CASTLETON–Celebrating cultural diversity, Castleton University welcomed 32 international students from the East China University of Technology to campus Monday, July 11, as part of the Summer Cultural Immersion Program. The three-week program has a focus on intensive English classes and cultural immersion activities through social interactions and educational excursions. “The program is designed for…

By Kelsey Neubauer, VTDigger.org The owners of a Brandon dairy farm have been fined nearly $25,000 for environmental violations. Robin and William Hanfield were ordered to pay after the state found that an overflowed manure pit was sending waste into a nearby body of water in late 2014 and early 2015. “If a farm fails…

Tuesday, July 26—KILLINGTON—Killington Resort will host its 11th annual United Way Day on Tuesday, July 26. The United Way of Rutland County will receive half of sales as all guests enjoy Locals Days discounts typically reserved for residents of Vermont and New Hampshire. The Locals Days deal, extended to all guests Tuesday, is offered Tuesdays…

On July 13, gubernatorial candidate Peter Galbraith announced a $220 million plan to provide free primary and preventive care for all Vermonters. The plan has no deductibles, co-pays or premiums and is financed by a 2 percent payroll tax on employers. Galbraith was joined by supporters, singe-payer advocate Dr. Deb Richter and Grace Cottage Hospital…

Dear Editor, I agree totally with the Jon Margolis op-ed, published in the Mountain Times July 13 -19, but I don’t think the millionaires who were described in the article are the ‘rich’ that a lot of people are talking about. Those whose annual income is in the $75,000 to $150,000 range are considered to…

Dear Editor, I am a Rutland City resident, registered voter and taxpayer. Kudos to Rutland First for standing up for everyday citizens like me, and to the Board of Aldermen for asserting their authority as our representatives by sending the letter. Rutland First is concerned that public discussion on the refugee matter and authority for…

Dear Editor, The primary responsibility of elected officials is to the citizens. When Rutland’s Mayor Chris Louras single-handedly devised a plan with respect to bringing Syrian refugees to the Rutland area, he failed to consider the citizens he represents. Vermonters are generous and welcoming. They deserve no less than equal consideration from elected officials in…

Dear Editor, Vermont Veterans of Foreign Wars tried in the past to get Vt. Route 103 named for Desert Storm veterans and their families, but it was discovered that half of Route 103 was named for Calvin Coolidge back in the 1930s. Therefore, we have re-petitioned the state asking that Vt. Route 22A from Fair…

Dear Editor, Bruce Lisman’s candidacy in this year’s Republican primary for governor seems, to me, to be a rare chance for us as Vermonters to help ourselves. I introduced myself to Lisman after hearing him speak at a candidate forum last October. I found his thoughtfulness and engagement to be head and shoulders above the…

By Steve Costello and Terry Jaye We’re writing today because we share a deep, abiding love for Rutland–and urge all who share that affection to embrace it in the coming days and weeks. Regardless of where anyone falls in the current debates, we know one thing to be true: the greater Rutland community is filled…

  Courtesy of UVAC WHITE RIVER JUNCTION—On Friday, June 24, swimmers at the Upper Valley Aquatic Center joined thousands of kids and families at aquatic facilities and waterparks around the globe for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL), according to a July 11 release. Host locations in Vermont included Smugglers Notch Resort and Upper Valley…

Submitted The Access News magazine team produced a segment about the Rutland H.S. GIN conference that won a national award. Pictured (l-r): Amber Dumas Patch, Amanda Wheeler and Daniel Appelt. RUTLAND—Rutland Regional Community Television (PEGTV) is a winner of the national 2016 Hometown Media Awards from the Alliance for Community Media (ACM). PEGTV earned the…

By Lani Duke Bridge closure forces detour WEST HAVEN—The Gardner bridge on Main Road across the Hubbardton River will close for maintenance Monday, Aug. 1, through Wednesday, Aug. 10. The closure will force travelers going toward West Haven on Route 22A to detour through Benson Village on Stage Road. Town office bids too high CASTLETON—All…

By Lani Duke SVCOA prepares new digs RUTLAND CITY—The Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA) recently received a $250,000 grant to renovate the 5,000-square-foot, former Maple Terrace assisted living facility and private home at 143 Maple Street into professional office space to serve its 7,096-person client base. The facility will now provide more accessible and…

RUTLAND TOWN—On July 18 at 4:02 p.m., members of the Rutland Town Fire Department, as well as Regional Ambulance Service responded to U.S. Route 4 at Altrui Place in Rutland Town for a report of a single vehicle crash with injuries and air bag deployment. Investigation at the scene found that 73-year-old Louis Belfore of…