Rutland is officially in the holiday spirit following a citywide holiday stroll event on Nov. 30. Residents and visitors were treated to a day of sales, treats and activities, which lead up to the annual Tree Lighting in Depot Park. Other activities included a free showing of “The Grinch” at the Paramount Theatre and Santa…

Newsweek announced its ranking of the top 5,000 STEM high schools for 2019, honoring excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Woodstock Union High School was named No. 1,745 of all schools and N. 974 of all public schools. “Children don’t realize it, but they’re natural STEM students,” said Nancy Cooper, Newsweek global editor in…

By Curt Peterson Although plans for a new high/middle school complex in Woodstock have been growing for some time, many constituents are becoming aware of it for the first time — perhaps most in the six districts towns outside of Woodstock itself — Pomfret, Bridgewater, Plymouth, Killington and Reading (and Barnard, assuming they vote to…

Dear Editor, We may be about to witness something none of us have ever seen before, which is a large piece of public land with full public access and heavy public use being sold to a very private wealthy person who has stated he does not want the public on this land again after he…

Dear Editor, I am truly disappointed in the actions of the Cavendish Select Board not to pursue the tax appeal with the state and allowing the Property Valuation Review dated Oct. 24 (Watson V. Town of Cavendish) to stand. However, I understand why, given Cavendish is such a small town with a limited budget. My…

By William J. Mathis Policy wonks, not getting the results they hoped for (and being a touch lazy) invented a new research method called the “intraocular traumatic test.” What that means is, look at the data and if the result hits you between the eyes, it’s significant. Naturally, this kind of eyeballing lends itself to…

By Rob Roper Gov. Phil Scott recently took some heat from the media over a statement he made following the announcement by Energizer that they would be closing their Bennington plant and moving its operations to Wisconsin. The governor said: “This decision [by Energizer] is an unfortunate example of why those of us in Montpelier…

Vermont’s hunters will get one final chance for a deer this year during the muzzleloader deer season and the second part of the archery deer season. The two seasons run at the same time —Dec. 7-15. A muzzleloader hunter may take one legal buck anywhere in the state. In addition, a hunter who received a muzzleloader…

Governor Phil Scott and Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts visited the Werner Tree Farm in Middlebury Nov. 29 to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season with the help of Vermont’s farmers. The trees cut during this visit will decorate the Pavilion Building in Montpelier, which houses the governor’s office. “As we enter the holiday season,…

By Dj Dave Hoffenberg Badfish is bringing their show and brand new beer to the Pickle Barrel this Friday 8 p.m. Most bands only get to do a CD release party, yet Badfish is doing a beer release party and then launching a CD next year. Badfish has been around for 18 years. I remember…

Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.—RUTLAND—Using as inspiration Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1967 speech “The Other America,” author Mitchell S. Jackson reflects on his childhood in a poor, black community in Portland, Oregon—where he witnessed drug use, gang violence, and sexual exploitation—and reveals how he transformed despair into hope. Part of the Vermont Humanities First…

Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.—WAITSFIELD— Join in on Thursday, Dec. 5 to discuss all things uphill, backcountry, etc. The Catamount Trail Association and the Mad River Backcountry Coalition hosts this panel at Rumble’s Bar and Bistro in Sugarbush. Land managers, ski area operators, and uphill enthusiasts will converge to discuss opportunities and challenges created by this growing segment…

Friday, Dec. 10 a.m.—RUTLAND—The Rutland Free Library is hosting its December Friends of the Library book sale on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6-7. The public is welcome to browse thousands of organized, gently used books, CDs DVDs, and puzzles for all ages. Most items are $0.25 to $3 and there is always a great selection…

Friday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m.—KILLINGTON—The Pickle Barrel Nightclub is excited to once again host Badfish, a Tribute to Sublime on Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. The Kingston, Rhode Island based group will be live on the stage of the house that rocks Killington to kick off ski season. Bringing the Long Beach Dub vibes…

Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.—RANDOLPH—Experience “a royally entertaining show” (Arizona Republic) and “…a heartfelt artistic experience” (East Valley Tribune) as Ballet Etudes presents its 33rd annual production of “The Nutcracker!” Let Clara’s magical journey surround you as she encounters life-size mice, swirling snowflakes, dancing confections and the Sugar plum Fairy. A feast for the…