The vast majority who attended a virtual forum Sept. 9 say: ‘Yes!’ By Polly Mikula Residents of Mendon and Chittenden want to retain Barstow’s current open school choice options — as do others nearby who benefit from that choice. A virtual forum held by the school board via Zoom on Thursday, Sept. 9, drew about 90…

By Ethan Weinstein Like seemingly every other business in the area, Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) is struggling to find staff. But these staffing woes have been compounded by an additional problem: an influx of patients who put off elective care during the Covid state of emergency. “We are seeing here at Rutland Regional some…

By Brooke Geery The Black Lives Matter flag with a rainbow Pride stripe has retaken its place under the American flag and Vermont state flag in front of Mill River Union High School (MRU) in Clarendon. On Monday, Sept. 7, the flag was initially raised for the first of a 90-day run at the request…

RUTLAND—Forest Service officials announced Sept. 10 that the Rutland-based headquarters for the Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forest (GMFL) is transitioning to a full-time virtual work schedule. Most employees have been working remotely for more than a year now due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and this will continue until their new office is completed…

By Alan J. Keays/VTDigger Three Vermont State Police troopers out of the Shaftsbury barracks have resigned and a criminal probe is underway to determine whether they may have violated federal law by making fake Covid-19 vaccination cards. The matter has been referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont, as well as…

By Katy Savage A new French-style eatery is coming to Mechanic Street in Woodstock this winter. Zoe Zilian, the former owner and founder of Farmhouse Pottery, is opening her new bistro, called Brasserie, within the next couple months. It will feature cocktails, European tapas, mini-baguettes, local cheeses, and hams imported from Europe, for example. “It…

Area ski resorts among them By Fred Thys/VTDigger Some large Vermont employers say they’re waiting to learn more about President Joe Biden’s order that all employers with more than 100 workers be vaccinated against Covid-19 or be tested weekly, while others says they already require employees to be vaccinated. Biden’s order will affect about 100…

By Virginia Dean KILLINGTON—One of the most well-respected specialty ski race shops has recently changed hands (for an undisclosed amount) and will continue to operate with the employees who have helped make it what it is today. Run by Denise and Fred Coriell for over 30 years, Peak Performance in Killington has outfitted high-level FIS,…

Gerald “Jerry” Jagoda died on Oct. 1, 2019 at his home in Stockbridge after losing his battle with kidney disease. His loving and humorous spirit is carried on by his wife of 42 years, Linda; their four children Shane, Chenoa, Tivon, and Devin; as well as their grandchildren Kinsley, Maddox, and Maverick and his sister…

Governor Phil Scott joined town officials from across the state on Sept. 2 to announce $13,258,021 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards that have been made to 25 communities throughout Vermont. The funding, through the Vermont Community Development Program (VCDP), supports a broad range of projects that will accelerate pandemic recovery, build more affordable…

By Alan J. Keays/VTDigger A Rutland City police officer who fatally shot a Florida man in a McDonald’s bathroom after a chase last month told investigators he thought the man was armed. But he wasn’t. Police said 33-year-old Jonathan Mansilla had a cellphone in his hand. Vermont State Police released new details Thursday, Sept. 9,…

By Emma Cotton/VTDigger RUTLAND  — Environmental groups say the Agency of Natural Resources’ pending permits for sewage treatment plants in Rutland County don’t go far enough to address pollutant-laden overflows into local waterways. Permits are currently pending for treatment plants in Rutland, Pittsford, Wallingford and Brandon. The public comment period for the permits ended Sept.…

USDA Covid-19 study findings show government programs were crucial The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Sept. 8 report indicated that food insecurity in the United States for the year 2020 remained level, as compared to pre-pandemic 2019 numbers. This result proves that with adequate federal and state government support it’s possible to solve hunger in Vermont…

By Emma Cotton/VTDigger These days, birds are susceptible to a scourge of threats — pests, diseases, habitat loss and climate change among them. Still, one species has been thriving in Vermont: the common loon. This summer, across the state, more loons laid eggs than ever before. In 1983, seven pairs made nests in Vermont. This…

After purchasing a new home, buyers often want to put their own fingerprint on the property. Homeowners anticipate the day when their homes are transformed into spaces that reflect their style and not the preferences of previous owners. When deciding how to renovate interior spaces, homeowners will make some relatively temporary changes, but they also…