Discover More from This Author: MtnTimes

Rutland sets example of how to grow local housing

November 27, 2024
By Angelo Lynn Editor’s note: Angelo Lynn is the editor and publisher of the Addison Independent, a sister publication to the Mountain Times.  An important concept in building new housing was recently articulated by Devon Neary, executive director of the Rutland Regional Planning Commission. “Housing,” he said, “doesn’t just pop up out of nowhere. I…

Progressives call out Governor Scott for refusing to call a special legislative session

November 27, 2024
Dear Editor, Like many others, I am disappointed, though not surprised, that Governor Scott will not call a special legislative session to evaluate and respond, as needed, to incoming President Donald Trump’s destructive policies. After all, Scott’s wait-and-see attitude is similar to how he engages in the legislative process: waiting until time is running out…

KSAR gives thanks to the Killington community

November 27, 2024
Dear Editor, The Killington Search and Rescue Team and the KSAR Foundation would like to thank the greater Killington community for their support during this year’s fundraising drive. Between The Blast Off Party and the town of Killington’s July 4th celebration, we raised over $6,500 for the KSAR Foundation. We also received donations from businesses…

Let’s all pardon the turkey

November 27, 2024
Dear Editor, This week, President Biden will pardon two turkeys at the White House, a symbolic gesture of mercy. Yet, over 224 million turkeys endure a far grimmer fate every year in the U.S. These gentle birds are raised in overcrowded sheds thick with toxic fumes, their beaks and toes clipped to prevent stress-related aggression.…

The season for thanks

November 27, 2024
By Anson Tebbetts Editor’s note: Tebbetts is the secretary of the Vermont agency of agriculture, food and markets.  This season, we gather with friends and family. Perhaps you’re getting together for a home cooked meal, a potluck, or a special holiday celebration at the office or workplace. Maybe it’s to visit your favorite restaurant. We…

Vermont receives $5.3 million in federal grants to expand internet access across the state

November 27, 2024
By Klara Bauters / VTDigger Vermont has been awarded $5.3 million from the federal government to implement its Digital Equity Plan — which outlines how the state will provide individuals and communities with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from meaningful access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service. “Internet and broadband. It’s no longer…

Experts fear Trump environmental policies could undermine Vt’s efforts

November 27, 2024
By Emma Cotton/VTDigger As Donald Trump prepares to return to the presidency, experts worry that his climate and environmental policy goals could destabilize ongoing work in Vermont. The president-elect campaigned on tossing out policies related to climate change and loosening or abandoning environmental regulations. As a small state, Vermont leans on federal funding and regulatory frameworks…

VTSU sees 20% enrollment growth in plumbing, electrical apprenticeship programs

November 27, 2024
As the state kicked off Apprenticeship Week last week, Vermont State University (VTSU) announced that its plumbing and electrical registered apprenticeship programs have grown over 20% in two years. Enrollment for the current academic year is at a record high of over 870 apprentices after multiple years of sustained growth. “Vermont State University is dedicated…

Pittsfield voters to consider local option tax

November 27, 2024
By Brett Yates Starting next year, Pittsfield may have a chance to draw from an additional source of municipal revenue. First, voters will have to approve a new “local option” tax at Town Meeting Day. Some Vermont municipalities require restaurants, bars, hotels, and/or shops within town limits to add a 1% surcharge to each customer’s…

Outdoor recreation organizations implore courts to support public access to trails in Vermont

November 27, 2024
A coalition of outdoor recreation organizations led by the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council (VTGC), issued a statement Nov. 18 urging the Vermont Supreme Court to carefully consider the long-term implications of its upcoming ruling regarding the maintenance of public access trails on private land.  The case, which involves the use of a “legal trail” maintained by the town that crosses…

Pittsfield gets $157,899 to reduce town office emissions

November 27, 2024
By Brett Yates The Vermont Dept. of Buildings and General Services will deliver $157,899 to Pittsfield to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency at the town office. Projects may include a heat pump, programmable thermostats, an energy recovery ventilator, a solar array, a tankless water heater, electric vehicle chargers, LED lighting, window replacements, and other…

Two Killington shops rank Top 10 in USA Today’s readers’ poll of the best ski shops in the U.S.

November 27, 2024
Staff Report Skiology Ski and Sports and Darkside Snowboards have received recognition in a USA Today readers’ poll of the 10 best ski shops in the U.S.  Skiology Ski and Sports landed at an impressive No. 2 on the list. “This local shop offers a wide range of high-performance recreational and racing skis, from all-mountain…

Killington Mountain School announces World Cup-level ski service in partnership with Race Tech Ski Service

November 27, 2024
In a quest to further enhance its support for student-athletes at their world-class training venue, Killington Mountain School (KMS) announced Monday, Nov. 25, the establishment of an in-house World Cup-level ski service, providing elite-level equipment preparation for its ski racers. Through a new partnership with Mike Beers, owner of Race Tech Ski Service, KMS athletes…

Design changes delay but don’t deter ski village plans

November 27, 2024
By Kevin O’Connor/VTDigger Developers of a proposed 450-acre retail and residential village at the base of the Killington Resort — the biggest ski area in eastern North America — say design changes will postpone the project for at least a year. Announced last winter, the Great Gulf plans include a new lodge, some 32,000 square feet of commercial space,…

Sen. Alison Clarkson ousted as Senate majority leader

November 27, 2024
By Sarah Mearhoff/VTDigger A week and a half after Vermont voters eviscerated their supermajority, Senate Democrats convened Saturday, Nov. 16, to reflect on their election losses and chart a new course ahead of the 2025 legislative session. They voted to retain one top leader — but jettisoned another.  Saturday’s caucus at the Statehouse was the first…