By Sen. Bernie Sanders The good news is that Vermont has one of the highest high school graduation rates in the country; fully 88 percent of our kids leave high school with a diploma.  All of us – parents, educators, community members and most of all, our hardworking students – should feel great pride in…

CASTLETON—On Saturday, May 13, Castleton seniors walked across the stage and received their diplomas from President Dave Wolk. Commencement ceremonies are a time-honored tradition signifying an important milestone in nearly every graduate’s life. After spending most of their lives in school and the past four years at university, students are now challenged with the task…

RUTLAND—Seventy students passed across the stage at the College of St. Joseph’s 58th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 13. CSJ President Lawrence Jensen conferred degrees upon the graduates. Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robert Goddard led the processional. Former Vermont Governor Jim Douglas addressed students, their families, and faculty and staff in attendance, speaking of…

Route 73 Pike Industries’ subcontractor, J. Hutchins, will continue replacing drainage culverts through this week. They will be working near the intersection of Route 73 and West Hill Road and moving west on Route 73. J. Hutchins will also be cutting brush that is overhanging the roadway next week. Pike Industries will install underdrain along…

RUTLAND—Londonderry-based Sugar Bob’s Finest Kind has acquired the all product lines and assets of Rutland’s Vermont Maple Crafters. Founded in 2014 by Jackson Whelan and Lenny Montuori, VMC’s flagship hot sauce — Vermont Maple Sriracha — has become one of the region’s most popular specialty foods. The company’s product line includes several hot sauces, as…

RUTLAND—A small army of Rutland Blooms volunteers made a big contribution to the ongoing beautification of the City of Rutland Thursday, May 11, planting 46 crabapple trees. The planting comes just days after a devastating wind storm wreaked havoc, toppling trees and causing considerable damage. “The timing was coincidental, but the storm definitely made today’s…

WINDSOR COUNTY—During the week of May 8, members of the Vermont Drug Task Force(VDTF) conducted arrest operations in Windsor County after several months of investigation. The Vermont Drug Task Force was assisted by the Springfield Police Department, the State Police Westminster Barracks, the Chester Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security while executing these…

Explosive business opens at former Taco Bell site RUTLAND TOWN—Chip Greeno is opening a C&C Fireworks store on the site of the long-unused Taco Bell across Route 7 from Home Depot, scheduled to open by Memorial Day, according to the Rutland Herald. He will bring a portable building to the property with plans to operate…

Three Rutland County students recognized in art competition U.S. Representative Peter Welch, D-Vt., hosted the the Congressional Art Competition at Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier, and recognized three local students. Eli Sanderson of Center Rutland, a student at Long Trail School, won for his piece, “Powder Daze.” Kristen Drew of Wells, a student…

KILLINGTON—On July 8, Killington Resort invites women to participate in the Dirty Girl Mud Run, one of the world’s largest women-only mud runs to raise awareness for breast cancer. The resort officially announced the event May 9. Susan G. Komen®, the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funds more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit…

Seven race events offer runners varying courses, challenges KILLINGTON—On Aug. 19 and 20, athletes from near and far will converge on Killington Resort for the inaugural 2017 Under Armour Mountain Running Series. Created for trail running novices and professionals alike, this trail running series provides racing experiences in beautiful mountain environments of three of the…

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is reminding anglers and the general public to avoid disturbing spawning sea lamprey that may currently be found in the Connecticut River and several of its tributaries. “Sea lamprey are native to the Connecticut River basin and play a vital role in the ecosystem,” said Lael Will, fisheries biologist…

Dear Editor, The United Way of Rutland County is thankful to the many Rutland County residents who contributed non-perishable food items in support of the 25th Annual Letter Carriers’ Food Drive on May 13. The event was a great success this year, with more than 24,000 pounds of food collected and distributed to food shelves…

Dear Editor, I have felt the impacts of the healthcare system’s many manifestations over my lifetime. My parents spent nearly two decades paying off medical bills from my younger brothers’ stints in the hospital with infant asthma. I was forced to put off graduate school for several years after breaking my collarbone and using my…

Dear Editor, The Legislative Workers Caucus, 40-plus legislators that meet weekly during the legislative session, opposes Gov. Scott’s proposal to interfere with the bargaining rights of teachers negotiating around their health insurance benefits. One of the core values of the caucus is to protect collective bargaining and workers’ rights. Another is fiscal responsibility. Scott’s plan…