By Polly Mikula Governor Phil Scott said he was "cautiously optimistic" at the regular news conference, Tuesday, Dec. 1. Thus far, the mitigation measures enacted Nov. 13 banning multi-family gatherings among other restrictions, have decreased the rate of Covid-19 spread, he said. But it's too early to tell what the effect of the Thanksgiving holiday…

By Brooke Geery Killington welcomed skiers and riders back to the slopes on Friday, Nov. 20, giving passholders exclusive access for three days before opening to the general public on Monday, Nov. 23. In a season that will definitely be like no other, excitement was high, but expectations were tempered after a week of warm…

By Curt Peterson On Nov. 18 Steve Finer of the Fire Department signed the purchase and sale agreement for the former Killington Fire and Rescue (KF&R) fire house on Killington Road. The price to be paid is $415,000. The buyer is Fireside Properties, LLC, one of several local companies owned by Stephen Durkee, and title…

Adherence to prohibition on gatherings is critical to prevent worst-case scenario By Polly Mikula In the first three weeks of November, Vermont has added more Covid cases than in the first five months of the pandemic combined  (March-July) — 40% of the state's total cases. “With the amount of virus in our communities right now,…

Staff report While schools seemed to be limiting the spread of Covid-19 fairly well initially, a number of cases have recently been reported in Rutland County. Earlier this month, a preschooler at Orwell Village School tested positive and last week there were three confirmed cases in Rutland City Public Schools — each at a different…

By Brooke Geery Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 9 p.m.— In its eighth season, the History Channel show “Forged in Fire” challenges “world-class bladesmiths [to] re-create historical edged weapons in a cutthroat competition.” On Nov. 25 at 9 p.m., one of those bladesmiths will be Kyle Farace, originally from Windham, Vermont. Farace, 34, now lives in…

The Longest Season in the East to Open with Woodward Killington Pop-Up Park, Multiple Lifts and Ample Terrain to Ensure Proper Physical Distancing; Opening Day Parking Reservations Available Thursday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 a.m. Vermont’s Killington Resort, the largest ski and snowboard destination in Eastern North America, and part of POWDR, will kick off the…

By Lee J. Kahrs BRANDON — The Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union wants as many kids in the schools as possible, but is poised to turn to all remote learning if necessary. The bigger concern right now is the holiday season. Rumors have been flying that Otter Valley Union High School is planning to send all…

K-12 schools grapple with holiday exposure risks to Covid-19, potential outbreaks, staffing By Curt Peterson An explosive increase in Covid-19 cases across the U.S. and now Vermont are inspiring many reactive decisions — perhaps none more consequential than those regarding education. Education Secretary Dan French said at the Nov. 13 pandemic press conference the state…

Contact tracer keeps advice simple: stay 6 feet apart or keep contact to less than 15 minutes By Polly Mikula The recent surge of Covid-19 case growth in Vermont has led to new mitigation measures to slow the spread. Among those announced Friday, Nov. 13, were a prohibition on multi-family gatherings and the closure of…

By Brooke Geery If you grew up in Rutland in the 90s, you likely have a memory of the Sound Barrier and its brightly colored banner on Center Street. Whether you were after music, clothing or skate and snowboard supplies, the store provided anything and everything an alt-teen could desire. Owner Jeff Sanborn helped rural…

By VtDigger Gov. Phil Scott on Friday announced a ban on inter-household gatherings, the closure of bars and social clubs, and the cancellation of recreational sports leagues as the Covid-19 case count rises in Vermont. The governor said that too many Vermonters have not been following the state’s guidance on social distancing and limiting in-person…

Birch Ridge Inn adopts biodefense technology By Polly Mikula Bill Vines and Mary Furlong, owners of the Birch Ridge Inn in Killington, have added an innovative health and safety measure to their restaurant and Great Room to help combat Covid-19 infection. “I’m scientifically trained, I’m a geek, and I’ve been studying this since we closed…

Hunting in the time of Covid brings families and friends together with precautions By Peg Bolgioni Since the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic, many have flocked to the outdoors. Participation in recreational activities like hiking, biking, and running have seen an uptick, but in Vermont, there has also been an increased interest in hunting.…

By Katy Savage The state released much anticipated operating guidelines for ski resorts on Nov. 3, weeks before resorts are projected to open for the winter season. Ted Brady, the deputy secretary for the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, called the guidelines the “safest and strongest” in the country at a Nov. 3 press…