POULTNEY—Madeline Morse, a Stafford Technical Center senior from Poultney High School, has been selected as one of five career technical education students in the state of Vermont as a nominee for the U.S. Department of Education’s Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education. The program was created by executive order of President Lyndon B. Johnson…

Courtesy of VINS Learn about — and meet up close and in person — snowy owls during a day totally dedicated to the raptor, at VINS. Saturday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m.—QUECHEE— Harry Potter had the best pet owl, right? Join VINS as they explore the frosty world of the snowy owl on Saturday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m.-4…

By Julia Purdy The fourth of five public forums on water quality in Moon Brook took place at the Rutland High School Thursday, Nov. 30. The meeting was conducted by Roy Schiff and Jessica Louisos of Milone & MacBroom, water quality consultants. Public Works Commissioner Jeff Wennberg and Ethan Swift of the state Department of…

Courtesy of Brandon Music THE PROMISE IS HOPE Saturday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.—BRANDON— Ashley and Eric L’Esperance first felt the electricity of their undeniable chemistry at an impromptu song swap. A year-and-a-half later they were married and, as the duo The Promise Is Hope, they released a debut album :“Where We’ve Been & Where We’re…

Courtesy of Phoenix Books “Vermont Wild” has reached its fifth volume, continuing its popularity among locals and visitors alike. Saturday, Dec. 16, 1 p.m.—RUTLAND— On Saturday, Dec. 16 from 1-4 p.m., Phoenix Books Rutland will host a meet-and-greet and book signing with Megan Price, the author of the popular “Vermont Wild” series featuring tales from the…

Friday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.—LUDLOW— Friends of the Ludlow Auditorium (FOLA) will bring the sights and sounds of the holiday season to the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium with its annual Community Christmas Celebration on Friday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. George Thomson will once again emcee this night of holiday performances by the members of the…

By Evan Johnson Skiers and snowboarders from around the country gathered under the evening lights at Killington Resort for the annual Rails 2 Riches competition. In the men’s snowboard division, California’s Nate Haust took first, followed by Storm Rowe and Max Lyons of Vermont. Lyons also won for best trick. In the women’s snowboard division,…

KILLINGTON—Vermont artist Maurie Harrington’s recent art project is producing a line of winter and summer cards. They are printed from her original watercolor paintings and each card is hand signed. The colorful cards are distributed throughout Vermont. Many Killington shops are carrying her artwork including her cards. She is thrilled to know that so many…

Friday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.—LUDLOW—Friends of the Ludlow Auditorium (FOLA) will bring the sights and sounds of the holiday season to the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium with its annual Community Christmas Celebration on Friday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. George Thomson will once again emcee this night of holiday performances by the members of the community. Claudia…

In 2017, U.S. (CBP) reported 310,531 apprehensions nationwide, 449 of which were Swanton Sector, Vermont. In FY17 overall, CBP recorded the lowest level of illegal cross-border migration on record, as measured by apprehensions along the border and inadmissible encounters at the U.S. ports of entry. Apprehensions of individuals present without admission from Canada were down,…

By Julia Purdy KILLINGTON—Killington-Pico Area Association lit up the night Dec. 1 with its 13th annual Festival of Trees, a raffle of fully decorated Christmas trees and food drive. Kicking off the holiday season, the event continued into Saturday, Dec. 2, and included live music, visits with Santa, ornament-making and horse-drawn wagon rides. Parking outside…

By Alan Keays, VTDigger Gov. Phil Scott says he will stand by his commitment to support legislation that would legalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana in Vermont. “I made that commitment. It’s a libertarian approach,” the governor said Dec. 1 during an interview on Vermont Public Radio’s “Vermont Edition.” However, he said that…

By Anne Galloway, VTDigger Financial analysts say the state will spend $31 million over a three-year period on tax incentives to towns for school district mergers. In fiscal year 2019 alone, taxpayers will subsidize $16.1 million in tax breaks for towns that merge school districts. The Joint Fiscal Office says that will be the high…

Pico Mountain is scheduled to kick off its 2017-18 winter season at 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 15. The fifth annual Opening Weekend Food Raiser will take place on Dec. 16-17, when discounted lift tickets will be provided in exchange for food donations for low-income Vermonters. The Food Raiser is a partnership with Pico Mountain and local nonprofit organization BROC Community…

By Michelle Monroe, St. Albans Messenger As the threat of another government shutdown loomed on Thursday, Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., spoke with the Messenger about what is transpiring in Washington. “It’s wild,” Welch said, mentioning Jerusalem, impeachment and the House firearms vote, all of which had taken place the day before. On Wednesday, President Donald…