VERMONT—From June 1 to Sept. 1, 118 Vermont public and academic libraries will be handing out passports in the third annual Passport to Vermont Libraries program, encouraging Vermonters and visitors alike to visit some of Vermont’s unique, beautiful and creative libraries. Did you know? The Isle La Motte Library, a lovely stone building, boasts their…

Dollar General stores planned for western Rutland County CASTLETON—While Poultney waits to learn whether a Dollar General store will move in, one is under construction in Castleton. The steel will be placed in July and the store will have a soft opening in early September with an official opening celebration Sept. 24, according to Dan…

By Stephen Seitz LUDLOW—A Green Mountain Union High School senior is under house arrest following his arraignment in Windsor County criminal court on June 20. According to court documents, Chester resident Ryan Stocker is accused of having sexually assaulting two of his fellow students in October of last year and this past May. The earlier…

Kimberly and Matthew Johnson and their family have recently been selected by Habitat for Humanity of Rutland County to live in a new home being built at 42 Cleveland Ave. in Rutland. This family of four is currently renting an older two bedroom unit in a building that houses seven other units in the same…

By Stephen Seitz LUDLOW—If nothing else, the Black River High School class of 2017 will remember their commencement speaker with a smile, as diplomas were handed out to the 26 new graduates on June 17. The class voted to hear from Craig Goodman, who founded and runs Goodman’s American Pie in Ludlow. He was graduated…

DANBY—In the early evening on June 1, state troopers from the Rutland Barracks were notified of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Danby Mountain and Brook roads in the Danby. It was reported the crash involved three persons, with one person trapped and unresponsive inside the vehicle. The Danby-Mt. Tabor Fire Dept., East Dorset…

DANBY—On Wednesday at about 9 a.m., state police from the Rutland Barracks were called to an accident in Danby involving explosives. Police said Kenneth Williams, an employee of Vermont Quarries Corp., had been attempting to dispose of blasting caps when an explosion occurred, injuring him in the face. Williams was transported to Rutland Regional Medical…

An inmate at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility is due in court to face charges of perjury. Police said Nicholas Miller, an inmate at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility, contacted the state police, bureau of criminal investigations in May and reported having inappropriate contact with his wife’s probation officer. Miller demanded his wife…

Three College of St. Joseph (CSJ) students sit on stools, looking markedly out of place hunched over a small blue table covered in Legos. One is building a car, the other is sorting, and the third is taking notes. The students are just one group involved in the college’s collaboration with Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum, which allows CSJ students…

The Rev. Norman MacLeod will retire as Rector of St. James Episcopal Church as of June 30.  He will preach and celebrate Communion at the church for the last time on Sunday, June 25 at a 10 a.m. service. The Rev. Mr. MacLeod arrived in Woodstock with his wife, Elizabeth C. Stevens, just days after…

Slowing West Rutland traffic WEST RUTLAND—The Town of West Rutland is gathering speed data at two high-accident zones with the intent of reducing speed limits: at the area around Westway Plaza and where Clarendon Avenue intersects with Main Street. Rutland County Sheriff Stephen Benard included the study in the renewal of his office’s $80,000 contract…

Castleton/Hubbardton school district weighs needed repairs Maintenance Chief Jim Fowler told the Castleton/Hubbardton School Board June 7 that the school district needs to replace its leaking, 40-year-old steam kettle and upgrade the 48-year-old walk-in cooler’s refrigeration system. Another concern is that the floor of the garage is failing. Fowler will seek three quotes for its…

The Greater Killington Women’s Club has recognized two local students for their academic achievements and community service. The two awards are given to graduating Killington or Pittsfield seniors who have lived in Killington or Pittsfield for at least the last two years of high school. The first award is the Academic Scholarship, awarded to the…

The Vermont Land Trust recognized two local students from Rutland and Windsor Counties with the Land Stewards Award. The award, now in its 12th year, acknowledges the hard work of tomorrow’s agricultural and forestry leaders with a cash prize of $250. Eleven qualified students in Vermont will receive the Land Stewards Award this year. Austin…

WOODSTOCK— Dozens of students were recognized at the awards presenttion upon graduation from  Woodtock High School. Those that earned Summa cum laude for the Class of 2017 included: Jonas Kantola (Valedictorian), Spruce Bohen (Salutatorian), Patrick Bald, Erika Gebhardt, Anna Dieffenbach, Rosalie Geiger Lily Doton, Jenna Majeski, Jason Drebber, Rose O’Brien, Sarah Findeisen, Kyle Rasmussen. Scholarship…