By Ethan Weinstein Following a week of record cases, Gov. Phil Scott will call the Legislature back for a special session, allowing them to pass a law granting municipalities to install local mask mandates — but only on his terms. Scott called his decision an “olive branch” and a “compromise.” Vermont currently has the fifth…

With Vermont’s 16-day rifle deer season beginning Saturday, Nov. 13, officials at the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) are encouraging the public to use caution and to be visible and mindful of their surroundings in the coming weeks. Saturday marks the opening day of the white-tailed deer rifle hunt in Vermont, a lifelong tradition for…

By Curt Peterson Seniors at Woodstock High School asked the Windsor Central School District (WCSD) board for help with a situation they feel is disruptive and reflects poorly on them and their school at the Nov. 1 district board meeting. Genevieve Morel, one of three students who represent their peers at WCSD board meetings, said…

Barstow Memorial School’s Grade 3 class exceeded its goal of collecting socks for those in need. Students had set a goal of collecting 450 pairs of socks to be distributed to homeless shelters, children in foster care and families in need. In the end, they not only exceeded but shattered that goal. When all of…

By Ethan Weinstein KILLINGTON—The line for the first chair of the season snaked well beyond the rope maze, stretching up the stairs and onto the grass at K-1 on Friday, Nov. 5. The mass of chilly smiles — braving the cold, bluebird November morning — waited impatiently, more than eager to load the gondola then…

"Winter starts when we say so," Killington Resort says, and that time is almost here. The Beast will be kicking off the 2021-22 winter season on Friday, Nov. 5 at 10 a.m. As usual, Day One will be reserved for our most loyal guests: Killington season passholders, Express Card, Beast 365 and Ikon Passholders. Express…

It’s the first step in a major infrastructure plan to support Killington Village, Killington Road and affordable housing development By Polly Mikula The Killington Select Board approved a Public Infrastructure Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) Letter of Intent (LOI) at their regular meeting Tuesday night, Nov. 2. The letter was signed by Chet Hagenbarth, town manager,…

By Ethan Weinstein If, as experts expect, the CDC endorses Pfizer’s vaccine for children 5-11 on Nov. 2 or 3, Vermonters in that age group will be able to receive their first shot this week, Gov. Phil Scott said at the press conference Tuesday, Nov. 2. “We want you to know: Vermont is ready,” Scott…

By Brooke Geery The idea of homesteading — living a simple, off-the-grid life free of many bills modern society requires and taking advantage of the earth’s abundance — may sound enticing in these pandemic times. For many generations, brave and outdoorsy types had chosen to make a go at the lifestyle. So many, in fact,…

By John S. McCright Middlebury photographer Josh Hummel teamed up with pumpkin grower Ethan Nelson of Brandon and giant pumpkin-growing support specialist Jenna Baird from Baird Farm in Chittenden to create an unusual nautical opportunity for Dane VanNosdeln, a Charlotte resident who teaches fifth grade at Bristol Elementary School. On Sept. 26 they hollowed out…

Event raised $$7,735 for Wonderfeet By Katy Savage After students left school for the day, teachers at Rutland Town School danced down the hallways, in the classrooms and on the playground in a choreographed dance to “Let’s Groove Tonight” by Larry D and the Sly Guys. They sang the lyrics to “Hooked on a Feeling”…

By Curt Peterson A group of lawmakers and healthcare professionals, confused by Governor Phil Scott’s failure to take more aggressive action to stem the recent surge in Covid hospitalizations and deaths, which equal last winter’s rates, publicly urged him to declare a health emergency, to mandate indoor mask-wearing, social distancing enforcement and other anti-Covid measures…

Five detained in suspected human trafficking By Alan J. Keays/VTDigger Law enforcement personnel swarmed in armored tactical vehicles and a helicopter early Friday morning, Oct. 22, as they raided two apartment buildings in Rutland as part of an investigation into illegal drugs and human trafficking. Police said at one of the locations, 146 Maple St.,…

By Ethan Weinstein On Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., Plymouth will hold a special town meeting to discuss a proposed $950,000 renovation to the town office and garage. A vote to approve that renovation will be held by Australian ballot the following day. Select Board member Rick Kaminsky said that if the Dec. 6 vote…

Semi-annual community meeting focuses on future growth, return of events By Polly Mikula KILLINGTON — On Tuesday, Oct. 19, community members gathered at Killington’s Grand Hotel for the semi-annual update from the resort, town and Killington Pico Areas Association (KPAA) — part of the One Killington initiative to bring the community together. Attending such a…