It’s proving ever more challenging to drag a group of people into a movie theater to see a film that isn’t either a children’s movie translation of a video game, a Disney reboot of an animated classic that was better off the first time around, or the latest Marvel retread. But if there was a…

By Karen D. Lorentz Editors’ Note: This is part of a series on the factors that enabled Killington to become the Beast of the East. Quotations are from author interviews in the 1980s for the book ‘Killington, A Story of Mountains and Men.’ In 1956, the only way to reach Killington Mountain was via West…

This week, we will explain the “tax” in Tax Increment Financing (TIF), clarifying what the “tax increment” is, how funding flows and who covers the cost for infrastructure improvements. Importantly, TIF does not create new taxes on our residents. Tax increment and the flow of funds First, it’s key to understand that in order for…

By James Kent RUTLAND—When Long Trail School junior Allston Kent told his dad the date of his annual school prom, his father knew it was time to visit the twins in downtown Rutland. The twins, of course, are the second-generation owners of McNeil & Reedy, Jim and John McNeil. McNeil & Reedy is a men’s…

By Maddie Lindgren Editor’s note: This story is via Community News Service in partnership with Vermont State University Castleton. Not many would venture out into icy water during the middle of winter, but Silas Loomis made it just another day at work. When a car crashed through the ice, Loomis didn’t flinch. “I knew it was…

By Auditi Guha/VTDigger Masked men in plainclothes detained an Upper Valley resident in Colchester during a scheduled citizenship interview Monday morning, April 14, despite his status as a lawful U.S. permanent resident. Mohsen Mahdawi’s lawyers filed a petition Monday alleging unlawful detention in the U.S. District Court in Vermont. Judge William Sessions III then issued a temporary restraining order saying…

By James Kent What began as a cozy wine-and-charcuterie hideaway tucked inside the Spa at the Woods building has blossomed into one of Killington’s most exciting new dining experiences. Since its opening in November 2024, the Killington Café & Wine Bar has steadily evolved its menu from simple small bites to elevated but approachable cuisine…

By Karen D. Lorentz One of the things that made Killington unique was the input and work of women from the get-go.  The 1950s were the era when ski area development and management were the province of men. Few wives of founders participated in decision-making, let alone were incorporators, directors, and officers of the parent…

Staff report A well-known Brandon chef and restaurateur is recovering after being stabbed Saturday afternoon at his restaurant, Café Provence, in what authorities are calling an attempted murder. According to the state police,  Robert Barral, 71 of Brandon, was attacked at approximately 4:30 p.m. on April 5 by a former employee, Jozef I. Eller, 32…

By Polly Mikula On Tuesday night, April 1, Killington residents got their first look at architectural concepts for redesigning the town pool and recreation facilities on River Road. The pool is currently leaking water and the pool/pool house are eight years past their “useful life,” according to Steve Nisimblat, who’s been on the recreation commission…

By James Kent Human rights, supporting veterans, free speech, democratic normalcy, defending the U.S. Constitution, rebuking the dismantling of essential federal services and programs, and sounding the alarm of a tariff policy that over two days destroyed many Americans’ retirement and college savings programs. On Saturday, April 5, an estimated 5 million Americans joined in…

By James Kent Saturday, April 12—RUTLAND — For music lovers, vinyl collectors, and early risers alike, Record Store Day 2025 is more than a Saturday—it’s a celebration. This year, it lands on Saturday, April 12, and downtown Rutland’s Mountain Music, located at 5 Center St., will open its doors at 8 a.m. sharp to welcome…

By Carly Berlin Editor’s note: This story, by Report for America corps member Carly Berlin, was produced through a partnership between VTDigger and Vermont Public. On Friday, Gov. Phil Scott took executive action to extend motel voucher stays for unhoused families with children and certain people with acute medical needs through June 30. Without the…

By Karen D. Lorentz Last week, I wrote that State Forester Perry Merrill initially envisioned developing Killington Mountain for skiing to benefit the state. However, it wasn’t until he met the young Preston Smith that he found a passionate skier who would share his enthusiasm for a mountain few were aware existed. Although he checked…

The Rutland community is mourning the loss of a deeply respected leader and advocate for healthcare access and wellness across Vermont. Tom Huebner, former president and CEO of Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC), passed away on Wednesday, March 26, at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer. Huebner’s tenure at RRMC spanned nearly…