A Newport Center reader responds to release of NEK suspects in drug arrests and fatal car crash: why are judges just letting these people out of jail? And when they’re out, why aren’t they availing themselves of the many free services aimed at reducing addiction?

Someone backed a pickup truck through the front doors of Harvest Equipment and made off with 13 chainsaws.

It’s the paper where WCAX anchorman, Edward R. Murrow prize winner, and NEK native Darren Perron got his startin the news business . Since the mid-1970’s, the Barton Chronicle has been a reliable, weekly source of fair and accurate local news and provocative opinion for decades. Its large, loyal readership demonstrates that there will always be an appetite for local news served up with TLC.

A Brownington farmer pleaded guilty to animal cruelty after his cows were found starved and standing in two feet of manure.

The irrepressible Christina Nolan, U.S. Attorney for Vermont, yesterday announced a multi-agency drug bust St. Johnsbury and Newport that arrested 16 people and seized large quantities of hard drugs. At least two of those arrested have out-of-state addresses – suggesting a possible link with out-of-state drug gangs.

The developer of an expansion of Vermont’s largest landfill and a local environmental group have come to terms. DUMP will drop its lawsuit and a subsidiary of Casella’s will address concerns about runoff and odor.

The 'Open Ear' program at the state prison in Newport tries to counter the toxic, crime-inducing environment that exists among the inmate population. It's particularly helpful as a sort of 'diversion' for young, impressionable first-timers Gov. Phil Scott learned during his first visit to the state prison in the Northeast Kingdom. 

Volunteers actors on a “haunted trail” in Danville were assaulted by attendees, organizers reported. In Chittenden County, two school Halloween events have been cancelled, and another was criticized for using school shooter language.

A Greensboro Bend woman accepted a plea deal and, avoiding jail time, was sentenced to 90 days of house arrest and probation for stealing money from the State of Vermont while working for the Tax Department. 

Northeast Kingdom and Vermont historian and U.S. Army war hero Lt. Col. Marc Biron was honored posthumously by the Vermont Historical Society last month.