Bill prevents health insurance companies from price fixing, collusion Legislation led in the Senate by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) that promotes lower health insurance costs to consumers by increasing transparency and enhancing consumer protections in the health insurance industry was signed into law Wednesday by the president. The Competitive Health Insurance…

By Eesha Williams A new Vermont group is working to stop logging on publicly-owned land in the state — including in the Green Mountain National Forest near Rochester. The group, Standing Trees Vermont supports banning logging on publicly owned land and, instead, encourages logging companies to buy their own land. If the companies want to…

By Curt Peterson The town of Killington initiated a new short-term rental (STR) registration program in November, after residents voted to approved the zoning change. Zoning Administrator Preston Bristow told the Mountain Times that of the estimated 507 eligible short-term rental units in Killington, 394 have been registered and assigned program numbers as of Jan.…

Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19, Killington Resort and Pico Mountain Resort will only require parking reservations on Saturdays, Sundays and peak days, Feb. 15-19. “We are able to make this change because our lift and terrain capacity are allowing plenty of space for social distancing and we have not had a need to limit visits on midweek days.…

By Emma Cotton/VTDigger MOUNT HOLLY — A 350-acre chunk of forest with high ecological significance has been protected. The state purchase of the parcel completes a conservation project that protects a 100-mile corridor for wildlife. The parcel connects sections of the Green Mountain National Forest, Okemo State Forest and Coolidge State Forest. The high elevation and…

Over 400 highly-trained volunteer instructors make Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports’ mission of empowering individuals with disabilities possible. Out of a dedicated pool of volunteers, Vermont Adaptive program coordinators recognized this year’s four Volunteers of the Year at off-snow trainings this fall, which were held virtually due to the pandemic. Tim Lonergan of Middletown Springs, Mike…

Mary Theresa Ojala, 100, of Rutland, died peacefully Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, at her home, surrounded by family, following a recent decline in her health. Mary Ojala was born Nov. 22, 1920, in Bayonne, New Jersey, to the late James and Francis Coyle O’Donnell. She was a war bride, marrying the love of her life,…

On Jan. 13, Gage Capen, 21, of Pownal was issued a criminal citation to appear in Rutland County Criminal Court to answer to three counts of  Grossly Negligent Operation following a crash on July 9, 2020. Vermont State Police-Rutland Barracks investigated the single vehicle crash with entrapment and ejection on West Street, in the town…

Program focuses on college-level research, collaboration, and presentation skills Woodstock Union High School and Middle School (WUHSMS) is one of approximately 1,800 schools worldwide to implement the AP Capstone™ Diploma program and innovative program that allows students to develop the skills that matter most for college success, such as research, collaboration, and communication. The program…

Club Fitness owner to comply with governor’s orders and pay $1,000 to the Vermont Foodbank Attorney General T.J. Donovan announced, Friday, Jan. 15 that his office has reached a settlement with Club Fitness of Vermont, Inc. and its, owner Sean Manovill, resolving claims that arose from Manovill’s decision to open for in-person business in May…

On January 15, Sheburne Memorial Library in Killington held a stuffed animal sleepover with animals belonging to local residents. The party started out with story time. About 40 animals gathered around Pooh who read the book on a carpet at the Sherburne Memorial Library in Killington. After that, he ordered dinner and iPie delivered! After…

Vermont Everyone Eats has been relaunched through continued partnerships supporting restaurants, farms, and Vermonters seeking help. In the dwindling days of 2020 with CARES Act funding coming to an end, scores of inquiries were made to community organizers: Is Everyone Eats ending? When will it come back? On Monday Jan. 18 it returned, thanks to…

By Erin Petenko/VTDigger The nation has experienced its first sustained decline in Covid since July, an early sign that the virus has hit its peak in the U.S., Vermont officials said at a press conference Tuesday, Jan. 19. The trend is not regional, either. In fact, 41 states experienced case declines over the past week,…

The first round of shots for Vermonters age 75+ begin Monday, Jan. 25 Staff report State officials announced that registration for the Covid-19 vaccine for people who are 75 years and older will begin on Jan. 25. There are estimated to be about 49,000 Vermonters in that age group category. “Now that Vermonters know more about…

The former snow Angel Tavern, located on Route 4 in Mendon sold at auction on Jan. 15. Mike Carey, senior VP of Tranzon Auctions, who oversaw the sale said he was unable to disclose the price or buyer’s name, but did confirm the property sold and the auction was well attended. Now the new owners…