Staff report A recount of ballots had no change on the outcome for Woodstock’s proposed 1% option sales tax. The option tax was narrowly defeated 425-415, with 23 blank in the recount on Thursday, March 10. On Town Meeting Day, March 1, the outcome was 426-417, with 24 blank. “Instead of a margin of nine,…

By Rep. Jim Harrison At the request of Governor Scott, the Legislature unanimously approved a contribution to Ukrainian humanitarian efforts equal to $1 for every Vermonter. I had the honor of reporting the legislation, H.717, on the House floor. In my remarks I said, “The plight of Ukrainians pulls at the heart of every one…

In continuation of Vermont’s efforts to support the Ukrainian people in response to the Russian invasion of peaceful Ukraine, Vermont law enforcement agencies are coordinating an effort to donate used and expired body-armor vests to military units in Ukraine. “As I’ve said, the bravery and resolve of the Ukrainian people is heroic and inspiring. This…

By Rachel Sargent Mirus On a winter day, I drove down to a nearby wetland bisected by a town road and walked carefully onto the ice. I was looking for cattail heads to dissect so I could meet the caterpillars who overwinter inside the seed fluff. Many of the cattails I found that day had…

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. said the recent warm spring weather and melting snows is causing bears to come out of their winter dens in search of food. The department released recommendations Monday, March 14, to take down bird feeders and keep them stored until December, to avoid attracting bears. “Although we typically recommend…

Dear Editor, Regarding Vermont’s decision to recommend going “maskless” statewide, as of March 14, I wish the state had followed the CDC guidelines. Those guidelines clearly state that in areas of high levels of Covid-19, everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should wear a mask indoors in public spaces. Unfortunately, my county (Rutland County) is considered…

By Merisa Sherman We gather quietly at the peak to mourn, staring out at the Green Mountains below. The memorial service is complete, the sounds of whispers can be heard amongst the constant sniffles. A snowball vigil, a moment of silence, and so, so many tears. Someone shares a memory and another shares a simple…

By Julia Purdy Now that St. Patrick’s Day is upon us, we are treated to the usual time-honored ethnic slurs and jokes about the Irish: freckled red-haired leprechauns with huge grins and missing teeth, the drunken Irishman with his hat on sideways, leaning against a lamppost. We may recall when “No Irish need apply” and…

Saturday, Mar. 19 — LUDLOW — The Ludlow Rotary Club and the United Church of Ludlow are combining efforts to raise money for humanitarian relief of the besieged people of the Ukraine on Saturday, Mar. 19 at the United Church, located at the corner of Elm and Pleasant streets. According to George Thomson, they plan…

A skiing love story with Sara Zelle Namkung By Brooke Geery The Killington app leaderboard community has grown ever tighter as the season has progressed, and so when the announcement for the top vertical feet in February hit social media, some of the fixtures on top of the list were confused. “Who is Sara N.?”…

Rutland Community Cupboard receives $36,584 in donations Responding to a desperate call for help, the greater-Rutland community stepped up, far exceeding the goal of the Green Mountain Power Fill the Cupboard Challenge, setting a new record, and providing more than $36,500 to the Rutland Community Cupboard. “The outpouring of support is humbling and beautiful,” said…

Rutland County Humane Society (RCHS) is so lucky to be part of such a compassionate and caring community! We are so appreciative of the variety of donations made to the shelter for the homeless animals, including pet food and supplies. If we receive donated pet food or supplies that we may not be able to…

By Ethan Weinstein/VTDigger Larissa and Jim Haas, now the owners of Rise Up Bakery in Barre, bake bread in their wood-fired oven — focaccia and sourdough and earthy rye. The couple met in Ukraine and started making bread in Larissa’s home there. Since 2018, Larissa and Jim have sold fresh bread in Vermont from a…

As the civilian toll in Ukraine grows, state lawmakers are fast-tracking legislation to send humanitarian aid to the besieged nation. Legislature suspended its rules last week to fast track the bill, H.717. The House passed it on Tuesday, March 8, the Senate on Thursday, March 10, and it was delivered to the governor’s desk, March…

Dear Editor, There are times when silence says more than words. But it is words and courage that are now required. The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) has been outspoken in our support of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Because what we say and do matters, we support communities and institutions within…