Newsweek announced its ranking of the top 5,000 STEM high schools for 2019, honoring excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Woodstock Union High School was named No. 1,745 of all schools and N. 974 of all public schools. “Children don’t realize it, but they’re natural STEM students,” said Nancy Cooper, Newsweek global editor in…

By Curt Peterson Although plans for a new high/middle school complex in Woodstock have been growing for some time, many constituents are becoming aware of it for the first time — perhaps most in the six districts towns outside of Woodstock itself — Pomfret, Bridgewater, Plymouth, Killington and Reading (and Barnard, assuming they vote to…

Vermont’s hunters will get one final chance for a deer this year during the muzzleloader deer season and the second part of the archery deer season. The two seasons run at the same time —Dec. 7-15. A muzzleloader hunter may take one legal buck anywhere in the state. In addition, a hunter who received a muzzleloader…

Governor Phil Scott and Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts visited the Werner Tree Farm in Middlebury Nov. 29 to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season with the help of Vermont’s farmers. The trees cut during this visit will decorate the Pavilion Building in Montpelier, which houses the governor’s office. “As we enter the holiday season,…

Vermont snowboard legend birthed a passion that lives on Jake Burton Carpenter died Wednesday, Nov. 20, surrounded by family and friends. On Nov. 9, Jake sent the following email to his employees: “You will not believe this, but my cancer has come back. It’s the same tumor as the first time around. We just never…

By Anne Wallace Allen/VTDigger WARREN — Rusty Gregory, the CEO of Sugarbush Resort’s new parent company, knew his audience was worried that corporate ownership would change the nature of the ski area that drives their local economy. So Gregory gave out his mobile phone number from the stage, first to dozens of employees who attended a…

On Saturday, Nov. 16, the Partners for Prevention, a program of Rutland Regional Medical Center, gathered for its annual Sticker Shock campaign. Sticker Shock aims to reduce underage drinking by limiting youth access to alcohol.  The campaign is designed to discourage adults from buying alcohol for minors by educating them about the consequences of these…

By Karen D. Lorentz Vermont was well represented at the 38th annual Boston.com Ski & Snowboard Expo at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston Nov. 14-17. The show, which draws thousands of snowsport lovers every year, marks the New England kick-off to the ski season, pumping up attendees with bargains, entertainment, excitement, and fun. In addition to…

By Curt Peterson HARTLAND–Almost 90 residents attended the Hartland Municipal Resources Group’s (HMRG) breakfast on Nov. 16. Hartland has the third largest population in Windsor County after Springfield and Hartford, and, unlike adjacent towns, is growing in population. HMRG was formed to study Hartland’s resources and make recommendations for management to the Select Board, according…

By Virginia Dean A public tour and informational meeting for a proposed remodeling and new addition to the Woodstock Emergency Services building will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. “We began looking into the idea of a remodeling or new building last February,” said Woodstock Fire Department Chief David Green.…

With Killington Resort investing millions of dollars in summer and winter activities, a number of business owners on Killington Road are following with upgrades and changes to their buildings. Some business owners have invested heavily into summer offerings with the rise in the resort becoming a year-round destination. “Everyone in the business (industry) does a…

By Virginia Dean The philanthropic efforts of 7-year-old Bradford Elementary School student Preston O’Donnell have had far-reaching effects in the Upper Valley this holiday season, including nearly 20 different locations where local residents have brought their donations of socks to help those in need. Begun as an effort to help her best friend who lost…

Fourth-graders can redeem a voucher for a free tree RUTLAND—U.S. Forest Service officials in Vermont are encouraging the public to purchase Christmas tree removal permits should they be interested in a $5 tree for the holidays, according to a Nov. 18, news release. In addition, this year, all fourth graders can again take advantage of…

Vote scheduled for Dec. 10 By Curt Peterson Barnard voters will decide whether to merge Barnard Academy into the Windsor Central Modified Unified Union School District on Dec. 10. Polls at the town offices will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pam Fraser, Barnard representative on the school district board and Carin Park,…

Pledge drive fails to raise funds to offset long-term debt By Lee J. Kahrs An appeal for pledges from members to keep the Neshobe Golf Club alive in the face of foreclosure has failed. Neshobe Golf Club Board Chair Jeff Wallin said Tuesday morning that the club was only able to raise about half of…