HARDWICK – It seems like everyone is fundraising these days. Politicians, parties, charitable causes . . . they all have their hands out. But one fundraiser is making an offer that stands out from the crowd. Starting on Giving Tuesday, the next 10 people to give $500 or more to The[Read More…]
Editorial
Vermonters can’t afford a 12% tax increase
HINESBURG – Vermonters are staring down a staggering 12% property tax hike in 2026. That’s simply unacceptable. It’s a looming crisis that will squeeze working families, small businesses, and residents on fixed incomes, threatening the stability and affordability of our communities. Lawmakers now face a clear and unavoidable choice. They[Read More…]
Heller’s World
This is where authoritarianism leads
WASHINGTON – Authoritarianism is not just the loss of democracy, freedom of expression or civil liberties. It can also mean horrific wars and massive loss of life. When we defend democracy, we are fighting not only for our personal freedoms but to prevent autocratic leaders from dragging us into bloody[Read More…]
The gift of Advent
EAST MONTPELIER – In recent years, how many of us have found ourselves shaking our heads and bemoaning how Christmas appears to be in retrograde motion, creeping backwards ever closer to Thanksgiving? More recently, I find my head not just shaking, but spinning, as I try to wrap it around[Read More…]
2025’s words of the year reflect a year of digital disillusionment
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Which terms best represent 2025? Every year, editors for publications ranging from the Oxford English Dictionary to the Macquarie Dictionary of Australian English select a “word of the year.” Sometimes these terms are thematically related, particularly in the wake of world-altering events. “Pandemic,” “lockdown” and “coronavirus,” for[Read More…]
Congratulations
To the editor: Congratulations Paul, and the Gazette Team on your award! David Upson Hardwick Town Manager Editor’s note: Upson is referring to last weeks story, “Gazette receives Vermont Civic Journalism Award, ”announcing The Gazette has received a Local Civic Journalism Award of $5,000 to further its existing mission.
Senate, House Republicans respond to tax letter
MONTPELIER – Today, December 1, the Vermont Tax Department released its annual forecast on the 2026 property tax implications of Vermont’s PreK–12 education system, projecting a sharp rise in Education Property Taxes. According to the report, the statewide average property tax increase is projected to be 11.9%. School districts are expected[Read More…]
Beyond headlines: How recovery is getting done
HARDWICK – Flood recovery in Hardwick isn’t one project or one timeline. Clearing debris, reopening roads and stabilizing buildings was only the opening phase. The work now looks different, less visible, more procedural and essential to getting projects funded and built correctly. Most of the current progress is happening through[Read More…]
Woodsmoke
“KILL THEM ALL! WE DON’T WANT ANY SURVIVORS TELLING ANYONE WE’RE MURDERING FISHERMEN!”
You’ve brought us back from the brink
Today, as I write this on Giving Tuesday, I spent the morning listening to Vermont Public’s fund drive as they interrupted the daily news and information. While we place ads in the paper, we can’t come to you hourly until you make a donation. We do, however, have your attention[Read More…]
