By Emma Cotton/VTDigger MOUNT HOLLY — A 350-acre chunk of forest with high ecological significance has been protected. The state purchase of the parcel completes a conservation project that protects a 100-mile corridor for wildlife. The parcel connects sections of the Green Mountain National Forest, Okemo State Forest and Coolidge State Forest. The high elevation and…

Over 400 highly-trained volunteer instructors make Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports’ mission of empowering individuals with disabilities possible. Out of a dedicated pool of volunteers, Vermont Adaptive program coordinators recognized this year’s four Volunteers of the Year at off-snow trainings this fall, which were held virtually due to the pandemic. Tim Lonergan of Middletown Springs, Mike…

Mary Theresa Ojala, 100, of Rutland, died peacefully Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, at her home, surrounded by family, following a recent decline in her health. Mary Ojala was born Nov. 22, 1920, in Bayonne, New Jersey, to the late James and Francis Coyle O’Donnell. She was a war bride, marrying the love of her life,…

On Jan. 13, Gage Capen, 21, of Pownal was issued a criminal citation to appear in Rutland County Criminal Court to answer to three counts of  Grossly Negligent Operation following a crash on July 9, 2020. Vermont State Police-Rutland Barracks investigated the single vehicle crash with entrapment and ejection on West Street, in the town…

Program focuses on college-level research, collaboration, and presentation skills Woodstock Union High School and Middle School (WUHSMS) is one of approximately 1,800 schools worldwide to implement the AP Capstone™ Diploma program and innovative program that allows students to develop the skills that matter most for college success, such as research, collaboration, and communication. The program…

Club Fitness owner to comply with governor’s orders and pay $1,000 to the Vermont Foodbank Attorney General T.J. Donovan announced, Friday, Jan. 15 that his office has reached a settlement with Club Fitness of Vermont, Inc. and its, owner Sean Manovill, resolving claims that arose from Manovill’s decision to open for in-person business in May…

On January 15, Sheburne Memorial Library in Killington held a stuffed animal sleepover with animals belonging to local residents. The party started out with story time. About 40 animals gathered around Pooh who read the book on a carpet at the Sherburne Memorial Library in Killington. After that, he ordered dinner and iPie delivered! After…

Vermont Everyone Eats has been relaunched through continued partnerships supporting restaurants, farms, and Vermonters seeking help. In the dwindling days of 2020 with CARES Act funding coming to an end, scores of inquiries were made to community organizers: Is Everyone Eats ending? When will it come back? On Monday Jan. 18 it returned, thanks to…

The former snow Angel Tavern, located on Route 4 in Mendon sold at auction on Jan. 15. Mike Carey, senior VP of Tranzon Auctions, who oversaw the sale said he was unable to disclose the price or buyer’s name, but did confirm the property sold and the auction was well attended. Now the new owners…

On Jan. 13, Capen was issued a criminal citation to appear in Rutland County Criminal Court to answer to the charge of Grossly Negligent Operation x3 following a crash on July 9, 2020. Vermont State Police-Rutland Barracks were assigned the single vehicle crash with entrapment and ejection on West Street, in the Town of Proctor,…

By Rep. Jim Harrison On Jan. 6, the Vermont Legislature convened for the start of the 2021-22 biennium. Normally the first week has its share of tradition, as well as some pomp and circumstance, with the swearing in of all 180 lawmakers along with the State’s constitutional officers and the Governor’s Inaugural address, which are…

Once a student, Elizabeth Frascoia is now the executive director of GIV The Governor’s Institutes of Vermont (GIV) is excited to announce that this month the nonprofit organization will welcome Elizabeth Frascoia as its new executive director. This is the first time that a graduate of the Institutes has taken this leadership role, and she…

By Brooke Geery The Vermont National Guard is in the midst of its largest foreign deployment in 10 years. On Sunday, Jan. 10, members of the guard shipped out  with bellies full of Texas-style BBQ lovingly crafted by Theresa House and her crew at Mama T’s Country Kitchen in Rutland. House and the crew cooked…

On Thursday, Jan. 7 in Center Street Marketplace in Downtown Rutland, Chris Ettori officially announced his campaign and platform for mayor. Ettori is focusing his campaign on providing active and inclusive leadership, creating opportunities for economic development, and building community connections. As an active community member and current three-term alderman, Ettori acutely understands the current challenges and…

By Emma Cotton/VTDigger December’s Project VISION monthly meeting marked the last for Joe Kraus, who has chaired the organization since its inception in 2013. Mark Stockton, CEO and founder of Stockton Security, has succeeded Kraus in leading the coalition. Project VISION was born out of concern about the opioid crisis, which hit Rutland particularly hard in…