Mar 12-18, 2025
Vermont’s General Stores Are Essential. Here’s How They’re Adapting to Stay in Business; Scott’s Trump Take Irks Some Vermonters; New Book Marks Pandemic Anniversary; The Pinwheel Reborn in Essex
Cover Story
Vermont’s General Stores Are Adapting to Changing Times
The state’s 70 remaining general stores face myriad challenges but are precious to their communities. A cohort of Vermonters is working to revitalize them.
Vermont Book Awards Announces Finalists for the State’s Most Prestigious Literary Honors
Finalists were announced for the fields of creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry and children’s literature. Winners will be revealed at a celebration on May 3.
Executive Order Puts Vermont History Projects in Jeopardy
Libraries and museums also face uncertainty after Trump announced plans to shut down six agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Green Mountain Transit Announces a Round of Cuts
The transportation agency is continuing to trim services. It’s heavily reliant on federal funding, and its administration anticipates that future cuts will be necessary.
Obituary: Richard Paul Lynch, 1943-2025
Professor of English was known for his intellect, sense of humor and kindness
Obituary: Dorothy Ellen James, 1955-2025
Kind and compassionate home health aide’s lasting legacy is her commitment to her family
In Memoriam: Alexander (Alec) Barclay, 1959-2024
Please join us as we celebrate the life of Alexander (Alec) Barclay, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, 3:30 to 5 p.m. The celebration will be…
Obituary: David H. Tucker, 1954-2025
Central Vermonter helped implement the first text-to-911 capability in the United States
Obituary: Brian James Place, 1971-2025
Accomplished carpenter, welder and bricklayer developed a love for the outdoors at an early age
Obituary: Susan Hoeppner
With her kind and gentle soul, Hinesburg woman was an inspiration to others
EB Strong’s Prime Steakhouse Hopes to Expand in Burlington
Co-owners Tim and Kristin Halvorson have applied for permits to extend the Church Street steakhouse’s dining room into the former Danform Shoes space next door.
Obituary: Lyle Charles Boyce Sr., 1930-2025
U.S. Army veteran was defined by his commitment to his family and will be remembered for his sense of humor and jitterbug skills
Felony Case Moves Forward Against Cop Who Killed Cyclist
Shelburne Police Sgt. Kyle Kapitanski was playing a YouTube video in his cruiser when he fatally struck Sean Hayes last November, according to an affidavit.
Obituary: William “Bill” Gonyeau Jr., 1933-2025
Proud patriarch and U.S. Air Force veteran is remembered for his loyal love for his high school sweetheart
Honoring Mark Utter: April 23, 2025
Community remembers brilliant communicator, advocate and writer of the award-winning film I Am in Here
Obituary: Julie M. “Windsong” Kervick, 1937-2025
Oh, dear beloved Windsong, gentle and mighty spirit, you are dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew you. Here are some of the many golden strands of your life story.
Obituary: Jay Karl Stevens, 1953-2025
Writer, poet and lecturer was equally skilled at composing a sonnet or making maple syrup
Barre Social Club Offers a New Coworking Space and Hangout
The new downtown business is just the latest opened by young entrepreneurs who are infusing energy, excitement and community pride into the Granite City.
Letters to the Editor (3/12/25)
No ‘Breeze’ [From the Publisher: “Getting There From Here,” February 19] aptly describes traveling by air in February to escape the Vermont winter as “Russian…
Free Will Astrology (3/12/25)
PISCES: (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) I’m not exactly sure where you are going, Pisces, but I’m certain you are headed in the right direction. Your instincts…
Green Mountain Film Festival Brings Political Movies to Montpelier
While festival organizers didn’t set out with any predetermined themes, the program emerged with a focus on political tensions and local community-building.
Questions About Your Town? Try This AI-Powered Chatbot
An Essex couple have launched Local Minutes, an artificial-intelligence chatbot that devours meeting minutes and can answer questions about official actions.
From the Publisher: Five Years … and Counting
Vermont businesses, including Seven Days, are still grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re forging ahead anyway.
Topsy-Turvy Timeline: Nina Buxenbaum at Vermont Studio Center
The Brooklyn-based artist presents mixed-media drawings and paintings that chart a path between utopia and dystopia, Blackness and whiteness.
Some Think Scott Should Do More to Stand Up to Trump
Gov. Phil Scott’s low-key approach and hesitation to criticize the president is striking many as out of step with most Vermonters’ views.
War in Gaza Becomes Local Issue in Burlington Council Race
The spat showed that the Middle Eastern conflict could prove a source of continued friction as councilors try to overcome differences on matters closer to home.
Vermont Artists Make the Records of Their Dreams at the Tank
Ben Collette’s Burlington recording studio is branching out into operating as a live venue and partnering with local radio stations.
Ask the Rev: Should I Boycott a Local Business Over Political Differences?
A customer grapples with supporting a small, local business where the owner has different political beliefs. Here’s what to consider about boycotting.
Album Review: Breathwork, ‘Amber’
The album marks the debut of Burlington guitar guru Xander Naylor’s latest side project, a truly special collaboration with Pat Markley and Ethan Snyder.
New Book Chronicles COVID-19 Oral Histories in Vermont
Edited by journalist and historian Garrett Graff, ‘Life Became Very Blurry’ recounts the pandemic experiences of more than 110 Vermonters in their own words.
Album Review: Samantha Mae, ‘Reverie’
The Burlington singer-songwriter’s impressive debut album is powered by intense emotion and a superteam of Vermont musicians backing her up.
Class Struggle Continues in Space in Bong Joon Ho’s Sci-Fi Satire ‘Mickey 17’
Absurdity, sloppiness and human error dominate this wacky futuristic vision, while Robert Pattinson’s everyman performance is the glue that keeps it all together.
Art Review: Glen Coburn Hutcheson’s ‘Solo Group Show’
As the collectively run Front gallery celebrates its 10th anniversary, the Montpelier artist presents a show of his own work and collaborations with others.
Now Playing in Theaters: March 12-18
In addition to Last Breath, here’s what is playing in Northern and Central Vermont movie theaters this week. Listings include new movies, vintage films and a directory of open theaters.
Eye on the Scene: The Wet Ones! Live at Original Skiff
The new restaurant inside Hotel Champlain debuted its live music series with a performance from the Starksboro surf-rock trio.
The Pinwheel Brings Cowboy Cuisine to Essex
With a new incarnation of their shuttered Burlington restaurant, Wendy Piotrowski and Andrew Machanic are again sharing flavors from the American West
Sisters of Anarchy Adds a Bakery for Farm-Fresh Pies
Happy Pi Day! The ice cream business on Fisher Brothers Farm in Shelburne transforms fruit into a new kind of sweet treat just in time for March 14.
Hatchet in Richmond Closes and Is for Sale, as Is the Big Spruce
Restaurateur Gabriel Firman has shuttered his original decade-old restaurant and confirmed that it and his second Bridge Street spot are on the market.
The Holt Restaurant Opens in Vergennes
The family-friendly café in the historic Kennedy Brothers building offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, with “tacos at every meal.”
Wild Meadows Books and Café Coming to Williston
The couple who own the ‘Williston Observer’ are building a bookstore and café that they expect to open in Finney Crossing by late summer.
Restaurant and Café Closures in Burlington, Stowe and Montpelier
Several Vermont establishments have reached the end of their runs, including a brewpub, a community-focused café and a longtime pizza spot — at least for now.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, March 12-19
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including high-octane tribute band Church of Cash at Barre Opera House.
