

Cover Story
In the Vermont Statehouse, Committee Chairs Wield Tremendous Power
They operate not in ornate chambers but in smaller, cramped rooms. But those who run committees can do much to shape and steer policy debates.
News
Another Sheriff Scandal Renews Calls for Accountability
The latest arrest of a Vermont sheriff — and his decision to stay on the job — is prompting lawmakers to consider greater oversight.
Democrats Struggle to Find Candidate to Take on Scott
Concern is growing within the party that no prominent candidates will challenge the popular Republican incumbent.
From the Publisher: Armchair Olympics
Need a break from the news? Seven Days publisher Paula Routly is watching the 2026 Winter Olympics, where Vermont-trained athletes are going for gold.
Letters to the Editor (2/11/26)
In Praise of HCR I was surprised to read that Maine historian Heather Cox Richardson is a new “source” for editor Paula Routly [From the Publisher: “‘Don’t Watch If This Will Upset You,’” January 28]. HCR is a national treasure and has been my No. 1 news source since 2019. I highly recommend following her…
Food+Drink
La Di Da Pizza Warms Burlington With New York-Style Pizza and Cheery Vibes
Chef-owner Celine Eid brings a lifelong pizza obsession to her new spot in the Old North End. It serves a mostly veggie menu of pies whole and by the slice.
Stone Corral Brewery’s Bierstacheln Events Are Steaming Hot
Also called “beer poking,” the German tradition involves plunging red-hot rods into cold beer. At the Richmond brewpub, it’s a chance to gather ’round the fire.
Thai in the Alley Opens in Downtown Burlington
The restaurant from the owner of Stowe Thai takes over for BKK in the Alley, which closed in the fall. The menu features traditional and creative Thai dishes.
Poorhouse Pies to Expand to Cambridge and Add a Café
Owner Suzanne Tomlinson said the appetite for pie and catering required a larger kitchen. The new spot will offer breakfast and lunch. Underhill stays the same.
Café Napoli to Open on Cherry Street in Burlington
Seasoned downtown barista Cole Thornton, formerly of the Cosmic Grind, and business partner Dante Seguino hope to start serving espresso by the end of March.
Arts+Culture
Cardy-o-grams 2026
Valentine’s Day notes of affection, gratitude and admiration from Seven Days Readers
Vermont Historian Connor Williams on the Dashed Effort to Rename American Military Bases
In a new book, ‘A Promise Delivered,’ the historian chronicles the Naming Commission’s overruled work to erase Confederate names and highlight American heroes.
Theater Review: ‘The World Is Not Silent,’ Northern Stage
Three lovable characters, all South Vietnamese, tell the story of a father and son looking for a way to connect in Don X. Nguyen’s brisk comedy.
Three Vermont High Schools Host Traveling Exhibit About Anne Frank and the Holocaust
The traveling display chronicles the life of the German Jewish girl whose family hid from Nazis in an Amsterdam attic for two years. Students act as docents.
Q&A: Library Volunteers Mark and Robin Twery Love Books and Each Other
The Burlington couple have been organizing book sales for Friends of the Fletcher Free Library for years. Go behind the scenes of this “Stuck in Vermont” video.
The Female Form Goes Abstract With ‘Sensual Turns’ Art Show in Waterbury
At the Phoenix gallery, Elizabeth Powell, Jenny Kemp and Bonnie Morano use the formal language of abstract painting to reference the body without picturing it.
‘Downtown Lights’ Art Installations Illuminate Burlington
Burlington City Arts and the Church Street Marketplace District Commission present lighting displays from local artists, aiming to attract shoppers downtown.
Magnificent 7: Must-See, Must-Do Events in and Around Vermont, February 11-18
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including Venezuelan artist Nella at the University of Vermont Recital Hall in Burlington.
Music+Nightlife
Best of Both Worlds: Ted Perry Raises Money for Cancer
The Burlington pianist, composer and ICU nurse merges his two lives for a fundraiser at SEABA.
On the Beat: Behold, the Goth Prom!
Wicked Game is a dark alternative to Valentine’s Day. Plus, James Kochalka debuts a new band, and Famous Letter Writer and All Night Boogie Band drop singles.
Album Review: Blueberry Betty, ‘Blueberry Betty’
Burlington singer-songwriter and producer Ben Schnier keeps his chin up on the latest release from his indie-folk project.
On Screen
‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ Takes a Gripping Trip to the Dark Side of Motherhood
Rose Byrne received an Oscar nomination for her uncompromising performance as a woman flailing under the weight of mothering a sick child.
Now Playing in Theaters, February 11-18
In addition to Dead Man’s Wire, 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.
Life Lines
Obituary: Mary Just Skinner, 1946-2026
Former state senator was the 47th woman sworn in as a lawyer in Vermont and a role model for younger women
Obituary: Harold “Hal” Bingham Bauerle, 1980-2026
Community mental health counselor supported his clients kindly, compassionately and with a sense of humor
Obituary: Richard Eric “GMan” Olson, 1937-2026
Waitsfield man led by example and hard work and had a natural ability to bring out the best in others
Obituary: Elaine Maheux, 1938-2026
Elaine Maheux passed away on February 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Services will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, 1 p.m., in the Minor Funeral Home, 237 Route 7, Milton, VT. For a full obituary, please visit minorfh.com.
Obituary: Jeanne Pauline Deslauriers, 1942-2026
Burlington woman’s nursing career included work in critical care units in California, Florida and Vermont
Obituary: Ross Edward Raymond, 1952-2026
Devoted husband, father and grandfather was a problem solver who worked through every challenge with quiet determination and curiosity
Obituary: Stephen Gottschalk Lewis, 1961-2026
Registered nurse was a passionate advocate for his patients and loved sailing, gardening and his church community
Obituary: Robert J. Johnson, MD, 1939-2026
Pioneering sports medicine researcher conducted a groundbreaking 49-year study of ski injuries
Obituary: Melinda Ely, 1956-2026
Melinda Ely, 70, of Madisonville, Ky., passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at her residence. Melinda was born on January 9, 1956, in Burlington, Vt., to the late Paul Machia and Marlene Cota Densmore. Mrs. Ely worked at Brighton Cornerstone Healthcare, where she was famous for loving the patients. She took joy in every…
Obituary: Carol Gibson Warnock, 1951-2026
“I want to go soon and live away by the pond where I shall hear only the wind whispering among the reeds. It will be success if I shall have left myself behind.” — Henry David Thoreau Early in the morning of January 8, 2026, in the loving presence of her husband and two children,…
Obituary: Grace Brunelle, 1955-2026
Jericho woman created art and crafts with love, bringing to life what she imagined and maintaining a childlike curiosity
Obituary: Jane C. Floyd, 1952-2026
Shelburne woman met the love of her life at the bus station while working for Vermont Transit Lines
Obituary: Marilee Conrad Kemsley, 1954-2026
Writer loved nature and frequently wrote from her family’s renovated farmhouse on Lake Champlain
In Memoriam: Jared Cilley II, 1931-2025
In memory of Jared Cilley II. October 7, 1931-February 5, 2025 Gone, but not forgotten. As he requested, no services were held. His obituary can be found at awrichfuneralhomes.com.
Obituary: John Roger Floyd, 1952-2026
Founder of Design Signs in Burlington’s South End had a lifelong passion for craftsmanship and remained “open to surprise”
Fun Stuff
Free Will Astrology, February 12-18
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888.
Ask the Rev: I Hate Hearing My Coworkers Eat Lunch
Can’t stomach your coworkers’ chewing noises? Here’s advice for blocking out unwanted sounds or — gasp! — introducing the idea of actual lunch breaks.






