Public Post: News And Notes From Vermont Cities And Towns

Barre

News & Features

Mayor Thom Lauzon is asking for $196,000 in cuts, saying he wants to consolidate departments - a move that would likely result in personnel layoffs.

Barre's City Council is expected next month to discuss the city's water rate contract with the town of Barre. City officials say the meeting is an earnest attempt to control skyrocketing maintenance fees.

The former Brooks Drug mall is seen on North Main Street in Barre. Governor Peter Shumlin says he'd like to move the Department of Education to a new building proposed for the site.

Gov. Peter Shumlin has suggested moving 170 state workers to Barre, an idea that's been greeted with enthusiasm by Mayor Thom Lauzon.

Barre Mayor Thom Lauzon says hosting state workers could be a tremendous opportunity for his city's economy.

To boost the local economy, the City of Barre wants some of the state workers displaced by Tropical Storm Irene to move to its downtown.

On warm summer evenings, 7,000 race fans can gather at Thunder Road to watch races on the small, banked track. Vermont's Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott has been involved in racing there for more than 30 years, and he explains what it takes to drive at Thunder Road.

Victims of last week's flooding in central Vermont gathered at a forum in Barre with representatives of more than a dozen social service and government agencies.

One organization dedicated to helping those in need is now itself suffering a setback due to last week's flash floods. The Barre Chapter of the Salvation Army lost most of its inventory after water washed through its North Main Street thrift store.

The Barre Montpelier-Times Argus had three feet of water in their newsroom and press room. But they haven't yet missed a paper. VPR's Mitch Wertlieb speaks with general manager Catherine Nelson.

American Red Cross officials say a shelter they opened for flood victims last Thursday in Barre is still open this week.

A worker clears mud from a street in Barre on Tuesday.

Central Vermont communities are still cleaning up after last week's devastating floods. Officials estimate the damage in Barre City alone has topped $1 million. But that estimate doesn't include homes or personal property destroyed by the raging waters.

Emergency Management officials are warning people in Barre to beware of a heightened risks of landslides caused by saturated ground from recent heavy rains and flooding.

Officials are hoping President Barack Obama will declare Barre a disaster area so the city will qualify for federal help in repairing damage from heavy rains and flooding.

The Vermont Frost Heaves professional basketball team is no more.

A busy Vermont homeless shelter is looking for ways to ease the pressures caused by overcrowding that has burned out volunteers, stressed donors and put pressure on its already tight budget.

Vermonters are making their choices in the primary election today. They're faced with a long list of names on both the Democratic and Republican ballots.