look for savings. • Ask for a written estimate before your procedure, so you have a clear picture of the costs beforehand. Afterward, review your itemized bill to understand the charges and confirm they are accurate.
• This Open Enrollment season is a great time to revisit your health plan’s benefits, premiums, deductibles, and copays to determine what makes sense for your health needs and budget. • When planning your care, check for “in-network” providers, which are more affordable and can help avoid unexpected expenses.
S p o n s o re d B y
Visit our website to get more cost comparisons, helpful tips, and free resources.
VTAffordableCare - BANG 10.25x12.5.indd 1
8/5/26 3:52 PM