Local News
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…
Sean Adkins named executive director of RRA
July 2, 2025
After a nationwide search, the Rutland Redevelopment Authority (RRA) has named Sean Adkins as its new executive director. Adkins, who brings a strong background in public administration and economic development, is expected to begin his role in late July or early August. Adkins currently serves as the town manager in St. Albans, Vermont. He previously…
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
Okemo’s summer lineup
July 2, 2025
By Karen D. Lorentz “Oh, it’s so beautiful,” I heard my 8-year-old grandtwin exclaim when she discovered the view from Okemo’s summit. Days later, when recounting her favorite activities, she included the “lift chair” and explained that she liked the view at the mountaintop and during the ride down. The “lift chair” is Okemo’s Sunburst…
Moose Crossing to headline jazz night at Stone Valley Arts
July 2, 2025
Wednesday, July 2 at 7 p.m.—POULTNEY—The Jazz Café at Stone Valley Arts returns with a performance by the seasoned Vermont jazz trio Moose Crossing. Led by saxophonist Zack Hampton and featuring Joe Plotts on bass and Ryan Carney on drums, the trio is known for its dynamic performances that blend jazz standards with engaging improvisation…
Forage Bakery takes its gluten-free treats to Ludlow Farmers Market
July 2, 2025
LUDLOW—Forage Bakery will join the Ludlow Farmers Market as a part-time vendor this summer, offering artisan baked goods, including sourdough bread, cinnamon buns, and bagels. All items are 100% gluten-free, mostly vegan, and made with all-organic flours. Catch Forage Bakery on Depot Street in Ludlow during the Sunday markets on July 6, 13, 20, and…
It’s fright night every Saturday this summer in Woodstock
July 2, 2025
Saturdays at 8 p.m.—WOODSTOCK—Let local guide Richard Adams be your navigator through the shadows of Woodstock to discover haunted secrets hiding in plain sight. On this 45-minute walking tour (weather permitting) through the historic downtown, you’ll uncover chilling tales of haunted homes and eerie encounters that still haunt the streets today. Gather by the Green…
