By Karen D. Lorentz There’s been a huge sea change in skis since I learned on my dad’s 1930 hickories with the bear trap bindings on a golf course in the 1950s. From my first wood Vostra skis with edges to metal Head Master’s, Rossi Strato 102’s, a Rossi Sport in the 1980s, and then…

Courtesy of Rob Kovalesky Don McNeil a.k.a. “ShortSki” (center) achieved the milestone of being the first to reach 100 days of skiing out of 100 days of operation. That’s perfect attendance! KILLINGTON — Sunday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, marked 100 days of skiing and riding for the 2015/2016 season at a Killington. Don McNeil a.k.a. “ShortSki”…

Courtesy USA Luge, Fred Zimny

DEADPOOL By Dom Cioffi I’ve been known to curse from time to time, and to be honest, I’m not ashamed of the fact. Like most adults, I’ll swear when I’m upset, but personally, I’ll probably resort to profanity more often when I’m telling a story – particularly a funny one. I’ve always viewed vulgarities, when…

Courteys of RE/MAX Realty Vermont single family homes and condo sales show an increase in  2015 compared to 2014. An affordable housing market in Vermont led to an increase in sales in 2015. According to Northern New England Real Estate Network (NNEREN) data, single-family home sales increased 12.6 percent year-over-year, while condominium sales experienced modest…

Photo courtesy of Mike Thut

The College of St. Joseph men’s and women’s basketball teams had yet another successful week in which they finished with a combined record of 4-1. It was their last week of the regular season, and they will be playing in the Yankee Small College Conference Tournament starting Friday, Feb. 19. The Lady Saints went a…

On Feb. 10, Berkshire Natural, a healthy snack and beverage company serving New England, announced the expansion of their healthy vending machines to New Hampshire and Vermont. The expansion will further Berkshire Natural’s goal to make healthy snacks available and convenient to the general public. Currently, there is one Berkshire Natural Healthy Vending Machine in…

Wages are above national average A new report released by the national non-profit The Solar Foundation found Vermont to be No. 3 in solar jobs per capita in the country, for the third year in a row. Nationally, the solar industry continues to set record job and installation growth, creating jobs at a rate 12…

Rutland City Rutland leaders discuss affordable housing at Candidates’ Forum Too many of Rutland’s landlords don’t live in their own rental units, incumbent alderman candidate William Notte commented at a Feb. 10 public forum. He was responding to a question asking what the candidates might enact to bring down high rents that keep young professionals…

Poultney budget contains minor increase POULTNEY—Poultney voters will be asked to approve a slightly increased budget over that of the previous year, up by only a bit over 2 percent, $1,139,189 for the 2016-17 fiscal year, compared to the current year’s $1,115,271. The largest increases are in the library budget and the health and welfare area.…

On Feb. 10 the American Red Cross announced this year’s selection of  “everyday people” to be honored for the heroic things they do in their community. The Everyday Heroes awards are celebrated all over the country; the awards honor people who personify the Red Cross mission of service and help in local communities. To herald…

RANDOLPH – Vermont Technical College recently announced two new degree programs that will start in the fall of 2016. Both programs expand its connection to economic development in Vermont. The college’s first-ever master’s degree, the Master’s of Science in Software Engineering, received approval by the New England Association of Schools and College’s at its fall…

RUTLAND–The Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports has awarded Rutland Regional Medical Center’s Worksite Wellness Committee the 2015 Governor’s Excellence in Worksite Wellness award. The award recognizes Vermont employers who have made programs and initiatives that encourage staff to make healthy choices a priority. Rutland Regional’s Wellness Committee is a cross-disciplinary team that…

Marlboro business man Brandon Riker announced last week that he hired Ben Young to be his campaign manager in his bid for lieutenant governor. The hiring comes six months before the Democratic Primary. “I am excited to bring on someone with Ben’s experience to run my campaign,” Riker said. “Ben has been involved in campaigns…