By Ann Hazelrigg, Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Vermont     Lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) can be stunning in early summer when in full bloom, but this time of year they tend to look a bit worn out. There are three common problems that can impact the health of these shrubs: lilac leaf miner (Gracillaria syringella), powdery…

Ferns have grown on Earth for longer than trees and flowers, and existed well before Homo sapiens. In our region, the oldest lineage, emerging 200 million years ago, is the royal fern family (Osmundaceae), including royal, cinnamon, and interrupted ferns. Named for the fertile, spore-producing pinnae that “interrupt” the rest of the leafy frond. Osmunda…

Though it's yet to be determined whether a skate park will be coming back to Rutland anytime soon, folks will have a chance to lace up their roller skates for one night only at Friday Night Live on Aug. 16. Partners for Prevention will host an "In My Roller Skating Era" event during which community…

Friday Aug. 16 at 5 p.m.—RUTLAND—Celebrate summer and bring your friends and family to Downtown Rutland's Center St. and Merchants Row for another night of fun at Friday Night Live. Next up in the outdoor concert series is Zach Nugent’s Dead Set. Dead Set is more than just a cover band; they are an extraordinary…

Saturday, Aug. 24-25—LUDLOW—The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is hosting the fourth annual Best of Vermont Summer Festival at Okemo Field, Route 103 and Bixby Road. The event runs rain or shine, Saturday, noon-7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This popular festival features live music, craft beverages from local beer, wine, and distillery…

Fair schedule provides something for everyone Ongoing Entertainment:  Robin's Heavenly Birds, VT State Fair Butterfly Enclosure, Totally Twisted Balloons, Trackless Train Shuttle, Pirate Man Dan Roving Act, Blacksmith Shop, Danne Moore Antique Motors Display, Touch A Truck, Farm Museum, Antique Tractors, Toy Display, Chainsaw Carver, Weaving & Spinning Demonstrations, Plus Fair Foods, Pony Rides, Shopping,…

Saturday, Aug. 17 at 8:15 p.m.—RUTLAND—The Vermont State Fair, Vermont State Fairgrounds, 175 South Main St., Rutland is set to deliver an exciting lineup of events during its Rutland stop from Aug. 13-17 offering something for everyone. Some if the big name highlights will be featured at the Diamonds and More Grandstand  including motorcycle racing,…

Set in rural Vermont in the volatile 1960s, “Agony Hill” is the first novel in a historical series full of vivid New England atmosphere and the deeply drawn characters that are Sarah Stewart Taylor’s trademark. A former journalist and teacher, Taylor writes and lives with her family on a farm in Vermont where they raise sheep and…

Dear Editor, On May 11, 2022, Governor Scott signed into law Bill H.411, which prohibits killing wildlife without intention to use or dispose of it properly—known as wanton waste. A 2017 survey by the University of Vermont’s Center for Rural Studies showed that 70.5% of Vermonters oppose wanton waste. The passing of H.411 ignited a glimmer of…

Dear Editor, A third party always challenges the dual-mode of the scales, up and down. The dual-mode (“two party system”) has dominated America since John Adams was president. Picture a fist fight. Dramatic, sure. Useful? To vested interests, very. You get the drama. Vested interests pocket the dharma: the money and influence. The power.  The…

By Katrina Menard Editor’s note: Katrina Menard is state policy fellow at Public Assets Institute, a non-partisan, non-profit, people-centered, data-first organization based in Montpelier. She lives in Strafford. As Vermont recovers from yet another round of flooding and braces for what’s left of Tropical Storm Debby, it may come as no surprise that Vermont is ranked…

By Allen Gilbert Editor’s note: Allen Gilbert of Worcester, a former journalist, teacher and ACLU-VT executive director. He chaired his school board in Worcester when it joined the education funding lawsuit that resulted in the Brigham v. State decision by the Vermont Supreme Court. Don Keelan’s commentary printed in this publication July 31 — “The ‘welcome to Vermont’…

By David Moats Editor’s note: David Moats, an author and journalist who lives in Salisbury, is a regular columnist for VTDigger. He is editorial page editor emeritus of the Rutland Herald, where he won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for a series of editorials on Vermont’s civil union law. Vermont Republicans are in a bind. One…

Killington Resort recently made three new tracks with banked turns and small bridge features on an easy grade just up from Snowshed Lodge. The easiest trails on the mountain all finish there rewarding new riders with a boost of confidence to end their ride.  The new park is so fun, that many choose to lap…

Removal of the derelict Wainwright Mill Dam (also known as Halnon Pond Dam) on Tributary #10 in Salisbury (south side of Lake Dunmore Road) will begin this week, according to a news release from the Vermont Natural Resources Council Aug. 12. The dam is in poor condition and no longer functional for its original purposes…