By Duncan McDougall, executive director, Children’s Literacy Foundation As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, schools, after-school programs, and most public libraries are closed, and millions of U.S. children are now sheltering at home. A significant portion of these kids, particularly those from low-income homes where books are more likely to be scarce, suddenly find…

By Brooke Geery Peter Hogenkamp’s first officially published novel, “The Intern,” hit shelves on Tuesday, April 13, an accomplishment nearly 20 years in the making. The Rutland-based physician actually began the project as a sort of promotional tool for another book he’d written called “Absolution,” on the story-sharing site Wattpadd. “The idea of writing about an…

With all the sacrifices Vermonters are making to keep themselves and others healthy during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is taking extra steps to ensure that no one has to wonder if their water is safe to drink, according to an April 10 news release. DEC is working with drinking water…

RUTLAND—The Rutland Natural Resources Conservation District (RNRCD) announced April 16 that it will once again offer its spring trout stocking program that includes 6- to 8-inch and 10- to 12-inch rainbow and brook trout. Private owners may purchase fish to stock their own ponds. Hy on A Hill Trout Farm will bring its fish tank…

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As of Sunday, April 19, the Vermont Department of Health reported that a total of 43 Rutland County and 37 Windsor County residents had tested positive for COVID-19. That amounts to 7 cases per 10,000 population for both Rutland  and  Windsor County. Health department officials on Sunday said 27  people are currently hospitalized statewide and…

Administration outlines principles and safety precautions, based on data and scientific models • New order allows small crews (1-2 people) for outside construction or other outdoor trade jobs, and single-worker professional services to restart April 20 • Clarifies guidance for retailers to allow additional operations using delivery and curbside service • Allows Farmers Markets to…

Order permits lodging reservations to begin June 15 On Friday, April 10, Governor Phil Scott extended Vermont’s State of Emergency through May 15, which also extends the expiration date of all corresponding orders and directives issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The original State of Emergency, issued on March 13, was set to expire on April…

By Virginia Dean RUTLAND — Although telemedicine has been practiced since the 1990s, it is needed and being used now more than ever, given the recent and daily difficulties of the coronavirus pandemic. “Social distancing guidelines make it harder to do many things, including going to doctor’s appointments,” said Peg Bolgioni, marketing and public relations…

WOODSTOCK—Anticipating a steep rise in unemployment and a potential surge in COVID-19 cases in the next few weeks, coupled with government relief that may be slow to arrive, a group of Woodstock-area citizens has formed the Woodstock Area Relief Fund: COVID-19 (WARF). The group’s mission is to provide financial assistance to Woodstock-area individuals and families…

1,000 signs to highlight how to combat virus, stay safe RUTLAND—I Love Rutland is about to show some love in a new way, producing 1,000 lawn signs to remind county residents to stay vigilant, stay safe, and help each other in the fight to stop the spread of Covid-19. The double-sided signs will feature safety…

By Katy Savage If you see someone wearing a fabric facemask in the Killington area, it was likely made by Jane Johnson. Johnson has made 70 facemasks so far for employees at Killington Market, Sushi Yoshi, Sunup Bakery, iPie Pizzaria, the Killington town office, Mountain Merchant and BJ’s Wholesale Club. She’s also given masks to…

The Vermont Department of Labor has implemented an alphabetized structure for the intake of weekly claims and inquiries based on the first letter of their last name.  The structure took effect on Sunday, April 12. The structure is: Sunday (everyone), Monday (A-E), Tuesday (F-L), Wednesday (M-R), Thursday (S-Z), and Friday (Everyone) Those with questions about…

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By Art Woolf The state processed a record 16,474 claims for unemployment insurance for the week ending April 4, according to the weekly report, Thursday, April 9. The previous record was set two weeks prior when the state processed 14,700 applications. In a normal week, about 500 people apply. Since the economic shutdown began in mid-March,…