By Peter Sterling Vermont’s electric sector is estimated to contribute only 2% of our climate change causing greenhouse gas emissions — seemingly insignificant compared to the whopping 74% of emissions coming from our transportation sector and from the energy we use to heat and cool our homes and businesses. But this 2% figure is quite…

By Victoria Gaither Stefanie Schaffer is exceptional, not because she survived an accident in the Bahamas that left her a bilateral amputee, but because she has the guts and determination that only a person who suffered such a personal loss can turn into strength. The Rutland resident wrote her memoir, “Without any Warning: Casualties of…

By Tim Traver A few weeks ago, I noticed a dark, football-shaped shadow skulking quietly among the stems of honeysuckle and lilac by our driveway. I was throwing seeds to the blue jays that wait for it in the morning, and I tossed a handful into the border for the stranger in the shadows. Out…

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. has proposed issuing 100 moose hunting permits in Vermont’s Wildlife Management Unit (WMU-E) in the northeastern corner of the state in order to reduce the impact of winter ticks on the moose population. The proposal was accepted by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife board at its Feb.16 meeting. “Department…

By Jared Rasic, Last Word Features I don’t want to call it too early or anything, but I have a sneaking suspicion 2022 might be our best year in film since at least 2018, when we had masterpieces from filmmakers like Paul Schrader (“First Reformed”), Boots Riley (“Sorry to Bother You”), Lee Chang-dong (“Burning”), Lynne…

Would you like to make a difference in the life of a homeless animal? Do you have the time and space to care for animals in need of temporary foster care? If so, the Rutland County Humane Society (RCHS) would like to hear from you. Did you know that RCHS had almost 350 animals in…

By Rep. Jim Harrison A few years ago, Pat and her sister Carol were helping my father-in-law clean out his house for a move. They came across a desk and file cabinet that were labeled MT. They wondered what that meant. Dad laughed and replied that it was cleaned out = empty = MT. Likewise,…

By Gary Salmon People have always been interested in “big trees.” That is, those that catch our eye and inspire majesty and curiosity in us. The redwoods of California have been the “must see” trees since our country was settled and still attract millions of visitors annually. However each state, including Vermont, has its own…

Jennifer Maytorena Taylor’s new documentary exploring culture, class and community in America will air on PBS World Channel on Mar. 3 Thursday, Mar. 3 at 8 p.m. — "America ReFramed," the Peabody Award-winning documentary series coproduced by PBS World Channel nonprofit media arts organization American Documentary (AmDoc), takes viewers to Vermont where a battle rages…

Catching up with January’s vertical leaderboard champion Kevin Brega By Brooke Geery As the 2021/22 season progresses, so do the stats on the Killington Resort app. While Larry Levack still holds a commanding lead with well over 2 million feet, more than 20 other users have crossed the million vertical foot marker. Near the top…

By Steve James and John S. McCright, Addison Independent SALISBURY — Rob Kenna looked kind of helpless outside his home off West Shore Road in Salisbury last Monday afternoon, Feb. 21. He didn’t have his glasses, he didn’t have his car, he didn’t have his phone. And he was standing there watching flames leap from…

By Kevin Theissen Each year seems to have new scams designed to steal your tax refund. Each tax season, thousands of people are victims of fraud. In these scams, fraudsters trick their victims into giving them enough information to file a fraudulent tax return in their name and direct the refund to a different bank…

By Merisa Sherman “We could go that way,” said the skier. “Or that way could be nice, too.” the skier said, waving the bamboo ski pole in one direction. “But we could go that way instead perhaps.” The skier looked around, paused in a clearing amidst the woods, unsure of where they might be but…

By Ed Baker and Jay Diaz Vermont is in the midst of a “syndemic,” a synergy of epidemics: Covid-19 and drug overdose fatalities due to opioids and stimulants. But only Covid-19 is getting the attention it deserves. The Covid-19 pandemic has rightly seen massive investment in public health tools, like vaccines, testing, surge centers, contact…

By Katy Savage As the threat of Covid-19 apparently dwindles, local towns and organizations are rescinding their face mask policies. The Woodstock Village Trustees and Select Board unanimously voted to no longer require a face mask in public buildings during a joint meeting on Feb. 28. “Individual businesses may still make their own requirements,” Woodstock…