By Marguerite Jill dye One of our greatest modern day challenges is finding ways to escape chaos and noise. The Finnish Tourist Board released “Silence, Please,” under a series of wilderness photos, each with a solitary figure. “With noise pollution the world round, finding silence is a rare thing,” VisitFinland.com states. “No talking, but action,”…

By Rep. Jim Harrison, R-Bridgewater, Chittenden, Killington & Mendon The regular session of the 2018 legislative session was gaveled down at 12:18 a.m. Sunday morning, the conclusion of the 18 weeks allocated in the current year budget. The last few days, especially Saturday, May 12, were at times intense and emotional. When lawmakers arrived back…

By Senator Alison Clarkson, Windsor-5 The 2018 Legislative session adjourned very late Saturday evening May 12. It always ends after about two weeks of intense negotiations between the House and the Senate resolving our policy differences in committees of conference. And, it is always a bit of a shock, after such focused work, to end…

Wednesday, May 16, 6 p.m.—RUTLAND—Vermont Psychiatric Survivors will host a free screening of the feature-length documentary “Crazywise” on May 16 at 6 p.m. at the Franklin Conference Center, 1 Scale Ave., Rutland. After the 82-minute screening, cast member Gogo Ekhaya will participate in a post-screening discussion about the film. Hearty, complimentary refreshments will be served. Tickets are free and…

KILLINGTON—Helicopters moving chairlift poles through the sky could be seen over Killington Resort Wednesday, May 9. Snowdon Quad towers were removed and transported over to the top of South Ridge; part of Killington Resort’s investment of $16 million, ahead of the 2018-19 season. The upgrades will optimize the guest experience and make the mountain more…

RUTLAND—Joe Casella of Chittenden, co-owner of Casella Construction in Mendon, was recently presented with the U.S. Dept. of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award. David Wheel, representing Vermont ESGR, presented the award for the unconditional support that Casella has given to his employee and citizen-service member Joshua Corkins of Hyde…

RUTLAND—Downtown Gentlemen’s Salon has opened on 32 Merchants Row. Owner Lori LePenna opened the salon March 19. She has 25 years of experience cutting hair in Vermont and South Carolina. She welcomes clients from 2 to 90 years old. The salon specializes in a full spectrum of cuts, from skin fades, flat tops, trendy cuts…

By Robin Alberti Pete Timpone, chef-owner of The Pasta Pot for 44 years, is hanging up his chef’s hat and ready to enjoy retirement. Well known and well loved by the community, Pete Timpone, a.k.a. “Pasta Pete,” has sold the building and land to Joe and Megan Wagner. Megan Wagner has been making sweet delights…

By Katy Savage KILLINGTON—Ray Alba skied down a hill of moguls. It was April 19, 2015, and the sun was shining on the season’s remaining snow at Jay Peak Resort. Alba was there with his wife and two children, now ages 9 and 14, but his mind was on his third child, who wasn’t there.…

By Robin Alberti KILLINGTON—Spring has been fickle this year and came late, creating a shortage of native food for them to eat. Consequently, many homeowners and businesses have been reporting bears getting into their trashcans and Dumpsters around the area. Last Wednesday, May 9, a large black bear was seen lying in a field just…

By Polly Lynn Mikula KILLINGTON— In the past, the prices at Killington town’s municipal Green Mountain National Golf Course “didn’t really compete well for Vermont or Killington residents,” said J.P. Longueil, interim head golf professional and general manager at GMNGC. There will be new rates this year as the golf course is under new management.…

Raft racers Ed Flynn (Trump); and Jeremy Prior and Sam Carr brave the high waters of the Ottauquechee River. [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="28" gal_title="Raft Race - Robin Alberti"]

By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger RUTLAND—A city firefighter who was fired late last year following his arrest while off-duty on charges of impersonating a police officer and later for crashing into a parked car while driving drunk has reached a plea deal that will allow him to avoid jail time. As part of an agreement…

Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m.—CASTLETON—Girls on the Run Vermont (GOTRVT) announces its Central Vermont 5k celebration taking place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 19 at its new location: Castleton University. This energetic event, presented by Carris Reels, is the culmination of GOTRVT’s 10-week after school empowerment program for local girls in grades 3-8, and…