By Ethan Weinstein As the public waits anxiously to learn more about the Omicron variant, Vermont is currently experiencing its highest number of Covid hospitalizations and Covid patients in ICU beds. “There’s still a lot we don’t know and it could be a couple of weeks before we get more information. Until then, we’re not…

Where Christmas, fun & history meet! WOODSTOCK — Experience the traditions of a late 19th-century Vermont Christmas with a visit to the Billings Farm & Museum this holiday season. Christmas at the Farm will be featured Dec. 4-5, 10-12, and daily Dec. 18 through Jan. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. BF&M will be…

Hunters still have several days of archery and muzzleloader deer hunting to enjoy in Vermont. Archery deer hunting continues Nov. 29 through Dec. 15, and muzzleloader deer hunting will occur Dec. 4 to 12. An archery deer license and a hunting license are required to hunt during the archery season. An antlerless deer or a…

By Deborah J. Benoit, Extension master gardener, University of Vermont It’s that time of year again when amaryllis, Christmas cactus and poinsettias appear in stores and find their way into our homes. Whether you receive a new plant as a gift or purchase it, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the plant’s…

RUTLAND — The Gift-of-Life Marathon is fast approaching on Dec. 7, 15, 16 and 17, and we are looking for volunteers for Dec. 17, the culmination of the event and the biggest day. The drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Rutland Recreation Community Center (formerly the CSJ gym). Shifts…

$66.5 million investment could net $300 million of growth over the next 10 years By Polly Mikula The town of Killington has drafted a plan to create a tax increment financing (TIF) district to provide transportation and municipal water infrastructure that will stimulate commercial and residential development and create new affordable housing in the town’s…

By John Flowers The long-absent refrain of “All aboard!” is expected to ring out once again at new passenger train stations in Middlebury and Vergennes in about seven months connecting the Ethan Allen Express from Rutland north, according to Vermont’s top rail official. Dan Delabruere, rail and aviation bureau director with the Vermont Agency of…

Dear Editor, I have been a solo, independent pediatrician for 32 years at Green Mountain Pediatrics, located in Bennington. I have always strived to use best practices with some healthy common sense in the care of my kids. I love being a part of these children’s growth and maturity, helping their families navigate parenthood. I…

Circulating spores far and wide By Susie Spikol “Shhh,” I tell my 5-year-old son, “there are animals sleeping, right under our feet.” He presses his ear against the frozen ground, hoping to hear the slow, sleepy breath of a snoozing mammal. I tell him that if he could pull back the earth like a blanket…

By Brett Yates The town of Pittsfield typically decorates the gazebo on its village green to mark the holiday season. This year, officials aim to turn the small local tradition into a full-fledged community event. According to Select Board Chair Ann Kuendig, the idea for a public tree lighting ceremony — with music, caroling, and…

Nov. 25 - Jan. 2 — ENFIELD, New Hampshire — The Christmas Spirit will once again come alive through the Festival of Light display beginning at 5 p.m. Thanksgiving Day at the La Salette Shrine on Rte 4A in Enfield, New Hampshire. The lights will be on and open to the public from 5-9 p.m.…

Can Shiffrin defend her Slalom title amongst the fastest women technical ski racers? By Polly Mikula This weekend, Nov. 27-28, the Women’s Audi FIS Ski World Cup returns to Killington for Giant Slalom and Slalom races. Last year, all North American FIS Alpine ski races were canceled due to the pandemic. “Returning from a pandemic-induced…

Nov. 26 - Dec. 26 — RUTLAND — Diamonds and More and Catamount Radio present Holiday Lights at the Vermont State Fairgrounds this November and December. Celebrate the most festive season of the year when you pack the family station wagon and take a drive through the fairgrounds taking in the larger than life light…

By Dom Cioffi I have an odd, longstanding fascination with reading obituaries. I have never consciously thought about doing this, it just happened unexpectedly. I believe my habit of reading the obituaries began with the death of my father, who passed away when I was 22 years old. Up until that time, the only death…

By Katy Savage A committee that’s spent four years studying the prices and concepts for a hefty renovation of the Woodstock Town Hall said last Monday, Nov. 15 that they couldn’t recommend any of their plans. They cost too much. “As a team we’re not in a position to recommend any of the plans we…