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…

By Katy Savage Seventeen current and former members of the Killington Search and Rescue team resigned in a letter to town officials on March 12 saying the new fire chief created a toxic work environment and mistreated women, but the Select Board largely dismissed the claims at a meeting on March 20. The male town…

Suggests creation of separate public safety agency Editor's note: On Monday, March 13, 17 members of Killington Search and Rescue (KSAR) submitted the following letter (dated March 12) to Killington Town Manager Chet Hagenbarth detailing their vote of no confidence in newly hired fire chief Chris LaHart. The organization seeks a “collaborative discussion with Killington…

By Curt Peterson Gesine Bullock-Prado’s book signing at the Norman Williams Public Library on March 11  had a crowd laughing and reliving all the stories and baking advice she shared.  A capacity audience heard Mary King interview the famous, energetic, humorous 53-year-old cook, pastry chef, TV celebrity and teacher. As a bonus, attendees were provided…

Killington awarded maximum CRRP grant of $1 million  Staff report Governor Phil Scott and  the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) announced the first round of approved grant applications for projects that spur economic recovery through the Community Recovery and Revitalization Program (CRRP) on Tuesday, March 14.  Killington received the maximum award of $1…

Teen launches business to raise mental health awareness after losing friends to suicide, mom seeks help By Katy Savage On the surface, Eli McDermott seemed happy. The 18-year-old had just graduated from Carrabassett Valley Academy in Maine and was a rising snowboard star. He was just about to attend college in Utah. “I definitely thought…

The Housing Trust of Rutland County received a $3.9 million grant from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board for the redevelopment of the Columbian Avenue apartments and adjacent lots to create East Creek Commons.  This grant is the first secured funding for the project budget of $11.2 million.  The project will include a complete renovation…

By Karen D. Lorentz Sixty-four years ago on President's Week, the Killington Ski Area was discovered by skiers, and they’ve flocked to the area ever since, making it the leader in Vermont and the East in skier visits. That four Pomalifts were running on Killington Mountain that first season was testament to the vision and…

Staff report Rutland city has a new mayor. Mike Doenges, who served as the Board of Aldermen president, beat incumbent Mayor David Allaire on Town Meeting Day, March 7 by 393 votes in unofficial results.  Allaire had been mayor since 2017. Doenges received 57% of the vote and voter turnout was about 25%.  Rutland city…

Development of the town's water system set to begin this summer By Polly Mikula On Town Meeting Day, 75% of Killington voters approved Article 5, giving the town authorization to proceed with water and road infrastructure projects that will support a new Six Peaks development at the base of Snowshed and Ramshead and then extend…

By Victoria Gaither With freshly fallen snow on the ground, it’s time to get out the snowshoes.  “Snowshoeing is good outdoor exercise,” said Heather Smith. Smith, who is visiting Killington with her family, isn’t into skiing, but snowshoeing is a different story.  “Killington area, you can hit different trails and difficulty ranges,” said the mother…

By John Everett Killington Resort celebrated nine guests with perfect attendance on Day 100, Friday, Feb. 25. Pictured are Brandon Westburg, Leif Anthony Terjesen, Robert Berman, Bob Barrington, Patti Westburg, Young Namkung and Laury Gilliam. Missing from the photo are Emmet Rose and Rick Schirm. Resort President Mike Solimano and Director Amy Laramie joined the…

By Katy Savage The Windsor Central Supervisory Union (WCSU) board voted unanimously Monday, Feb. 27 to conduct an audit at each school as student behavioral problems run rampant. Around 40 people attended the special board meeting, which lasted about 3 1/2 hours. The meeting was called as a follow up to a Feb. 6 meeting…

By Karen D. Lorentz One of the nation’s most successful ski resorts since the 1990s, Okemo, like many mountains, had humble beginnings. The vision of its founders, the approaches to problem solving, and the hard work of its leaders, however, made a tremendous difference for the community-started ski area.  Okemo’s progress was tortoise-like steady for…

Voters asked to approve budget, purchase/renovation of new town hall and TIF bond for municipal water and road reconstruction  By Polly Mikula Killington voters will be asked for approval on three budgetary items on Town Meeting Day, March 7. Article 5 ($47 million TIF bond) has gotten the most attention over the past few weeks…