BENNINGTON - Brandeis University Professor Anita Hill, who rose to national fame during the confirmation hearing of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, is the newest trustee at Southern Vermont College. SVC President Karen Gross announced the appointment of Hill on Thursday. Hill is current a faculty member at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University.   Full Story

NORTH BENNINGTON -- Anyone thinking about raising children in Vermont may want to consider North Bennington first. That's what Business Week says in its recent "2010 Best Place to Raise Your Kids" ranking. Business Week rankings In the international business magazine's annual selection of the top municipalities in each state to raise children, the most heavily weighted criteria   Full Story

BENNINGTON -- A woman is suing her former employer, claiming that she was fired after making it clear that she would file a workers' compensation claim. In a complaint filed in Bennington Superior Court on Aug. 31, Marie Becker, a former employee of National Hanger, said she was injured while in the company's parking lot.   Full Story

BENNINGTON -- A man whose probation was revoked after he was charged with defrauding an elderly woman pleaded no contest to the charges Thursday in Bennington District Court. David K. Barber Jr., 31, was sentenced to serve 6 months to 2 years for home improvement fraud and financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult.   Full Story

BENNINGTON -- A Pownal woman pleaded not guilty to assault charges Wednesday in Bennington District Court. Tracey Gulley, 34, of Blueberry Hill Road, pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of second degree aggravated domestic assault with an injury resulting. She was released on the condition that she not have contact with her alleged victim.   Full Story

ARLINGTON -- A motion passed Monday by the Select Board endorsing the sale of 812 acres of Spruce Peak to the Green Mountain National Forest will require a degree of trust between the two entities. Eastern access The motion, which passed on a 3-1 vote, holds that the board will approve of the sale between Meadowsend Timber, the logging company that currently owns the land, and the Forest   Full Story

HOOSICK FALLS, N.Y. -- As a response to two high profile cases over the past year involving alleged animal cruelty, the town is holding a question and answer forum Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Town of Hoosick Armory on Church Street. Participating in the forum will be members of the Rensselaer County Animal Protection Coalition, a group of law enforcement officers, animal control officers and   Full Story

BENNINGTON -- Members of the Vermont National Guard are returning to Vermon tafter training in Louisiana. Lt. Col. Lloyd Goodrow, spokesman for the Vermont National Guard, said Wednesday that the 1,500 or so guardsmen and women have completed training at Fort Polk in Louisiana. The training is meant to aid them during a year-long deployment to Afghanistan set for next month and early next year.   Full Story

WINHALL -- On Dec. 8, voters will be asked to approve a $782,550 bond for renovations to the former Bernache property along Route 30 for conversion into a new Town Hall. The bulk of the renovations would include the installation of a new vault for the town clerk and an elevator to the second floor, according to Town Administrator Dennis McCarthy.   Full Story

BENNINGTON -- Three people are facing charges in Bennington District Court for allegedly growing marijuana in their residence at the West Road Mobile Home Park. Richard Campilongo, 22, Brittany Hover, 19, and Richard Bump, 21, each pleaded not guilty Tuesday to felony counts cultivation of marijuana.   Full Story

BENNINGTON -- A Guatemalan national stopped by local police in May was sentenced Wednesday to 21 months in prison for an immigration offense. Carlos Ahlares, 31, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Burlington Monday by Judge William K. Sessions III. Ahlares entered the U.S. without the permission of the U.   Full Story

MANCHESTER -- Ten towns have partnered together in an effort to reduce the overall cost of purchasing items such as diesel fuel, heating oil, paving materials and road salt. "All the towns are looking for ways to cut our costs yet still be able to provide the same level of service," said Winhall Town Administrator Dennis McCarthy.   Full Story

BENNINGTON -- The Bank of Bennington is planning to open a second branch in Bennington by next fall, according to President and CEO James Brown. The bank purchased a plot of land on Route 67A earlier this month next to the Cinema 7 movie theater and near the Route 279 exit and entrance ramps. The land, previously owned by B&B Auto Repair, was purchased for $350,000 on Nov.   Full Story

BENNINGTON -- A Bennington man on probation for embezzlement and drug possession was held without bail Monday after he pleaded not guilty in Bennington District Court to sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. Tyson Putnam, 22, of Brambly Lane, pleaded not guilty to aggravated sexual assault with a child and lewd and lascivious conduct with a child.   Full Story

BENNINGTON -- Vermont’s Education commissioner visited four Bennington area schools last week for an opportunity to talk with students and faculty. Commissioner Armando Vilaseca spent about an hour at Molly Stark Elementary, Mount Anthony Union Middle School and Mount Anthony Union High School Friday.   Full Story