By Ed Larson Project Help began 51  years ago at Rutland’s Mount Saint Joseph Academy high school.  It’s a project designed to assist needy families in the Rutland community during the holidays with nourishment as well as gift items. According to Project Help organizers, 90 to 100 families will benefit from students who created what…

Dear Editor, I realize there has been a flurry of communications regarding the state of the Woodstock Union Middle and High School. Having just attended the last tour, I feel compelled to add my voice to the conversation, as a parent, tax payer, and former school board member. It is my understanding that there will…

Dear Editor, Thank you for the prompt response by Killington Volunteer Fire/ Rescue and Regional Ambulance when Howie fell and lost consciousness. Their response time was amazing, their care and concern comforting. On a day when the snow just didn’t seem to stop it became clear to me that the most important places to keep…

Dear Editor, After 10 years out of the limelight, one of Killington’s greatest just might be preparing for the most epic return to the main stage this country has ever seen. You’ve heard whispers in the pubs, you’ve read rumors on social media, and maybe you’ve even caught what you thought was a glimpse of…

By David Van Deusen As president of the 10,000 member Vermont AFL-CIO (and as a former organizer with the Sierra Club), it was with keen interest that I read the recommendations of the Transportation and Climate Initiative.  This group, representing 12 Northeast states, is seeking to take steps to increase the price of fuel over…

State requests FEMA assistance Gov. Phil Scott has requested a major disaster declaration for two federal programs for storm damages throughout Vermont caused by wind, rain and flooding from Oct. 31-November 1, 2019. The request is for assistance from the public assistance program, which seeks support for municipal infrastructure repairs, and the individual assistance program,…

The Sharon Academy (TSA) has announced the launch of a capital campaign to raise $2 million to construct a new science wing and make additional school improvements. The Sharon Academy is an intentionally small middle and high school in rural Vermont serving 150 day school students from 20 different towns in the Upper Valley. “The…

Vermont hunting, fishing and trapping licenses for 2020 are now available on the Fish and Wildlife Department’s website. “Vermonters really enjoy hunting and fishing,” said Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter.  “Many people like to purchase 2020 licenses before Jan. 1, so they will be ready for the new year.” According to a federal…

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has scheduled a series of free ice fishing clinics for anyone who would like to learn about the latest proven ice fishing techniques. “Our ice fishing clinics will be held from mid-January through February with the possibility that some dates may change according to ice and weather conditions,” said…

On Jan. 1, 2020, new baitfish regulations will go into effect aimed at providing anglers with additional opportunities to use and harvest baitfish. “We spent the last two years listening to the public and working with the Fish and Wildlife Board to improve regulations while limiting the spread of fish diseases and invasive species,” said…

The Sample News Group announced last week it has named two Vermont newspaper executives to oversee the Rutland Herald and The Times Argus. Tim Duguay has been named general sales manager for the two dailies, which publish Tuesday through Saturday. Steven Pappas has been named publisher. The moves follow the impending departure of Rob Mitchell,…

By Lee J. Kahrs, Brandon Reporter BRANDON — There is a new millionaire in the area. One lucky resident bought a Powerball ticket at the Jiffy Mart in Brandon and won $2 million, Vermont Lottery officials said. The winning ticket drawn Dec. 4 matched five out of five numbers, not including the Powerball. The winning…

Rutland police are investigating damage to an apartment building on Park Avenue after reports of an explosive device detonated on a sidewalk outside the apartment window just before midnight on Dec. 20. There were two residents inside the apartment at the time of the explosion. Police said neither was injured. Detectives from Rutland City Police,…

By Lee J. Kahrs/Brandon Reporter BRANDON — It takes a village to do great things, and in Brandon that means establishing a new, independent bookstore. Former Briggs Carriage Bookstore co-owner Barbara Ebling and Phoenix Books owner Mike DeSanto have teamed up with the help of a community advisory council to open The Bookstore. The shop,…

By Katy Savage Three public water systems in the state have issued Do Not Drink notices after industrial chemicals were found in their water supply.  Two of those three are local schools. Killington Mountain School and Mount Holly School, as well as Fiddlehead Condominiums in Fayston, had per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exceeding the state limit…