RUTLAND—The Rutland Region Workforce Investment Board (RRWIB) in collaboration with the Rutland Economic Development Corporation (REDC) recently announced Real Careers @ Rutland County, a pilot program funded through the Vermont Department of Labor. The program will engage high school seniors and recent graduates in training and education for locally available jobs. While on graduation night…

By Rep. Jim Harrison, R-Bridgewater, Chittenden, Killington & Mendon When the new session began on Jan. 3, I was reassigned to the House Government Operations Committee, one of 14 House committees that meets on a daily basis to delve into various proposals and bills. What does Government Operations do, you may ask? As Deputy Secretary…

RUTLAND—The Pines at Rutland Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation was recently awarded National Health Care Associates’ Customer Service Cup for 2017. This award is a culmination of consistently high customer service scores throughout 2017 from families and patients at the 99 Allen Street center. Since 2012, National Health Care Associates (NHCA), the manager and operator…

A powerful report showcasing the results of public investment in clean water projects during 2017, titled “The Vermont Clean Water Initiative 2017 Investment Report,” was released by the Secretary of Administration. According to a Feb. 6 news release, it shows how public funds are being applied to clean water projects and the impact these dollars are…

Make-A-Wish Vermont and ArtsRiot in Burlington have teamed up for a truly Vermont-style fundraiser with the Second Annual Vermont Beardies: the Contest To Find the Best Beard in Vermont. Bearded Vermonters are invited to enter their magnificent scruff and encourage their friends to support Make-A-Wish Vermont through social media appeals. Contestants will compete online in…

By Karen D. Lorentz Diane Mueller is the sixth woman to actively operate a Vermont ski area with her husband but has done so for longer than most — now in her 36th season and just two seasons shy of Suzanne Smith’s 38-year record at Killington. Mueller follows Janet Mead, 1937-1954, at Pico (solo owner/operator…

By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger A panel of lawmakers voted in favor of a bill that would allow law enforcement officers to use saliva testing to detect the presence of drugs in motorists. The House Transportation Committee approved the bill, H.237, on Friday, Feb. 9, by a vote of 10-0-1. Before it is taken up by the…

By Polly Lynn Mikula KILLINGTON— Three candidates will face off for the open seat on Killington’s three-person Select Board. Jay Hickory, Kelly Lange and Jim Haff are all running to replace Chris Bianchi, who is not seeking re-election. Chuck Claffey, had originally submitted a petition for the seat as well but has since dropped out,…

A typical tourist trip to Vermont might include hiking on the Long Trail, skiing at one of our many resorts, fishing for wild brook trout, visiting a farm, and sampling some of the finest cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. People come to Vermont because it represents a vibrant counterpoint to the narrative, so prevalent elsewhere,…

Submitted Borrow snowshoes at the library! RUTLAND— With the snow piling up, Vermonters in Rutland County have a  new opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Libraries throughout the county have teamed up with the Vermont Department of Health to promote physical activity by making snowshoes available for children and adults to borrow for…

By Robin Alberti Emery Mikula delights in the fresh snow in Killington. Killington saw 16 inches of fresh snow Sunday, Feb. 4, for a total of 23 inches since last Thursday, plus another 12 inches is predicted to fall this Wednesday-Thursday. Punxsutawney Phil predicted another six weeks of winter when he came out of his…

By Lee J. Kahrs, The Reporter BRANDON— There is both support and concern among state and local officials regarding the recreational marijuana bill, which was approved by the House and Senate and signed by Gov. Phil Scott in January. Bill H.511, which allows the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana and two mature…

MONTPELIER – High school students from across the state marched to the Vermont State House on Tuesday, Feb. 6, and met with lawmakers to speak out against the dangerous influence flavored tobacco has on Vermont’s kids and teens. The members of the youth-led organization Our Voices Xposed (OVX) come to Montpelier each year to discuss the challenges…

By Lauren Owens Keri Reid

On Feb. 3-4, between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., Troopers from Rutland Barracks conducted a saturation patrol in the town of Killington. Troopers focused their efforts on stopping and arresting individuals operating under the influence of alcohol/ drugs. While on patrol, Troopers conducted 11 traffic stops, issuing multiple Vermont Civil Violation Complaints and warnings. One operator…