What affects leaf color? New England, and Vermont in particular, is known for its vibrant displays of fall foliage colors. While, in one sense, it seems odd that we get such joy from the annual death of leaves off deciduous trees, in another, it show appreciation for natural cyles of change. But  why do leaves…

Fall is the time most fruits on woody plants, not just on fruit trees, mature and become most colorful. These come in various forms, types, and colors, with names such as berries, pomes, and drupes. In addition, there are other attractive fruiting or seed structures on some landscape plants and vines. The following and more…

Historical perspective holds true today By Karen D. Lorentz In a July 2008 interview, Powdr Corp CEO John D. Cumming shared his story and philosophy of skiing. He spoke simply and directly as he discussed his love of skiing and mountaineering, expressing an all-encompassing appreciation of the outdoors. He was as at ease and eloquent…

By Laura Krantz, VTDigger.org Gov. Peter Shumlin released his 2013 tax return Friday, reporting $721,445 in gross income and total assets worth $10.3 million. Shumlin’s 1040 IRS form shows most of his income comes from real estate he owns and rents. He reported $128,639 in wages and $349,091 in income from real estate, royalties, supplemental…

In his speech last week outlining his plans to use military force against the jihadists of the Islamic State, President Obama gave Congress only passing mention. “I have the authority to address the threat from ISIL,” he said. “But I believe we are strongest as a nation when the president and Congress work together.” He’s…

Editor’s note: This commentary is by Dan Feliciano, who is the candidate for governor for the Vermont Libertarian Party. He is a business consultant who lives in Essex Junction. Thousands of Vermonters are looking at their school property tax bills and wondering “where will this end?” They are finding out the hard way that the…

Here’s a comment by a Vermont solar company executive that offers as much hope as it presents concern: “In the future, solar panels are going to be as ubiquitous as barns and silos, and we should be working toward it, not against it.” The comment is by SunCommon spokesman Mike McCarthy. The hope it presents…

RANDOLPH–The new Department for Children and Families commissioner Ken Schatz says he wants to scrutinize, and possibly change, the state’s practice of temporarily housing homeless people in motels. Gov. Peter Shumlin defended the same program an hour later. Schatz told housing advocates at the annual meeting of the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition in Randolph Tuesday,…

On Friday, Sept. 26, absentee and early voting began for the General Election. From now until 5 p.m. or the close of the town clerk’s office on the day before the election (which, for the General Election is Monday, Nov. 3,) any registered voter may request a ballot from their town clerk, whether in person,…

A bald eagle sits on a nest near Barnet along the Connecticut River. Bald eagles, once endangered, are now on the rise. During the 2014 nesting season,Vermont’s loon population had a record success, producing 65 fledglings (chicks that survived to leave the nest) on lakes and ponds throughout the state. Loons faced dramatic declines in…

It was a brutal course by all estimations. Those who finished the fastest ran up some of Killington Resort’s steepest peaks and didn’t stop until they got to the finish line. A helicopter and drones scanned across more than 16 miles of rugged trails cut specifically for more than 12,000 Spartan racers who participated Saturday…

Cal Garrison (a.k.a Mother of the Skye) writes weekly horoscopes for The Mountain Times. If you would like the horoscopes to be emailed to you weekly, sign up for the newsletter, below. Horoscopes for September 18 - 24, 2014     Aries March 21 - April 20 The desire to keep your head above water…

On Monday, Oct. 1, Vermont will become the 15th state to ban the use of any handheld portable electronic device while driving. It is already illegal to use a handheld electronic device while traveling in a work zone and texting is prohibited statewide. Use of a mobile device will be permitted if an approved hands-free…

WOODSTOCK – A new Lincoln Inn will open soon. Under the new ownership and management of Mara Mehlman, the Lincoln Inn located at the covered bridge about five miles west of downtown, has undergone renovations. The floors have been redone, the walls given a fresh coat of paint, and the inn is now open for…

Applications due Oct. 1; auditions held Oct. 3 and 7 RUTLAND — The nineteenth annual Really Big Show will be held at the Paramount Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. This year’s show is will include a variety of exciting performances, showcasing local performers. Show auditions are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 3 and Tuesday,…