High-risk towns include Alburgh, Burlington, Colchester and Swanton  Health officials began strongly recommending people in towns at high risk for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) avoid spending time outdoors as much as possible between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. to avoid mosquitoes that could carry the virus, according to a Aug. 26 news release. If going…

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) published its weekly report of planned construction activities that will impact traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont, Sept. 3-6 and ongoing. I-89 Royalton: Work continues on the northbound and southbound I-89 bridges near Exit 3 in Royalton. A new traffic pattern is in effect until fall 2025:…

Michael Costa will join Gifford Health Care as president and chief executive officer on Oct. 14, Gifford’s board of directors announced Aug. 29. Costa will succeed Dan Bennett, who will retire from the role at the Randolph hospital on Oct. 11. “Michael is a great fit for Gifford and our supportive, community-focused culture,” said Gifford…

By Brooke Geery, Killington Resort Each year, Killington Resort celebrates its team members who have reached significant five-year milestones in their careers at The Beast. A party is thrown, complete with gifts from Yeti, a delicious steak dinner from Southside Steakhouse and an evening of fun and games at Stonehedge Indoor Golf. The 2024 gala,…

Report shows education outcomes, costs, enrollment data The Vermont Agency of Education released the first report from its Listen and Learn Tour, Aug. 30. The State Education Profile Report provides data to guide education leaders, school communities, and the agency as they work together to ensure that every student in Vermont has equitable access to high-quality educational…

Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) announced, Tuesday, Sept. 3, the selection of second round sub-grant recipients of the Region 2 Vermont Prevention Lead Organization (VPLO) grant funds. The Region 2 service area includes Addison and Rutland counties. The sub-grants will enhance and expand prevention efforts throughout the region, for all substances and populations, from July…

The popular Mystery Jack O’ Lantern tradition, a key part of the Rutland Halloween Parade, is getting new energy as Come Alive Outside and its community partners take on the responsibility of coordinating this special event. This year marks a new chapter, with Come Alive Outside leading the way to ensure this tradition remains strong.…

By Arra Derderian Monday, Aug. 26, marked the second of two matches against Rutland CC for the Killington Junior Golf League (KJGL). This event was held at Rutland Country Club on a beautiful summer evening. The Killington Junior Golf League wrapped up its summer session and is headed into fall with more work to do at…

By Peter D’Auria and Erin Petenko/VTDigger Health insurance prices in Vermont are high — and getting higher. Average premium prices for individual marketplace plans in Vermont are among the highest in the country, according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, costing more than double the national average, even when federal subsidies are accounted for.  Vermont’s premium…

Dave Lacombe in the mountain operations dept. and Keiki Sierman in the accounting dept. celebrated 45 years of working at Killington Resort along with 20 other colleagues who were celebrating five-year work anniversaries. 

Housing stock, affordability remain leading factors in impacting needs, study finds  The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) announced Aug. 29 the publication of the Vermont 2025-2029 Statewide Housing Needs Assessment, a five-year document the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires from government entities that receive federal funding. The findings in the report show…

By Deborah J. Benoit Editor’s note: Deborah J. Benoit is a UVM Extension master gardener from North Adams, Massachusetts, who is part of the Bennington County Chapter. Are you looking for a low-labor, chemical-free method to help eradicate weeds and soil-residing pests in the garden? Solarization and occultation, often referred to as “tarping,” may be…

Birds exist in a fluid and unpredictable world. Survival depends on remaining constantly alert, adapting and responding to encounters with predators and environmental conditions that change with the seasons, weather, and geography. But sleep is also essential, providing rest, rejuvenation, and healing. Normally, day-active (diurnal) animals sleep at night, and night-active (nocturnal) species sleep by…

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. reminds hunters that waterfowl hunting blinds may not be placed on or in the waters of the state earlier than the first Saturday in September. This year that’s Sept. 7.  Anyone who places a blind must have their name and address permanently and legibly shown on the blind by…

The Vermont hunting season for gray squirrels begins Sunday, Sept. 1and continues through Dec. 31, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. (VTF&W). “Vermont has a healthy population of gray squirrels, concentrated in southern Vermont and the Champlain Valley,” said Hunter Education Coordinator Nicole Meier. “They’re a fantastic small game species for new hunters…