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,”…

National Garden Club (NGC) awards are established to recognize the efforts of its members and associates who contribute to the enhancement of our world. From funding the construction of a children’s garden to forming programs to battle invasive plants, National Garden Club is full of leaders with a desire to improve our world. To acknowledge those…

By Brooke Geery High in the hills above Ludlow, after the paved road turns to dirt, sits Barker Farm, a massive 155-acre property dotted with giant maple trees and buildings in various states of disrepair. On the right  side of the street is a reminder that it’s 2020—the Coolidge Solar Project, with rows of massive…

By Bonnie Kirn Donahue Do your future self a favor, and plant spring-blooming bulbs this fall. Depending on where you live, there can be a month or more after the snow recedes in spring until we see flowers. Planting spring-flowering bulbs shortens this window and packs a ton of color, contrast and liveliness against a…

Can’t find your pet?  Did you find a pet that’s not yours?  Make sure you contact the Rutland County Humane Society (RCHS) and let them know.  In many cases, stray animals are brought to RCHS.  Additionally, citizens who find stray animals will contact RCHS with the hopes of reuniting them with their owners.  RCHS also…

By Cassandra Tyndall One of the most difficult alignments of 2020, the square between Mars and Saturn, happens again this week. A return of theme, particularly from late August, may be back on the agenda for you to deal with. While going over old territory can be frustrating, it does provide you the opportunity to…