In most places, public school means public school. But depending on where in Vermont you live, it can also mean “independent school” — approved private schools that serve as de-facto public schools. One listener wants to know why.

Thanks to Beth Murphy of St. Johnsbury for the great question. Click here for photos and a full episode transcript.

*Join the BLS team on December 8 in St. Albans! Get tickets and details here.*

This episode was reported by Burgess Brown. Editing and production from the rest of the BLS team: Sabine Poux and Josh Crane. Our intern is Sarah Bokelberg. Executive producer is Angela Evancie. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.

Special thanks to Amy Zielinski, Charlotte Albright, Peggy Pearl, John McClaughry, Rebecca Holcombe, Amanda Gustin, Gail Wiese, Kara Koenig and Daniella Sutherland.

As always, our journalism is better when you’re a part of it:

• Ask a question about Vermont
• Sign up for the BLS newsletter
• Say hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevt
• Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org
• Make a gift to support people-powered journalism
• Tell your friends about the show!

Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Spooky season is upon us – witches, werewolves … Wampahoofuses? Gather ‘round the campfire with us as we explore some of the creepy, mysterious and otherworldly questions our listeners have asked us over the years.

For the full experience, we recommend listening to this episode with headphones.

Thanks to today’s question-askers: Zachary West, Lauren Huffman and Mischa Tourin.

Click here for photos and a full episode transcript.

Hang out with us in Bennington! Click here for tickets.

More from Brave Little State:

• Your Vermont Ghost Stories: A Halloween Special From Brave Little State
• The Bennington Triangle: How 5 mysterious disappearances developed a cult following online
• From apple pie to ... ticks? 20 of your Vermont questions, answered

This episode was reported by Sarah Bokelberg. Editing and production from the rest of the BLS team: Josh Crane, Sabine Poux and Burgess Brown. Our executive producer is Angela Evancie. Halloween theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.

Special thanks to Jack Vorster, Phil Edfors, Bob Furst, Inge Schaefer and Katherine Noiva.

As always, our journalism is better when you’re a part of it:

• Ask a question about Vermont
• Sign up for the BLS newsletter
• Say hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevt
• Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org
• Make a gift to support people-powered journalism
• Tell your friends about the show!

Election Day is less than a month away. You’ve probably thought about the big races on your ballot. But what about the ones near the bottom of the page? And what about all those obscure positions appointed after Town Meeting Day?

Today, we’re answering your questions about some of Vermont’s more under-the-radar positions in town and county government: high bailiffs, justices of the peace, fence viewers and weighers of coal.

Thanks to today’s question-askers: Sarah Heim of Richmond, Peter Booth of Jericho and Megan Smeaton of Colchester.

Click here for photos and a full episode transcript. And here for a comprehensive guide to the upcoming election.

Hang out with us in Bennington! Click here for tickets.

More from Brave Little State:

• What do Vermont constables do, anyway?
• Who oversees Vermont’s county sheriffs?

This episode was reported by Sabine Poux. Editing and production from the rest of the BLS team: That’s Burgess Brown and Josh Crane. Our intern is Sarah Bokelberg. Our executive producer is Angela Evancie. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions and Crowander.

Special thanks to Liam Elder-Connors, Jay Furr, Jennifer Harlow and the many town clerks we contacted for this episode.

As always, our journalism is better when you’re a part of it:

• Ask a question about Vermont
• Sign up for the BLS newsletter
• Say hi onInstagram and Reddit @bravestatevt
• Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org
• Make a gift to support people-powered journalism
• Tell your friends about the show!

Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.