Dear Editor, The citizens of Castleton, along with students, faculty and staff of Castleton University, are taking action. We held a book read-in Monday, March 6, to show support for retaining print books at the Vermont State University libraries. The read-in began on the Calvin Coolidge Library steps at 5:30 p.m. and everyone was asked…

By Howard Jennings Editor’s note: Howard Jennings, a Bristol resident, is the former research director of Mobility Lab, a transportation think tank in Virginia. He is now working with Save Public Forests, a collective effort of scientists, researchers, ecologists and individuals from many organizations, united in researching and promoting realistic modern-day solutions to climate change,…

Dear Editor, Today, more than ever, our children are struggling with their mental health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but the issue needs to be recognized all year long. We simply can’t ignore the problem any longer. Between mass shootings, the pandemic, and social media our children are suffering. Covid-19 alone has increased rates…

Dear Editor, Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers that were going to help with Vermont Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society’s “Drive Up & Poke!” Rabies Clinic. We couldn’t win a fight with Mother Nature, so we’ve postponed the clinic to April 1, 12:30-2 p.m., WUHS Parking Lot. $13 per vaccination.  Drive ups are…

Dear Editor, When Vermont faces an acute crisis – floods, pandemics, national security events – our first thought is often: “Call out the Guard.” With a phone call from the governor, the women and men of the Vermont National Guard drop everything to help our beloved state in its time of greatest need. From Tropical…

Dear Editor, On Feb. 7, Vermont State University President Parwinder Grewal announced a new decision to transition to an all-digital, university-wide “library” and repurpose the existing library spaces on each campus. The Middlebury chapter of the Association of American University Professors (AAUP) strongly opposes the closing of any of the VTSU libraries.   “Libraries are…

By Sen. Chris Bray Editor's note: Christopher Bray of New Haven, represents Addison County in the state senate. He is the chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, serves on the Senate Committee on Government Operations, Joint Energy Committee, Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules, and Joint Carbon Emissions Reduction Committee. Vermonters are…

By Jim Furnish and Zack Porter Editor’s note: Jim Furnish served as the U.S. forest service deputy chief from 1999 to 2002. Zack Porter is co-founder and executive director of Standing Trees, a nonprofit working to protect and restore New England’s public lands. An old saying goes, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and…

Dear Editor, While I am not a full time resident and cannot vote, I have been a property owner/stakeholder in Killington for 30 years. On March 7 we have an opportunity to take a critically important step forward. The economic reality is that without growth, stagnation and degration set in. We have all lived through…

Dear Editor, I've owned property in Killington for 15+ years, and I want Killington to be successful for a long time to come. I need to say that every growing community that I've lived in and worked with over the past 20 years struggles to cover the cost of new services associated with growth/development with…

Dear Editor, On March 7, the voters of Killington will be asked to authorize up to $47 million in funding for the Killington Forward initiative. These funds will support construction of a pipeline to develop a municipal water system that will provide water to the proposed Six Peaks Village and, with additional future funding, properties…

Dear Editor, The Vermont Senate is discussing a bill, S.39, that would make state legislators eligible for the state employees' benefit plan at no cost to the legislators. It would also provide legislators with childcare reimbursement and pay for out-of-session work that is not currently compensated.   The bill’s goal is to make serving in the legislature…

Dear Editor,  The Castleton Community Seniors extend a sincere thank you to the voters of Castleton, Fair Haven and Hubbardton for their continued support of our senior and disabled transportation program, senior meal site, health and fitness activities and numerous other educational and recreational programs and services for the community.   This past year, our…

Dear Editor,  We are Vermont educators who teach high school personal finance, and we are united in support of legislation that would guarantee a full-semester, standalone personal finance course as a graduation requirement for all Vermont students. Why is it so important to the future of our young students? Research by Next Gen Personal Finance…

Dear Editor,  As principal of Killington Elementary School serving children from ages 3 and 4 in prekindergarten through grade 6, I am writing in support of a “yes” vote for Article 5 on the town of Kilington’s ballot on March 7.  Support for the TIF is critical to moving forward with safety upgrades and community…