The Vermont Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is launching the Automotive Emissions Repair Assistance Program Pilot with partner repair facilities in Shelburne and Bennington, the state announced Aug. 19. As a small-scale pilot, this program will help low-income vehicle owners with repairs required to pass the emissions portion of the annual state inspection. The pilot…

The Upper Valley Aquatic Center (UVAC) announced Aug. 15 that Kevin Blum will be its head swim team coach.  “With an impressive and diverse background in both collegiate and club coaching, Blum brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success to UVAC,” the organization stated. Blum joins UVAC after serving as the…

Monday, Aug. 14, marked what was intended to be the first of two matches against Rutland Country Club for the Killington Junior Golf League. The first was held at Green Mountain National Golf Club (GMNGC); the second scheduled for Monday, Aug. 19, at Rutland Country Club, but was postponed a week due to rain.  The…

This Saturday is the penultimate rodeo of the summer season at Pond Hill Ranch in Castleton. The Pond Hill Pro Rodeo Company has produced rodeos for over 50 years in western Vermont. The ranch hosts 10 events throughout the summer on Saturdayevenings at 7:30 p.m. The final rodeo of the season will take place Aug.…

Set in rural Vermont in the volatile 1960s, “Agony Hill” is the first novel in a historical series full of vivid New England atmosphere and the deeply drawn characters that are Sarah Stewart Taylor’s trademark. A former journalist and teacher, Taylor writes and lives with her family on a farm in Vermont where they raise sheep and…

The Vermont Historical Society is publishing a new book in September, titled “Ira Allen: A Biography.” Ethan Allen is a household name here in Vermont, but this book really showcases his younger brother’s important role in the entire saga that was the founding of Vermont. With the United States Semiquincentennial kicking off in 2025, there…

Killington Resort recently made three new tracks with banked turns and small bridge features on an easy grade just up from Snowshed Lodge. The easiest trails on the mountain all finish there rewarding new riders with a boost of confidence to end their ride.  The new park is so fun, that many choose to lap…

Removal of the derelict Wainwright Mill Dam (also known as Halnon Pond Dam) on Tributary #10 in Salisbury (south side of Lake Dunmore Road) will begin this week, according to a news release from the Vermont Natural Resources Council Aug. 12. The dam is in poor condition and no longer functional for its original purposes…

By Curt Peterson During Killington Town Manager Michael Ramsey’s last regular Select Board meeting Monday night, Aug. 12, two contentious topics arose: financing debt and personnel policies.  Selectman Jim Haff accused Ramsey of irresponsible financial planning, particularly around payment obligations — including an $8.4 million Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) due Aug. 21, plus approx. $11.6…

Okemo Valley TV has recognized volunteers, including Board members and community producers, who have made important contributions to the non profit community media organization. At its annual meeting on June 27, two outgoing board members were recognized for their longevity of service.  First, George Thomson (19 years), was presented with the Community Impact Award, for…

By Theo Wells-Spackman/VTDigger Richard Hulett, owner of Deer Flats Farm and a Select Board member in Pawlet, is facing two charges of simple assault. A Vermont State Police investigation concluded that Hulett assaulted a farm worker and the farm worker’s 15-year-old nephew in an altercation last month. In a press release issued late Monday, Aug. 5,…

By Victoria Gaither September marks the one-year milestone of Loose Loona Gifts and Tea House, a unique establishment at 11 Center St. in downtown Rutland that offers a blend of gifts, teas, and food. “We were busy from the time we opened right through the holidays,” said owner Don Abrahamsen. Abrahamsen is serious about his…

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) published its weekly report of planned construction activities that will impact traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont, Aug. 12-16 and ongoing. I-91 Springfield-Hartland: Lane closures will be in place on I-91 southbound from north of Exit 9 to just south of Exit 7. A speed limit reduction…

Dr. Charles Caverly was world’s first to identify polio epidemic The 13th addition to the Rutland Sculpture Trail will honor a groundbreaking Rutland doctor, and the hundreds of local medical professionals who responded to the Covid-19 pandemic. The sculpture, designed by and to be carved from Danby White marble by Italian sculptor Alessandro Lombardo, will…

The Killington World Cup Foundation (KWCF) awarded 33 grants totaling $330,000 to Northeast area nonprofits in eight states, with five of this year’s grantees being new to KWCF. KWCF also donated $170,000 to support athlete housing at the Killington Cup. These grants were made possible as a result of the 2023 Stifel Killington Cup. \…