By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger An attorney for Rutland City is disputing claims of bias policing and wants a federal judge to toss out a lawsuit from a former nightclub owner alleging discriminatory police tactics forced him out of business. The city, in its recent filing, also asked the judge to require Charles Greeno III,…

By Evan Johnson Governor Phil Scott has stated he wants economic growth to be a cornerstone of his administration and this week in Rutland he got a preview of what that growth could look like in a state with a rich history of agriculture. On a tour of the Vermont Farmers Food Center (VFFC), Scott…

By Evan Johnson Jim Harrison has jumped “with two feet” into his new role as state representative for the towns of Killington, Mendon, Chittenden and Bridgewater. The Chittenden resident was selected by Gov. Phil Scott to replace Rep. Job Tate, who resigned from his post for a deployment with the U.S. Navy Seabees earlier this…

RUTLAND—A group of Rutland boosters is hoping to use a pop-up gallery to raise local artists’ profiles and add to the growing art scene that will include galleries, murals and a planned series of sculptures in downtown Rutland. Organizers this week issued a call for artists for the new pop-up gallery, which will feature a…

CASTLETON—Castleton’s student-run newspaper, the Spartan, was recently selected by the New England Society of News Editors to receive recognition as one of the top college newspapers in the region. “I honestly can’t believe it,” said senior co-editor Jadie Dow. “We’ve always been this good, we just haven’t been recognized until now.” To be considered for…

RUTLAND—An initiative of the Rutland Redevelopment Authority (RRA) and the City of Rutland to improve appearance and safety along one of the key gateways into downtown is ready to commence. The Gateway Improvement Project construction contract has been awarded to Parker Excavation, of New Haven, Vt. Work is set to begin in mid-June and is…

ArtBeat Cafe and multi-media space to open RUTLAND—The Chaffee Art Center will begin a major transformation this summer with the addition of a café, artisan co-op, multi-media HD gallery, and expanded educational and community outreach offerings, including a dedicated mobile art unit. In addition, the property will begin the first stage of a major permaculture…

Walker Bridge and Branch Brook Bridge work to start May 1 By Stephen Seitz LUDLOW—Hoping for the smoothest possible project, officials from the Vermont Agency of Transportation outlined their plans for replacing the Walker Bridge, which is the gateway to downtown Ludlow, at a public forum Thursday, April 20. At about the same time, a…

By Evan Johnson Vermont Congressman Peter Welch had a busy Thursday in Rutland last week. He spoke on behalf of the Community Development Block Grants, visited a Veterans’ Affairs outpatient clinic, sat in on a meeting with the Rutland Regional Chamber of Commerce and got a tour of the Vermont Farmers Food Center. When he…

By Mike Polhamus, VTDigger Fewer birds appear to live in Vermont today than 25 years ago, according to recent research by the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. The most dramatic declines in bird populations were seen among those that live off flying insects, scientists say. Known as aerial insectivores, this diverse group of birds has declined…

Seeking to recognize a leading Vermont environmentalist and honor the legacy of a legendary wildlife advocate, Green Mountain Power has called for nominations for the 2017 GMP-Zetterstrom Environmental Award. Presented annually and named for famed osprey advocate Meeri Zetterstrom of Milton, the GMP-Zetterstrom Environmental Award is given to one person, business, group or non-profit who…

CASTLETON—Nineteen Castleton students traded in their final break of the academic year for some hard hats, hammers, and building supplies, as members of the Habitat for Humanity Club made the journey to Dekalb County, Ga., as part of an alternative spring break trip. The volunteer group spent their time working with the local community on…

A brother and sister were due in court on Monday morning for stealing a cash register from Wal-Mart in Rutland. On April 16 at approximately 8:05 a.m., officers from the Rutland City Police Department responded to Wal-Mart for a report of a robbery that had taken place and that a male suspect had stolen a…

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department are warning drivers to be more cautions of moose crossing roadways. Moose are more likely to be crossing roadways at this time of year, especially after dark or early in the morning as they move from wintering areas to spring feeding locations. More moose are hit by motorists in…

By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger RUTLAND — Police said a 9-year-old child found alone at a downtown movieplex had gone there with a Rutland man who was later discovered passed out from using heroin. Lawrence F. Jacques, 29, pleaded not guilty Monday, April 17, in Rutland Criminal Court to charges of cruelty to a child…