Dear Editor, While living in Wolcott, I had the pleasure of having John Rogers, who is now running for lieutenant governor, serve as my state senator. During this time, I corresponded with him on numerous occasions regarding legislation. Although we may not have always seen eye-to-eye on every issue, John Rodgers always made the time,…

Dear Editor, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Mike Pieciak for state treasurer of Vermont, Sept. 5. During his tenure as state treasurer, Pieciak has been an effective leader on issues aligned with Vermont Conservation Voters’ mission, championing policies that safeguard our environment and support our communities. Through its endorsements, VCV aims to…

Dear Editor, Animals suffer from pain, just like people do, and it can come in many forms: surgical pain, arthritis, cancer, and dental pain are just a few. Acute pain is obvious — for instance your dog got hit by a car or your horse has a bruised foot and is limping — and it…

Dear Editor, In David Moats’ opinion piece “True generational change in view” published in the Sept. 4-10 edition, he completely misses an important part of the equation: Generation Jones (born 1954-1965, between Boom & X). Gen Jones has become a widely-embraced concept/term as this, among many websites, clearly show: GenJones.net.  There have been articles about Gen…

By Ann Manwaring Editor’s note: Ann Manwaring of Wilmington, a former Democratic state representative who served from 2007-2017. For six of the 10 years I was in the Legislature, representing the towns of Wilmington, Whitingham and Halifax, I was on the Appropriations Committee. We spent a good deal of our time in that committee listening…

Most towns in Windsor County have received their education and municipal property tax bills by now. Many, not all, towns have big tax increases. Woodstock has yet to receive their bills but we can expect a 30% increase. These are increases none of us have budgeted for, and one that will be a challenge for…

On Sept. 6 U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) visited Habitat for Humanity of Rutland County and toured an active construction site for new affordable housing. Senator Welch also stopped by the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which sells new and gently-used clothes and home goods. Proceeds from the ReStore are used to build Habitat for Humanity homes.  “Home…

Only facility in Vt or NH to earn the top rating The White River Junction Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (WRJ VAHCS) announced Sept. 5 that it received a 5-star Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). WRJ VA was the only facility in Vermont and New Hampshire to earn the…

Beth Saradarian, executive director of the Rutland County Humane Society (RCHS), has submitted her resignation to the board of directors. Saradarian stated she made the difficult decision to resign to pursue new opportunities after 20 years and much consideration. She joined the organization in 2004 and has been executive director since 2019. Prior to joining…

Vermont State University (VTSU) begins its second year by welcoming more than 1,700 new degree-seeking students in the Class of 2028 to its campuses this fall and reports a strong retention of returning students as well, meeting expectations for all campuses and exceeding projections in many programs. The new class is just over 200 students…

Five companies have been selected to participate in a national startup accelerator program including three Vermont-based startups and two from out-of-state, according to a news release Sept. 10. Tacitly, Aprexis Health, Brightwater Tools, SkinGenius and Cathoven will participate in the gBETA Rutland program through national venture capital firm gener8tor. gBETA Rutland is a free 7-week…

By Dave Vance Editor’s note: Dave Vance is a former naval officer, trial lawyer, and Rutgers University professor who currently resides in Voorhees, New Jersey. He writes the “Occasional Column” for many newspaper across the country.  I recently lost my wife of many years and it has hollowed me out. I go through the motions…

The stars of late summer Before the trees put on their colorful autumnal cloaks, the newly rewilded fields at my home turn to gold and purple. New England American-aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) begins blooming in August or September and continues to splash the meadows with deep purple color well into October, mixing with the bright yellow…

Vermont Fish & Wildlife (VTF&W) is reminding hunters to wear fluorescent hunter orange. “Hunting is one of the safest outdoor activities, thanks to advances in education as well as science,” said Vermont Hunter Education Program Coordinator Nicole Meier. “Our volunteer hunter education instructors stress that wearing orange during hunting season is important, and studies prove…

By Ann Hazelrigg Editor’s note: Dr. Ann Hazelrigg is the University of Vermont Extension plant pathologist and director of the UVM Plant Diagnostic Clinic.  With our recent rainy weather and storms, I am not surprised that we diagnosed late blight (Phytophthora infestans) in the University of Vermont Plant Diagnostic Clinic in late August. So far,…