Dear Editor, Education is heading for a major overhaul in Vermont. Whether it be the governor’s, the House, or the Senate proposal (or most likely some amalgam of the three), it is happening. Although the pressure for action is intense now, we won’t actually see substantive changes play out until 2027 or beyond. In the…

By Tanya Marshall Editor’s note: Tanya Marshall is the Vermont State archivist, chief records officer, and director of the Vermont state archives and records administration, a division of the Vermont secretary of state.  As the days get longer and snow melts, it is fitting that this is Sunshine Week—an annual celebration of government records and…

The Vermont Dept. of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living and the Dept. of Health released a report last month on progress made by Age Strong Vermont, the state’s dedicated effort to provide all people who live in Vermont the opportunity to thrive as they age.   Age Strong VT serves as a roadmap for building a…

The Vermont House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly Thursday, March 13, to outlaw the use of toxic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in dental floss, cleaning products, and fluorine-treated containers — a critical step in reducing Vermonters’ exposure to these harmful substances. According to the Vermont Dept. of Health, PFAS exposure can lead to reproductive and…

By Emma Cotton/VTDigger A short new section to a 22-page bill focused on retargeting energy efficiency goals has given Senate Republicans what they have been seeking — with increasing insistence — for weeks: the end of any mention of a clean heat standard in Vermont law. “30 V.S.A. chapter 94 is repealed” was the key…

On Monday, March 17, the West Ridge Center, a Rutland Regional Medical Center specialized clinic for recovery and addiction, kicked off an Open Access Model for admissions. The Open Access Model is designed to improve access and reduce wait times for individuals seeking support for their opioid use disorder (OUD). “Previously, if an individual requested…

Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) has announced the recipients of its 2024 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers of the Year Awards, recognizing healthcare professionals who demonstrate excellence in clinical care, patient advocacy, and community leadership. These awards honor individuals who exemplify dignity, respect, and professionalism each year while serving as role models within the healthcare…

Three Vermont libraries have received donations from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust as part of the bank’s Casual for a Cause program, an employee-driven charitable initiative. Through this effort, employees dress casually on Fridays in exchange for a bi-weekly payroll deduction, pooling funds that are then distributed to nonprofit organizations each quarter. For the fourth…

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is accepting nominations for the Kellen Sams Memorial Leadership Award, recognizing volunteers, staff, and interns who demonstrate outstanding organizational commitment and leadership. Kellen Sams dedicated his life to outdoor experiential education and inclusive recreation. Established in his memory, the award highlights individuals who embody his passion for professional development, leadership,…

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, a nonprofit dedicated to providing outdoor recreation for individuals with disabilities, on Tuesday, March 18, announced a $500,000 matching gift from an anonymous donor to support its Vermont Adaptive Forever endowment fund. The gift, combined with financial commitments from every member of the organization’s board of directors, marks a significant…

By Karen D. Lorentz Having observed the development of skiing in Sweden, Vermont State Forester Perry Merrill envisioned similar recreational and economic possibilities for skiing in Vermont.  During 37 years on the job, he oversaw the purchase of 170,000 acres of forestland in 27 state forests and 32 state parks. He negotiated many long-term leases…

Nearly 500 acres of private land at the entrance to the popular Robert T. Stafford White Rocks National Recreation Area in Wallingford have been conserved in perpetuity as public land, according to the Trust for Public Land, which secured funding for the acquisition. The property is home to the popular Ice Beds Trail network and features views…

An investment of nearly $32 million has been allocated to the GE Aerospace facility in Rutland, according to a company news release last Wednesday, March 12. The money will be spent on new machines, upgrades, precision equipment, and specialized tooling to support the production of components for aircraft engines, the release noted. Specifically “specialized tooling…

Teams Clock Tower and Here We Go tied for the Killington Ski Bum Race Series season title with a perfect 900 points earned. Scores are based on the top three point-getters on each team, each week, with year-end standings taken from the top six finishes. First place in each category earns 50 points.  The local…

By Deborah J. Benoit Gardeners bid farewell to their outdoor growing spaces each winter and turn their attention to other ways to occupy their days. Magazines and seed catalogs provide inspiration, but there’s nothing like gardening indoors to satisfy your inner gardener.  Plant stands with grow lights are a convenient way to bring your garden…