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By Greta Solsaa/VTDigger Over a year ago, Rutland City Mayor Mike Doenges announced the goal of creating 1,000 new housing units by 2028. The mayor recognized that, on paper, the roughly 60 new units in development this past year are a far cry from being on track toward his admittedly “lofty” target. But Doenges said he anticipated a…

Staff report “The day you’ve been waiting for is here!” Killington Resort posted on Facebook, Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 13, announcing opening day the next morning. The resort kicked off the 2024-25 winter season at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 — once again, becoming the first resort in Vermont to open for the winter season. (Killington…

By James Kent There is such an excitement and enthusiasm to Matt LaRocca’s voice that after speaking with him for a few minutes, one can’t escape the feeling that they know him, have been friends for years, and can’t wait to hang out and talk again. LaRocca curates The Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s (VSO) Jukebox series,…

The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) announced Tuesday, Nov. 12, that the fourth annual U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy Trailblazer Award has been awarded to Mike Solimano, president and CEO of Killington Resort & Pico Mountain. The award, first given to and named for Sen. Patrick Leahy, honors an individual’s lifetime of service in Vermont’s outdoor…

News of Walmart’s exit coupled by planned developments, including a downtown hotel and theatre expansion, has sparked talk of opportunity By Kevin O’Connor/VTDigger Thirty years ago, in the fall of 1994, Rutland City leaders eagerly awaited news of final plans for the cornerstone of their long-germinating downtown revitalization efforts: A new $20 million corporate headquarters…

By James Kent Hair stylist and manager Katelyn Stewart and owner Peggy Campney moved their thriving hair salon and boutique from Ludlow to Killington last year after the July 2023 floods made it impossible for their business to continue in their current location. When the opportunity presented itself to Stewart and Campney, they exchanged one…

Day one is reserved exclusively for Killington, Beast 365, and Ikon Pass holders  Killington Resort will kick off the 2024-25 winter season at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14. This date marks Killington’s first season as an independent resort and skiers and riders can expect big things in the coming years.  Once again, Killington is the first…

Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas reminds Vermonters of the importance of  seeking accurate results for the Nov. 5 general election — locally and nationally. For results in local and statewide races, visit: electionresults.vermont.gov.

There is a moment that comes in the second half of Iranian film director Ali Abbasi’s film, “The Apprentice,” or as I call it, “Trump: The Prequel,” where Donald Trump, played by actor Sebastian Stan, has his manhood called into question by his wife Ivana, played by Maria Bakalova. The Don, hopped up on too…

By James Kent Something exciting’s brewin’ in the RU; take a brief jaunt west a couple of blocks from downtown Rutland to 136 Granger St., and you’ll find a cozy brewery nestled into this mixed-use neighborhood of residences and businesses.The brewery isn’t new to the neighborhood. Rutland Beer Works arrived on the scene nearly a…

Analysis plunged state’s healthcare system into anxiety, uncertainty By Peter D’Auria/VTDigger Last month, a consultant released a sweeping report recommending significant changes for Vermont’s healthcare system, including “major restructuring” at four community hospitals. The 144-page state-commissioned document details a series of steps that Vermont’s hospitals should take to stay afloat, including repurposing inpatient units and downgrading emergency departments…

 By Katy Savage  Woodstock residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of acquiring the Woodstock Aqueduct Company on Tuesday, Oct. 30. The private utility, which dates back to the 1800s, will become a public utility for the first time. Residents voted 382-103 from the floor to acquire the company for $920,000, about half of which was offset…

By James Kent By the time comedian Nurse Blake arrives in Rutland for his Nov. 21 performance at the Paramount Theatre, he’ll have performed nearly 180 shows of his “Shock Advised Comedy Tour.” The tour, which began in 2023 and has taken Nurse Blake around the country and to places as far away as Australia…

By Shaun Robinson/VTDigger In Vermont’s race for lieutenant governor a single label has been front and center. Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman, a Progressive/Democrat and produce farmer from Hinesburg, is facing a challenge from John Rodgers of Glover, a former state lawmaker who owns a stone excavation business and also runs a hemp and cannabis business, who…

By Mike Mrowicki Editor’s note: Mike Mrowicki is a state Representative for the Windham 4 District of Putney and Dummerston. For those experiencing sticker shock from viewing their property tax bills this year, you’re not alone. I get it. Or, I got it, as our tax bill soared on a 1,000-square-foot house on 2 acres,…