By Karen D. Lorentz If there is any ski topic that perplexes me, it is the issue of comparing skiing today to the “good old days.” Most folks who skied in the 1950s and 1960s will tell you the “good old days” were not so good. And for some that also applies to the 1970s.…

The bountiful snowfall in woods and fields this December provides ample opportunities to head outdoors looking for signs of wildlife. Snowshoers, skiers and other winter adventurers are encouraged to keep an eye on the snow for tracks this time of year. While most wild animals are elusive and difficult to spot, fresh snow can be…

KILLINGTON—Killington Accommodations and Killington Holiday Rentals, two premier vacation rental companies, have recently merged. The companies made the announcement mid-December, stating that the combined full service property rental management company will now be called “Killington Rental Associates.” “Our companies have combined resources and our knowledgeable staff, with decades of experience, to become the largest and…

LUDLOW—Patricia Masciarelli has re-opened Go With the Flow, a yoga and Bodywork studio, in a new location at 110 Main Street in Ludlow. Masciarelli offers yoga classes for all levels, as well as a range of massage therapy services. Marji Graf, CEO of Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, held a ribbon cutting to welcome Masciarelli…

The recent arrival of cold temperature has formed early-season ice on Vermont ponds, lakes and rivers. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department reminds winter enthusiasts that ice should never be considered safe and ice conditions vary. “We are urging all outdoor enthusiasts—people going ice fishing, cross-country skiers, hikers, and snowmobilers—to be extremely cautious and prepared if…

Hearing on revised bylaws announced PAWLET—The Pawlet Select Board will hold a public hearing on proposed revisions to the town’s unified bylaws Jan. 3 in the town hall conference room. The revisions expand the industrial district along the western border of West Pawlet and the New York state border, and add several parcels to commercial…

Board of Alderman contest gets early start RUTLAND—Although petitions to run for the Board of Aldermen are due in late January, Alderman Christopher Ettori has already announced his intent to run for reelection. Alderman Tom DePoy has also confirmed he intends to run for reelection, saying that he feels there are important projects underway that…

PROCTOR—The Lady Phantoms of Proctor High School presented Woman to Woman (W2W) with a check for $1,001 from their fundraising event — the Lady Phantoms vs. Cancer soccer games. Ladies from W2W had the opportunity to meet and thank these young women on the soccer field and again at their school where they presented them in…

QUECHEE—The Vermont Institute of Natural Science has re-opened its spectacular outdoor exhibit titled “Ice Age Mammals on the Meadow.” This year, the exhibit features an Irish elk, a dire wolf, a saber-toothed Cat, and a handful of mastodons. The sculptures will be on display in the VINS meadow for visitors to see through April 2017.…

By Adam Federman, VTDigger.org RUTLAND — In a highly anticipated ruling, U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford has denied a motion by Donald Fell’s defense seeking to declare the Federal Death Penalty Act unconstitutional as cruel and unusual punishment. The 57-page decision issued Tuesday, Dec. 13, states that it is not within a trial judge’s purview…

This holiday season marks the 117th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count, a favorite tradition among Vermont’s birding community.  Birders in Vermont are encouraged to participate in the count, which is happening in Vermont from Dec. 15 to Jan. 2. Even novice birdwatchers can participate because every event is led by an experienced birder. Organizers and…

LUDLOW—As it plans its programming schedule for 2017, Friends of Ludlow Auditorium (FOLA) has decided it will introduce the ability to stream live programming for the benefit of its audiences. Streaming is essentially the process of presenting live events, such as Broadway musicals, sporting events, and national public interest events, as they actually are occurring.…

RUTLAND—In November, Rutland Area Farm and Food link (RAFFL) launched an effort to raise $75,000 to expand its current programming and outreach within the current communities it serves. With a successful campaign by year’s end, RAFFL will be able to continue its efforts to capture fresh, seasonal food from local farms for those in need…

Nissan relocation is back under consideration RUTLAND—Early in 2016, Garvey Nissan filed an Act 250 application to build a new auto dealership on 16.5 acres at the border of Rutland Town and North Clarendon. The dealership had requested the application be held in abeyance while it worked to ameliorate “unforeseen technical issues,” but now the…

County students demonstrate community spirit Ella Patterson, PJ Cummings, and Sophia Rampone are representing Fair Haven Union H.S. in the inaugural Castleton University High School Art Festival. Each student has three works of art in the show, on display now through Dec. 19 at the Christine Price Gallery, located in the lobby of the Fine…