By Gaen Murphree MIDDLEBURY—While lawmakers in Montpelier argue over marijuana legalization, Middlebury dairy farmers Joel Pomainville and Sam Berthiaume are readying a harvest of a cousin of marijuana — hemp — that promoters hope could be a new cash crop for Vermont farmers. “The potential is so huge on this stuff,” said Berthiaume. Secretary of…

While there is no confirmed window for opening day at this time, snowmaking lit up on Killington and Skye peaks just before 11 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16, for testing prior to the season and the approaching Audi Ski World Cup races. Killington typically begins the longest season in the East with exclusive access for season pass holders. This…

For the past four years, June Racicot has spent time volunteering with Zack’s Place working to help empower people with special needs to express themselves while developing bonds of friendship. Due to her dedication to giving back and willingness to serve others, Woodstock Terrace Assisted Living presented Racicot with the annual Woodstock Terrace Assisted Living Senior Service Award. The senior service award…

The Vermont Butcher Shop celebrated the grand opening of its newest store, located at 180 South Main St., Friday, Oct. 13 with a ribbon cutting and open house. “Healthy, locally raised meats will be our focus,” co-owner Nick DeLauri, a Rutland native, said. “Quality and value are hallmarks of our products, along with a focus on…

By Lani Duke Chamber annual meeting looking at Rutland positives RUTLAND—Good things are happening in Rutland, Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mary Cohen told the Rutland Herald. The Chamber’s annual meeting Oct. 19 in the Paramount Theatre features the details of a regional marketing initiative and keynote speaker Bill Shouldice. It honors 2017…

RUTLAND—The Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Tom Huebner, president & CEO of the Rutland Regional Medical Center, has been chosen the “Business Leader of the Year 2017.” The award will be presented at the Chamber’s annual meeting on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland. During…

By Lani Duke New regulation keeps second-year students in dorms CASTLETON—Castleton University’s recent expansion of dorm units in downtown Rutland has added 75 more rooms and 45 more singles to the college’s student housing, according to the Castleton Spartan, even though the castleton.edu website states there are 1,000 on-campus beds available. In previous years, the…

Saturday, Oct. 21, 5 p.m.—RUTLAND—Shear Heaven Salon & Day Spa is having its annual fundraiser on Oct. 21, 5-8 p.m., Feeding Families. The proceeds from this event are expected to feed between 100-150 local families in need. Shear Heaven has partnered with the Rutland City Police Department to help deliver food to these families. Officers…

Sunday, Oct. 22, 11:30 a.m.—LUDLOW—The 11th annual Okemo Bridal Show is Sunday, Oct. 22 in the Roundhouse at Jackson Gore Inn at Okemo Mountain Resort. Tour the grounds and talk with the team of experts at Okemo who will work with future brides and grooms to make their dreams come true. Meet and greet the…

Saturday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m.—EAST POULTNEY—In its 15th year of offering the writers’ symposium, the non-profit Horace Greeley Foundation, funded through donations and proceeds from Symposium fees, is dedicated to promoting the writer’s trade and the spirit of public oration that was central to Greeley’s life. The symposium will be held Saturday, Oct. 21, 9…

Saturday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m.—RUTLAND—On Saturday, Oct. 21, “Divided by Diversity” will show at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rutland, at 7 p.m. The film will be followed with a Q&A panel that will include Director Duane Carleton and several film participants. The showing is free and open to the public. The film, which was…

By Alan Keays, VTDigger The fired town administrator in Rutland Town has sued the municipality, alleging the Select Board’s decision to terminate him was an act of retaliation and violated the town’s personnel policies. Joseph Zingale, who worked for the town for more than three decades before he was axed, is seeking unspecified damages in…

PAWLET­– The Pawlet Volunteer Fire Department announced that it has been awarded an Assistance to Firefighters grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for $72,381, matched with $3,619 from the Department. The grant will be used to replace the department’s aging Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment, extra air cylinders, and auxiliary fill equipment.…

Alan Keays, VTDigger RUTLAND—Longtime Rutland Schools Superintendent Mary Moran said her passion for education and the outdoors made Vermont a perfect location for a high school administrator from Massachusetts to live and build on a career. After more than two decades working for the Rutland City school system, most of that time as the district’s…

After a successful 2017 relaunch, the US Open of Mountain Biking has announced the event will be hosted at Killington Resort in 2018. The iconic event will be held Aug. 1 - 5, the week leading up to the UCI World Cup at Mount Saint Anne. The USO Downhill will take place on a newly built…