By Morgan True, VTDigger.org The two insurers participating in the Vermont Health Connect insurance exchange are seeking rate increases from state regulators for next year’s plans. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont is seeking an 8.4 percent increase and MVP Health Care is seeking a 3 percent increase over their 2015 rates, according to filings…

By Dom Cioffi There are certain things in the developed world that are easy to take for granted: the relative safety we experience, the medical care available to us, and the food we have access to. But the one thing we always count on without much thought is water. In this country especially, we turn…

By Tony Accurso Correction: In last week’s edition, May 21-27, in the article “Trail of the week: Noodle’s Revenge” we incorrectly attributed the flagging of the trail to Accurso; Jason Hayden actually did the flag work and deserves the credit. Noodles Revenge is a sweet flow trail in Pittsfield at the Green Mountain Trails. It’s…

By Polly Lynn Last year Killington embarked on the first of a five-year master plan to create world-class downhill mountain biking. Consulting firm Gravity Logic says Killington could see 50,000 bikers annual, if the master plan is followed to completion. The master plan includes not only trail design, but plans for marketing, instruction, and an…

Photo by Robin Alberti Thomas Hirchak KILLINGTON — The former Grey Bonnet Inn & Resort was up for auction Tuesday, May 19, but no spectators registered to bid for the 41-room property on Route 100. The auction was to be held at 2 p.m., conducted by Thomas Hirchak Company, with registration and inspection starting at…

Photo courtesy of the Ontario (Canada) Ministry of Natural Resources Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. is receiving many reports of hungry bears getting into trash containers as well as raiding bird feeders, bee hives and chicken houses. “Human conflicts involving bears are rapidly increasing this spring,” said Chief Game Warden Jason Batchelder. “Vermont’s wardens are…

Courtesy of VTF&W Picking up young wildlife can do more harm than good, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. It is also against the law. Watching wildlife is enjoyable, especially when young animals appear in the spring. But it’s best to keep your distance. Picking up young wildlife can do more harm than good,…

By Paul Holmes and Polly Lynn Skiers and riders didn’t seem to mind the patches of mud linking the larger areas of snow on Skye Lark, in fact, many seemed to enjoy the mud and fast-grass more! Warm weather may have accelerated the melt, but it’s also increased the fun! While Superstar boasted top-to-bottom skiing on…

New taxes and spending cuts explained By Anne Galloway, VTDigger.org “It’s finally over,” said Rep. Brian Savage, R-Swanton, summing up the way many lawmakers felt about the legislative session, which adjourned a little after 11 p.m. Saturday, May 16. Legislators couldn’t leave the House chamber fast enough. By the time the House Speaker and the…

By Polly Lynn The unofficial start of summer kicks off with the Memorial Day three-day weekend. Open-towed shoes, white pants, shorts and tank tops are now permitted (for those who follow traditional “rules” of etiquette.) Barbecues, parades and patriotism are the hallmarks of the holiday. But despite the fanfare, Memorial Day is a somber federal…

Courtesy of KSC Chris Clarke president of Killington Ski Club (left), is joined by John Okolovich, KSC director (center) and Brian Krill of USSA (right) as they accept their Gold-certification. PARK CITY, UTAH – Killington Ski Club received the highest level of certification from the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) during their spring meetings.…

By Kate Troy Rutland;s Captain, Pete "Pepsi"Dayton breaks away from the Bennington defense to score the final try of his hat-trick By Maxx Steinmetz On a hot and humid Saturday morning, May 16, Rutland traveled down to play a friendly match against local rivals, Bennington Battle RFC. Throughout the short game, the sides remained evenly…

By Polly Lynn The former Aubuchon Hardware store will be the new site of an indoor golf facility Stonehedge builds new indoor facility By Robin Alberti RUTLAND—The owners of Stonehedge Golf Course in North Clarendon, a three par golf course and foot-golf course, are opening a new indoor virtual golf facility this summer in Rutland.…

By Jason Mikula Vermont native Helene Neville stops in Killington By Polly Lynn KILLINGTON — Burlington High School graduate Helene Neville is now a nurse, grandmother, author, health activist and a four-time cancer survivor. At age 50, she decided to become one more thing — Run the perimeter of the Continental United States. Neville is on…

LUDLOW–It was a match play format for the Okemo Valley Golf Club Men’s League on May 12. Engle & Voelkers Realty, made up of Pat McLaughlin, Bob Higgins, Larry Plumb and Chuck Sweetman, thumped UBS of Rutland and won 25.5 holes of the available 36 holes to grab first place for the night. Second place…