Dr. Michael Shank As a university professor, I’m constantly thinking about how to best equip my graduate students with life skills. I’m always taken aback when they struggle with how to communicate effectively, handle conflict constructively, think critically, or engage civically. Not only is a degree less valuable now, it’s also less applicable. Especially as…

 Lt. governor race is a toss-up, fewer than 50% of Vermonters eager to take a Covid-19 vaccine Republican Gov. Phil Scott is coasting to reelection and has become more popular than the three Democrats who serve in Vermont’s Congressional delegation, according to a new poll from VPR and Vermont PBS released today. Meanwhile, six weeks…

As it became clear that it would not be possible to operate its Scouts BSA resident camp safely this summer, Camp Director Clint Buxton, now unemployed, decided to turn a lifelong dream of a Long Trail through-hike into an opportunity to support the organization amid the pandemic. Nearly four weeks and 272 miles later, the…

Governor Phil Scott announced that Vermont has received $3.8 million in federal funding for suicide prevention. The five-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will support the implementation and evaluation of the state’s comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention in Vermont. The announcement coincided with the Sept. 10 observance of World Suicide…

Commission to maintain local renewable choices, net metering, but thousands of Vermont jobs threatened While Governor Phil Scott’s administration has been hesitant on renewable energy progress, 791 Vermonters filed comments with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) on net metering, according to a news release by Renewable Energy Vermont, Sept. 23. Net metering is the state’s…

By Rep. Jim Harrison The 2020 legislative session came to a close on Friday evening, Sept. 25. It was a session like no other, with issues like emergency Covid related measures and funding, online meetings via Zoom since March and a two month break in the summer thrown in to get a better handle on…

By Polly Mikula The annual Killington kickoff for the winter season is usually held with fanfare. Hundreds gather in Killington Resort’s Grand Hotel and complimentary food and drinks are served creating a party-like atmosphere. The purpose is to provide an update for the community — highlighting successes from the past year and providing insights for the…

By Curt Peterson Three candidates are vying for the Windsor-Rutland District Vermont House seat being vacated after 15 years by Sandy Haas (Progressive). The White River Valley Herald and the Rochester Public Library hosted a virtual debate on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Democrat/Progressive candidate Kirk White (Bethel), Independent candidate Sheila Braun (Rochester) and Republican candidate Wayne…

The seed for the idea begin when a small group of parents at Mission City Church  found themselves comparing notes and expressing frustration about the long waiting lists for all quality child care centers in the area. This conversation evolved into church leadership having serious conversations about the need and talking with area providers and…

Pictured above is one of the most memorable foliage scenes in Ludlow’s Veterans Memorial Park. This will be the last time its glorious foliage will be seen in Ludlow. Due to the rotting trunk, the town has decided to remove the tree before it becomes a hazard — but not until it has been allowed…

All adults and children are encouraged to get the vaccination “It’s incredibly important that people get flu vaccines this year,” said Community Health’s Director of Quality Tracy Upton, RN. In the Rutland area, Community Health has arranged weekday and Saturday clinics for adults and children, and offers an online appointment schedule for current Community Health…

Castleton University and Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region announced a new partnership with an eye toward enhancing internship and career opportunities and an increased focus on community engagement. Kimberley Rupe, business development and community engagement manager of Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region, will work alongside Castleton’s Pathway to Graduation…

Grants doled out to local schools By Polly Mikula After the $6.5 million that was initially allocated by the state to improve air quality in schools throughout Vermont was quickly claimed, Vermont House approved an increase to $11.5 million then the Senate proposed a further increase to $13.5 million. The program was created to improve…

Rutland family moves into new Habitat for Humanity house By Katy Savage After 9 years of shuffling between different housing situations since fleeing their home country during the Syrian Civil War, Hassam Alhallak and his wife Hazar Mansour finally have a place to call home again. With the help of about 200 volunteers, the family…

The eighth annual Vermont’s Greenest Building awards has recognized a home in Benson for achieving the highest standard of demonstrated building energy performance for residential buildings and documentation of green building strategies including health, transportation, water and affordability. “It is wonderful to recognize the innovation, talent and creativity building professionals are bringing to their projects,”…