Dear Editor, On May 11, 2022, Governor Scott signed into law Bill H.411, which prohibits killing wildlife without intention to use or dispose of it properly—known as wanton waste. A 2017 survey by the University of Vermont’s Center for Rural Studies showed that 70.5% of Vermonters oppose wanton waste. The passing of H.411 ignited a glimmer of…

Dear Editor, A third party always challenges the dual-mode of the scales, up and down. The dual-mode (“two party system”) has dominated America since John Adams was president. Picture a fist fight. Dramatic, sure. Useful? To vested interests, very. You get the drama. Vested interests pocket the dharma: the money and influence. The power.  The…

By Katrina Menard Editor’s note: Katrina Menard is state policy fellow at Public Assets Institute, a non-partisan, non-profit, people-centered, data-first organization based in Montpelier. She lives in Strafford. As Vermont recovers from yet another round of flooding and braces for what’s left of Tropical Storm Debby, it may come as no surprise that Vermont is ranked…

By Allen Gilbert Editor’s note: Allen Gilbert of Worcester, a former journalist, teacher and ACLU-VT executive director. He chaired his school board in Worcester when it joined the education funding lawsuit that resulted in the Brigham v. State decision by the Vermont Supreme Court. Don Keelan’s commentary printed in this publication July 31 — “The ‘welcome to Vermont’…

By David Moats Editor’s note: David Moats, an author and journalist who lives in Salisbury, is a regular columnist for VTDigger. He is editorial page editor emeritus of the Rutland Herald, where he won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for a series of editorials on Vermont’s civil union law. Vermont Republicans are in a bind. One…

Killington Resort recently made three new tracks with banked turns and small bridge features on an easy grade just up from Snowshed Lodge. The easiest trails on the mountain all finish there rewarding new riders with a boost of confidence to end their ride.  The new park is so fun, that many choose to lap…

Removal of the derelict Wainwright Mill Dam (also known as Halnon Pond Dam) on Tributary #10 in Salisbury (south side of Lake Dunmore Road) will begin this week, according to a news release from the Vermont Natural Resources Council Aug. 12. The dam is in poor condition and no longer functional for its original purposes…

Okemo Valley TV has recognized volunteers, including Board members and community producers, who have made important contributions to the non profit community media organization. At its annual meeting on June 27, two outgoing board members were recognized for their longevity of service.  First, George Thomson (19 years), was presented with the Community Impact Award, for…

By Theo Wells-Spackman/VTDigger Richard Hulett, owner of Deer Flats Farm and a Select Board member in Pawlet, is facing two charges of simple assault. A Vermont State Police investigation concluded that Hulett assaulted a farm worker and the farm worker’s 15-year-old nephew in an altercation last month. In a press release issued late Monday, Aug. 5,…

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. 12-16 and ongoing. I-91 Springfield-Hartland: Lane closures will be in place on I-91 southbound from north of Exit 9 to just south of Exit 7. A speed limit reduction…

Dr. Charles Caverly was world’s first to identify polio epidemic The 13th addition to the Rutland Sculpture Trail will honor a groundbreaking Rutland doctor, and the hundreds of local medical professionals who responded to the Covid-19 pandemic. The sculpture, designed by and to be carved from Danby White marble by Italian sculptor Alessandro Lombardo, will…

The Killington World Cup Foundation (KWCF) awarded 33 grants totaling $330,000 to Northeast area nonprofits in eight states, with five of this year’s grantees being new to KWCF. KWCF also donated $170,000 to support athlete housing at the Killington Cup. These grants were made possible as a result of the 2023 Stifel Killington Cup. \…

Killington Road from Route 4 to Anthony Way will close again next week for paving. It will close starting at 7 a.m., Monday, Aug. 19 and reopen Monday, Aug. 26, paved with some construction work continuing on the sides, according to Killington Public Works Director Abbie Sherman. “A lot of the project is starting to…

Killington Mountain School’s (KMS) acquisition of Moguls Sports Pub July 31 will allow it to expand its campus footprint and enhancing the living and learning experience for its student-athletes, program participants, families, and the greater community, according to a news relelase Aug. 12.  “We have exceptional programs. Our expert faculty, coaches, and staff across all…

By Peter D’Auria/VTDigger Vermont hospitals are seeking the Green Mountain Care Board’s permission to increase commercial insurance charges and their revenue from patients, an annual process that comes amid widespread concern over hospitals’ financial health. Each year, hospitals request increases for the next fiscal year in their net patient revenue — revenue brought in by caring for patients…