By Rep. Jim Harrison Last week, the House failed to override the governor’s veto of H.107, paid family leave, by just one vote. Four out of the five independents and four Democrats joined the 43Republicans in supporting Scott’s veto, primarily, but not exclusively, because of the new $29 million payroll tax on employees. Virtually all…

Mini Shred Madness took place at Killington Resort  under sunny  skies on Saturday,  Feb. 8. The event was rescheduled from its original date in January, due to inclement weather. Grom skiers and riders, 13 years and under, took over Red’s Backyard at Ramshead for an event focused on getting a feel for park riding and…

After facilitating 14 focus groups with statewide Young Professional (YP) groups, the Vermont Futures Project released a report on Feb. 5 to pursue their three major recommendations and incorporate their concerns into the sustainable economic growth plan slated for release in the fall of 2020. The Vermont Futures Project wanted to ensure the voice of the YPs currently…

By Sen. Allison Clarkson The Census matters.  Two legislative committees were reminded last week of how important the data gleaned from it is for every state.  Each decade since 1790 the U.S. Census Bureau has conducted an every-household survey collecting data about our country’s people and the places they live.  It is the leading source…

Staff report The Killington Select Board is holding another public hearing on changing the language in its zoning ordinance and short-term rentals. The meeting is scheduled for Feb. 25 at the Sherburne Memorial Library at 6:30 p.m. Killington’s current zoning bylaw limits dwelling unit capacity to two people per bedroom. The bylaw would add language…

By Curt Peterson Following a public hearing, the Woodstock Select Board narrowly approved short-term rental regulations by a vote of 3-2 on Jan. 21. The new bylaw requires owners of short-term rental properties to register them and pay a short-term rental fee of $115 per property, plus $100 per guest room,  Woodstock Town Planner Michael…

On Thursday, Jan. 30, the Ottauquechee Health Foundation held its Annual Membership Meeting at Billings Farm and Museum. At the event, the Foundation shared its accomplishments and goals and recognized select community partners for their outstanding service and support of OHF’s mission. For almost 24 years, OHF has provided close to $4 million to support…

Vermont Law School’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Center in South Royalton is offering free help with tax return preparation and electronic filing help to qualified Vermonters from now through April 8 at the South Royalton campus. Available from 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, the VITA Center’s IRS-certified volunteers offer help to taxpayers…

By Ed Larson Rutland City Police Chief Brian Kilcullen stated that police responded to Terrill Street in Rutland on Sunday, Feb. 9 for a report of possible shots being fired. Police later determined that no shooting occurred, however a wrench was pounded on a window of a residence in an effort to get the attention…

$9,000 grant will help develop a guiding vision for the town following closure of Green Mountain College The town of Poultney received $9,000 in state planning grants to develop a guiding vision for the town and explore updates to the regulations to support the downtown following closure of Green Mountain College. Poultney was one of…

By Polly Mikula “It was just sitting at the base of the Summit chair, so I decided to move it,” Rich McCoy, director of operations at Pico, said of the former Summit Dogs hot dog stand. “It took me a year of asking around and haggling, but when I found that no one needed it, I…

The Cobra Gymnastics team of Rutland is proving diligence pays off.  Returning from the Friendship Classic in Hampton, New Hampshire, the team claimed a first  place finish for the Xcel Gold team and a second  place team finish for the Junior Olympic Level 7 team. Individual event first place finishes were awarded and included Maleah…

By Brooke Geery It may be difficult to think about summer when your windshield wipers are frozen to your car and simply opening the door requires bundling up, but the warm weather will be here before you know it. And what better way to celebrate summer than with a little baseball? Enter Rutland County Little…

By Ed Larson A water meter installer, formerly employed by the Rutland City Department of Public Works,  has been arrested. Paul Eric Voight, 51, of Castleton, became the subject of an investigation after Rutland City officials were informed of possible fraudulent activity.  Voight, who had been in hundreds of homes and businesses in the city…

RUTLAND – Over 300 community leaders joined mentor matches from across Rutland County to raise money for mentoring. The 13th Annual Mentor Bowl, held Saturday, Jan. 25, included a basket raffle, silent auction, music, food, and bowling, and raised $41,000 for The Mentor Connector. This money, a 50% increase over last year’s goal, will directly…