After more than two decades of service with the Rutland City Police Dept. and nearly four decades in law enforcement, Sergeant Keith Lorman officially retired on May 3. Known for his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to community safety, Lorman leaves behind a legacy that touched nearly every corner of public safety in Rutland. Lorman…

Staff report On Saturday, May 3, at 1:54 p.m., police responded to a reported rollover crash on I-91 south in Thetford. Troopers arrived on scene and determined a 2004 Pontiac GTO was traveling south when it failed to maintain its lane, resulting in the vehicle striking a guardrail. Passenger Alyssa Tetreault, 27, from Pepperell, Massachusetts,…

Staff report Woodstock’s former police chief Joseph Swanson has filed a $5 million civil lawsuit against Municipal Manager Eric Duffy and five village trustees over his demotion from chief of police to patrol officer. In addition to Duffy, Seton McIlroy, the board chair; Jeffrey Kahn, the vice chair; and fellow trustees Brenda Blakeman, Lisa Lawlor…

By Jackson Burden Community News Service Editor’s note: This story is via Community News Service in partnership with Vermont State University Castleton. At Vermont State University, Castleton, a vibrant community of Canadian students has long thrived, embracing the American dream while pursuing their college years in the U.S. in a welcoming academic haven. However, following…

By Mike McDonnell Whitewater enthusiasts from all over Vermont and at least six other states converged on the White River in Stockbridge Saturday, May 3, to compete in the 4th annual Peavine Whitewater Race. In total, 52 racers disregarded the sporadic rain showers as they navigated the five miles of rapids between Ted Green Ford and…

By Habib Sabet/VTDigger A federal judge has signed off on the sale of Burke Mountain Resort for $11.5 million, releasing the Northeast Kingdom ski mountain from nearly a decade of federal receivership.  Judge Darrin P. Gayles issued the order in U.S. District Court in Miami formally approving the sale of Burke Mountain to Bear Den Partners LLC, a…

Census Bureau data recently released indicates that Vermont was the nation’s leader in income growth from 2022 to 2023. Vermont median income grew 5.4% year-over-year, while the national median stayed roughly flat with a 0.15% decrease. Vermont’s median income increase represents a jump from below to above the national median. Vermont ranks 17th in household income.…

May 8 through 25—WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — Shaker Bridge Theatre continues its 17th season with “Maytag Virgin,” a tender and witty two-person play by Audrey Cefaly, at the Briggs Opera House. Directed by Jammie Patton, the play follows two widowed neighbors navigating grief, connection, and the possibility of love, all from the vantage of their…

Friday, May 9—CASTLETON—A major historical milestone occurs in Castleton on Friday, May 9. The city will commemorate the 250th anniversary of Ethan Allen’s famed council of war with a free public event. “Ethan Allen in Castleton” will feature open historic buildings, a parade, a live theatrical performance, commemorative souvenirs, and special postal services, all centered…

May 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.—RUTLAND— Lightsabers at the ready—Jedi Trails returns to Pine Hill Park on Saturday, May 10, inviting "Star Wars" fans and outdoor adventurers alike to join a free, family-friendly galactic quest through the woods. This event is quickly becoming an annual springtime favorite. Hosted by Come Alive Outside, the…

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. urges residents not to keep wild turtles as pets, citing potential harm to animals and broader turtle populations. “Capturing a wild turtle and keeping it as a pet, even if only for a short time, is not only bad for that individual, but it could hurt turtle populations as…

May 14 at 7 p.m.—RUTLAND — Gardeners, environmentalists, and community members curious about soil’s role in saving the planet won’t want to miss a free screening of the documentary “Kiss the Ground” on Wednesday, May 14, at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre, in downtown Rutland. Hosted by the Rutland chapter of the UVM Extension…

By Melinda Myers Nothing beats the flavor of fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes. Keep them close at hand by growing one or more containers on your patio, balcony, or front steps. Any tomato can be grown in a pot, but determinate varieties are shorter and more compact, making them a bit easier to manage in a container. They…

Staff ReportBARNARD— Spring is here, which means it’s getting closer and closer to outdoor music season, and one of Vermont’s most beloved outdoor concert traditions returns Thursday, May 29, as Feast & Field kicks off its 2025 music season With the Chad Hollister Band. For more than 15 years, late spring Thursday evenings get rocking…

By Andrea Knepper / Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont There’s no need to guess what your garden needs for optimal results. Take a soil test this spring to create the right conditions for your garden from the start. A simple soil test will help prevent problems later in the season. By following the recommendations…