February 2001: A Look Back at a Notable Winter

As the winter of 2025-26 unfolds, memories of past winters resurface. One such winter, February 2001, stands out for its significant snowfall and impactful weather events. This article revisits the key occurrences of February 2001, drawing from historical records and news reports.

Heavy Snowfall and Winter Storms

National Weather Service records indicate that the 2000-01 winter season was expected to surpass average snowfall totals . The typical January thaw, which often provides a brief respite from winter conditions, did not materialize that year, contributing to accumulating snow and icy conditions.

A particularly impactful event was a Nor’easter that caused a barn collapse near Bakersfield. The collapse trapped approximately 100 cows, leading to a large-scale rescue operation involving around 100 volunteers. Sadly, ten cows perished during the all-night effort, even as approximately 80 were saved.

Life Beyond Television

In a Vermont AP story, the Begley family was featured as part of a report on households without television. The story highlighted that around 3% of Vermont homes did not have a TV. Families interviewed reported increased creativity and improved focus in school among their children, with one parent stating the desire to allow their children “room in their hearts, room in their lives, for something that’s better.”

Community and Local News

Valentine’s Day saw six couples renewing their wedding vows at the Georgia United Methodist Church.

The St. Albans Post Office was slated to relocate from the Federal Building to the St. Albans Shopping Plaza, contingent on the Common Council’s support. This move was intended to address space constraints and improve truck access. The relocation would also involve moving Brooks Pharmacy to a different location within the plaza.

Legislative and Environmental Concerns

Vermont lawmakers were engaged in ongoing debates regarding Act 250, a law enacted in 1970 designed to preserve the state’s natural environment and provide citizens with a voice in community planning. Discussions centered on the balance between environmental protection, job creation, and housing development, mirroring debates that continue today.

Water Contamination Issue

Tests at Fairfield School revealed that petroleum contamination of the school’s water supply originated within the school building itself, not from the well. As a precaution, the school continued to use bottled water for drinking and cooking, and wet towelettes for handwashing.

Driving Safety

State legislators considered a bill to ban cell phone use while driving, joining a growing number of states enacting similar legislation.

Cary Brunswick, of St. Albans, writes a regular local history column for the Messenger.