H.187 passes 76-66 on second reading By Erin Mansfield, VTDigger.org The Vermont House of Representatives gave preliminary approval to the bill that would require employers to offer three days of paid time off to permanent employees starting in 2016. Workers would accrue paid time off at a rate of one hour per 40 hours worked,…

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Police Department and Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit announce the capture of Gregory Allen Smith in Londonderry, Vt. Thursday, April 23.  Smith, wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of Wesley Wing on April 18 in Springfield, was taken into custody without incident this morning along with Wendy Morris, age…

Distracted driving remains top priority As part of the National Distracted Driving Month awareness campaign, and in conjunction with the Vermont Highway Safety Alliance (VHSA), the Vermont State Police is making public the results of a survey performed last month. Vermonters were asked for their opinions on traffic safety in their communities, and were invited to…

BETHEL — On April 26, at approximately 9:32 p.m., troopers from the Royalton barracks responded to 686 Vermont Route 14 in the town of Bethel for a reported shooting. Troopers arrived at the residence and discovered Donald Giovanella, age 47, lying outside the residence with what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. Troopers pulled Giovanella…

Cal Garrison (a.k.a Mother of the Skye) writes weekly horoscopes for The Mountain Times. If you would like an emailed notification sent to you weekly, sign up for the newsletter, below.         Horoscopes for April 23 - April 29, 2015 Aries March 21 - April 20 Appearances lie. This is why you need…

By John Herrick, VTDigger.org The Shumlin administration has proposed legislation that officials say will create a more predictable process for developers to obtain permits for projects that have environmental impacts. The changes aim to simplify the notification and comment process for project applications as part of an effort to increase efficiency within the department, according…

On Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m., The Paramount Theatre presents an  Encore Enbroadcast from The National Theatre of Great Britain. Don’t miss a stellar cast led by Mark Strong (The Imitation Game; Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy) in the Young Vic’s ‘magnetic, electrifying, astonishingly bold’ production of A View from the Bridge – the Evening Standard, Guardian…

Courtesy of Billings Farm & Museum One of Billings’ Southdown ewes gets sheared as part of an annual demonstration. WOODSTOCK — Billings Farm & Museum, gateway to Vermont’s rural heritage, will open for its 33rd season on Friday, May 1, featuring horse-drawn wagon rides, free ice cream, and farm programs, in addition to the operating dairy…

Courtesy of Karen Deets “Marsh Mansion” by Jackee Foley will be on display at Brandon Artists Guild, part of Foley’s exhibit through June 2. Friday, May 1 at 5 p.m. — BRANDON — Jackee Foley is a third-generation resident of Brandon. She has contributed much to the community with her talents. For several years, Foley owned a…

Courtesy of Paramount Theatre COLIN MOCHRIE & BRAD SHERWOOD Photo two: THE RAT PACK IS BACK May 1 and 2 — RUTLAND — The Paramount Theatre brings two entertaining acts to the stage this weekend, for two nights of laughter and nostalgia. On Friday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m., “The Rat Pack is Back” takes to the…

Photo submitted Charlie Chaplin and Scraps from Chaplin's short film, “It's a Dog's Life.” By Stephen Seitz BRANDON – Silent film returns to Brandon Town Hall this coming Saturday night, May 2, when several of Charlie Chaplin’s legendary short silent comedies will be shown, accompanied by live, improvised music by Jeff Rapsis. The show begins…

Submitted Attendees don their best racing attire in a previous Kentucky Derby Gala fundraiser. Saturday, May 2 at 5 p.m. — LUDLOW — LPC-TV will hold its fourth “Kentucky Derby Gala – A Night at the Races” fundraising event on Saturday, May 2 at Willie Dunn’s Grille at the Okemo Valley Golf Course in Ludlow from 5-8:30 p.m. The event has become…

Courtesy of Brandon Music (l-r) Karen Luttik, Claire Black and Laurel Ann Maurer make up Trio con Brio, performing classical music at Brandon Music May 2. Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. — BRANDON — Professional chamber music ensemble Vermont Virtuosi’s Trio con Brio continues its 2015 season with a concert for flute, clarinet, and piano at…

Submitted Susanne Rappaport, pictured with a trusted companion. A reception in her memory will be held May 3 in Pawlet. Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m. — PAWLET — The Pawlett Historical Society will host a reception in Susanne Rappaport’s memory at the Pawlet Town Hall, 122 School Street, Pawlet, from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 3.…

Thursday, April 30 at 6 p.m. — RUTLAND — The Rutland Recreation Department is once again offering its Women’s Mountain Bike Clinic with Instructor Shelly Lutz on Thursdays, April 30 through May 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Pine Hill Park. The clinic is designed for beginner to advanced-beginner mountain bike riders. Bike handling skills will be taught to build…