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…

UPDATE: Oct. 31 "After a thorough process the parade organizers announce the City of Rutland’s Halloween Parade has been canceled tonight due to multiple factors," Rutland Rec stated on their website, on Oct. 31, Halloween. "We have had a large number of our entries pull out because of the weather prior to this email. The…

Staff report On Friday, Oct. 22, at about 11 a.m. parents of the pre-Kindergarten class at Killington Elementary School were asked to pick up their children from school and quarantine as all were considered to be a close contacts of someone known to have Covid-19. No other classes were known to be affected as of…

By Peter D’Auria/VTDigger Since starting school roughly six weeks ago, students at Bristol Elementary School have broken the school’s piano, destroyed computers and dented cars in the parking lot. In the Missisquoi Valley School District, more staff members may be added to handle an uptick in hazing, harassment and bullying investigations.   And at a…

Speech at GOLM kickoff Tuesday, Oct. 26, will highlighting remarkable courage Two years after what she thought was the end of dozens of surgeries following a boat explosion that paralyzed her, forced the amputation of her legs, and caused incredible emotional trauma, Rutland resident and survivor Stefanie Schaffer is reclaiming her life and looking forward…

By Brooke Geery The U.S. Mint recently announced the latest dollar coins in the American Innovation series for the year 2022 and on the list was one dedicated to Vermont. The subject matter could have gone a number of ways — maple syrup, tractor technology, Bernie Sanders’s mittens — but thankfully the design features snowboarding!…

By Ariadne Will PITTSFORD — A proposal to place a single wind turbine on Grandpa’s Knob, a prominent 1,600-foot summit in the Taconic Range in West Rutland, was met with 90 minutes of public outcry at Pittsford’s Select Board meeting last Wednesday, Oct. 6. Sam Carlson, who works in community relations for Grandpa’s Knob Community…

Though limited, RVs could provide the best option for winter shelter By Ethan Weinstein Keith wasn’t home on Sept. 8 when two people, introducing themselves as friends of Simon Dennis, walked into his campsite off A Street in White River Junction. His buddy Mike was around though, and he let the strangers walk through camp,…