By Mike Polhamus, VTDigger.org The governor struck a pugnacious tone Wednesday, May 18, while announcing robust job growth in Vermont’s renewable energy sector over the past year. The sector exceeded growth projections in 2015 by 3 percent, meaning an additional 1,400 employees over the past year, for a total of 17,700 renewable energy-related jobs in…

By Elizabeth Hewitt and Anne Galloway, VTDigger.org Burlington College officials announced Monday, May 16, that the school will close effective May 27 because of the “crushing weight of the debt” incurred with the purchase of a lakefront property on North Avenue. College trustees voted unanimously Friday — the day before commencement — to close the…

Starting May 23 and running through Memorial Day, the Vermont State Police (VSP) will be increasing enforcement efforts to promote safe, responsible driving in support of Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort). Operation C.A.R.E. is a national campaign by state police agencies across the country that have joined together in the endeavor of reducing human…

Tip hotline for citizens to report suspicious activity As the summer season brings people outdoors in groups to enjoy the warmer weather and festivities, the Vermont State Police would like to remind those attending any large or small group event around the state, that these events are an ongoing safety and security concern for organizers…

By Lee H. Hamilton If there’s a theme that sets this political season apart, it’s the voters’ utter disdain for most of the people who practice politics. They’re fed up with politicians, they’ve lost faith and confidence in the political “elite,” and they don’t believe that the realm where politicians ply their craft—government—works. The two…

Dear Editor, On Sunday, May 15, 2016, ARC Rutland Area again offered a Spring Fling dance for over 70 members, parents and friends of ARC Rutland Area for a fun afternoon of socializing, munching and dancing. A huge thank you to all who made this event possible. Events such as this promote ARC Rutland Area…

Dear Editor, The United Way of Rutland County is thankful to the many Rutland County residents who contributed non-perishable food items in support of the 24th Annual Letter Carriers’ Food Drive on May 14. The event was a great success this year, with more than 25,000 pounds of food collected and distributed to food shelves…

“Yorkmont 5000” prize giveaway and fireworks on Saturday; SCoNE Sprint Cars on Sunday WEST HAVEN, Vt. – Devil’s Bowl Speedway will celebrate the Memorial Day holiday in style this weekend, May 28-29.  The two-track facility will pack in two days of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series stock car racing action and much more into the weekend,…

By Dom Cioffi I went to the driving range this past weekend to hit some golf balls in an attempt to freshen up my game. I’ve been consumed with baseball as of late and haven’t spent much time grooving my swing – and it shows. The last time I played golf was two weeks ago…

This Friday I recommend you kick off Memorial Day weekend in Tinmouth at the Old Firehouse with House Blend. Get there early as this huge group usually packs the place. House Blend is an eclectic, 16-member (sometimes up to 20) democraticly led a cappella group that sings an interesting and wide variety of music. Some…

Whether you are shopping for a cell phone or for a complicated financial service or product, there are things the sales person (or website) might do that should serve as a warning. While it is risky to generalize, these are so often signs of trouble that they are worth listing to help you avoid them:…

By Carolyn Lorié One morning in mid-March, I opened the door to discover a dark-eyed junco frenetically battling another bird. Or at least it thought it was another bird. His nemesis was, in fact, his own reflection in the stainless-steel chimney of my woodstove. The junco was perched on a bracket between the chimney and…

For those of you who read last weeks article, I spoke too soon. Monday, May 16, was one of the best days of my life. In another surprise event, Killington was blessed with a dry snowfall that piled up about a foot deep in the troughs. I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed with…

When May rolls around I am very anxious to spend time in my flower gardens and have fun playing in the dirt. As we mature, we acquire a sense of pride in our property. We want our yards to look nice. This involves more than just cutting the grass. An attractive landscape around our home…

In the second half of May, colleges let out, and graduation ceremonies are held—it’s commencement speech season. I’ve long had a particular interest in this genre of essay, if it can be called that, in large part because, like wedding toasts or newspaper columns, commencement speeches seem inherently doomed by the nature of their format…