By Karen D. Lorentz  With a strong work ethic and love of skiing and music instilled by his parents, it’s little wonder that Samuel “Sammy” Blanchette has moved to Vermont to work at several jobs, including as a performing artist, and to live at Okemo Mountain. Born in 1989, Blanchette grew up in Connecticut, where…

New rules on backyard chickens lead residents to petition for a special vote April 19 Staff report PROCTOR — Enough chicken owners in Proctor are upset about an amended town ordinance that puts restrictions on owning fowl that they have called for a town-wide vote to decide the matter. The petition for the vote was…

By Curt Peterson Hartland Finance Administrator Martin Dole was appointed as acting town manager Monday, April 3, after Town Manager David Ormiston was placed on paid leave last week. Dole, who has been finance administrator for five years, will temporarily hold both positions while the necessary adjustments are made following Ormiston’s   suspension. Michelle Rielly,…

By Pat Wise Crocuses bloom on the hill near the Godnick Adult Center along Woodstock Avenue. Every year, the Rutland Garden Club plants 1,000 crocus bulbs , which are among the first flowers to bloom.

Mountain retreat was on the market for just 3 days with multiple offers By Karen D. Lorentz The most expensive house in Killington sold last week, on March 28, for $3.475 million after multiple offers, marking the first single-family home in Killington to sell for more than $3 million.  The previous record was $2.725 million,…

The annual Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge held Saturday, April 1, delighted crowds with soft bumps, a great party and even some unexpected sunshine!  The much anticipated spring event at Killington Resort features amateur bumpers who take to the slopes of Outer Limits (the longest, steepest mogul run on the East Coast) to battle for a…

By Brett Yates Public opposition has led the would-be founders of a nature-based preschool in Chittenden to seek out alternative locations in town for their plan. They now describe their initial target, the North Chittenden Grange Hall, as “a backup site only.” In January, the team behind the proposed “forest school” asked the Select Board…

Staff report Woodstock Village eliminated its elected auditors in a 16-2 vote at the annual Village meeting on March 21 in favor of hiring a public accountant or auditing  firm to review finances.  Though the Village has elected auditors, this year filled by Steven Stuntz, it has long hired a professional audit firm.  “The function…

By Katy Savage  Two teachers from Rutland county have been named principals of the year by the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA).  Christy Coloutti of Northwest Primary School in Rutland and Debbie Alexander of Lothrop Elementary School in Pittsford were among four principals recognized for their leadership. The honorees were nominated by their peers and chosen…

By Karen D. Lorentz  On March 24, a standing room only crowd learned fascinating highlights on Pico’s history, ranging from its opening and unique position of women having operated it to the area’s ski patrol, ski club, and racing programs that engendered a loyalty that has made the mountain one of America’s 30 longest operating…

By Karen D. Lorentz Spring has sprung and that means Killington’s festive spring events lineup kicks into high gear this Saturday, April 1, with the iconic Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge. The competition features male and female amateurs in five age brackets ranging from 13-and-under to 50-plus. Judges give points for turns and line, air, and…

Editor’s note: On Thursday, March 16, Killington Fire & Rescue Chief Chris LaHart sent the following letter to Killington Town Manager Chet Hagenbarth detailing his response to a Killington Search and Rescue (KSAR)  letter expressing concerns about his leadership and protocol last week, which were then addressed at the select board meeting Monday, March 20…

By Katy Savage David Allaire was surprised when about 30 people showed up at the Rutland City Hall on Friday, March 10, including police officers, city employees and community members, to bid him farewell after six years as mayor.  Allaire lost the election to Mike Doenges 1,710 to 1,317 on Town Meeting Day, March 7.…

Staff report Woodstock Union High School girls' hockey won the Division II State Championship at UVM’s Gutterson Fieldhouse in Burlington on March 9, 2023. It was their second championship win in a row and the first time a Vermont D-II girls hockey team has defended a championship win since Montpelier’s U-32 did it back in…

By Victoria Gaither Before rock climbing was made cool through Instagram and Facebook, Vermont climbers already had a footing in this now-popular sport. “I have been climbing for a year now. I love the sport; it is awesome,” said Joshua Buckley, a Green Mountain Union High School senior from Chester. Buckley is one of many…