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Plainfield Town Officials Propose New Town Administrator Role to Streamline Operations and Improve Efficiency Plainfield town officials are considering significant changes to their local government structure. The select board recently discussed proposals to alleviate the workload of overburdened staff, including the creation of a town administrator position to manage tasks currently handled by multiple roles, such as the town clerk and treasurer. Treasurer Joshua Pitts presented several proposals that would reshape town operations, including the elimination of some existing positions like grants administrator and road commissioner, with their duties shifting to the new administrator. The clerk and treasurer roles would see reduced hours, and even the select boards responsibilities, such as employee evaluations, would move to the administrator. Pitts also emphasized the importance of improving financial controls, suggesting a system with a treasurer, an administrator, and a bookkeeper, ensuring three separate individuals sign off on town finances. However, not all board members are fully supportive, with Frances Rose Subbiondo expressing concern that the administrator role might become too demanding and Patti Jamele recalling past resistance to similar changes. The budget discussion will continue at the boards regular meeting on December twenty-second.

Barre City Police: A Week in Review From December 7th to 14th, Barre City police tackled a range of calls, showcasing the daily hurdles faced by local law enforcement. The week started with drug investigations and vehicle vandalism, leading to warrant arrests in a roommate dispute. Stolen tires and BB guns followed, with more calls for lost property, animal issues, and stolen items. Racial slurs and theft added to the challenges, culminating in a vehicle recovery on December 14th.

Students from Chamberlain School in South Burlington transformed the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airports fleet with their creative vehicle names, spreading winter cheer and fostering community engagement.

Nick Reiner, son of Rob and Michele Reiner, arrested for parents deaths; prosecutors decide charges; family known for Hollywood and political contributions.

Powerball Jackpot Soars to $1.25 Billion, Longest Jackpot Cycle in History; Wednesdays Drawing Set to Break Records

Maines logging season kicks off amidst financial struggles, as loggers like Andy Irish face declining pulpwood demand, increased operating expenses due to tariffs, and limited access to specialized equipment. Despite challenges, theres hope for the industrys rebound with investments in high-value products and a skilled workforce.

New Warming Center in Plattsburgh, NY: A Temporary Haven for Cold Nights - A new warming center has opened in Plattsburgh, New York, offering a safe and warm place for Clinton County residents overnight. Operating from six PM to nine AM, it provides immediate relief from the cold on a first-come, first-served basis. While not a long-term solution, its a vital resource for the community, highlighting ongoing efforts to support vulnerable members.

Eva Vekos, Addison Countys States Attorney, received a deferred sentence of six months probation for a DUI charge, despite objections from the Attorney Generals Office. The misdemeanor could be removed from her record if she meets conditions, including no alcohol interference with her work. She faced criticism for continued service amidst ethics complaints and calls for resignation.

Former U.S. Border Patrol Agent Joshua Hartness Sentenced for Child Sexual Abuse Materials: A Disturbing Case Unfolds Joshua Hartness, a former U.S. Border Patrol agent from Colebrook, New Hampshire, has been sentenced to twenty-five months in prison and ten years of supervised release for possessing child sexual abuse materials. The forty-five-year-old pleaded guilty to the charges, which were discovered during a routine inspection of his devices. The investigation revealed that Hartness had sexually explicit videos and images of a minor on his cell phone, as well as a series of messages with minor females containing nude photographs. He could have faced up to twenty years in prison but received a reduced sentence.