Staff report Woodstock Village eliminated its elected auditors in a 16-2 vote at the annual Village meeting on March 21 in favor of hiring a public accountant or auditing  firm to review finances.  Though the Village has elected auditors, this year filled by Steven Stuntz, it has long hired a professional audit firm.  “The function…

By Katy Savage  Two teachers from Rutland county have been named principals of the year by the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA).  Christy Coloutti of Northwest Primary School in Rutland and Debbie Alexander of Lothrop Elementary School in Pittsford were among four principals recognized for their leadership. The honorees were nominated by their peers and chosen…

By Karen D. Lorentz  On March 24, a standing room only crowd learned fascinating highlights on Pico’s history, ranging from its opening and unique position of women having operated it to the area’s ski patrol, ski club, and racing programs that engendered a loyalty that has made the mountain one of America’s 30 longest operating…

By Karen D. Lorentz Spring has sprung and that means Killington’s festive spring events lineup kicks into high gear this Saturday, April 1, with the iconic Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge. The competition features male and female amateurs in five age brackets ranging from 13-and-under to 50-plus. Judges give points for turns and line, air, and…

Editor’s note: On Thursday, March 16, Killington Fire & Rescue Chief Chris LaHart sent the following letter to Killington Town Manager Chet Hagenbarth detailing his response to a Killington Search and Rescue (KSAR)  letter expressing concerns about his leadership and protocol last week, which were then addressed at the select board meeting Monday, March 20…

By Katy Savage David Allaire was surprised when about 30 people showed up at the Rutland City Hall on Friday, March 10, including police officers, city employees and community members, to bid him farewell after six years as mayor.  Allaire lost the election to Mike Doenges 1,710 to 1,317 on Town Meeting Day, March 7.…

Staff report Woodstock Union High School girls' hockey won the Division II State Championship at UVM’s Gutterson Fieldhouse in Burlington on March 9, 2023. It was their second championship win in a row and the first time a Vermont D-II girls hockey team has defended a championship win since Montpelier’s U-32 did it back in…

By Victoria Gaither Before rock climbing was made cool through Instagram and Facebook, Vermont climbers already had a footing in this now-popular sport. “I have been climbing for a year now. I love the sport; it is awesome,” said Joshua Buckley, a Green Mountain Union High School senior from Chester. Buckley is one of many…

By Katy Savage Seventeen current and former members of the Killington Search and Rescue team resigned in a letter to town officials on March 12 saying the new fire chief created a toxic work environment and mistreated women, but the Select Board largely dismissed the claims at a meeting on March 20. The male town…

Suggests creation of separate public safety agency Editor's note: On Monday, March 13, 17 members of Killington Search and Rescue (KSAR) submitted the following letter (dated March 12) to Killington Town Manager Chet Hagenbarth detailing their vote of no confidence in newly hired fire chief Chris LaHart. The organization seeks a “collaborative discussion with Killington…

By Curt Peterson Gesine Bullock-Prado’s book signing at the Norman Williams Public Library on March 11  had a crowd laughing and reliving all the stories and baking advice she shared.  A capacity audience heard Mary King interview the famous, energetic, humorous 53-year-old cook, pastry chef, TV celebrity and teacher. As a bonus, attendees were provided…

Killington awarded maximum CRRP grant of $1 million  Staff report Governor Phil Scott and  the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) announced the first round of approved grant applications for projects that spur economic recovery through the Community Recovery and Revitalization Program (CRRP) on Tuesday, March 14.  Killington received the maximum award of $1…

Teen launches business to raise mental health awareness after losing friends to suicide, mom seeks help By Katy Savage On the surface, Eli McDermott seemed happy. The 18-year-old had just graduated from Carrabassett Valley Academy in Maine and was a rising snowboard star. He was just about to attend college in Utah. “I definitely thought…

The Housing Trust of Rutland County received a $3.9 million grant from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board for the redevelopment of the Columbian Avenue apartments and adjacent lots to create East Creek Commons.  This grant is the first secured funding for the project budget of $11.2 million.  The project will include a complete renovation…

By Karen D. Lorentz Sixty-four years ago on President's Week, the Killington Ski Area was discovered by skiers, and they’ve flocked to the area ever since, making it the leader in Vermont and the East in skier visits. That four Pomalifts were running on Killington Mountain that first season was testament to the vision and…