Judge slams prosecutor over minimum sentence

The issue of the steep costs of repeatedly jailing offenders in the midst of a recession went from a simmer to a boil in the courtroom this week.

Springfield On The Move seeks funds

Springfield On The Move, the downtown revitalization group, wants its town appropriation included in the $9 million town budget, rather than listed as a special funding request.

State announces municipal planning grants

Springfield received $9,333 to assess parking in the Main Street corridor, while Windsor got $12,533 to develop a downtown master plan.

Lyndon takes care of Springfield, girls basketball

An overpowering offensive and defensive attack powered Lyndon Institute over Springfield 59-30 Tuesday, setting up a championship rematch with North Country in the Holiday Tournament. In the tournament’s consolation game Wednesday, the Springfield Cosmos handled Woodstock, 52-21, to earn the third place prize.

Wrong-way driver faces DUI2 charge

A Springfield man pleaded innocent to drunken driving second offense and to negligent operation after witnesses said he drove his pickup the wrong way down Interstate 89 before crashing in the median in October.

Pennsylvania teen nabbed going 102 mph

A Pennsylvania teenager was arrested Wednesday morning on Interstate 91 in Springfield after he was caught on radar going 102 miles an hour, according to police.

Biking across the U.S. to bring awareness to depression

Ed Bradley of Springfield has been on the road since June promoting an important cause.

Springfield budget shows modest increase

Springfield's proposed town budget is up 6 percent, but would require a modest tax increase.

Friendly's 30th Annual 'Cones for Kids' Campaign

Friendly Ice Cream Corporation is launching its 30th annual 'Cones for Kids' campaign. Restaurant guests donating $5 to Easter Seals receive coupons redeemable for free food items plus $5 off a $25 purchase.

Springfield snowfall totals 15 inches from Nor'easter

Snowfall has ended but gusty winds continue, making for a very cold night outside.

Town completes proposed budget

The proposed $9.5 million town budget finalized by the Select Board this week is less than the current year's budget, but it will still require about a penny increase in the tax rate.

In appreciation of Christmas givers

A thank you message to all who supported the Springfield Santa Claus Club in 2010.

Mystery at Midnight youth event

On New Year’s Eve, the Faith Christian Youth Group will host a Youth Lock-In at the Springfield Community Center for area middle schoolers and high schoolers .

VFW Recognizes 3 Young Men

Recently the Veterans of Foreign Wars Robert L. Johnson Post 771 of Springfield recognized 3 young men who were entrants in the Voice of Democracy essay contest.

Three new businesses welcomed

The Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce welcomed three new businesses to the community.

Rec Center Hosts New Year’s Day Fun Run and Walk

The Edgar May Health and Recreation Center will host the Fourth annual New Year’s Day Fun Run and Walk on January 1, 2011 at 11:00 am. Race registration is free and open to the public.

Police seek leads in arson attempt

Two fires in the same apartment building within two hours of each other Saturday have police looking for help from the public to solve what they believe is an arson attempt.

Oxbow trips up Cosmos

Oxbow came into its interdivisional game at Springfield with an 0-2 record, but both those losses were against teams (Lake Region and Rivendell) that are expected to be strong contenders for the Division III title. Consequently, when the Olympians hung on for a 46-37 win over the Cosmos at Dressel Gym, it was not a major surprise.

Irving Oil Continues March Through Northeast U.S.

Irving Oil continues its growth spurt in the Northeast, the site of its latest conquest being North Springfield, Vermont.

Some positive flooding news

Springfield Parks and Recreation Department celebrated the first day of winter by flooding the skating rink at North School. The flooded rink should be frozen solid by Friday morning if temps continue to stay below freezing.

Audio: Band Brings Sounds Of Cuba To Springfield

A Springfield-based women's chorus forged a connection with Septeto Tipico Tivoli, a Cuban band they met years ago while performing at a festival in Cuba. That band is now touring Vermont. Listen (5:06 minutes)

Murder defendant wins access to medical record

A judge has ruled that a Springfield man charged with second-degree murder is entitled to review the medical records of the deceased, a decision that could help the defendant bolster his argument of self-defense.

Petition to keep school’s tax exemption

Members of the North School Preservation Society have only until January 21st to get at least 350 signatures from Springfield registered voters to keep North School and its five acres of recreation land exempt from property taxes.

Guest Donald Gurney (left) listens as board members discuss plans for the year ahead at the North School Preservation Society's first annual meeting held December 7th in the ice skaters' warming hut at North School recreation park.

What a Solar Week it has been

A first hand account of the ceremony at IVEK Corporation last Tuesday celebrating the completion of their huge new solar energy installation.

Former Springfield official faces DUI charge

A 42-year-old Springfield man faces a potential jail sentence after he was arrested for drunken driving.

The good, the bad, the victory for Springfield

When the end finally came Thursday night after Springfield had beaten Woodstock, 43-27, in a Marble Valley League game, neither coach was particularly happy.

High School Art Reception

The Springfield High School Art Reception at VAULT was well attended on December 8. The exhibit, "River Views" will remain on display until January 5, 2011.

Board suspends Springfield lawyer's license

A Springfield lawyer's law license has been suspended by the Vermont Supreme Court Professional Responsibility Board.

Area man jailed on 4th DUI charge

A Springfield man who had pleaded guilty to his third DUI last month was sent straight to jail Wednesday following his arrest for another alleged drunken driving episode in Chester late Tuesday night.

Arrest made in farmstand theft

A 14-year-old teenage boy from Springfield has been charged with stealing money and goods from the farmstand at Black Watch Farm.

Can a restored façade bring a VT town back to life?

When she undertook the task of re-creating the art deco façade of the now-decrepit Springfield Theater, Leslie Fry had two photographs to work from. The grand relief was covered up in the 1950s, and might have remained under wraps had the building not been badly damaged in a fire two years ago.

Schools Say They Won’t Meet Challenges Goal

Wednesday is the deadline for school districts to report on whether they can make the budget-cutting targets set by Vermont's Challenges for Change law. Principal Susan Whittemore points with pride - and frustration -- to the improvements at Elm Hill School in Springfield.

Gas prices highest since 2008

Gas prices Tuesday afternoon in Vermont ranged from a low of $3.03 a gallon at three stations in Springfield to a high if $3.22 at the Citgo station at Shelburne Road and Bacon Street in Burlington, according to VermontGasPrices.com, which tracks gasoline prices reported by consumers.

Cloud hangs over North Springfield manufacturer’s solar project

IVEK Corp. unveiled new solar energy panels that are expected to supply the manufacturer with about 90 percent of its power, but company president Mark Tanny said the project’s debut was not entirely sunny.

North Springfield company says it lost out on tax credit for solar panels

Some Vermont lawmakers say they will try to get a matching state tax credit for a North Springfield business that installed solar panels but lost out on the tax credits.

Let the sun shine

Bob Flint, executive director of the Springfield Regional Development Corporation speaks at IVEK Corporation in North Springfield, VT on Tuesday at the official celebration for their new solar power installation, which is believed to be largest net metering system in Vermont. 

Hurricanes post a sweep in Springfield

Hartford saw a 17-point third quarter lead dissolve to four in the fourth quarter before the Hurricanes held on for a 56-51 season-opening boys basketball win over Springfield Saturday night.

Water main break closes road

Fairground Road between the Recyling Center and the Town Barn had to be closed to thru traffic late Monday afternoon after a break in water mains there.

Homeless couple accused in joyride

A homeless couple ended up in jail this weekend after they allegedly took a car belonging to a good Samaritan who was trying to help them, and trashed it.

Shaping up in Springfield

The excavator arm tore through the wall of the Fellows Gear Shaper plant, bringing lumber and siding crashing to the ground. (Photo from Springfield Regional Development Corporation)

 

‘Nutcracker’ returns this weekend

The Sugar Plum Fairy, the Snow Queen and the Pointe Doll have been dancing together since they were children hiding under the skirts of Mother Goose. This weekend they will be at center stage in “The Nutcracker.”

'The Nutcracker' preview slideshow

From the Dance Factory in Springfield which will be performing the holiday classic this weekend in the high school auditorium.

Police suspect alcohol in highway crash

Officials have confirmed that the Springfield, Vt., man who was ejected from his pickup late Friday afternoon as it rolled across the median and then through to the far side of the opposite lane of Interstate 91 in Hartland is still hospitalized because of life-threatening injuries he suffered during what investigators believe may have been an alcohol-related crash.

Vault "Home for the Holidays" cookie sale

Gallery at the VAULT, a Vermont State Craft Center welcomes you "Home for the Holidays" during their Open House days: Wednesday, December 15 through Saturday, December 18, 11 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

A night with Santa

As the blue lights of the escort police car moved through the lights, the anticipation and excitement rose... Santa and Mrs. Santa came down into the crowd of children. As he stood by the tree, the lights came on and the official Christmas of downtown Springfield had begun.

Santa's Springfield Schedule

Springfield area children have several opportunities to visit with Santa between now and Christmas at his little red shed in the Springfield Shopping Plaza.

Elks hold 3rd annual winter coat drive

The Springfield Elks held their third annual Winter Coat drive for the Springfield Family Center.

Teenager jailed for ignoring court order

Just a month after a judge gave him a four-year deferred sentence and told him, “I wish you good luck and hope you are not back here again,” a Springfield teenager was back in court Monday charged with never showing up for probation.

Cruelty trial cites legal allowance

The attorney for a former Springfield therapist charged with killing a dog is seeking to have the criminal charges dismissed.

Weathersfield Has Town Forest

The town of Weathersfield now has its own town forest and the land purchase benefits the Edgar May Health and Recreation Center in Springfield.

Rollover collision leads to airlift

A Springfield man was airlifted off Interstate 91 Friday evening in critical condition with what firefighters described as severe injuries, but no information was available Saturday on what became of him.

Annual Unicorn Craft Fair

The 31st annual "Beyond the Unicorn" Christmas craft fair was held Saturday, December 4th at Riverside school. More than 85 crafters participated.

Putney Bus Accident Injures 17 passengers

Friday afternoon a bus carrying 45 people veered off Interstate 91 in Putney and went down an embankment, coming to rest on its side. Eight passengers with minor injuries were transported to Springfield Hospital.

Downtown Christmas tree lighting

The Town Christmas Tree was lighted up by Santa shortly after his 5:30 p.m. downtown arrival Friday, December 3rd.

Springfield group wants parking survey

The first thing businesses interested in moving to downtown Springfield ask about is parking, according to Carol Lighthall, executive director of Springfield On The Move.

SEVCA and WCFR join together for "Share the Warmth"

With the average cost of home heating oil up as much as $1.00 (3.41/gal) and propane up 57 cents (2.56/gal) from last year, local residents have struggled more than ever this year to keep their homes warm during the recent frigid weather.

Springfield Garden Club's 'Festival of Trees'

The 18th Annual 'Festival of Trees' hosted by the Springfield Garden Club at the Fullerton Inn in Chester on November 19. was a gala event and enjoyed by the large number of people attending.

Obituary: Thomas R. Markham

Thomas Reed Markham, 56, died Nov. 26 after spending the previous day serving Thanksgiving dinner at a local homeless shelter. He was a poet, Quaker, and activist.

Springfield school budget group rejects state challenge

Springfield schools look to level-fund budget.

Accident closes section of Rte 106

A motor vehicle accident occuring around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night resulted in police closing off part of River Street for over an hour.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner enjoyed by 300

St. Mary's Catholic Church in Springfield recently held it's annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner at the Nolin-Murray Center only this year, the volunteers are serving turkey and mashed potatoes with brand new kitchen equipment, including an eight burner, stainless-steel stove and two stacking convection ovens.

Bolaski seeks medical records of man he shot

Efforts to finally get an already tangled second-degree murder case ready for trial took a Kafkaesque turn on Monday when attorneys for the Chester man who did the shooting sought to obtain the private medical records of the victim.