RUTLAND—An initiative of the Rutland Redevelopment Authority (RRA) and the Downtown Rutland Partnership (DRP) to poll constituents of the city’s downtown Special Benefits District (SBD) has been completed recently, showing strong support for continuing the district’s special assessment. The advisory vote’s final compilation showed over 80 percent in favor of continuing the special assessment through…

The Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award winners were announced on April 28 at an award ceremony at the State House Cedar Creek Room. Since 1993, Environmental Excellence awards have recognized efforts and actions of Vermonters to conserve and protect natural resources, prevent pollution, and promote environmental sustainability. To date, more than 200 awards have been presented.…

Hickory Street in Rutland to complete final phase The Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Board of Commissioners recently committed federal low-income housing tax credits and state affordable housing tax credits that will provide almost $25 million in upfront equity to construct and renovate housing for low-income Vermonters and will increase permanent supportive housing for people…

Students in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and New York counties that border Vermont will be eligible The Community College of Vermont (CCV) announced at the end of April that residents of certain counties in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and New York will be eligible for in-state tuition rates beginning in the fall 2016 semester. The new program…

By Christopher Biddle RUTLAND — Like a lot of college students, Tim Heffernan will spend his summer in the house-painting industry. It’s a good job for someone in his situation. It’s seasonal. It’s outside. It’s good old-fashioned work and real-world experience. However, unlike most college-aged house painters, if all goes well, Heffernan hopes that he…

On April 29th, 2016 the Vermont legislature voted to designate the Gilfeather Turnip as the official state vegetable of Vermont. Vermont is only the 14th state to name a state vegetable. This came about as the result of a two-year effort by the students in grades 4-5-6 at the Wardsboro Elementary School. The students appeared…

Courtesy of Chandler Music Hall JAY UNGAR, MOLLY MASON Sunday, May 8 at 4 p.m. — RANDOLPH — Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, featured on “Prairie Home Companion” in 2012, perform at Chandler Music Hall on Sunday, May 8 at 4 p.m. He was a Bronx kid. She grew up in Washington State. Since joining forces—both artistically…

Gov. Peter Shumlin has signed a bill to remove questions about criminal records from the very first part of job applications in Vermont, in order to help people with criminal convictions find employment and build successful lives. “Banning the box” will give those with criminal records a fair chance at a good job and reduce…

By Jerry LeBlond ROCHESTER — On Sunday, May 1, six teams and five individuals participated in the Disastour Race held in Rochester. The annual fundraising event for Rochester Area Sports Trail Alliance (RASTA) was a triathlon event challenging competitors to bike, paddle and run. It began at Rochester’s Main St. Park. Bikers set off on an 800-foot,…

The White River Junction Veteran Affairs Medical Center (WRJ VAMC) is collaborating with the Vermont Department of Mental Health, the Center for Health and Learning and the Vermont Suicide Prevention Center to address the rising suicide rate in the State of Vermont. Vermont’s recent suicide rate has climbed from 27th to seventh in the nation…

By Dom Cioffi It was supposed to be one of those perfect afternoons: the sun was shining, the temperatures were comfortable, the sky was a piercing blue and devoid of clouds, and I had nothing to do. My wife had left town with her tennis team for a match so it was just my son…

Courtesy of Billings Farm & Museum The Southdown ewes will be shorn during Billings Farm’s event on Saturday. May 7 & 8 — WOODSTOCK — Billings Farm & Museum, gateway to Vermont’s rural heritage, will feature “ Sheep Shearing & Herding with Border Collies” on Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 5…

Courtesy of Paramount Theatre ARTIE LANGE Saturday, May 7 at 8 p.m. — RUTLAND — One of the most sought-after live comedians in the business, Artie Lange is making an appearance at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland. Lange is currently the co-host of “The Artie Lange Show,” a Fox News Radio show he created. Launched this past…

Courtesy of Brandon Music THE RICOCHET DUO Saturday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. — BRANDON — Ricochet Duo, the collaboration between pianist Rose Chancler and percussionist Jane Boxall, perform at Brandon Music on May 7 at 7:30 p.m. Their program “Wired” is a new electro-acoustic and minimalist concert program that explores crossover between classical and popular styles,…

Courtesy of LPCTV George Thomson, standing, acted as emcee during a previous Kentucky Derby Gala held in Ludlow. Saturday, May 7 at 5 p.m. — LUDLOW — LPCTV is holding its fifth Kentucky Derby Gala – A Night at the Races fundraising event on Saturday, May 7 at Willie Dunn’s Grill at the Okemo Valley Golf Club…