By Christopher Biddle KILLINGTON—The town of Killington celebrated its achievements and looked to the future on Tuesday, Jan. 27, as town officials, business owners, members of the community and representatives from local and state organizations met for a followup Community Visit by the Vermont Council of Rural Development (VCRD). About 70 residents plus second homeowners,…

RUTLAND – The Paramount Theatre and Castleton University present an evening highlighting the primary process as part of the 14-month series, Project 240: Celebrating the American Experience on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at the Paramount Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and all attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a mock primary hosted by…

Cruz beats Trump by four points By Jasper Craven, VTDigger.org DES MOINES — In a Democratic presidential race often defined as a contest between the head of Hillary Clinton and the heart of Bernie Sanders, Iowans were virtually split Monday on which political organ they believe is more important. Razor-thin margins emerged from the caucuses…

By Mikie Perkins Sue Veghte-Wilson, 80, and Marion Wright, 93, start their warmup exercises during a session of Bone Builders. By Mikie Perkins Twice a week, in the basement of the Mendon United Methodist Church, a group of seniors ranging in age from 50 to 93 gathers to stave off the effects of aging with…

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…