Dear Editor, With a national political conversation that seems to become more divisive and fragmented with each passing day, engaging locally to create meaningful and inclusive democratic change is as important as it ever has been. At moments like this, Vermonters have historically responded by gathering in granges and town halls to find common ground…

Dear Editor, My name is Lisa Ryan and I am running for the Board of Aldermen in Rutland City. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Temple University and master’s degree in mediation and applied conflict studies from Champlain College. I am 27 years old and I was raised in Rutland, having worked in…

Dear Editor, I would like to make a clarification to Adam Federman’s article on the Rutland City Board of Aldermen candidates (Feb. 21-28). Mr. Federman incorrectly stated my “suggested” stance on humanitarian efforts in Rutland. My position on refugee resettlement has not changed since my conversation with Mr. Federman in mid-January. I approve of humanitarian efforts in…

Dear Editor, As the owner of a local business, parent of two wonderful children and resident of Rutland, I am writing in support of our regional marketing initiative. The initiative has been created by a group of volunteers who have put forth tremendous time and energy in an effort to stabilize and grow our local…

Thank you for your good wishes and your gifts and your presence in the celebration of my retirement on Sunday, Feb. 26. I was (and still am) overwhelmed by the participation of friends and family and neighbors at worship on Sunday morning and at the wonderful gathering at the Summit Lodge on Sunday afternoon. Thank…

Dear Editor, I am writing today to voice my support for two issues facing voters this March. 1) Allocating monies from the economic development fund for the 2017 Killington World Cup, and 2) repealing the sales portion of the local option tax for the following fiscal year. Both concepts make sense for our town and…

The staff of the Mountain Times had a busy and successful weekend at the New England Newspaper & Press Association’s annual convention in Boston, Feb. 24 -25. In awards for advertising, circulation and marketing, the Mountain Times took home first place in the categories of “Pure Advertising Niche Publcation” and first place for “Local Display…

WOODSTOCK—During the long winter months, it’s not uncommon for the mind to drift toward the warm beaches of a tropical destination. While most may be unable to escape the cold, it’s not stopping the senior residents of Woodstock Terrace Assisted Living, who are currently working hard to reach the sandy shores of Cabo San Lucas…

Killington—Monday, Feb. 27, marked a very special day for Paul Giblin at Killington Resort. A Killington enthusiast for over 30 years and second home owner who didn’t start skiing until age 40 at Gray Rocks Canadian Ski Resort,  Paul celebrated his 81st birthday skiing with his wife, Teresa, and friends on a sunny, bluebird day…

By Adam Federman, VTDigger A sense of fear and unease has taken hold on dairy farms in Vermont and across the Northeast in the wake of enforcement actions last week that led to the deportation of nearly 700 unauthorized immigrants nationwide. Though no farms in Vermont or nearby states were raided, those who work in…

By Evan Johnson At its Feb. 21 meeting, the Killington Select Board announced the local option tax results for the fourth quarter. Killington took in $153,655.43 in sales and use and $92,823.89 in room and meals receipts during October, November and December. The fourth quarter results bring the totals for 2016 to $355,152.11 in rooms…

Local members of the League of Women Voters of Vermont sent the following questions to every candidate on the Castleton ballot. Their responses are published here. Voting will be at Castleton Fire Hall on Tuesday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. LIBRARY TRUSTEE: (5-year term): The Trustees develop policy and guide the operation…

Marz Kelly of Pittsford, previously of California, Oregon, Georgia and Boston, died in his sleep Thursday Feb. 23 at the age of 36. Being the most amazing man and incredible son anyone could ever hope to know, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers please attend one of…

By Stephen Seitz With Town Meeting Tuesday, March 7, for most area towns, here is a round up of some of the questions voters in the area will be asked to decide. Killington: Killington voters will be asked to approve a $4.5 million budget. Also on the ballot are proposals to rescind the 1 percent…

Vermont shoppers are familiar with the Vermont sales tax of 6 percent on most retail purchases. However, many Vermonters are less familiar with the corresponding use tax. Use tax is due if a shopper has not already paid sales tax at the time of purchase (except on exempt items such as food or clothing), according…