Dear Editor, In the U.S. alone, 46,000,000 turkeys are killed for Thanksgiving. These innocent animal lives were taken for no reason. Of the 245,000,000 turkeys killed in the U.S. in 2022, nearly all were raised in crowded toxic fume-filled sheds, and their talons and beaks were violently clipped to prevent stress-induced aggression. At only…

  Dear Editor, I am glad to read that the State Board of Education is reconsidering its array of anti-discrimination rules. The purpose of these, in my view, is not well served by a lot of recent thinking and policymaking. To me, the overall purpose that schools should keep to is the nurturing of a…

  Dear Editor, When the Old Seminary building of Castleton Normal School burned down over winter break in January 1924, the fate of the school seemed set on a course for closure. This was until the educational and financial prowess of Principal Caroline Woodruff saved the institution.  Just as it was in 1924, it seems…

  By John Sayles and Anore Horton Editor’s note: Authors John Sayles, from Montpelier, represents the Vermont Foodbank, and Anore Horton, Williston, represents Hunger Free Vermont. A recent U.S. Dept. of Agriculture report on food insecurity and hunger reinforces what so many people in Vermont already know and are experiencing firsthand — affording food for ourselves and…

  Submitted Pete Campana’s bus tours to Killington were known for fun.   By Karen D. Lorentz In 1981 for Washington’s Birthday week there had been a total washout of eastern ski areas followed by Killington’s receiving two feet of snow. Some 60-plus tour buses, which had gone elsewhere for the week, showed up at…

  Lynn and Karl Acker reflect on generations working in the ski industry By Karen D. Lorentz Sometimes you just have to wonder if some people are born with a ski gene. It certainly might seem that way for the family of Hank and Marge Huntoon whose three children all pursued different facets of the…

  Fifth graders can access more than 90 days of skiing and riding at participating alpine and cross-country ski areas for a $30 administration fee, Ski Vermont announced Nov. 15. The popular Fifth Grade Passport Program will return for the 2023-2024 ski season. The Passport program provides access to 20 Alpine ski areas — including…

   Fall and winter are the seasons when respiratory viruses spread more easily, and that means now is the best time to protect yourself and loved ones from serious illness and hospitalization, according to the the state Health Department, which is urging everyone 6 months and older to get this year’s Covid-19 and flu vaccines.…

  By Sarah Mearhoff/VTDigger It is high time, a coalition of state political interest groups said Thursday, that Vermont’s wealthiest residents pay their “fair share” in income taxes. Members of the newly formed coalition, which is dubbing itself Fund Vermont’s Future, gathered in front of the Vermont House chamber Thursday morning to call on legislators to…

  The Ottauquechee River Trail Project is now part of the Woodstock Community Trust’s portfolio of local efforts to invest in and benefit the Woodstock community. As with all of the Woodstock Community Trust projects, the Ottauquechee River Trail Project improves the quality of life in our area. This new Project especially complements the East…

  Rutland Regional Medical Center and its partners recently announced that Rutland Regional has been selected by the state of Vermont Dept. of Health, Division of Substance Use (DSU) as one of four Prevention Lead Organizations across the state. As the Prevention Lead, Rutland Regional will guide substance misuse prevention activities and sub-grant funds to…

  Gov. Phil Scott announced a six-week holiday campaign on Nov. 20  to raise funds for Vermonters and businesses impacted by this summer’s flooding through ongoing sales of Vermont Strong license plates and limited-edition socks. Since the “Vermont Strong” license plates were reintroduced in August, $715,000 in proceeds have been donated, with half going to…

  Staff report The ousted Rutland City clerk is looking for a charter change that would allow future clerks to be elected, instead of appointed.  Henry Heck, who was not reappointed to the city clerk position in March under new Mayor Mike Doenges, asked the Board of Aldermen for the change on Nov. 20. “Upon…

  By Katy Savage As businesses grapple with worker shortage, two Killngton weekenders are launching a startup to connect retirees with  jobs and volunteer organizations to ease the burden.  The startup, called GoForIt, is coming next month and aims to connect Killington businesses, including ski shops and restaurants and charities with people looking for per…

  By Cristina Kumka Rutland County is home to one of the nation’s fastest dogs. Hozzy became the third-fastest swimming dog in the nation recently, after competing against hundreds of other dogs in the Ultimate Air Games Dog Dock Diving Competition in Lebanon, Tennessee held Sept. 28 through Oct. 1. A total of 230 dogs…