By Dom Cioffi Nearly 35 years ago, on the day after I received my driver’s license, I drove to my girlfriend’s house and parked out front. After hanging around inside for a couple hours, I returned to my car and found a ticket slid between the wiper blade and my windshield. When I read the…

Dear Editor, Last weekend, the UN came to the Saturday Winters Farmers Market in Rutland. Actually, the Vermont Farmers Food Center (VFFC) hosted the “Grace Initiative” also called “Initiative for Governance, Reconciliation and Coexistence,” a nonprofit founded by Yvonne Lodico of Manchester. Governance, reconciliation and coexistence are interdependent and sustain each component for inclusive and…

Dear Editor, I am a full-time resident of Rochester and would like to continue living here. A decade ago, nobody in town believed we would lose our high school, but the issue was raised due to the decline in the number of students and now it’s inevitable. This upcoming merger would, realistically, put us at…

Dear Editor, Congratulations to the Democrats in the Vermont House of Representatives for coming up with a budget that got the support of all but one member who voted on it! The House Democratic Caucus made hard choices to protect Vermont families. This was not an easy budget process. It was made more difficult by the looming federal budget disaster. It was also made more…

Dear Editor, As most of you know, or at least some of you, I have been lobbying Killington for a Senior Residents Pass at a price which us retirees could afford. This past week Killington came out with their new prices for the coming season. Not only did they make the Senior pass affordable, but…

Dear Editor, “______ Rolls Down Hill” you’ll hear the old Vermonters yammer. It has been my experience, however, that the main thing rolling downhill from Killington/Pico’s direction toward Rutland… is opportunity. I am a Rutland (city), Vermont native. Born and bred as they say. I grew up on Lyman Ave, just off of Jackson in…

By Rob Roper Equity and access to educational resources has been a hot topic surrounding the rules (or changes thereto) governing independent schools that accept tax dollars through Vermont’s tuitioning system. Some argue that if a school takes state money it should accept any and all comers. But what about public schools? There is a…

By Don Turner Last week, Montpelier turned the page after an eight-year spell of overspending and financial irresponsibility. Since 2009, the House Republican Caucus has advocated for an annual budget that does not raise taxes or fees, balances overall spending with revenue growth, and promotes economic vitality in Vermont. We are proud to support a…

Killington Resort to host early season races 2017-2018 By Evan Johnson Some of the fastest female ski racers in the world will again be carving turns down Superstar at Killington Resort, Mike Solimano, resort president announced Monday, April 3. The FIS Ladies World Cup Slalom and Giant Slalom races are expected to return to Killington…

By Evan Johnson The Killington community got a preview of what the next three years will hold on Monday afternoon, April 3. Highlights of the summer kick-off event included on-slope infrastructure, a revitalized base lodge, mountain biking trails, solar power developments and events. “Hang onto your hats,” said Tracy Taylor, business development and special project…

Scott to appoint new representative By Mark Johnson, VTDigger A Republican state representative from Mendon is stepping down to serve overseas in the military. Rep. Job Tate, who is in his second term, said Friday, March 31, he will be resigning soon. “It’s imminent,” he said of his deployment. Tate, 34, is a veteran of…

By Polly Lynn Mikula RUTLAND—On Saturday, April 1, a few United Nations delegates wandered through the vendors at the Vermont Farmers Food Center (VFFC) in Rutland tasting a variety of Vermont products including fresh maple syrup, maple candy, apple cider, guacamole and jams, among other treats. Their visit was part of a short Vermont tour…

By Julia Purdy RUTLAND—On Wednesday, March 29, Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks & Recreation hosted a public information open house at its offices, 271 North Main St. in Rutland, to inform the public about and take input on long-range management goals for the Blueberry Hill Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The planning process begins with scoping…

Craig Douglas Phillips “Fluffy”, 62, died Wednesday evening, March 29, 2017, at the Rutland Regional Hospital following a six year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. Craig was born on Oct. 19, 1954, in Rutland, Vt., the son of Raymond Andrew and Joyce Ann (Wardwell) Phillips. He…

By Julia Purdy Gabby the cat is a licensed medical animal who rides on Matty Oldenshaw’s shoulder and warns him of an impending epileptic seizure. Oldenshaw, a sidewalk musician, can usually be found in downtown Rutland on Wednesdays at the corner of the Walmart parking lot or under the awning of the Yellow Deli on…