By Bill Schubart Editor’s note: Bill Schubart is a retired businessman and active fiction writer, and was a former chair of the Vermont Journalism Trust, the parent organization for VTDigger.  The latest statewide count for unsheltered Vermonters is 3,458, a nearly 5% increase over 2023, the second highest rate in the country, and this is deemed…

Dear Editor,  As a resident of St. Johnsbury, I regularly hike up Observatory Knob. A half mile from my home, I get to walk through woods and meadows to a summit with panoramic views. The 117-acre conserved land features forests, open fields, and benches to rest — just a short walk from where people live.…

Dear Editor, A thriving, prosperous state is a goal that all Vermonters can agree to. That goal is easier to achieve with a growing population. More people means a larger selection of workers for businesses, government, and non-profits. It means more people earning incomes, supporting local businesses, and paying taxes to support government programs—many of…

By Angelo Lynn Editor’s note: Angelo Lynn is the publisher of the Addison Independent, as sister paper of the Mountain Times.  Early statewide conversations on school funding and housing offer some hope that progress on these two crucial issues will finally occur. In his inaugural speech, Gov. Phil Scott hinted his administration will actually put…

By Emma Cotton/VTDigger The chair of the state’s Public Utility Commission told lawmakers on Thursday, while presenting a long-awaited report, that implementing the controversial clean heat standard could cost significantly less than others have previously suggested. However, chairman Ed McNamara concluded that the commission recommends that the state not move forward with it. Debate about…

The issues most important for the voters in Windsor-5 remain:   1.  Education financing 2.  State aid for school construction 3.  Accessible housing 4.  Adapting to more severe and frequent weather events. Close behind and contributing to the high costs of living and working in Vermont is:  5.  High cost of healthcare and health insurance. …

Cobra Gymnastics, in Rutland, is off to a fantastic start for its 13th season as a competitive program. It was voted the 2024 Xcel Vermont Club of the Year under USA Gymnastics for the third year in a row and continues to promote a healthy and quality competitive program for athletes age 6-18 in the…

As winter enthusiasts continue to embrace uphill travel at Killington Resort and Pico Mountain, resort officials remind guests of the importance of following designated routes and safety protocols. Uphill travel—whether by skinning or snowshoeing—offers an invigorating way to experience the mountain, but adherence to the resort’s policies is essential for ensuring the safety of all…

With the New Year came great news for continued progress at Pittsford Village Farm (PVF).  At the last PVF board meeting of 2024, the board unanimously voted to accept the Rutland County Parent Child Center’s (RCPCC) application to operate an Early Childhood Education center at the PVF Farmhouse, once renovations are complete. After receiving the…

George William Hodulik was born on Feb. 22, 1926, on Walnut Street to parents Justin and Angela Hodulik of Dunellen, New Jersey. He was raised on Walnut Street with his two sisters, Helen and Josephine, and brother, Henry.  George passed away on Sunday, Jan. 12. He is the last of his generation. George attended St.…

Lifelong Rutland City resident Tom Donahue announced his candidacy for the Rutland City Board of Alderman on Jan. 8.  Donahue is a former Alderman and was president of the board before going to work for Mayor Jeff Wennberg as director of community development for the City. Subsequently, Donahue headed the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce…

By Kevin O’Connor/VTDigger Rutland City officials are seeking the resignation of a local school board member who continues to serve after reportedly moving to a nearby town. “The city has found that you do not reside within the city as is required to be eligible to vote within the city and to have a seat…

By Deborah J. Benoit, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont It begins in December. By January, seed and plant catalogs will arrive at your mailbox (or email) almost daily. Browsing through their pages provides a welcome escape from the garden-deprived days of winter. These catalogs contain a wealth of information to help grow a successful…

By Karen D. Lorentz Lindsey Vonn was the top female ski racer with 82 World Cup wins when she retired from racing in 2019. She was closing in on Ingemar Stenmark’s 86 wins when her injuries caught up with her. Now at age 40, she has rejoined the U.S. Ski Team after an almost six-year…

Saturday, Jan. 25 at 11 a.m. — Barnard —The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. invites anglers of all ages to participate in its free ice fishing day, a statewide event when fishing licenses are not required to fish on any waterbody open to ice fishing. To mark the occasion, an ice fishing festival will take…