Dear Editor, This past weekend, videos about our brave little state standing with Ukraine were seen around the world.  My compatriots and I offer heartfelt thanks to all Vermonters who have expressed their support for my native country after the shocking decision of the United States to side with Russia on the UN Security Council…

Dear Editor, The Vermont Rural School Community Alliance (RSCA) understands the need to address the rising cost of education but has concerns with elements of the Scott Administration’s education transformation proposal.  Any reform must consider the potential adverse impacts on rural children, elementary schools and communities, and must ensure actual savings for taxpayers. “There are…

By Speaker Jill Krowinski  Each legislative biennium begins with a range of issues that need to be addressed — some are straightforward, while others are extremely complex. Many are brand new, while others are perennial topics. This session is no different as we take on the work to address the pressing challenges in our state. …

The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM) is announced Jan. 27, the results of a study by Tourism Economics that finds visitors to Vermont in 2023 spent a record $4 billion on goods and services. Researchers also found that 15.8 million guests came to Vermont in 2023, showing a sustained return to pre-pandemic visitation.…

The Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) recently announced the establishment of the David R. Coates Fund for Vermont Disaster Relief—a permanent fund ensuring Vermont communities and individuals have a reliable, immediate resource to prepare, respond, and recover when natural disasters strike. “Rather than create a new fund for each disaster, we are establishing a permanent resource…

Last assessment of this depth was conducted in 2012 The Dept. of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) released the 2024 Fair Housing Analysis on Feb. 11. The report examines challenges when it comes to fair housing, progress made, and recommendations for improvement. “Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live free from discrimination. That is one of…

By Klara Bauters/VTDigger A virtual town hall hosted by U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Congresswoman Becca Balint, D-Vt., drew roughly 34,000 participants Wednesday night as uncertainty over the future of federal programs took center stage. The live-streamed meeting featured a blend of pre-submitted questions — over 1,400 — and live call-ins…

Students in Windsor and surrounding counties can apply for the 2025 Sammy Pierce Memorial Scholarship, which recognizes individuals for their volunteerism and community service. The Crown Point Board of Realtor annually awards two $1,000 scholarships to students who demonstrate a strong history of leadership, charitable service, and dedication to their communities. Eligible applicants include 2025…

By Karen D. Lorentz As a grandparent who is part of a four-generation skiing bond, I always enjoy hearing from other families who have enjoyed recreational skiing, especially when the connection of loving the sport engenders stories with lots of coincidences that resonate. Or make me see how small the world really is! My dad…

The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) for the Rutland Health Service Area revealed that Rutland County, while comprising only 9% of Vermont’s population, accounts for 21% of the state’s homeless individuals in emergency housing. This staggering disparity reflects a seven-fold increase in Rutland County’s homeless population in five years, rising from 96 individuals in 2019…

The Killington Pico Rotary Club recently welcomed international Rotary exchange students for a weekend of winter activities, cultural exchange, and community engagement. Each February, the club hosts students spending the academic year in Vermont and New Hampshire as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange program. During their stay, students and their host families attended a…

The town of Tunbridge has received a $255,411.20 grant from the Vermont Municipal Energy Resilience Program for energy efficiency improvements. Of the total, $43,373 will be used for a 10.7 kW solar array to power the town offices and town hall. The project will be located next to an existing solar project at the local town…

Girls on the Run Vermont (GOTRVT) has officially opened registration for its spring 2025 season, bringing its empowering, confidence-building program to Rutland and Windsor counties. The 10-week program uses physical activity and interactive lessons to help girls in grades 3 through 8 build essential life skills, develop confidence, and form positive peer connections. The season…

To date, 160 towns, home to more than 79% Vermont residents, have adopted the Vermont Declaration of Inclusion (DOI), according to a news release last month. In addition, six other municipalities have adopted a DOI but have used language which differs from the original to such an extent that we were not able to list them with the towns…

The 2025 Vermont State Hockey Championship Weekend was hosted by Rutland Amateur Hockey Association (RAHA) at Spartan Arena, Feb. 28-March 2. The tournament  saw 34 teams competing for division titles. Among them, three local RAHA teams represented Rutland throughout the tournament, with two bringing home state championship titles. The RAHA 10U Tier 2 team kicked…