A group of doctors representing six statewide physicians’ organizations came together Thursday, Jan. 28, with a single voice to caution the Vermont General Assembly and public to be fully aware of the potential risks of marijuana, and the possible implications of making it legal. As part of a press conference held Thursday at the State…

Shumlin delivered his sixth balanced budget to the Legislature on Jan. 21, highlighting the fact that it does not raise income, sales, or rooms and meals tax rate, while closing a $68 million budget gap and is the first since 2009 that does not to rely on the use of one-time funds to pay for…

Shap Smith By House Speaker Shap Smith The first major hurdle of the 2016 legislative session was resolved this past Saturday when lawmakers approved a tweak to the cost containment threshold in Act 46, last year’s education governance reform bill. The debate echoed many familiar conversations about our school system. There were speeches about declining…

By Steve Costello I’ve long believed that one of Rutland’s greatest problems is a tendency toward overly negative self criticism, so when I heard about McNeil and Reedy’s contest celebrating its 60th anniversary, I was thrilled. The contest is simple: List 60 things you love about Rutland. Thanks to McNeil and Reedy for the idea,…

Dear Editor, As we approach election time just weeks from now, please know that when you vote for a select person you’re actually voting for somebody whose main job it is to set a budget for our town that takes care of existing infrastructure, roads, public safety (fire/police), schools and recreation. It is not the…

Dear Editor, In a recent letter to friends, family and neighbors I addressed a question many have asked: where do I stand on the legalization of marijuana? I’ve spoken to many of you about this topic. I’ve heard your thoughts and concerns and I am convinced now, more than ever, that should a bill that…

Dear Editor, On Jan. 26 the VCRD hosted “Killington 2020: Setting Priorities for the Future” a follow up to the 2008 VCRD Community Visit, in which we as a community came together to set our priorities to achieve economic development and make our town a better place for everyone. Our latest meeting served to reflect on…

Dear editor, The following is one man’s opinion, mine. The issues that were of most importance discussed last night were: 1) affordable housing, 2) the new firehouse, 3) the pool, 4) hiking and biking trails, and the rest were bringing up the rear. Let’s take the most talked about, affordable housing. Who needs it? Do…

By Dom Cioffi Many years ago, while I was at a friend’s wedding, I had an interesting conversation with an elderly gentleman about dying. But it wasn’t the “struggles of old age” kind of talk or a “what happens in the afterlife” discussion. No, this conversation was about the very moment when the human body…

By Karen D. Lorentz The northern view as seen from 49er on Pico thrills the soul and makes riding and skiing sensational. By Karen D. Lorentz Remember the excitement of the first day of school? The trepidation? Well, getting out on snow at Pico for my first time in 2016 was a funny mix of…

Courtesy of MemorEvents/Paul & Christine Kipphut Photo One: Kyle Sorensen of Ballston Spa, N.Y., (right) accepts the Asphalt Mini Stock division’s Most Improved Driver Award from Devil’s Bowl Speedway’s Alayne Bruno (left). Photo Two: Richard Lowrey III of Charlotte, Vt., (center) accepts the Asphalt Late Model division’s Rookie of the Year Award from Devil’s Bowl…

Courtesy of CSJ Kareem Brown RUTLAND — It was a busy and successful week for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams at College of St. Joseph. They went 7-1 cumulatively with a number of impressive performances. The Lady Saints went 4-0 on the week and extended their winning streak to 15 games, giving them an…

Submitted The Child First Advocacy Center staff proudly holds its check for $8,000, granted by Merchants Bank Foundation. The Merchants Bank Foundation has awarded an $8,000.00 grant to the Child First Advocacy Center (CFAC) to help support victim recovery by providing alternative treatment options and prevention in Rutland County. The Child First Advocacy Center (CFAC)…

By Donald Dill The Challenge Committee poses for a photo at the 20th annual Flannel with Flair event. Pictured (l-r): Diane Mueller, Lisa Schmidt, Kevin Barnes, Joyce Washburn, Kathy Burns. Not pictured is Leslie Stuart. LUDLOW–On Saturday, Jan. 23, the Okemo Community Challenge (OCC) held its annual fundraiser, Flannel with Flair, at Okemo Mountain Resort’s…

Submitted Student Monica Schmelzenbach stands with Sen. Patrick Leahy and Rep. Peter Welch. RUTLAND–Mount Saint Joseph Academy senior Monica Schmelzenbach is one of a select number of Vermonters to receive a nomination for admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Being nominated for a service academy is a tremendous honor. Students are…