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…

By Mike Faher, VTDigger State regulators have approved a massive Windsor County solar array that will be four times the size of any such project built in Vermont so far. The Coolidge Solar project, to be built in Ludlow and Cavendish, will be capable of producing 20 megawatts of power. The largest existing array in…

By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger It’s not easy to promote several messages at once, but Luke Stafford says he’ll give it his best shot. “We’re going to have to walk that fine line together as a group here of not diluting our effort so much that it doesn’t have any impact, but trying to please…

By Stephen Seitz RUTLAND—Students from Rutland High School and Rutland Middle School both claimed first place at the third annual 3D Modeling Event, held this year on March 24 at the Vermont Technical Center in Randolph. “This was our third year of participation,” said the students’ coach, Rutland High STEM teacher Laurie Wilson. “With that…

CASTLETON—Beginning with the April room selection process for fall 2017, Castleton University will offer gender-inclusive housing options, a concept that stems from work by the University’s President’s Council on Inclusive Excellence. Allowing residence halls to be a diverse living environment for all students, dorms both on and off campus will feature gender-inclusive bathrooms and bedrooms…

Saturday, April 8, 7:30 p.m.—BRANDON—Sarah Blacker and Aaron Katz perform new music at Brandon Music on April 8. The singer-songwriter is a Brandon Music favorite and is known as Boston’s “Sundress Rocker.” No Depression said she is “One of the brighter artists to grab our attention recently.” Along with Katz, a percussionist with the national…

Saturday, April 8, 3 p.m.—RUTLAND—Phoenix Books Rutland welcomes spring April 8 when Eileen Christelow features her new picture book, “Robins! How They Grow Up,” for a 3 p.m. story time and book signing. Robins are the most familiar and beloved of all birds, found throughout North America and celebrated as one of the first signs…

Sunday, April 9, 1 p.m.—RUTLAND—The Paramount Theatre will return to broadcasts in high-definition from the National Theatre of Great Britain with a three-play series beginning Sunday, April 9, 1 p.m. with Terrance Rattigan’s play “The Deep Blue Sea.” When Hester Collyer (Helen McCrory) is found by her neighbors in the aftermath of a failed suicide…