The Upper Valley Aquatic Center (UVAC) announced Aug. 15 that Kevin Blum will be its head swim team coach.  “With an impressive and diverse background in both collegiate and club coaching, Blum brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success to UVAC,” the organization stated. Blum joins UVAC after serving as the…

Monday, Aug. 14, marked what was intended to be the first of two matches against Rutland Country Club for the Killington Junior Golf League. The first was held at Green Mountain National Golf Club (GMNGC); the second scheduled for Monday, Aug. 19, at Rutland Country Club, but was postponed a week due to rain.  The…

A new statewide room cap is prompting officials to prioritize who gets a spot By Carly Berlin/VTDigger When Mary Mojica’s Waterbury apartment flooded last summer, all she could grab were a couple of boxes, some clothes, and her dog, Bella. Since then, Mojica, 59, has taken up residence at the Days Inn in Colchester, with the…

This Saturday is the penultimate rodeo of the summer season at Pond Hill Ranch in Castleton. The Pond Hill Pro Rodeo Company has produced rodeos for over 50 years in western Vermont. The ranch hosts 10 events throughout the summer on Saturdayevenings at 7:30 p.m. The final rodeo of the season will take place Aug.…

By John Flowers,Addison Independent A recent, massive infusion of new money into Vermont’s childcare system through a new law has helped create 1,000 new slots statewide and spurred a renaissance in the industry, which had sustained major losses in childcare offerings during the Covid pandemic. State and local officials on Aug. 7 converged on Middlebury’s…

Remembering Dan Kelly Dear Edtior, We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Dan Kelly. He was truly a “Great Waiter” and most importantly a great person. He was an unique character, not short on personality. Many customers asked to be seated in his section and would wait until tables became available. He…

By Ann Hazelrigg, Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Vermont     Cucumber and squash production is in full swing in the garden, but there is a key pest that can affect the yield and quality of the fruit. The striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatumare) can be a destructive pest on all cucurbits (cucumbers, summer and winter squash,…

By Ann Hazelrigg, Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Vermont     Lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) can be stunning in early summer when in full bloom, but this time of year they tend to look a bit worn out. There are three common problems that can impact the health of these shrubs: lilac leaf miner (Gracillaria syringella), powdery…

Ferns have grown on Earth for longer than trees and flowers, and existed well before Homo sapiens. In our region, the oldest lineage, emerging 200 million years ago, is the royal fern family (Osmundaceae), including royal, cinnamon, and interrupted ferns. Named for the fertile, spore-producing pinnae that “interrupt” the rest of the leafy frond. Osmunda…

Though it's yet to be determined whether a skate park will be coming back to Rutland anytime soon, folks will have a chance to lace up their roller skates for one night only at Friday Night Live on Aug. 16. Partners for Prevention will host an "In My Roller Skating Era" event during which community…

Friday Aug. 16 at 5 p.m.—RUTLAND—Celebrate summer and bring your friends and family to Downtown Rutland's Center St. and Merchants Row for another night of fun at Friday Night Live. Next up in the outdoor concert series is Zach Nugent’s Dead Set. Dead Set is more than just a cover band; they are an extraordinary…

Saturday, Aug. 24-25—LUDLOW—The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is hosting the fourth annual Best of Vermont Summer Festival at Okemo Field, Route 103 and Bixby Road. The event runs rain or shine, Saturday, noon-7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This popular festival features live music, craft beverages from local beer, wine, and distillery…

Fair schedule provides something for everyone Ongoing Entertainment:  Robin's Heavenly Birds, VT State Fair Butterfly Enclosure, Totally Twisted Balloons, Trackless Train Shuttle, Pirate Man Dan Roving Act, Blacksmith Shop, Danne Moore Antique Motors Display, Touch A Truck, Farm Museum, Antique Tractors, Toy Display, Chainsaw Carver, Weaving & Spinning Demonstrations, Plus Fair Foods, Pony Rides, Shopping,…

Saturday, Aug. 17 at 8:15 p.m.—RUTLAND—The Vermont State Fair, Vermont State Fairgrounds, 175 South Main St., Rutland is set to deliver an exciting lineup of events during its Rutland stop from Aug. 13-17 offering something for everyone. Some if the big name highlights will be featured at the Diamonds and More Grandstand  including motorcycle racing,…

Set in rural Vermont in the volatile 1960s, “Agony Hill” is the first novel in a historical series full of vivid New England atmosphere and the deeply drawn characters that are Sarah Stewart Taylor’s trademark. A former journalist and teacher, Taylor writes and lives with her family on a farm in Vermont where they raise sheep and…