October 7 • 2026
The Champlain Valley Remembers the Battle of Valcour Island; The Race for Lieutenant Governor Heats Up; Doughnuts on the Rise: Three New Vermont Purveyors; Greg Freeman’s New Album Muses on the Collapse of Society
Cover Story
The Champlain Valley Remembers the Battle of Valcour Island
Starring Benedict Arnold, the conflict on Lake Champlain 250 years ago was the most important Revolutionary War fight you’ve never heard of.
News
Hurdles Remain for Burlington’s Overdose-Prevention Center
Officials still need to buy a building, create zoning rules, hold public forums and get approval from the city council before the site can open.
The Race for Lieutenant Governor Is Heating Up
John Rodgers goes on the attack as former LG Molly Gray seeks her old job back.
Two General Stores Stock Freezers With Free Meals
Sister general stores in the Northeast Kingdom are looking out for their hungry neighbors. Customers help finance the novel grab ’n go program.
From the Publisher: Deadline Leaf Peeper
Publisher Paula Routly chased fall foliage on a Mount Hunger hike. For her, the autumn leaves represent the inevitability of change — and yet another deadline.
Arts+Culture
‘Fragments’ Brings the Battle of Valcour Island to Life
An exhibit at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum sheds new light on heroism and humanity during a key Revolutionary War fight
Plattsburgh Re-creates the Battle of Valcour Island
The naval reenactment on Plattsburgh Bay is one of many Champlain Valley events celebrating the battle’s 250th anniversary.
A Historian Reflects on Benedict Arnold’s Complicated Legacy
America’s most notorious Revolutionary War turncoat is still synonymous with treachery. Vermont’s Willard Sterne Randall says there’s more to the story.
Valcour Island’s Unknown Soldiers Are Finally Laid to Rest
Unidentified remains from the Revolutionary War battle on Lake Champlain will be given a full military funeral in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
A New Book Offers Ancient Advice for Apocalyptic Times
‘How to Face the End of the World,’ from Middlebury College classics professor Christopher Star, examines the timeless theme of prepping for global annihilation.
Theater Review: ‘What the Constitution Means to Me,’ Lost Nation Theater
Heidi Schreck’s 2017 play is bold theater demonstrating what’s personal in the political and the power of respectful dialogue.
Sculpture, Dance and Music Fuse in ‘Noli Timere’ at the Hop
Janet Echelman’s famed suspended net sculptures become the stage for eight dancers in a work choreographed by Princeton’s Rebecca Lazier.
University of Vermont Art Profs Show Their Work in ‘Catalyst’
The faculty show at the Fleming Museum offers different approaches to context, from profs whose work tells all to those who withhold details about its meaning.
Migrant Muralists Reflect on Home in Brattleboro
Invited to create outdoor art at Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, Jonathan Gitelson teamed up with resettled refugees to create murals pondering America’s promise.
Magnificent 7: Must-See, Must-Do Events in and Around Vermont, October 7-14
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including alt-Americana icon Lucinda Williams at New Hampshire’s Lebanon Opera House.
Food+Drink
Doughnuts on the Rise: Biting Into Three New Vermont Shops
Three Vermont doughnut purveyors have expanded their operations in recent months to meet a growing appetite for fried dough.
One Dish: Sabah’s House Shares Shawarma From a Family Recipe
Since taking over the kiosk at the corner of Church and College streets in Burlington, Mustafa Khudaier has built a following for his chicken shawarma wrap.
Big Heart Social in Vergennes Has Closed
For exactly three months, the café-bar established itself as a home for Addison County’s queer community. But sales didn’t cover the new business’ expenses.
Crumbs: Ondis in Montpelier to Close in November
In Vermont restaurant news: Montpelier’s Ondis announced the end of its three-year run. For now, the Barre Street bar remains open with snacks and drinks.
Music+Nightlife
Album Review: Greg Freeman, ‘All Set the Bone’
On his third album, and first since leaving Vermont, the newly crowned indie darling looks at the collapse of society and wonders what’s next.
On the Beat: Fundraisers and Fresh Tracks
In Vermont music news: Rockers help out furry friends; Phish fans want to send you to college; and Grace Potter and goth-metal act Max Crowley drop new singles.
On Screen
‘Digger’ Is an Overreaching Satire of Overreach That Sometimes Works
Tom Cruise plays an oil tycoon who pushes the world to the brink of cataclysm in this controversial, divisive dark comedy from Alejandro G. Iñárritu.
Now Playing in Theaters, October 7-14
In addition to ‘Tony’ here’s what is playing in Northern and Central Vermont movie theaters this week. Listings include new movies, vintage films and a directory of open theaters.
Fun Stuff
Free Will Astrology 10/7/26
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888.
Ask the Rev: My Son Is Scared of Halloween Skeletons
A neighbor’s seasonal yard display is too spooky for a 5-year-old. Here’s advice on explaining Halloween traditions and overcoming the fear factor.
Life Lines
In Memoriam: Barbara Broughton
… thanks for being you … You’ve left a gaping hole in our hearts, and a day doesn’t go by that you’re not remembered with much deep love… Your loving family
In Memoriam: Lucille Sargent, 1941-2022
We will always love and remember you, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. We miss you every day. Love, Don, Sarah & Simone Alex, Malcolm, Brandon, Lauren, Olivia, Langston, Myles & Lucille Amor
Obituary: Audrey Ochs Kiendl, 1929-2026
Former Nantucket Island innkeeper was a people person who was always sending positive energy to everyone she knew
Obituary: Sally Burrell, 1958-2026
Advocate for energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy had a “spirit of positivity and possibility”
Obituary: Frances “Fran” Mount, 1942-2026
Faith, family and music were central to the life of 26-year staffing industry professional who cofounded Westaff
In Memoriam: Brenda Emmons, 1957-2026 and Kevin Lee Emmons, 1958-2026
Their community remembers a 50-year couple who met in high school
Obituary: William J. “Bill” Drzyzga, 1945-2026
U.S. Air Force veteran and decorated member of the Vermont Air National Guard loved hunting, fishing and a game of cribbage
Obituary: Suzanne Slesar, 1962-2026
Force to be reckoned with thrived on helping people get through their most difficult times
Obituary: Ralph Leo Jr., 1942-2026
Thirty-five-year employee of General Dynamics was a member of the American Legion Post 91 and the Eagles Club in Milton
Obituary: Katie Marie Line, 1983-2026
“Mom’s best friend” loved spending time with family and friends, and her smile and laugh were contagious
Obituary: Peter M. Ireland, 1937-2026
Proud Vermonter with a long career in health care administration was a deeply involved community member and volunteer
Obituary: Celia “Sis” Jarvis McClintock, 1925-2026
Lifelong Vermonter found beauty and joy in the simplest things and made every person in her family feel uniquely loved
Obituary: Patricia (Horton) Rouille, 1935-2026
Former nurse and IBM employee loved Christmas, home decorating, puzzles and, most of all, her relationships with her family
Obituary: Larry Earl Terry, 1939-2026
U.S. Army veteran and longtime IBM accountant was always ready to provide guidance to those he loved, preceded by his signature phrase, “What you should do is…”
