Dear Editor,  We were pleased by what we heard at the elementary school consolidation meeting in Bridgewater on Sept. 30. As taxpayers, we are very supportive of the proposal to consolidate K-6 education with Pomfret and Woodstock. It is prudent and fiscally responsible. From a long term sustainability standpoint, it is in the best interest of our towns.  As parents, we…

By Lee H. Hamilton Members of Congress are home now, campaigning for the upcoming elections. Their messages are all over the map, and for a good reason: they have very little to brag about. The Congress that just recessed until after the elections makes the 80th—the one that Harry Truman blasted as “do-nothing”—look like a…

By Brett Yates OK, deep breaths—don’t panic. I can say with at least 70 percent certainty that you show no signs of having Ebola. Still, it’s important to be wary of the deadly virus that is currently sweeping West Africa—and perhaps soon the universe. Sure, the disease is survivable and containable within any nation with…

By Madeline Bodin At the University of New Hampshire’s organic dairy research farm near Durham, N.H., even the heat for the wash water is organic and locally-sourced. The heat comes from the farm’s composting facility, a building that looks like an eight-bay garage but actually contains cutting-edge composting technology, as well as a whole lot…

By Robin Alberti This week I had to let go of my 14-year-old dog, Maple. She came from a German Shepherd mom and unknown father. She picked me out when she was 9 weeks old, trampling all the other puppies in the puppy room at the Deschutes County Humane Society in Oregon, to put her…

By Julia Purdy Editor’s note: This is the first of two articles tracking the effects of marijuana legalization on public safety.  In December of 2012, four days apart, limited recreational use of marijuana became legal in both Washington State and Colorado. Proponents of legalization in both states had succeeded in placing the measure on their…

Oct. 15 – RUTLAND — There’s no substitute for meeting your legislative candidates in person and asking how they will vote on key issues if elected. With that in mind, Rutland County Republican Chairperson Terry Burke is inviting the public to a pizza party with some politics on the side on Oct. 15 from 5:30 to…

By Stephen Seitz Twice a year, a number of Vermont’s artists and artisans invite the public into their studios to see their creativity in action. Under the auspices of the Vermont Crafts Council, Open Studio weekend gives the curious a chance to see an artist at work, see those works which make the cut and…

LUDLOW–Early forecasts for a mild El Niño are calling for a snowy winter in the Northeast. Snow sports enthusiasts are already thinking about snow-covered trails and winter gatherings with friends and family. “It’s almost Okemo time and one of the East’s best-loved resorts is getting ready with some big improvements for the upcoming season,” Okemo…

KILLINGTON — Hope Davis from Forerunner Ski Shop presents Vermont Adaptive Senior Program Coordinator Tom Alcorn five new OSEBE Helmets for program use at Pico Mountain. The Forerunner Ski Shop for many years has supported the organization by tuning skis and assisting in repair of the organization’s adaptive equipment.  “Vermont Adaptive participants will be thrilled to…

POULTNEY—Four years ago, Detroit native Kristen Schmitt was working as a legal marketing specialist in a busy Michigan law firm. At the time, she never could have imagined the dramatic lifestyle change that was in store. But a conscious decision to re-evaluate priorities led her and her family to Wells, Vt., where they could spend…

By Maxx Steinmetz After a bye week that left Rutland tied for third place in the standings, the Roosters traveled to Bennington Saturday, Oct. 4, to face the “Battle” on their home pitch. Cold rain fell steadily through warm-ups and for the majority of the game, making the ball slick and handling difficult. In the…

By Carolyn Dean Each year hundreds of people take to nature to de-stress, reconnect, and enjoy Vermont’s short summer season. While most will return with gratifying memories, a few will have an experience that will make them think twice before wandering into the woods again. Becoming lost, stranded, or injured in the woods is a…

WEST HAVEN – Neil Stratton scored a major upset on Sunday night, Oct. 5, at Devil’s Bowl Speedway to become the winner of the inaugural “King of the Clay” race for Big Block and Small Block Modified stock cars. The Bennington, Vt., driver persevered through rough track conditions, then seized a golden opportunity to steal the…

ROCHESTER — The White River Golf Club, a long time fixture among Central Vermont’s golf courses, is on the market. Pete McGowan, the owner and operator of the golf course for the past 17 years, said “It’s been a great experience, and given me a unique lifestyle that I have enjoyed, but it’s time to pass…