By Secretary of State Jim Condos As Vermont’s chief election official, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our elections is one of my highest priorities. In a world of constantly changing technology we must stay ahead of those who seek to undermine the integrity of our elections. We must ensure that our elections are secure…

Monday, Jan. 1—VERMONT—Start the new year on the right foot with a hike in a Vermont state park. On Jan. 1, everyone is invited to join a free, guided, family-friendly hike taking place at many state parks and forests across Vermont. Hikes will be led by professional guides and outdoor educators eager to share their knowledge…

The Agency of Natural Resources announced Tuesday, Dec. 26 that Rowley Fuels of Milton, was fined $18,600 for illegally cutting open fuel oil storage tanks and lighting the fuel on fire. These actions violated multiple Vermont Hazardous Waste Management and Air Quality Regulations. Rowley Fuels distributes heating fuel, propane and other petroleum products, and provides…

Saturday, Dec. 30, 3 p.m.—WOODSTOCK—The eighth annual Woodstock Vermont Film Series at the Billings Farm & Museum will feature the award-winning documentary “2001: A Space Odyssey,” on Saturday, Dec. 30, at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in HD projection and surround sound, with complimentary refreshments. All films are open to the public and accessible to people with disabilities. Reservations…

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) is pleased to announce the availability of up to $60,000 of funding for Local Food Market Development (LFMD) Grants to assist eligible Vermont farmers, businesses, and value-chain facilitators to reach new markets. VAAFM works to support market opportunities with an institutional or other wholesale focus in…

By Julia Purdy “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year!” With these words Scrooge appeals to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come to help him escape the dreadful vision of a bleak and lonely ending to his life. The spirit offers no sympathy, forcing Scrooge to…

By Alan Keays, VTDigger The executive director of the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce is facing DUI charges even though tests showed her blood alcohol level was below the legal limit for driving, newly released court records show. Prosecutors are pressing their case against Mary S. Cohen on two fronts: that a chemist can show…

Governor Phil Scott joined local, state and federal partners Wednesday, Dec. 20 to announce over $3.5 million in community development grants to eight communities. Brownfield clean-up in Rockingham, downtown redevelopment in Springfield and funding for home repair programs statewide are among the projects receiving more than $3.5 million in grants from the Vermont Community Development…

Sunday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m.—LUDLOW—Okemo Mountain Resort turns New Year’s Eve into a family celebration by moving midnight forward, allowing families with young children to ring in the New Year with events, activities and fireworks — and still get a full night’s sleep. Okemo’s Family New Year’s Eve Party is scheduled from 5-9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31. Following early…

Saturday, Dec. 30—PROCTOR—The annual Rutland County Audubon Society (RCAS) Christmas Bird Count will take place on Saturday, Dec. 30. This has been an RCAS tradition for over 40 years. Field team participants and feeder watchers within each count circle have been recruited, and are always needed. The countdown and potluck following the day’s count will…

Dec. 28-Jan. 2—KILLINGTON—Killington Art Garage is offering daily craft and art workshops for kids and adults during the holiday week. On Thursday, Dec. 28, join Kids Winter Friends Sock Workshop from 3-4:30 p.m. Create winter friends out of socks with this no-sew craft. Cost is $27 per child; all materials and instructions are provided to…

The Bowse Health Trust Committee is pleased to announce that it has approved funding for three new programs. The projects will receive up to three years of funding starting in 2018. In twenty years the Bowse Health Trust has funded a total of 60 programs, which target residents of all ages in a variety of Rutland County…

Killington Police busy with traffic, alarm activations According to the media log from the Killington Police, officers responded to a total of 26 calls between Dec. 2 and 8. On Dec. 2, police completed three traffic stops in the areas of Bigelow Drive and Anthony Way. Police also responded to a welfare request on Brad…

  Friday & Saturday, Dec. 22-23—RUTLAND—Rutland Youth Theatre presents “Mary Poppins, the Broadway Musical” (with live orchestra) to celebrate the holidays, Dec. 22-23 at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland. Produced by Saskia Hagen Groom, directed and choreographed by Tegan Waite, and musical directed by Benjamin Green, “Mary Poppins, the Broadway Musical” captures audiences with a…

WOODSTOCK—Discover the traditions of a late 19th century Vermont Christmas with a visit to the Billings Farm & Museum this holiday season. Christmas at the Billings Farm will be featured on weekends in December and Dec. 23-Jan. 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (excluding Christmas day). Tour the authentically decorated farmhouse, visit the dairy farm for interactive programs including “An Introduction to Milking” and “Milking…