By Haviland Smith Editor’s note: Haviland Smith, a long retired CIA operations officer who has watched democracies fall. During the Putin era it has become clear that the Russians are in the process of trying to reestablish themselves among the most powerful and influential countries in the world. To do that, they see the diminution of…

By Justin Trombly/VTDigger State officials want to start a novice turkey-hunting weekend and introduce an electronic reporting system for big game, changes that could help combat a decline in the number of hunters — and in the state’s revenue from hunting licenses — and make reporting game easier during Covid-19. Hunting license sales have plummeted since the mid-1970s, when the state sold…

Report released on International Overdose Awareness Day to honor lost The Vermont Department of Health has released the state’s first Social Autopsy Report, an in-depth look at how those who died of a drug-related overdose interacted with state agencies, and where improvements in the state’s efforts can be made. The release coincides with the observance of International…

On Sept. 1, the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) board of directors released its Perspectives on Police Reform (vlct.org/VLCT_Perspectives_on_Police_Reform). “We feel it’s important for municipal police departments to reflect the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said board member Elaine Haney, Select Board chair in Essex. “To that end, we are providing leadership…

Executive action advances efforts in seven key areas of law enforcement modernization, sets legislative priorities for 2021 Governor Phil Scott has signed an executive order to accelerate a series of reforms and modernizations of public safety services in Vermont, and to initiate a comprehensive, ongoing discussion with state residents—especially historically marginalized communities—about how law enforcement can best…

The Covid-19 pandemic is a tough reminder that ‘Disasters don’t wait. Make your plan today” Each year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designates September as National Preparedness Month to promote the importance of family and community disaster planning. This year’s theme, “Disasters don’t wait. Make your plan today,” resonates strongly as local communities and…

By Lee J. Kahrs LEICESTER — Having a runaway dog is a heartbreaking experience for any pet owner. The first few days of frantic searching, the Facebook posts asking for help, the constant vigilance scanning the fields and walking, calling your dog’s name. If you’re lucky, those efforts pay off and you find your dog,…

Time is running out to apply for two major agricultural grant programs related to Covid-19. The deadline to apply for millions of dollars is Oct. 1. “I strongly encourage all Vermont farmers, producers and working lands businesses to apply for these funds before they are no longer available on Oct. 1,” said Agriculture Secretary Anson…

A lack of a coordinated statewide approach to safely reopening schools has left districts – as well as parents, school employees, and students – largely on their own, resulting in an overall grade of D+, according to the state’s largest union. The Vermont NEA represents most of the state’s teachers. The NEA does not oppose…

Over 411 people participated in Vermont Suffrage Centennial Alliance and Central Vermont Runners’ virtual Suffrage Scramble 5K during Primary Week in August. Participants, wearing sashes with the phrase Votes for Women and Votes for All, completed the 5K at a time and location of their choice during the week. The event raised $6,850 for the Rutland Branch of…

RUTLAND—The neighborhood engagement subcommittee wants to introduce you to Project Vision personally. With a goal to expand community engagement and build great neighborhoods, members have instituted neighborhood walks. A neighborhood walk is hosted by someone who resides in a neighborhood. They bring other members from the community at large (citizens, volunteers, service providers and police…

James J. (Jim) Judge of Killington, born Dec. 3, 1935 in Staten Island, New York, died peacefully on Aug. 31 after a short illness in Dallas, Texas. Jim Judge is survived by his wife, Kathy (née Garahan) following a loving marriage of over 51 years. He is also survived by his sister, Maureen (Sister Elizabeth…

By Christopher Ross The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency wants to hear from local farmers who have suffered crop losses because of this spring and summer’s dry weather. “Despite recent rains, drought has impacted many farms across Vermont and New England this summer,” said Scott Waterman, spokesperson for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture,…

Just one more Covid cases identified in Killington since private party, total at 18 By Katy Savage Only one additional Covid-19 case was identified in Killington after three days of testing last week, bringing the number of cases associated with the outbreak in town to 18. Hundreds of tests came back negative, including all those…

Staff report After exhausting all Covid-19 grants and losing staff members, Kelvans restaurant in Rutland city is shutting down after nine years. The owners Brad and Katherine Barker announced on Facebook Thursday, Sept. 3 that Sept. 25 would be the restaurant’s last day. “We have lost several staff members due to lack of income and…