By Mark Johnson, VTDigger.org Vermont became the fifth state Wednesday, March 9, to require paid sick leave after Gov. Peter Shumlin signed into law a bill that will affect some 60,000 workers. The signing ceremony in the House chamber was the culmination of a 10-year effort by proponents. Gov. Peter Shumlin called the legislation historic.…

KILLINGTON — On Friday, March 11, Brian Horton of Killington, Vt., announced his candidacy for the Vermont State House of Representatives, representing the towns of: Mendon, Killington, Chittenden and Bridgewater. (RUT-WDR-1). The seat is currently held by Republican Job Tate of Mendon. Brian will be seeking the nomination of the Democratic Party in the upcoming primary…

Lawmakers weigh suicide prevention measures at Quechee Gorge, eight in eight years have died By Elizabeth Hewitt, VTDigger.org Before Regina-Anne Cooper’s 21-year-old son died by suicide in 2011, he might have had second thoughts. The mother told lawmakers Tuesday, March 8, that, according to a witness, Derek Cooper tried to pull himself back over the…

By Sen. Christopher Bray Vermonters want a greater voice in solving this century’s greatest challenge—how to change our economy from one powered by burning fossil fuels to one powered by clean, renewable energy. Over the past several years, the legislature has struggled to find the right way to promote this energy transformation while also empowering…

Dear Editor, Debbie Haskins’ recent op-ed titled “Youth and marijuana: Colorado’s experience and efforts” published in the March 9-15 edition of The Mountain Times, claims that a government survey (the National Survey of Drug Use and Health) showed dramatic increases in marijuana use by teens (12-17) and young adults (18-25) in the year immediately following…

Dear Editor, In response to the article “Budget Proposal Raises Worries of Waitlist for Child Care Subsidy” published by VTDigger.org last week, Let’s Grow Kids would like to issue the following statement to the media. Vermont cannot afford to place the healthy development of our children on a waiting list. Every Vermont child deserves a…

Courtsey of KMS

By Robin Alberti A group of four skiers ride a quad at Killington this past Sunday, March 13. The warm sun made for spring skiing. By Tony Crespi The run was steep. The snow, as it has been often this season, firm. In the distance the sky was mostly blue with patches of cloud. As…

By Jerry LeBlond DOUG TUCKER World Cup Wednesday Ski Bum Race Series: Feb. 17 week # 9 Cumulative team standings after week # 8 1. Clock 1 = 1,194 2. RAMROD = 1,176 3. Sweet Peaks = 1,163 4. Clock 2 = 1,143 5. First Stop = 1,135 SNOWBOARD - A Women: 1. Pam McNeill,…

Submitted WOODSTOCK — No matter your age, receiving a handwritten letter is a special thing. While most communication is electronic-based these days, local seniors and students are taking time to get to know one another the old fashioned way. Residents of Woodstock Terrace Assisted Living and fourth-grade students from Woodstock Elementary have been putting pen…

Courtesy of VT F&W Vermont Fish & Wildlife recommends taking down bird feeders now to avoid attracting black bears that are waking from hibernation. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says warm spring weather and melting snows are causing bears to come out of their winter dens early in search of a meal. The department recommends…

Courtesy of VT F&W Proceeds from the sale of conservation license plates also go to the Nongame Wildlife Fund to support the Wildlife Diversity Program. 15 Vermont Watershed Grants awarded for 2016 Trout habitat will be improved, water will be cleaner and invasive plants will be better controlled, thanks to funding from Vermont’s 2016 Watershed…

Fair Haven Union High School student Samantha Morse selected to receive $9,000; Central Vt. well represented The Comcast Foundation recently awarded 20 Vermont high school seniors scholarships through its annual Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program, according to a March 11 news release. The program recognizes students’ leadership skills, academic achievement and commitment to community service. Comcast, joined…

Act 46 district votes on name Mill River area voters decided the name for their school district should be Mill River Union School District 40, rejecting the alternative name of White Rocks. In addition to Mill River Union High School, it contains Clarendon, Wallingford, Shrewsbury and Tinmouth elementary schools, with leadership by a single 13-member…

Fair Haven HS bests Rutland HS Good work, Fair Haven scholars! Fair Haven students beat Rutland High’s team on PEGTV’s academic trivia show, 250 to 120. Fair Haven team members are Charlie Cacciatore, Trevor Reck, Zachary Caraballo, and Isaac Nichols; their coach is Torrey MacGregory. Towns grapple with defeated budgets Both Fair Haven and Benson…