Dear Editor, ‘I don’t give them money, because they’re just going to buy drugs with it. I don’t want to feed their addiction.' Let’s unpack that statement that was just repeated to me for what felt like the gazillionth time today. Maybe they are, maybe they’re not. But let’s say for argument’s sake they are…

Dear Editor, Since the merger between Vermont PBS and VPR and the subsequent name change, I have been referring to the organization as “Vermont Public Whatever.” My suggestion, made to a long time VPR reporter as well as various concerned members of the public I have spoken to on the subject, was that the merged…

By Lawrence W. Reed and David Flemming Editor’s note: Lawrence W. Reed is president emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education. David Flemming, a policy analyst at the Ethan Allen Institute. All of us have heard, perhaps many times, complimentary references to the so-called “common man.” He (or she) is widely regarded as praiseworthy simply…

By Sas Carey Editor’s note: Sas Carey’s new book, “Marrying Mongolia,” is being published by the International Polar Institute and will be released in February 2023. Her healing practice in Middlebury can found at.lifeenegyheal.com. The documentaries and Mongolian work can be found at nomadicare.org. When you follow your inner guidance or calling, amazing things can…

By Robert S. Emmons Editor’s note: Robert S. Emmons has maintained a private psychiatric practice in Vermont for 33 years. He is a member of the volunteer clinical faculty at UVM Larner College of Medicine, where he has taught in the fields of professionalism, ethics and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. It’s hard to wrestle old habits to…

Staff report  Two skiers with Vermont ties made history, Thursday, Dec. 29 in Semmering, Austria. Mikaela Shiffrin secured her 80th World Cup win and 50th slalom victory on Thursday while Paula Moltzan came in second place, earning her first podium in the discipline. It was the first time Americans finished first and second in a…

The Legal Services Corporation in Burlington has received technology initiative grants for 29 legal services providers across the country. Legal Services Vermont is one of the organizations selected for a grant-funded project that leverages technology in delivering legal help to low-income residents. Legal Services Vermont will create online guided interviews that walk Vermonters through filling…

By Julia Purdy The day after Christmas, in Vermont’s Washington County a woodstove ignited the wall behind it as the family was watching television, reported WPTZ. The previous week, WCAX reported a pre-dawn, total house fire in Bethel that killed an elderly couple. The attached woodshed was “full of wood, so that was all fully…

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is reminding the public to take precautions around wild birds, as virulent avian influenza (HPAI) continues to circulate in the state. Backyard flocks of domestic birds in Caledonia and Lamoille Counties have had to be destroyed after exposure to the virus, commonly known as avian flu. “Highly pathogenic avian…

Staff report The Castleton Police Department has identified a woman who died in front of her home by a falling tree in a high wind storm on Dec. 23. Castleton Police Chief Peter Mantello said Joyce Ricard, 51, died of blunt force trauma from a 60-foot-tall maple tree that fell when she was outside her…

The Homeless Prevention Center held its 23rd annual candlelight vigil on Dec. 21 in Rutland. The vigil is held each year on the winter solstice, along with hundreds of other communities across the country. HPC’s vision is to eliminate hopelessness and homelessness within the community. In the past three years, HPC has helped re-house over…

The Fox U.S. Open of Mountain Biking race festival is returning to Killington Resort again this year. The 2023 race will take place Sept. 21-24, following the event’s successful return to the east coast in 2022. Professional and amateur athletes from around the world are anticipated to compete in the open class downhill for one…

Killington Resort gave $300,000 in cash and in-kind charitable donations through its Play Forever corporate responsibility commitment in 2022. Beneficiaries of Killington Resort’s donations included a wide variety of causes ranging from global interests such as the American Red Cross’s Ukrainian war relief efforts to hyper local efforts such as installing a new ice rink…

By Karen D. Lorentz Editor’s note: This is part three in a three-part series on former ski areas in Vermont.  “Not the Biggest, But One of The Best” was the slogan the late Bill Jenkins came up with for the High Pond Ski Area, which opened to the public in winter 1951. High Pond was…

Killington has a new winter attraction: An ice skating rink at the Johnson Recreation Center tennis courts opened just before the new year. This addition to the town's recreation department will bring new programs to the community and provide another way to enjoy the winter season. The idea started back in October. It began as…