Local News
Superstar Six-Pack construction hits new phase as helicopters fly in concrete
July 3, 2025
KILLINGTON — Construction of the new Superstar six-pack chairlift has reached an exciting phase this summer, with helicopters now flying in concrete for the tower and terminal footings. On Wednesday, July 1, a helicopter was seen flying to Killington Resort with a payload of concrete. Killington Resort is replacing its iconic Superstar Express quad with…
Local road construction plans for 4th of July week
July 2, 2025
The following is a weekly report that lists its planned construction activities that will affect traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont for the week of June 30. Most construction projects will pause work for the 4th of July `Local roads in Rutland and Windsor County, include: I-89 Royalton Construction continues Monday through…
Ribbon cuttings in Ludlow and Proctorsville highlight local business growth
July 2, 2025
A pair of ribbon cuttings on June 20 held by the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (OVRCC) marked a day of celebration for two local businesses and offered a boost of momentum to the region’s small business economy. In Ludlow, Aubuchon ACE Hardware unveiled its newly renovated store on Main Street with a grand…
Cirque Series celebrates successful Killington debut
July 2, 2025
By Polly Mikula The Cirque Series broke trail in New England with two new races. On June 7, runners raced up Cannon Mountain in Franconia, New Hampshire and this past Saturday, June 28, they tackled “The Beast of the East,” Killington Mountain. Cirque is also adding Crystal Mountain, Washington, to its national lineup of eight…
Rutland Sculpture Trail announces 14th installation
July 2, 2025
The 14th addition to the Rutland Sculpture Trail will honor the community’s giving spirit, volunteerism, and inspiration - and the national record for donating blood. Organizers have commissioned a piece honoring Rutland’s Gift-of-Life Marathon (GOLM), which still holds the one-day U.S. record for blood donations 12 years after setting the record and continues to inspire…
Opinions/Columns
Gov. Phil Scott, we’ve never needed you more, where are you?
July 2, 2025
Dear Editor, I was scheduled to be the final speaker at the “No Kings” rally in Burlington last week. Unfortunately, the event ran longer than anticipated, and I was not able to address the crowd. Here’s what I had planned to say: Good afternoon. My name is Larry Satcowitz. I’m a state representative from Randolph.…
H.454 passed but not a done deal
July 2, 2025
By Rep. Peter Conlon Editor’s note: Rep. Peter Conlon, D-Cornwall, is chair of the House Education Committee. The passage of the education bill, H. 454, in the General Assembly, and presumably gaining the governor’s signature into law, marks the start of efforts to transform Vermont’s education system into one that recognizes the incredible demographic changes…
The worst bill in modern U.S. history
July 2, 2025
By U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders Editor’s note: Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) gave the following remarks Sunday, June 29, on the floor of the U.S. Senate opposing President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Mr. President: President Trump’s so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill,” now on the floor of the Senate, is the most dangerous piece of legislation in the modern history…
Protecting SNAP protects farmers
July 2, 2025
Dear Editor, As the director of the Burlington Farmers Market I am deeply concerned about what’s happening in Congress right now and the potential to gut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, two of the most essential programs that help people put food on the table and get the healthcare they need. At our…
A big, bad bill for the Fourth
July 2, 2025
By Angelo Lynn Editor’s note: Angelo Lynn is the owner and publisher of the Addison Independent in Middlebury, a sister paper of the Mountain Times. As Senate Republicans wrestle to pass President Trump’s “big bill” by a self-imposed July 4 deadline, Vermonters should understand the policy changes that will impact their lives. At over 1,000…
Top Events
State News
Vermont’s adult loon population is at an all-time high, but fewer chicks are surviving
July 2, 2025
By Izzy Wagner/VTDigger Vermont’s adult loon population is at an all-time high, but scientists have noticed a recent decrease in the number of chicks surviving. In 2024, Vermont saw a record-breaking 123 nesting pairs, 11 of which landed at first-time nesting sites. Out of the 125 loon chicks that hatched in 2024, 65% survived through the…
Vermont State University graduates 414 nurses, boosting local health care workforce
July 2, 2025
Vermont State University (VTSU) has graduated 414 new nurses this year, marking a significant step forward in addressing the state’s ongoing health care workforce shortage. With approximately 92% of these graduates testing for licensure in Vermont and strong NCLEX pass rates, the university continues to deliver on its promise to educate and prepare nurses who…
VT Agency of Education announces summer food service program
July 2, 2025
The Agency of Education announced the availability of summer meal sites providing meals to all children, 18 and under, through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). This program ensures that children across the state have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer. Families are encouraged to access these meals to help support children’s growth, health,…
Sanders restores $17m for Vt schools canceled by Trump
July 2, 2025
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), ranking member of the Senate health, education, labor, and pensions (HELP) committee, June 27 announced that the U.S. Dept. of Education reversed its decision to cancel nearly $17 million in federal K-12 Covid-19 funding for Vermont school districts and some $2.5 billion for schools across the country. The administration’s announcement follows…
Scott signs H.480, ‘phone-free’ school bill
July 2, 2025
Governor Phil Scott June 27 signed H.480, among other amendments, to education law. The bill includes a “phone-free” in schools policy that has received wide support in Vermont and nationally. When signing H.480, an act relating to miscellaneous amendments to education law, Gov. Scott issued the following statement: “This bill includes many technical changes but…
Arts & Entertainment
A Dreamy creemee road trip through Vermont
July 7, 2025
By James Kent If you live in Rutland or Windsor County, you’ve learned one undeniable truth: You may live near some things, but you are only one hour in any direction from most other things. And that mantra makes our area the perfect environment for a road trip. When taking on a weekend road trip…
A fantasy of flavors comes together in this tasty and healthy summer salad
July 7, 2025
By James Kent Many moons ago, I lived in Scottsdale, Arizona, with my wife and then firstborn. One of our favorite restaurants to frequent was a place called Pita Jungle. Besides serving the most incredible hummus I’ve ever tasted, they had this delicious salad they called the Fruit Fantasia. The salad was aptly named because…
Grandma drink hits the spot on a summer night
July 7, 2025
By James Kent During the summers of my youth, I looked forward to many things, but one of my favorites was going to my grandma’s house on a hot summer’s night, sitting on a porch rocker, looking out at the stars, and sipping Grandma drink through a bendy straw. “Grandma drink” is what we called…
Hand-Powered Fun and Old-Fashioned Spirit at Farm & Wilderness Fair
July 3, 2025
By Alec Strum Hidden in the Plymouth Valley of Windsor County lie the Farm & Wilderness camps, a group of Quaker-based wilderness residential summer camps on the Woodward Reservoir, just a few miles from Killington. Farm & Wilderness, a nonprofit camping organization, is hosting its annual fair on August 9, which is open to the…
