The Federal Emergency Management Agency has rejected buyouts for 33 Vermont properties damaged by Tropical Storm Irene and spring flooding last year.

The news comes as a shock to the four displaced Water Street homeowners, who've been waiting more than a year for the program to come through.

Next Tuesday evening, bells will ring in churches and public spaces statewide to commemorate the anniversary of Tropical Storm Irene - and Vermont's ongoing recovery. In many hard hit towns the observances start this weekend, with potluck suppers, concerts, art exhibits - and, in the town of Newfane, a parade.

Many homeowners displaced by Tropical Storm Irene are still waiting to put their losses behind them and start over. But the wheels of government recovery programs turn at their own pace.

Many of the local funds credited with stepping up to help Vermonters in the days right after Tropical Storm Irene are closing up shop.

he Vermont House has quickly advanced a bill that would save money for towns hard-hit by Tropical Storm Irene. The bill allows towns to defer their education tax payments to the state until late February.

Vermonters in storm damaged areas are working to get roads passable and homes livable by winter. But some have nothing left to fix. In Jamaica, Tropical Storm Irene took out four houses and the land beneath them.

Jamaica is one town whose landscape was dramatically changed by the floodwaters of Tropical Storm Irene. Three and a half weeks later, the sound of heavy equipment is everywhere, and progress is being made.

Across Vermont's flood zone, town officials are working to recover and rebuild their ravaged communities.

Vermont Agriculture Secretary Chuck Ross discusses the damage done to crops and fields across the state by Tropical Storm Irene.

Voters in the southern Vermont town of Jamaica reflected the state on Town Meeting Day. They passed both town and school budgets, while they complained about interference from Washington and Montpelier.