Vermont is seeking 15 small business owners to participate in the Emerging Leaders Initiative beginning in April at Vermont Technical College in Williston, Vt. Emerging Leaders, established by the federal Small Business Administration, is a free, executive-level training program for entrepreneurs to learn how to establish a three-year strategic growth plan for their businesses. The…

On Wednesday, Jan. 20, at about 3:22 p.m., the Vermont State Police responded to a head-on automobile crash on Route 125 near West Market Road in Bridport, involving a 2004 Pontiac Vibe and a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The driver of the Pontiac, Thomas Scheufler, age 66 of Shoreham, Vt., was found dead at the scene;…

HUBBARDTON — When fire departments from four towns showed up Tuesday, Jan. 26 at the fire on Black Pond Road in Hubbardton, it said much about small towns, the selflessness of firefighters and the generosity of one man’s life. Bob Gibbs is a native Vermonter, living in the small town of Hubbardton where he grew up.…

On Wednesday, Jan. 24, at approximately 2:19 a.m., the Vermont State Police and Londonderry Fire Department responded to a single motor vehicle collision on Middle Town Road at the intersection with Brooks Lane, in the town of Londonderry, Vt.  The investigation revealed that Michael Hazel, age 24 from Harvard, Mass., was operating a 2008 Subaru…

Four nonprofit organizations in Rutland County have received a total of $9,950 in Small and Inspiring grants from the Vermont Community Foundation for local projects. The Small and Inspiring grants fund work helps connect people to their neighbors, their land, and their history in ways that strengthen the community. “These projects remind us of the…

RUTLAND—Last month, the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) released the newly approved tactical basin plans for the Battenkill, Walloomsac, and Hoosic rivers and  their tributaries, referred to as Basin 01. The basin plan will protect, maintain, and improve surface waters by managing the activities that result in surface water stressors, and address the pollutants associated…

RUTLAND—Continuing the reorganization and refocusing of the Rutland Economic Development Corporation (REDC), the REDC Board of Directors has elected new members from three of the region’s leading companies. John Casella II, 31, of Casella Construction; Shana Louiselle, 30, of Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO); and Mark Werle, 52, of Ryan, Smith & Carbine, Ltd., will…

BRANDON—The Compass Music and Arts Foundation (CMAC) could benefit from a donation of $1,000 if it can raise a further $1,000 through matched funding. Through an anonymous donor, this challenge is directed towards completing the performance hall. To date, the Foundation has received $205 from members of the community. Monies raised would be used to…

BETHEL—A one-of-a-kind university popped up in central Vermont in 2014, and it has been attracting interest across Vermont and the nation. Bethel University (BU), a “pop-up university,” offers free mini-courses to anyone and everyone. Classes meet in the town hall, the school, the library, and in homes and businesses all over town on topics as…

TINMOUTH — On Jan. 27, at approximately 1:28 p.m., members of the Vermont State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Vermont Route 133 in the area north of Vermont Route 140 in Tinmouth. Investigation determined that Brennan R. Howard, age 18 from Middletown Springs, was traveling northbound when he reached for a water bottle…

RUTLAND — On Jan. 26, troopers from the Rutland State Police Barracks responded to a report of a car break-in at Northwood Park in Rutland Town. Maxine Garfinkel, age 80 from Rutland City, advised that she parked her vehicle to walk with a friend before running errands and noticed when she returned that her window was…

By Lani Duke Hubbardton fire shows perils of remodeling HUBBARDTON—Trapped between walls and dropped ceilings, a fire took down a Hubbardton home erected about 225 years ago. Missing from the townscape is the one-and-one-half story, post-and-beam Cape Cod-style house at 2750 Black Pond Rd. The fire started in a chimney, with its smoke becoming visible…

By Lani Duke Rutland City On the ballot Rutland City voters will see an added pair of bonds on their March 1 ballot. The Aldermen had already approved a $2.5 million bond to replace White Pool and a $19 million budget. One of the added bonds is for an equalization tank to stabilize water pressure…

By Donald Dill Marji Graf( on the right), CEO, Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce welcomes Green Mountain at Fox Run Women’s Center for Binge and Emotional Eating to the Chamber. Pictured:Kari Anderson, president and clinical director; Shiri Macri, primary clinical therapist. LUDLOW—There’s only one women’s center for binge and emotional eating in the country,…

By Lani Duke New town manager sets goals for Castleton CASTLETON—Town Manager Mark Shea has begun his new three-year contract with the town, planning to make securing a new town office his top priority. Hopes are the Select Board will have a town office item ready for the 2017 Town Meeting Day ballot. Safety officer…