Local News
New analysis outlines factors that lead to FY25 education tax spikes
October 9, 2024
A combination of known factors and previously unexamined issues contributed Public Assets Institute Newly released analyses outlining factors that contributed to the FY25 education tax spike. The new analyses revealed that some districts and taxpayers have been facing disproportionately higher bills prior to FY25. “Low- and moderate-income Vermonters can see big tax jumps even when spending doesn’t…
Wonsor honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
October 9, 2024
By Polly Mikula Killington Town Clerk and Treasurer Lucrecia Wonsor was given the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award last Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the annual Town Fair conference held at Killington Resort. Nearly 500 municipal officials from around Vermont gathered for the occasion. “From time to time, VLCT presents its Lifetime Achievement Award to a municipal…
Suspect in triple homicide in Pawlet denies charges, is held without bail
October 9, 2024
By Alan J. Keays/VTDigger A Granville, New York, man charged with killing three family members in Pawlet last month appeared via video from a Rutland jail Thursday afternoon, Oct. 3, to face arraignment on three charges of aggravated murder. Brian Crossman Jr., 22, appeared from a jail conference room in red prison garb, his head bowed…
Killington Junior Golf wrapped up its season with a fall scramble tournament
October 9, 2024
By Arra Derderian The Killington Junior Golf League finished up its season with a scramble format golf tournament at Stonehedge Golf Course in North Clarendon this past weekend, Oct. 5-6. “Stonehedge is a par 3 course that’s great for new golfers and kids to get out on the course and test their skills,” coach Arra Derderian…
Orvis to cut 8% of its workforce
October 9, 2024
By Neal Goswami/VTDigger Orvis, a 168-year-old Vermont-based company, said Friday it will lay off 112 workers, close some undisclosed retail locations, and discontinue its catalog “to enable a smaller and more agile business.” “Orvis is in a period of business evolution that requires us to think differently. Over the course of our nearly 170-year history, the…
Opinions/Columns
The cost of health care and the quality of life
October 9, 2024
By Jeffrey Reel Editor’s note: Jeffrey Reel is a writer from Hartland. He serves as the general manager of the Rutland Food Co-Op. The debate on how to lower healthcare costs in Vermont is of paramount importance. Of equal importance is balancing that debate with discussions on the quality of life we can achieve right…
Did they campaign on “Vote for me, I will raise your taxes”?
October 9, 2024
Dear Editor, Do you remember the days if a politician even mentioned raising taxes they were duly excluded from getting your vote? Well, it’s time for Vermonters to wake up and pay attention. On top of Vermonters dealing with 30%-100% inflation and lingering hardships from Covid lockdowns, the Democrat supermajority in our Vermont Legislature has…
Vote Clarkson, White, Major
October 9, 2024
Dear Editor, Sen. Alison Clarkson, Sen. Becca White, and Joe Major deserve our vote here in Windsor County. This is a statement of my strong support for the Windsor County Senate district Democratic ticket: Sen. Alison Clarkson, Sen. Becca White, and Joe Major. Clarkson and White are seeking re-election, while Major hopes to bring his…
For addressing affordable housing, funding matters
October 9, 2024
By Elizabeth Bridgewater and Chris Campany Editor’s note: Elizabeth Bridgewater is the executive director of the Windham & Windsor Housing Trust. Chris Campany is the executive director of the Windham Regional Commission. Housing remains at the top of the media cycle for good reason: there are still not enough homes for people. Recently, Vermont’s Department…
Some accomplishments to be proud of in the fight against global warming
October 2, 2024
By Peter Sterling Editor’s note: Peter Sterling is the executive director of Renewable Energy Vermont, the nonprofit trade association representing Vermont businesses working towards a 100% renewable energy future. Though the tragic and costly impacts of changing weather extremes on Vermont continue to (justifiably) make headlines, they shouldn’t totally overshadow recent accomplishments in the fight…
Top Events
State News
As many lose motel housing, 91 lawmakers demand more shelters, state of emergency
October 9, 2024
By Carly Berlin Editor’s note: This story, by Report for America corps member Carly Berlin, was produced through a partnership between VTDigger and Vermont Public. Nearly 100 Vermont legislators and Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman called for Gov. Phil Scott to intervene on a mass wave of evictions currently underway from the state’s motel voucher program…
Two Medicare Advantage plans will no longer be available in Vt in 2025
October 9, 2024
By Peter D’Auria, VTDigger Two Medicare Advantage plans will cease operations in Vermont in January, leaving several thousand covered residents in the state in need of new coverage by the beginning of 2025. The two plans, operated by MVP and WellCare, a subsidiary of health care giant Centene, will no longer be offered in the…
Miss Vermont Little Sisters program opens
September 4, 2024
Children 3-12 are invited to join mentoring program The Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization (MVSO) announced Sept. 2 the opening of registration for its mentoring program. The Little Miss Red Clover program pairs girls age 3-12 with local and state titleholders. Boys in the same age range are eligible to participate as Little Brothers. This program…
Vermont health insurance costs are among the highest in the nation — and rising quickly
September 4, 2024
By Peter D’Auria and Erin Petenko/VTDigger Health insurance prices in Vermont are high — and getting higher. Average premium prices for individual marketplace plans in Vermont are among the highest in the country, according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, costing more than double the national average, even when federal subsidies are accounted for. Vermont’s premium…
Interim regulatory exemptions in place to allow more affordable housing until 2027
August 28, 2024
The Dept. of Housing and Community Development and the Natural Resources Board announced Aug. 22 the release of the Act 250 Interim Exemption Map to help developers and investors create and improve housing that is more affordable. The new interactive map is an exceptional planning tool and shows potential areas where housing may be built without triggering Act 250 review.…
Arts & Entertainment
Vermont Fish & Wildlife shares essential
October 9, 2024
Tree stand safety tips for hunters As hunting season approaches, Vermont Fish & Wildlife urges hunters to prioritize safety when using tree stands. While tree stands can improve visibility and keep hunters out of sight from deer, they also present significant safety risks if not used properly. Here are some essential safety tips to ensure…
Doshisha University students visit Grace Congregational UCC
October 9, 2024
Sunday, Oct. 13—RUTLAND—The Grace Congregational UCC in Rutland has a special connection with a university in Japan named Doshisha. This October marks the 150-year anniversary of its origin. To celebrate this occasion, Dignitaries from Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan, will visit Grace Congregational UCC on Oct. 13 to honor these 150 years. On Oct. 9, 1874,…
Vermont’s “Name a Plow” program returns for its third year, inviting schools to get creative
October 9, 2024
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is bringing back its popular “Name a Plow” program for the third year, offering young Vermonters the chance to make their mark on the state’s iconic orange snowplow trucks. The initiative invites schools across the state to create unique names for the 250 full-sized snowplows in the AOT fleet,…
Great Pumpkin Costume Contest, submissions are due
October 9, 2024
Ongoing now through Nov. 2—RUTLAND—Stop in at the Rutland Free Library to enter the Great Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Stop by the front desk to pick up a foam pumpkin and tips and tricks sheet with the rules. Take it home to decorate, but don’t forget— it should look like a book character or represent a…
Spooktacular mask making at Stone Valley Arts (SVA)
October 9, 2024
Saturday, Oct. 12, at noon—POULTNEY—Halloween season arrives early in Poultney with a Spooktacular Family Mask Making event at Stone Valley Arts (SVA) on Saturday, Oct.12 from noon to 3 p.m. This creepy crafting drop-in program is free and open to local families. Stop in at SVA for a frightfully good time to make Halloween masks whether they…
