By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger RUTLAND — Rutland Regional Medical Center is apologizing for an error involving the disclosure of hundreds of patients’ email addresses. The hospital, in a statement, said on May 11 a survey was sent to 700 patients. The email addresses for all 700 were visible to each recipient, the statement added.…

As motorists take to the roads this Memorial Day holiday, Vermont law enforcement is urging everyone to buckle up. Beginning this week, law enforcement officials will be out in full force, taking part in the 2017 National Click It or Ticket (CIOT) seat belt enforcement mobilization and cracking down on motorists who are not belted.…

Hiking Vermont’s hillsides is a great way to enjoy a spring day, but the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and Audubon Vermont recommend you check to see if the area you’re planning to hike or climb is open. Several cliff areas are currently closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons. “Peregrine nesting is well underway this…

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department encourages the public to learn more about invasive species and help combat their spread. Landowners can play an important role in controlling non-native, invasive plants such as knotweed and buckthorn, while boaters and anglers can help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species such as spiny water fleas and…

By Sen. Bernie Sanders The good news is that Vermont has one of the highest high school graduation rates in the country; fully 88 percent of our kids leave high school with a diploma.  All of us – parents, educators, community members and most of all, our hardworking students – should feel great pride in…

CASTLETON—On Saturday, May 13, Castleton seniors walked across the stage and received their diplomas from President Dave Wolk. Commencement ceremonies are a time-honored tradition signifying an important milestone in nearly every graduate’s life. After spending most of their lives in school and the past four years at university, students are now challenged with the task…

RUTLAND—Seventy students passed across the stage at the College of St. Joseph’s 58th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 13. CSJ President Lawrence Jensen conferred degrees upon the graduates. Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robert Goddard led the processional. Former Vermont Governor Jim Douglas addressed students, their families, and faculty and staff in attendance, speaking of…

Route 73 Pike Industries’ subcontractor, J. Hutchins, will continue replacing drainage culverts through this week. They will be working near the intersection of Route 73 and West Hill Road and moving west on Route 73. J. Hutchins will also be cutting brush that is overhanging the roadway next week. Pike Industries will install underdrain along…

RUTLAND—Londonderry-based Sugar Bob’s Finest Kind has acquired the all product lines and assets of Rutland’s Vermont Maple Crafters. Founded in 2014 by Jackson Whelan and Lenny Montuori, VMC’s flagship hot sauce — Vermont Maple Sriracha — has become one of the region’s most popular specialty foods. The company’s product line includes several hot sauces, as…

RUTLAND—A small army of Rutland Blooms volunteers made a big contribution to the ongoing beautification of the City of Rutland Thursday, May 11, planting 46 crabapple trees. The planting comes just days after a devastating wind storm wreaked havoc, toppling trees and causing considerable damage. “The timing was coincidental, but the storm definitely made today’s…

WINDSOR COUNTY—During the week of May 8, members of the Vermont Drug Task Force(VDTF) conducted arrest operations in Windsor County after several months of investigation. The Vermont Drug Task Force was assisted by the Springfield Police Department, the State Police Westminster Barracks, the Chester Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security while executing these…

Explosive business opens at former Taco Bell site RUTLAND TOWN—Chip Greeno is opening a C&C Fireworks store on the site of the long-unused Taco Bell across Route 7 from Home Depot, scheduled to open by Memorial Day, according to the Rutland Herald. He will bring a portable building to the property with plans to operate…

Three Rutland County students recognized in art competition U.S. Representative Peter Welch, D-Vt., hosted the the Congressional Art Competition at Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier, and recognized three local students. Eli Sanderson of Center Rutland, a student at Long Trail School, won for his piece, “Powder Daze.” Kristen Drew of Wells, a student…

Rutland Town solar site agreement nears RUTLAND TOWN—An agreement on solar development between Otter Creek Solar and Rutland Town is imminent, Town Administrator Joseph Zingale said, May 1. The Rutland Herald reported Otter Creek Solar 1 and Otter Creek Solar 2 are designed to alleviate residents’ and the town’s objections. Minor details are all that…

By Evan Johnson ROCHESTER—Police say they caught the man responsible for breaking into the Rochester School and another residence this weekend.  On Sunday, May 7, state police from the Royalton Barracks responded to a report of a break-in on Kirby Drive. Upon arriving, they discovered the suspect, identified as Rochester resident John Waters, had left…