Submitted By Ryan Heraty Editor’s note: This commentary is by Ryan Heraty, superintendent of Lamoille South Supervisory Union. In 2004, the town of Killington overwhelmingly voted to pursue secession to New Hampshire. It was a time of great turmoil as Vermonters navigated the impact of Act 60. Although extreme, it was a reflection of the…

When the online news outlet VTDigger featured a photo of me welcoming the governor entering the House Chamber for his annual budget address (seen above), I couldn’t help using it to my advantage in a “fun” way. With some technical help, we printed out a copy, which I autographed and presented it to the governor…

By Glenn Russell/VTDigger Economist Thomas Kavet speaks during a meeting of the Emergency Board at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Thursday, Jan. 18. Looking on is fellow economist Jeffrey Carr, right. By Sarah Mearhoff/VTDigger Despite last year’s hand-wringing over an anticipated downturn of Vermont’s economy, one year later, state economists on Thursday were notably optimistic about…

Courtesy philscott.org   By Sarah Mearhoff and Shaun Robinson, VTDigger In his budget address delivered to the Legislature on Tuesday, Jan. 23, Republican Gov. Phil Scott once again implored lawmakers to refrain from increasing state taxes and fees on Vermonters, and keep state spending within current revenues. And similar to his State of the State…

By Curt Peterson The homestead education tax rate in Hartland will rise 23.95% this year – from $1.816 per $100 in assessed value, to $2.251.  For a $250,000 home, this change will add about $1,087 to the FY2025 tax bill. “Ouch!” cries are heard throughout the town’s listserv and around the coffee bar at Three…

Courtesy Chaffee Center for the Arts George Thrall Chaffee built the now historic mansion in 1895.    Governor Phil Scott, the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation (VDHP) and the Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation recently announced grants totaling $319,090 to 19 municipalities and non-profit organizations in six counties to facilitate the restoration and rehabilitation of Vermont landmarks and…

          Submitted   Killington Resort has granted over $300,000 in cash and in-kind charitable donations through its Play Forever commitment in 2023 to support environmental and community nonprofit organizations, according to a news release Jan. 28.  “At Killington and Pico Resorts, we are committed to ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities…

Courtesy VSP Clair Sherman   On Saturday, Jan. 27 at approximately 11:15 p.m. troopers from the state police Royalton Barracks received a call advising of a male trying to make entry into a dwelling at 10 Dudley St.  in Randolph, carrying a flammable device. Further investigation revealed that Clair Sherman, 40, was seen lighting a…

  Courtesy Windsor County Sheriff’s Office Windsor County Sheriff’s Office K9 Kye will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Kye’s vest will be embroidered with the slogan, “Honoring those who served and sacrificed.” Delivery is expected within 8-10 weeks. “We are…

  By Ginger Nickerson Editor’s note: Ginger Nickerson is the University of Vermont extension forest pest education coordinator. When working in their sugarbush this winter, maple producers are encouraged to be on the lookout for signs of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). This wood-boring insect, native to southeast Asia, will kill many hardwood trees. However,…

Submitted William “Bill” Lucci Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) announce the appointment of William “Bill” Lucci as program director of The Hub CoWorks on Thursday, Jan. 25. Most recently, Lucci was the assistant director for adult technical education at Stafford Technical Center, a position he held since 2007. While at Stafford, Lucci…

  (DHCD) recently awarded $10,377 to the town of Poultney in state municipal planning grant funds for a municipal merger feasibility study, the town announced in a news release Jan. 26. Poultney currently has two municipalities that govern the community: the town of Poultney and the village of Poultney. As the community continues its recovery…

By Ethan Weinstein/VTDigger Conversations around education finance — often lamented as one of Montpelier’s most complicated and least understood policy sectors — have taken on an alarmed tenor as lawmakers and Gov. Phil Scott’s administration fear the latest changes to the system might be driving up education spending in unexpected ways. Now, lawmakers must grapple with…

  By Victoria Gaither A residential structure fire decimated one of the oldest houses in Killington last week.    By Polly Mikula A fast-burning fire rendered one of the oldest houses in Killington a total loss early Wednesday morning, Jan. 24. The Neil family lived at 202 Old Route 4, just east of Killington Road.…

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