Governor Phil Scott and Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, detailed the state’s framework for distribution of a Covid-19 vaccine, at the press conference Friday, Oct. 23. The plan will be ready for once a vaccine is produced and distributed to the state. The state has submitted responses to a series of questions from the Centers…

Research released in CDC report An investigation conducted by Vermont Dept. of Health scientists and released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that transmission of Covid-19 can occur during multiple brief exposures with someone who is infected. Staff from the Health Dept. and the Dept. of Corrections looked into an instance in…

By Matt A. Sheen With Rutland’s signature Halloween Parade canceled this year due to the pandemic, people in the city of Rutland have stepped up to create alternatives creative (and creepy) experiences for the community to enjoy. "We made the decision a couple months ago not to do a float this year, just not knowing…

As officials investigate school-based cases, students and teachers are not considered contacts if masking, social distancing protocols adhered to By Lola Duffort/VTDigger On contact-tracing Covid-19 cases within schools, the state is following the lead of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and generally considers anyone who comes within 6 feet of a confirmed or probable case for at…

By Lee J. Kahrs MENDON — If Larry Courcelle is elected to one of three senate seats representing Rutland County next month, he’ll happily cut back on his board and committee memberships. Courcelle, 70, is from Mendon and one of nine candidates in a crowded field vying for three Rutland County Senate seats. Two incumbents,…

Josh Terenzini running for Rutland County senate seat By Lee J. Kahrs RUTLAND TOWN — Rutland County Senate seat candidate Josh Terenzini was talking about an issue important to him, the lack of reliable, quality cell phone service in the area. “It’s 2020 and in my opinion, it’s unacceptable that Rutland County and the state…

Staff report On Oct. 25, Windsor Central Supervisory Union (WCSU) Interim Superintendent Sherry Sousa wrote two emails to families in the district alerting them of a positive case of Covid-19 in the district and its effect on the community. After a positive diagnoses of Covid-19 was discovered on Saturday, Oct. 24, Sousa wrote. “Those who…

More elementary students will be taught in person Staff report On Oct. 23, Sherry Sousa, WCSU interim superintendent, announced that the district would move to Hybrid 2.0 — the next phase in the district’s plan for more in-person instruction— starting Thursday, Oct. 29. Based on recommendation from the districts elementary school principals and the Agency of…

Board issues six month temporary structure permits, without fees By Curt Peterson Killington selectmen has agreed on terms for “temporary structures” to accommodate pandemic-mandated social distancing in restaurants this winter. In a town that thrives on hospitality, the pandemic shut-down in March was crushing — and it continues to be a struggle, though summertime outdoor…

By Brooke Geery One of the most notable programs to came out of the federal CARES act in Vermont is Everyone Eats. Using $5 million in coronavirus relief dollars, the Southeastern Vermont Community Action Agency launched hubs across the state where those experiencing food insecurity could pick up restaurant-prepared meals a few times per week.…

Visitor policy in response to flu season and Covid-19 In order to ensure patient safety in response to growing Covid-19 infection rates throughout the Northeast, Rutland Regional Medical Center announced new visitor restrictions for the hospital and clinics. As of Nov. 2, visitors may not enter the hospital or associated medical clinics unless a patient’s…

By Erin Petenko/VTDigger Vermont’s Covid outbreaks have spread past single cases to broader community transmission, contributing to some of the highest case totals the state has had since spring, officials said at a press conference Tuesday, Oct. 27. An outbreak that began at an ice rink in Montpelier has now infected 57 people, many of whom…

By Polly Mikula Last week the new Killington Public Safety Building received its temporary dept. of fire safety certificate of occupancy, meaning the town’s fire, rescue and police departments could begin to move into their new headquarters, Town Manager Chet Hagenbarth explained. The new building on Killington Road is just over a mile north of…

By Katy Savage In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, some towns are nixing traditional trick-or-treating and creating new Halloween activities. While popular traditions, like the 60-year-old Rutland Halloween parade, which draws crowds of 10,000, being canceled, businesses and organizers have partnered to create socially distanced events, including candy drive-thrus and costume parades. Rutland Rec. Superintendent…

By Merisa Sherman Anticipation coincides with the rumble of the engine, as you switch from the pavement onto one of Vermont’s gravel roads. It’s past foliage, so reddish-brown leaves line the sides of the road like a rural sidewalk. Or it’s late spring and the leaves are their brightest green, weighing down the branches as…