By Stephen Seitz BARNARD—Act 46 is getting off to a creaky start, at least for some. The law, which went into effect in 2015, has the goal of merging Vermont’s school districts in the hope of providing better education, as well as get a better handle on costs. The towns of Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Reading,…

By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger RUTLAND — Michael Coppinger is stepping down next month from his post as chief marketer for the city. Coppinger, the executive director of the Downtown Rutland Partnership for the past 10 years, said he formally submitted his resignation Tuesday, March 14, at a meeting of the organization’s board of directors.…

By Evan Johnson RUTLAND—On Monday afternoon, March 20, the Hunger Council of Rutland County convened in a conference room at Rutland Regional Medical Center to explore ways to connect local food production with food security. The most recent data from Hunger Free Vermont show that one in four children in Rutland County are food insecure,…

The U.S. senator toured Rutland’s Stafford Hill solar farm Friday By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders stood outside a field filled with solar panels in Rutland and told 17-year-old Cameron Wilk that he was looking out at a revolution. “When you’re my age, this is going to look obsolete, old-fashioned,” Sanders said…

By Tiffany Danitz Pache, VTDigger A House Education Committee has approved a bill that revamps the statewide property tax formula for education. The formula is based on a per pupil calculation. School districts that spend above a threshold would pay a higher tax rate; those that spend below the target would pay less. The change…

Saturday, March 25, 3 p.m.—WOODSTOCK—The seventh annual Woodstock Vermont Film Series at the Billings Farm & Museum will feature the award-winning documentary “Unbranded” Saturday, March 25, at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. in HD projection and Surround Sound, with complimentary refreshments. All films are open to the public and accessible to people with disabilities. Reservations…

Saturday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.—BRANDON—See Chelsea Berry, a singer-songwriter with the edge, power, and finesse of legends, live at Brandon Music March 25 at 7:30 p.m. Her vocals are smooth and lyrics reminiscent of the folk music of the 1960s. Singer-songwriter Livingston Taylor, brother of James Taylor, calls her vocals “world class” and her presence…

Thursday, March 23, 6 p.m.—RUTLAND—Join the Rutland County Women’s Network & Shelter for a paint party Thursday, March 23, 6-8:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 31, 33 Washington Street, Rutland. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own “Tree of Life” on canvas with instruction led by Theresa Gorman-Kahler of Cricket’s Eye Art.…

Saturday, March 25, 8 p.m.—RUTLAND—Grammy-winning bluegrass pickers Steep Canyon Rangers are set to make an appearance 8 p.m. Saturday, March 25 at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland. The Steep Canyon Rangers are comprised of Woody Platt (guitar), Graham Sharp (banjo), Charles R. Humphrey III (bass), Mike Guggino (mandolin), Nicky Sanders (fiddle) and Mike Ashworth (box…

Saturday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.—POULTNEY, MIDDLEBURY—The Champlain Philharmonic will return to Ackley Hall at Green Mountain College in Poultney Saturday, March 25, 7:30 p.m. and Town Hall Theater in Middlebury Sunday, March 26, 4 p.m. to present its spring concert series featuring works by the great French composers Bizet, Faure, Ravel, and Saint Saens. The…

Tuesday, March 28, 6 p.m.—RUTLAND—Nutrition is an aspect of training that is often overlooked. Whether you are a high school or college athlete, weekend warrior, or just someone who likes to run, food choices are a vital part of training and can make or break a winning effort. Athletic trainers Matthew Howland, ATC, Dominick Maniery,…

Friday, March 24, 5 p.m.—WELLS—The mission event of the Wells United Methodist Church will present its annual Giant Tea Cup auction Friday, March 24. Viewing and bidding starts 5 p.m., bid drawing starts 6:15 p.m. Over 400 items will be available, such as collectibles, knick knacks, glass, jewelry, pictures, art, personal items, cereals, plants, books,…

Thursday, March 23, 6 p.m.—RUTLAND—Mount Saint Joseph Academy’s famed Taste of Rutland dinner will take place on Thursday, March 23. Numerous area restaurants will again contribute their signature dishes to make this annual get-together a delicious success. This event annually draws over 350 attendees. It is a unique opportunity to try appetizers, entrees, desserts, and…

Thursday, March 30—RUTLAND—The 11th annual Soup Bowls for Hunger will be held Thursday, March 30 at the Rutland High School (RHS) cafeteria. Enjoy a bowl of soup, crackers, roll, dessert, and beverage and choose your own handcrafted bowl to take home. Bowls are being made by RHS Ceramics Program Teacher Darren Spafford, local high school students…

Saturday, March 25, 7 p.m.—RUTLAND—College of St. Joseph is hosting a free concert featuring bands from across the Northeast Saturday, March 25. CSJ Campus Invasion is an all-ages show that will include performances from The Up! Up! Ups!, Shy Husky, The Red Summer Sun, and The Bone Factory. The Up! Up! Ups! are a Philadelphia-based…