By Stephen Seitz RUTLAND—A Superior Court judge in Rutland Superior Court ordered Rutland real estate developer John Ruggiero to pay the state of Vermont more than $2.1 million to settle a brownfield lawsuit in a civil trial held on Sept. 25. Ruggiero, a former attorney who represented himself, told the court he would have a…

By Evan Johnson RUTLAND — At a small event in Rutland City Hall on Thursday, Sept. 21, members of Donate Life Vermont demonstrated how a small decision could have life saving consequences for others. In November of 2011, Penny and Jeff Sirjane received news that their 18-year-old daughter Marley had died in a car accident…

By Elizabeth Hewitt, VTDigger A former student is suing Norwich University, claiming the institution did not take sufficient steps to protect her and others from sexual assault. In a lawsuit filed in federal court in Vermont this week, Lauren Morrissey claims that Norwich University was negligent for failing to take action against a student who…

By Evan Johnson Jobs were the main topic of conversation at a recent conference at Killington Resort - specifically those in the energy efficiency sector. In a four-person panel at the Killington Grand Hotel on Wednesday, Sept. 20, representatives from the state, a regional development corporation, AgriMark and building technologies corporation discussed trends in employment…

By Alan Keays, VTDigger RUTLAND TOWN — The state has turned down a proposal to open a medical marijuana dispensary at the Norman Rockwell Museum of Vermont in Rutland Town. Dan Reilly Jr. and his company, Lily Pad Organics Inc., had been seeking to open Vermont’s fifth dispensary at the site on Route 4. On Friday Reilly…

By Alan Keays, VTDigger RUTLAND — Rutland city officials and business leaders are looking at ways to get money flowing downhill from the tens of thousands of people attending World Cup ski racing events at Killington Ski Resort this fall. “I think it’s important that we do this,” Sharon Davis, president of the city Board of Aldermen,…

By Nanci McGuire After hurricane Harvey hit Houston, Texas, many heroes came to the rescue from near and far, including from Rutland. A few days after Hurricane Harvey hit Amanda McGuire saw a post on Facebook from Oh My Dog located in South Burlington, soliciting donations of pet food and supplies which would be collected…

WOODSTOCK—Lovers of farms, forests, and fine woodworking— those great aspects of Vermont— will be on display at the  Vermont Woodworking & Forest Festival held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23-24 at Billings Farm & Museum and the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Vermont Wood Manufacturers Association (VWMA) has held this event for the past 14 years…

Downtown Rutland’s Gryphon Building opens doors to Castleton students By Evan Johnson For college students looking to live off campus, finding adequate and affordable housing can be a hassle. Castleton University students now have housing that’s affordable and close to the offerings of downtown Rutland, thanks to new newly renovated apartments in the second floor…

Sept. 23-24—VERMONT—A youngster’s first hunt can mark the beginning of a lifelong passion for the outdoors and a commitment to wildlife conservation. There is no finer time to begin this journey than during Vermont’s upcoming youth waterfowl hunting weekend on Sept. 23-24. “Vermont’s youth waterfowl hunting weekend helps ensure that young hunters get the quality training and…

RUTLAND—Rutland County Women’s Network & Shelter (RCWNS), a nonprofit organization serving women, men, and children in the second-most populous county in Vermont who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, will announce its new name on the evening of Oct. 5 at an event in Tuttle Hall on the College of St. Joseph campus…

RUTLAND—Dozens of volunteers, hospital employees, and local emergency responders will take part in a mock disaster exercise on Saturday, Sept. 23 at a location within Rutland City. This full-scale, mass-casualty exercise will test the preparedness and response of local, regional and state agencies should a real crisis occur. The mock drill has been planned since…

As fall hiking and tourism season approaches, Vermont State Police are reminding citizens to refrain from leaving valuables in plain view inside their vehicles while enjoying the outdoors. This would include, purses, handbags, wallets, cash, iPhones, iPads, hiking equipment and other expensive items. Continuing efforts begun earlier this year, troopers with the Williston Barracks will…

By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger RUTLAND — Department of Public Safety Commissioner Thomas Anderson said in the ongoing effort to combat illegal opiate use in Vermont, curbing the abuse of prescription drugs plays a leading role. “We are awash in prescription opioids in this country,” he said. Anderson spoke Thursday, Sept. 14, at a regular meeting…

By Evan Johnson KILLINGTON—Vermont ski and snowboard resorts have joined together to support the hosting of the Women’s Audi FIS Ski World Cup at Killington Resort. In spring 2017 the Vermont Ski Areas Association (VSAA) board of directors agreed to sponsor the Killington Resort-based event with a $50,000 sponsorship contribution. “The Vermont ski industry is…