Governor Phil Scott, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD), and Department of Tax announced Wednesday, July 1, that the Vermont’s Economic Recovery Grant Program will launch on Monday, July 6. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first serve basis. The grant program first proposed by the administration and amended by the legislature utilizes…

By Grace Elletson/VTDigger Across the country, homeless populations have been battered by Covid-19. Over 700 people without housing have tested positive for the disease in Boston. Similar outbreaks among homeless Americans have taken hold in cities like Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Philadelphia. In Vermont, only one person experiencing homelessness tested positive for Covid-19. No one has died. That’s because…

Policy allows quarantine-free travel from designated counties from Ohio to Virginia As state data and expanded testing and tracing capacity continue to support reopening, Governor Phil Scott announced Friday, June 26, that he will expand the number of states covered under Vermont’s county-by-county quarantine-free travel policy, which allows direct travel from designated counties without a 14-day…

By Katy Savage Food scraps will be banned from landfills starting July 1 and while some trash haulers aren’t offering residential pick-up services, locals are stepping in. Zach Cavacas, a Stockbridge resident, launched a food scrap hauling business called Music Mountain Compost for people throughout Rutland County this month. Cavacas has about 40 customers so…

Saturday, July 4 — KILLINGTON— View the Town of Killington fireworks display from the comfort of your car.  Killington’s 2020 fireworks display follows the drive-in movie theater model. Cars will drive up Killington Road and be parked by attendants to keep 10 feet between each car. Guests may stay in their cars and trucks to…

By Brooke Geery Ryan Orabone donned brand new Nikes and made four laps around the Rutland High School track. For a total distance of a mile, the self-proclaimed “non-practicing athlete” gave his all, hoping to break the 7-minute mark. Orabone had more riding on the run than just pride— for every second under seven minutes,…

KILLINGTON, VT – The town of Killington has announced that it will partner with Killington Resort to hold its annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at Snowshed Slope. Parking and viewing will be permitted at Snowshed (Upper and Lower), Ramshead, and Killington Golf Course parking lots. The 2020, 4th of July Fireworks follows the drive-in…

By Emma Cotton/VTDigger RUTLAND — A night of mixed martial arts fighting in Rutland was canceled by its organizer on Monday, June 15, after state officials had sent a cease-and-desist order. Randy Felion, the owner of Fight Night Promotions, had planned to hold the event June 20, but officials said it violated the state’s prohibition on…

Staff report Vermont state law bans food scraps from the trash starting July 1. The state defines food scraps as “Parts of food items that are typically discarded rather than eaten: peels, rinds, cores, eggshells, seeds, pits, bones, coffee grounds (and filters), loose-leaf tea, and fats/oils/grease” and/or “Food that was eaten but not finished.” “If it was once…

Narrowing of road will make it pedestrian-friendly, create parklets for outdoor dining By Katy Savage Center Street in Rutland is getting a facelift this summer. The Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a $20,000 plan Monday, June 15, to narrow Center Street and create more space for outdoor dining. The plan calls for reducing the speed…

By Brooke Geery Rachel Coats and Lucciana Costa, also known as King Margo, made their mark on the Killington music scene this past winter. The duo, originally from the Midwest, migrated north from Nashville, caught the snowboarding bug, and decided to make Killington home. It wasn’t long before they were playing at venues such as…

Starting June 26, venues can fill to 50% capacity or 75 indoor, 150 outdoor As state data and expanded testing and tracing capacity continue to support reopening, Governor Phil Scott on Friday, June 19, announced the state will raise occupancy limits for event venues, arts, culture and entertainment venues, as well as restaurants. Beginning June…

By Anne Wallace Allen/VTDigger Vermonters who live in long-term care facilities could have their first face-to-face visits with visiting family or friends by Father’s Day, Gov. Phil Scott said Wednesday. Scott and Agency of Human Services Secretary Mike Smith outlined new guidance that the state plans to put into effect Sunday for the state’s more…

Vermont high school graduates gifted a free CCV course As school districts across the state said good-bye to the Vermont high school class of 2020, the McClure Foundation announced a graduation gift for every member of that class. Every graduating senior, no matter their circumstances, will be eligible for a free course of their choosing…

LUDLOW—It was November 2019 when Wright Construction began the project at the Inn at Water’s Edge. The historic building, on the shore of Echo Lake off Route 100 in Ludlow, deserved a major facelift after serving as a peaceful retreat for guests over the past 21 years, the new owners, Bob and Connie Rae, felt.…