Wednesday May 22, 2013 As was reported on May 20, fire consumed a home on Silk Road, resulting in what Bennington Rural Fire Department assistant chief John Scutt called "a total loss." The owner, Mr. Andrew Sherman, and his boxer-rottweiler mix Alice, are safe. However, they are in immediate need of monetary donations, as well as clothing, non-perishable food items, and dog food.   Full Story

Tuesday May 21, 2013 As I sat at the circus that was the Cambridge Central School budget hearing and board meeting, the crowd had a two-hour experience that was unforgettable. The most talked about item of the night was the possible buyout of current Superintendent Vince Canini’s contract. When the meeting opened up for a public discussion, a countless number of teachers,   Full Story

Monday May 20, 2013 After the 19 percent school tax increase was defeated by the Bennington voters, the Bennington School District has made efforts to "educate" Bennington voters on why it is necessary to continue to ask for such a large increase. Kenneth Swierad made a valiant attempt in March asking the Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union Board for a reduction.   Full Story

Saturday May 18, 2013 On Saturday, April 27, the dentists and oral surgeons of Bennington County presented the Sixth annual Dental Care Day. Well over 150 people received free dental services donated by the dental professionals ably assisted by numerous volunteers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated but, especially, Valerie Shemeth and Welthy   Full Story

Saturday May 18, 2013 I am writing this letter in response to a recent entry regarding the support of the BSD budget. I want to begin by pointing out that I am a parent, professional, and active member of the community. As a parent who strongly encourages and believes in the power of education, I want nothing more than to provide the BSD with what they need to provide "quality   Full Story

Friday May 17, 2013 I would like to call the public’s attention to a time of recognition for police officers nationwide. In 1962 Pres. John F. Kennedy signed into law a bill designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. The law was amended in 1994 when President Bill Clinton directed that the flag be flown at half staff on all government buildings in memory of those who have lost   Full Story

Tuesday May 14, 2013 I am writing this letter in support of The Bennington School Districts Budget to be voted on May 21. I believe one of the most important things a community has to do is to educate their children. Education is costly in a small state such as Vermont. The BSD Board has worked extremely hard to reduce the budget they proposed in March from a 19 percent increase to a   Full Story

Saturday May 11, 2013 With respect to the story of May 6, "Human Trafficking and Prostitution in Bennington," I have learned that there were, for some time, quite a few rumors around town regarding this and other alleged criminal activities -- yet few stepped forward to speak. I understand the thinking that no one wants to make trouble or make assumptions about our neighbors and that   Full Story

Saturday May 11, 2013 The bombing in Boston showed us that there is both good and evil in the world. It also showed us that there is much, much more good. This poem by Mabel Down Northam Brine was sent to us recently. An old one but just as true today and we thought it would be a good one for the Banner to print around Mother's Day.   Full Story

Friday May 10, 2013 Southshire Community School in North Bennington held its annual Spring Gala on Saturday, April 6, to raise money for its transportation fund. Held in the basement at the Vermont Arts Exchange in North Bennington, the event featured live jazz by the Leah Carroll Quintet, a silent auction, an art show, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar.   Full Story

Thursday May 9, 2013 Peace doesn't come easy Last Sunday as this writer was attending Mass, I was struck by the laughing little children coming up the aisles with their papers from their instruction period. They always seem to be so happy and gay there in their own little world. I hope and I pray that they never will have to know anything but the peace they know in that church.   Full Story

Wednesday May 8, 2013 My husband and I want to express our sincere thanks to the studentsof Mr.Tim Stewart's class at Arlington Memorial High School for the work they performed in restoring the walking trails and bridges on our property in Arlington. Several weeks ago, the combination of the Battenkill River at near capacity, torrential rains as well as the impact of the snow   Full Story

Tuesday May 7, 2013 I would like to encourage the voters of Bennington School District to participate in the May 21st Special Meeting for the revote of the BSD budget. The ballots are now available at the Town Clerk’s Office. The Town Clerk’s Office is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m.   Full Story

Monday May 6, 2013 The following is an open letter to the Citizens of Bennington As a former resident of Bennington, I like to keep up with the "happenings" of Bennington by checking out the online Banner from time to time. Recently, I was shocked to learn of the charges against Tom Lyons.   Full Story

Saturday May 4, 2013 A letter to Bennington Project Independence and Visiting Nurses Association: I would like to thank you for the wonderful care that has been given and continues to be given to my father, Lawrence Knapp, by both of your organizations. He is truly enjoying his later years because of you!   Full Story