The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has scheduled a series of free ice fishing clinics for anyone who would like to learn about the latest proven ice fishing techniques. “Our ice fishing clinics will be held from mid-January through February with the possibility that some dates may change according to ice and weather conditions,” said…

On Jan. 1, 2020, new baitfish regulations will go into effect aimed at providing anglers with additional opportunities to use and harvest baitfish. “We spent the last two years listening to the public and working with the Fish and Wildlife Board to improve regulations while limiting the spread of fish diseases and invasive species,” said…

The Sample News Group announced last week it has named two Vermont newspaper executives to oversee the Rutland Herald and The Times Argus. Tim Duguay has been named general sales manager for the two dailies, which publish Tuesday through Saturday. Steven Pappas has been named publisher. The moves follow the impending departure of Rob Mitchell,…

By Lee J. Kahrs, Brandon Reporter BRANDON — There is a new millionaire in the area. One lucky resident bought a Powerball ticket at the Jiffy Mart in Brandon and won $2 million, Vermont Lottery officials said. The winning ticket drawn Dec. 4 matched five out of five numbers, not including the Powerball. The winning…

Rutland police are investigating damage to an apartment building on Park Avenue after reports of an explosive device detonated on a sidewalk outside the apartment window just before midnight on Dec. 20. There were two residents inside the apartment at the time of the explosion. Police said neither was injured. Detectives from Rutland City Police,…

By Lee J. Kahrs/Brandon Reporter BRANDON — It takes a village to do great things, and in Brandon that means establishing a new, independent bookstore. Former Briggs Carriage Bookstore co-owner Barbara Ebling and Phoenix Books owner Mike DeSanto have teamed up with the help of a community advisory council to open The Bookstore. The shop,…

By Katy Savage Three public water systems in the state have issued Do Not Drink notices after industrial chemicals were found in their water supply.  Two of those three are local schools. Killington Mountain School and Mount Holly School, as well as Fiddlehead Condominiums in Fayston, had per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exceeding the state limit…

With a local woman described as a miracle acting as its ambassador, the 2019 Gift-of-Life Marathon regained its magic and surpassed its goals with a life-saving demonstration of community spirit and love. Buoyed by efforts by 23-year-old Stefanie Schaffer, who was nearly killed in a boat explosion in 2018 and received massive quantities of blood…

The Killington Mountain School head of school search committee has announced it’s found three finalists to replace Head of School Tao Smith. A total of 30 people applied for the position after Smith announced he’s leaving the school in July after about 20 years.  Ten semi-finalists were chosen and after they visited the school Dec.…

Airbnb has announced three forward steps in protecting hosts, guests and communities, including a new party house ban, guest standards and dedicated line of communication for  town officials to reach Airbnb in 2020. Between August 1, 2018 and July 31, 2019, Airbnb reported .05% of trips on Airbnb had a safety-related issue reported by a…

Last week, Vail Resorts Chief Executive Officer Rob Katz and his wife, Elana Amsterdam, New York Times bestselling author and founder of Elana’s Pantry, announced significant contributions totaling more than $2.8 million to further strengthen emotional wellness programs in more than ten mountain communities where Vail Resorts operates. The Vermont Community Foundation received just over $245,000.…

Starting Tuesday, Dec. 17, U.S. riders in 23 cities and states will see a new ride feature: Uber Ski. Vermont, New Hampshire and northern New York are all part of the new, premium service. This option lets you order an Uber trip with confirmed extra vehicle space or a ski/snowboard rack for those moments when…

Locals and visitors donned costumes, rode horses and sung carols to celebrate Wassail Weekend, Dec. 13-15 in Woodstock. Despite rainy weather, the holiday spirit was not dampened. Judges gave awards for costumes. Best individual horse and rider went to Sue Miller of Bradford. Best group award went to Cathy Mercurio of Pepperell, Massachusetts with her…

Claremont McDonald’s restaurant manager Roy Thomas won the distinguished Ray Kroc Award for the third time. The awards are an annual performance-based honor that recognize the top performing McDonald’s restaurant managers globally.  The announcement was made at the Coughlin Inc. office in Rutland Tuesday, Dec. 3. Roy Thomas was one of 365 McDonald’s Restaurant Managers…

PAWLET—The Pawlet Public Library has recently hired Sara Young, Middletown Springs, as community connector to lead community initiatives outlined in the library’s four-year strategic plan. The new position has been funded for one year by grants from the Windham Foundation, and the Vermont Community Foundation, including the Lyman Orton Fund and the Spark! Connecting Community…