Dear Editor, Labor Day often brings to mind long weekends, barbecues, and the close of summer. But it’s also an opportunity to make compassionate choices. Each day, over 23 million land animals and 150 million sea animals are killed in the U.S. for food.  The worldwide numbers are even more staggering. Choosing to eat animals,…

Dear Editor, I am delighted to share some wonderful news with the Rutland community. The Winter Farmers’ Market is officially returning to Farmers’ Hall at the Vermont Farmers’ Food Center, starting Nov. 2!  Once the Summer Farmers’ Market at Depot Park wraps up at the end of October, we are excited to invite everyone to…

Dear Editor, Kamala Harris’ acceptance speech showed she is capable of being firm in her convictions when it comes to ensuring “safety, dignity, and justice” for rising American generations. However, she came off as much less firm about ensuring “hope,” “joy,” and “love” for Muslim women and children living in Gaza. She said, “I will…

By Karen Horn Editor’s note: This commentary is by Karen Horn of Moretown, where she serves on the planning commission. She retired as director of advocacy for the Vermont League of Cities and Towns in 2023. As for so many others, our property taxes went up by 26% this year, an appalling and unsustainable amount.…

Staff report When embarking on a new sport, one of the many intimidating obstacles to overcome is the terminology associated. From trail features to riding styles to bike parts, it can be complicated to even keep up with the conversation, let alone on the trails. Here’s a quick list to get you started (or freshen…

The Dept. of Housing and Community Development and the Natural Resources Board announced Aug. 22 the release of the Act 250 Interim Exemption Map to help developers and investors create and improve housing that is more affordable. The new interactive map is an exceptional planning tool and shows potential areas where housing may be built without triggering Act 250 review.…

U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, celebrated major investments by the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs to support public safety and rehabilitation community projects in Vermont, totaling over $3.1 million, Aug. 22.  The announcements include funding from the Department of Justice’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice…

On Aug. 17, at approximately 2:20 a.m. the Rochester Fire Dept. was dispatched to a report of a vehicle fire at 398 S. Main St. in Rochester. The Rochester Fire Dept. responded to the scene and found the vehicle fully involved. Fire suppression efforts were conducted and immediately put the fire out.  Unfortunately, the fire destroyed…

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, Aug. 26-30 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:…

After a week of paving, the base of Killington Road reopened Tuesday with new blacktop from the intersection with Route 4 to Anthony Way. An 8-foot sidewalk on the west side was also paved. 

By Curt Peterson Ever since Sunnymede Farm announced its intention to build a 9,000 sq. ft. “Farm Store” on former Lamb Farm land 100 yards from Exit 9 on I-91, the Hartland Planning Commission (HPC) has been fighting the project. The Select Board transferred $10,000 to the HPC, specifically for “legal fees incurred in pursuit…

Born on St. Patrick’s Day in 1943 to an Irish mother and German American father, Patrick Max was the only one among his six siblings to receive a full dose of the Irish chromosome. Pat spent a lifetime recreating the best parts of Irish culture wherever he lived–immersing himself in Irish writers and poets from…

The Vermont Farmers’ Market announced Aug. 22 that it will be returning to Farmers’ Hall at the Vermont Farmers’ Food Center (VFFC) at 251 West St. in Rutland, beginning Nov. 2. The Winter Farmers’ Market will run every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April, providing a vibrant space for local vendors and…

City of Rutland receives two of six grants That Wednesday, Aug. 21, Governor Phil Scott, the Dept. of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and Vermont’s congressional delegation announced $2,155,468 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) federal funding awards through the Vermont Community Development Program (VCDP). These investments will support renovations to existing rental units in the City…

Staff report Travel + Leisure magazine named Rutland No. 7 of its Top 12 best small towns to live in the U.S.  “These small towns are some of the country’s most sought-after communities to call home, according to real estate experts,” the article stated. The magazine classifies “small towns” as those with less than 25,000…