Dear Editor, As we welcome the New Year, many Vermonters set resolutions to build new skills, improve their health, or spend more time with loved ones. This year, let’s add a resolution that really pays off: saving for retirement. Saving for retirement can be daunting, especially for Vermonters living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to…

By Amy Spear and Megan Sullivan Editor’s note: Amy Spear, Killington, is the president of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Megan Sullivan, Chittenden, is the vice president of government affairs for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Each year, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce outlines its legislative priorities with one focus in mind: creating the conditions…

Phil Scott, the Vermont Dept. of Labor (VDOL), and the McClure Foundation announced the release of Vermont’s Most Promising Jobs list, featuring more than 50 occupations expected to pay a median wage above $30/hour and have at least 300 openings over the next decade.  “We have tens of thousands of jobs available in Vermont,” said Governor Scott. “It’s more important than ever…

On Dec. 18, Governor Phil Scott and Treasurer Mike Pieciak announced the launch of the MoneyBack Program, a partnership to proactively return unclaimed property to Vermonters whose identity and address can be verified via Tax Department data. The program will rightfully return a total of nearly $1.3 million to over 5,000 Vermonters this holiday season.…

Ray Garrett was lost to the many who loved him on his 62nd birthday. He had a heart attack while kitesurfing in one of his favorite places in Brazil. It was a beautiful day with steady winds, and Ray was excited to be on the water with his dear friends. Ray was born on Oct.…

By Karen D. Lorentz Editor’s note: This is Part 2 of a three-part series that explores how innovations at Okemo and Killington enabled them to become successful and popular ski resorts that also contributed to the growth of the ski industry in Vermont and the East. Okemo Ski Area, which debuted Jan. 31, 1956, was…

By Ethan Weinstein / VTDigger State records show that since the start of 2020, taxpayers have funded more than $9 million in wages for state employees on paid leave while under investigation for alleged misconduct. According to Vermont Dept. of Human Resources records obtained through a public records request, the cost of paid investigative leave…

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) has initiated a monthly bulk milk sampling program to monitor for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle to protect Vermont’s dairy farms and the state’s agricultural economy. This proactive measure aligns with a USDA mandate to test Grade A milk nationwide following the first…

How many dads out there can say they spent 22-days and 5,000 miles in a minivan with their 22-year-old musician daughter as she gigged her way from coast to coast? Well, journalist and college professor at Castleton David Blow can. And now, after five years in the works having been derailed by Covid, Blow is…

The Vermont Dept. of Mental Health, in partnership with the Vermont Dept. of Health’s Division of Substance Use Programs has chosen four more community mental health agencies as demonstration sites for the Certified Community-Based Integrated Health Centers (CCBHCs) model. The CCBHC model provides mental health, substance use, and physical health services in one place. It…

By Klara Bauters/VTDigger The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. estimates that hunters in Vermont harvested more than 17,200 deer during fall 2024 — but the final tally won’t be released until March.  That translates to roughly 3.4 million servings of venison, according to a Monday, Jan. 6, news release. The buck harvest tally is expected to…

On Jan. 1, Rene Sanchez became the superintendent of schools for the Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union (RNESU). Sanchez, who previously held the position of interim superintendent, brings extensive experience and a vision of innovation and community-focused leadership. Before joining RNESU, Sanchez served as superintendent of the Champlain Valley School District in Vermont, as assistant superintendent…

The City of Rutland Board of Aldermen approved the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Plan and its submission to the Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC) at its meeting Monday night, Jan. 6. This action comes after the Oct. 21, 2024, approval of the TIF District Letter of Intent. If approved by VEPC, Rutland’s TIF District…

PITTSFORD—The Rutland County Humane Society (RCHS) Board of Directors announced Jennifer Perrigo as the shelter’s new Executive Director. Perrigo assumed her role on Dec. 23, 2024, bringing extensive experience in animal welfare and nonprofit leadership. Perrigo previously served as Adoption Center Manager for the North Shore Animal League America in Glens Falls, N.Y., where she…

By Deborah J. Benoit Streptocarpus (Streptocarpus) is commonly known as cape primrose, but don’t confuse it with the common primrose (Primula vulgaris), a perennial plant that you may have grown outdoors at home. While the two share some physical similarities, their care requirements are quite different. The common primrose in your garden is hardy in…