By Brett Yates According to the Weybridge-based environmental organization Bee the Change, there are 17 species of bumblebees native to Vermont. Over the last 25 years, seven of them became endangered, and of those, four have now disappeared altogether. “Our species has begun to crowd out others, and the race against extinction on our planet…

By Peter D’Auria/VTDigger Under Vermont law, once teachers sign a contract to teach for the upcoming school year, they must honor it. Unless they have “just cause” to leave the job, a teacher who breaks a contract will be barred from teaching in a public school for the rest of the academic year. Now, a…

By Sen. Alison Clarkson Many of us are feeling relief that omicron’s surge has taken a steep nose dive. The possibility of a return to something more like normal looks promising. It’s great to be able to feel more comfortable and a bit safer than we did a month ago. However, for a significant number…

Staff report The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) Vermont announced in a Facebook post Tuesday, Feb. 15 that the first group of Afghan refugees has arrived in Rutland. “USCRI Vermont is excited about the first group of Afghan allies starting their new life in Rutland, Vermont!” the post began. “We’d like thank our…

Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) announced Feb. 15 that it has hired Olivia Lyons as its new communications and marketing manager. Most recently, Lyons was a multimedia journalist and chief of the Rutland bureau for WCAX serving Rutland, Bennington and parts of Addison Counties. She attended Champlain College where she received…

By Joan Goldstein Vermont is face-to-face with the opportunity to infuse federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars into transformational projects throughout the state. This is a once in a lifetime moment and the Department of Economic Development is focused on growing the workforce and shoring up a foundation of strong economic activity that will…

Chris Winters of Berlin announced his candidacy for the office of secretary of state on Feb. 17. Winters, 51, is currently the deputy secretary to Sec. of State Jim Condos, who recently announced his retirement and has stated Winters has the most experience to replace him in November. A graduate of Williamstown High School in…

Board allocates $500,000 in ARPA funds By Angelo Lynn BRANDON — The Brandon selectboard on Monday, Feb. 14, threw its support behind a proposed site for 2,200 kW solar array on private land off of Steinberg Road that has a small window of visibility from Routes 7 and 73. The Brandon Planning Commission had already…

By Angelo Lynn PROCTOR — Zion Growers presented plans to the Proctor Select Board last week on its plans to revitalize the former Marble Museum complex at 52 Main Street. It seeks to operate an industrial hemp processing facility. Zion Growers has been working with the Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR)…

Dear Editor, The Mentor Connector is a non-profit community based organization that focuses on the youth of today. Created in 2004 by dedicated community members with a belief that every youth deserves to feel valued, supported, and welcome. Since then, the organization has blossomed with a wide range of support services ranging from prevention and…

By Addie Lentzner, Astrid Young and Lydia Beaulieu Editor’s note: Lentzner, Young and Beaulieu are members of the Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network. Schools shape everything in society; there is no doubt that education is the key to societal change. However, schools are so cemented in systems, traditions and bureaucracy, which makes that change an incredibly…

Dear Editor, Pomfret Voters: Please consider voting “No” on Article 2. [The article asks: Shall the voters change the 1-year terms of the two additional Selectboard members to staggered 2-year terms? (Note: If adopted, this article will take effect as of the 2023 annual meeting.)] The premise for Article 2 is to avoid the potential…

Saturday, Feb. 26 at 10 a.m. — WOODSTOCK — Be the envy of all your gardening friends and learn the tricks of the trade to getting your garden started indoors. The Billings Backyard Series presents Seed Starting & Garden Planning Like a Champ with Master Gardener Ben Pauly. Join Ben Pauly as he talks about…

Killington Resort charges into spring with the Unlimited Spring Pass and a jam-packed event series as the longest season in the East extends towards Memorial Day. The 2022 Unlimited Spring Pass (an upgrade currently available for 2021-22 Killington Express Card Holders, Killington Midweek Season Pass Holders and Pico Season Pass Holders for $349), provides skiers…

By Victoria Gaither A Woodstock couple recently brightened their street by building an ice block igloo in their front yard. After watching a few Youtube videos, trusting their instincts, and monitoring the weather, Benjamin Pauly and his partner, April Lawrence, created igloo magic. “It was a little involved,” admitted Pauly. He said Lawrence came up…