RUTLAND—Dozens of volunteers, hospital employees, and local emergency responders will take part in a mock disaster exercise on Saturday, Sept. 23 at a location within Rutland City. This full-scale, mass-casualty exercise will test the preparedness and response of local, regional and state agencies should a real crisis occur. The mock drill has been planned since…

As fall hiking and tourism season approaches, Vermont State Police are reminding citizens to refrain from leaving valuables in plain view inside their vehicles while enjoying the outdoors. This would include, purses, handbags, wallets, cash, iPhones, iPads, hiking equipment and other expensive items. Continuing efforts begun earlier this year, troopers with the Williston Barracks will…

By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger RUTLAND — Department of Public Safety Commissioner Thomas Anderson said in the ongoing effort to combat illegal opiate use in Vermont, curbing the abuse of prescription drugs plays a leading role. “We are awash in prescription opioids in this country,” he said. Anderson spoke Thursday, Sept. 14, at a regular meeting…

By Evan Johnson KILLINGTON—Vermont ski and snowboard resorts have joined together to support the hosting of the Women’s Audi FIS Ski World Cup at Killington Resort. In spring 2017 the Vermont Ski Areas Association (VSAA) board of directors agreed to sponsor the Killington Resort-based event with a $50,000 sponsorship contribution. “The Vermont ski industry is…

By Alan Keays, VTDigger RUTLAND—Rutland’s former mayor who was ousted from office earlier this year has landed a new job. Christopher Louras, who served five two-year terms as the city’s top elected official, is working for the union organization, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Louras lost reelection to the post of mayor…

Photo by Tamera Mack Pictured: Adela Hanson, Rutland; Paula Liguori, Florence; Linda McGuire, Shrewsbury; Arlene Zivitz, Rutland; Lynn Rose, Rutland; Leslie Sternfels, Fair Haven; Katrine Hughes, Rutland; Carol VanGuilder, Rutland; Susan Edwards, West Rutland; Marie Fitzgerald, Pittsford; Cheryl Gosselin, Fair Haven; Mary Werbinski, Florence.  Jennifer Palmer Smith, Proctor; and Lynn Wade, Rutland, chose to stay…

A group of 20 paddleboarders raced down the Woodward Reservoir at the first Make A Wave race, held Saturday, Aug. 26. PLYMOUTH—First Stop Board Barn of West Bridgewater hosted its first annual Make A Wave benefit paddleboard race Saturday, Aug. 26. The highly anticipated race was held at the Farm and Wilderness Camp beach on…

Photo by Alex Klein A rider navigates the Pro GTS course July 30 at  Killington Resort. By Evan Johnson RUTLAND COUNTY—From elite-level races high on Killington Resort to neighborhood trails, it’s been a big summer for mountain biking in Killington and the surrounding area. This past spring, Killington’s Parks and Recreation Department received a $45,000…

Photo Courtesy of Dave Hoffenberg Local celebrities are covered in pie at a past fundraising event to raising money for Chase William Kuehl and the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation. By Dave Hoffenberg KILLINGTON—On Sunday, Sept. 10, Moguls Sports Pub will host the annual Pie in the Face benefit challenge from 2-7 p.m. It’s time again to…

Photo courtesy of College of St. Joseph CSJ students weed around lamp posts and parking meters in downtown Rutland as part of a community service project. RUTLAND—The newest members of the College of St. Joseph community learned what it means to be a provider during the college’s Day of Service on Saturday, Aug. 26. Students…

Courtesy of Rutland Fire Department Rutland firefighters Scott Mangan, Micah Haven, Nathan Elwert, Michael Delehanty, David Werbinski and Lieutenant Daniel Gedney headed to Houston for a mission assisting other federal agencies. RUTLAND—A team of Rutland firefighters is headed to Houston to provide aid following widespread flooding from Hurricane Harvey. Firefighters Scott Mangan, Micah Haven, Nathan…

RUTLAND—The Vermont Farmers Food Center and Shrewsbury Institute for Agricultural Education announce the award of a $30,000 matching grant from The National Endowment for the Humanities for Root Words, a collaborative project that will collect and present the stories of rural Vermonters through live storytelling events, gatherings at notable sites and visual installations. At the…

By Julia Purdy MENDON—At its regular meeting Monday, Aug. 28, the Mendon Select Board devoted about half an hour to negotiating the wording for an easement involving a small section of old road in Mendon for emergency purposes, where it passes through Mendon’s portion of the Rolston Rest national forest purchase lands. The next meeting…

By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger.org RUTLAND – A city panel heard an initial cost estimate of $2.5 million for adding a gymnasium to its recreation building. The results of a $6,000 feasibility and cost analysis by NBF Architects in Rutland of the gymnasium addition were presented to the Rutland Board of Aldermen’s recreation committee at a…

By Lani Duke Hearing to determine Zingale’s position at town administrator Joe Zingale’s position as Rutland Town administrator is under scrutiny. Select Board Chair Josh Terenzini suspended Zingale with pay Aug. 29 after Terenzini’s delivery of a disciplinary letter resulted in an argument. The Select Board will meet to determinate whether Zingale should be fired…