By Madeleine Kunin Editor’s note: This commentary is by former Gov. Madeleine Kunin, a Democrat and the first woman to serve as the governor of the state of Vermont. It’s dismaying to see Republicans and some conservative Democrats hacking away at President Biden’s historic budget reconciliation act. They say it’s too expensive, without looking at…

Rutland's Paramount Theatre, a cornerstone of community and civic engagement, was awarded tax credits for two projects, according to a recent announcement by Gov. Scott’s administration when it announced credits that will support 28 rehabilitation and revitalization projects in 22 of Vermont’s designated downtown and village centers. These awards will help generate over $83 million…

Nationwide 10-digit dialing begins Oct. 24 As part of the 988 implementation process, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) has identified 84 area codes across the U.S. that must transition to 10-digit dialing before the deadline for the number to be operational, including Vermont’s 802 area code (i.e., the difference between calling “875-XXXX” and…

By Shaun Robinson/VTDigger They’re just trying to play sports. But Vermont student-athletes are often jeered and shouted down by fans in the stands, officials say, including with targeted hate speech. “I’ve been an athletic director for eight years now,” said Michael Jabour, who oversees sports at South Burlington High School. “And verbal abuse that student-athletes…

By Peter D’Auria/VTDigger Since starting school roughly six weeks ago, students at Bristol Elementary School have broken the school’s piano, destroyed computers and dented cars in the parking lot. In the Missisquoi Valley School District, more staff members may be added to handle an uptick in hazing, harassment and bullying investigations.   And at a…

Speech at GOLM kickoff Tuesday, Oct. 26, will highlighting remarkable courage Two years after what she thought was the end of dozens of surgeries following a boat explosion that paralyzed her, forced the amputation of her legs, and caused incredible emotional trauma, Rutland resident and survivor Stefanie Schaffer is reclaiming her life and looking forward…

Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, Chu Suk Lee (O’Donnell), fondly called Suki, died. She was born Feb. 1, 1939. Suki’s life was about the journey, not the destination, as she cha-cha-cha’ed through countless unique life experiences. Born in Japanese-occupied Korea, she developed a deep sense of resilience, independence, and strength that served her throughout her life.…

By Ethan Weinstein At the State Fairgrounds drive-in, Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) celebrated its first year with a video highlighting the organizations work since its founding last October. Lyle Jepsen, CEDRR’s executive director, was the night’s virtual emcee. “This movie is about the people we call neighbors, about your family…

By David Martins Editor's note: Martins is the director of the Vt. Affordable Housing Coalition. “Out of storm and manifold perils rose an enduring state, the home of freedom and unity” — These words are the epitaph printed on the gravestone of the first governor of Vermont, Thomas Chittenden. The phrase serves as an acknowledgement…

The onset of fall sends Vermont’s bats into motion, which makes it an important time for conservation-minded Vermonters to learn about, and help conserve, our nine native bat species. If you have noticed bats roosting in your attic, barn, or office over the summer, fall is the perfect time to safely evict these uninvited guests…

RUTLAND—Local artist Melissa VanGuilder has been helping transform a former mattress store into the ultimate game store. The new store, Two Ravens Games, opened its doors Wednesday, Oct. 6. The store is located at 165 Woodstock Ave. (Route 4) and carries tabletop games, miniature games, RPGs, card games and more. It also features space to…

By Brooke Geery The U.S. Mint recently announced the latest dollar coins in the American Innovation series for the year 2022 and on the list was one dedicated to Vermont. The subject matter could have gone a number of ways — maple syrup, tractor technology, Bernie Sanders’s mittens — but thankfully the design features snowboarding!…

Saturday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. —BRANDON— Brandon Music is delighted to welcome the return of the Steven Kirby Quintet for a special performance of contemporary and mainstream jazz. Guitarist, composer and educator Steven Kirby has built a reputation for performing exciting, melodic, lyrical and expressive mainstream and contemporary jazz music. He writes original compositions…

Join BF&M for a 'monsterous' good time! Sunday, Oct. 24 —WOODSTOCK— It’s spooktacular fun at Billings Farm & Museum’s Family Halloween on Sunday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Children in costume receive free admission when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Costumed children are invited to march in a costume parade held at…

Saturday, Oct. 23 at 5 p.m. — BARNARD — BarnArts launches a new seasonal theater project this fall, Haunted Village Theater, to be held on Oct. 23 in the village of Barnard. Local actors will lead tours around Barnard, visiting five separate mostly outdoor locations, each with a small cast of actors telling a ghost…