Recognizing that previous legislative action has had unintended consequences on education spending, the House Ways & Means Committee advanced a bill (H.850) on Friday, Feb. 9, to allow school districts more time to redo their budgets (and potentially make cuts) to the proposals they make to voters. The bill, advanced by the committee on a…

Courtesy Killington Ski Resort  Female team leaders take part in National Girls and Women in Sports Day. By Victoria Gaither The women of Killington Ski Resort participated in National Girls and Women in Sports Day last Wednesday, Feb. 7. It was a day to celebrate the accomplishments of female athletes and recognize their influence in…

                                                                                       Submitted Alden Smith QUECHEE—The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) Board of…

As part of VA’s nationwide homelessness goals for 2023, the White River Junction VA Healthcare System and its partner agencies have permanently housed 127 homeless veterans. These placements, along with placements provided by other VA health care systems across America, led to VA housing 46,552 veterans nationwide, meeting and exceeding its national goal by more than 22.5%.…

Doty Memorial School in Rutland County and Cavendish Town Elementary School in Windsor County both earn Gold status Thirteen schools from around the state have been recognized by the Vermont Dept. of Health’s “asthma-friendly school” initiative on Feb. 12 for their commitment to asthma-control strategies to support the lung health of their students. Asthma is…

  With just four months until the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Rutland County, local business Carris Reels is already stepping up to support the cause and help end cancer as we know it, for everyone. The Relay for Life or Rutland County will celebrate 35 years on Saturday, June 1, and for…

Ever since a new middle school and high school was proposed five years ago, there have been discussions over the true needs and alternative options in order to keep the costs down while continuing to provide excellent educational standards. Now with a bond for a new build on the Town Meeting Day ballot (Article 7),…

By Glenn Russell/VTDigger Economist Thomas Kavet speaks during a meeting of the Emergency Board at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Thursday, Jan. 18. Looking on is fellow economist Jeffrey Carr, right. By Sarah Mearhoff/VTDigger Despite last year’s hand-wringing over an anticipated downturn of Vermont’s economy, one year later, state economists on Thursday were notably optimistic about…

Courtesy philscott.org   By Sarah Mearhoff and Shaun Robinson, VTDigger In his budget address delivered to the Legislature on Tuesday, Jan. 23, Republican Gov. Phil Scott once again implored lawmakers to refrain from increasing state taxes and fees on Vermonters, and keep state spending within current revenues. And similar to his State of the State…

By Curt Peterson The homestead education tax rate in Hartland will rise 23.95% this year – from $1.816 per $100 in assessed value, to $2.251.  For a $250,000 home, this change will add about $1,087 to the FY2025 tax bill. “Ouch!” cries are heard throughout the town’s listserv and around the coffee bar at Three…

Courtesy Chaffee Center for the Arts George Thrall Chaffee built the now historic mansion in 1895.    Governor Phil Scott, the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation (VDHP) and the Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation recently announced grants totaling $319,090 to 19 municipalities and non-profit organizations in six counties to facilitate the restoration and rehabilitation of Vermont landmarks and…

          Submitted   Killington Resort has granted over $300,000 in cash and in-kind charitable donations through its Play Forever commitment in 2023 to support environmental and community nonprofit organizations, according to a news release Jan. 28.  “At Killington and Pico Resorts, we are committed to ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities…

Courtesy VSP Clair Sherman   On Saturday, Jan. 27 at approximately 11:15 p.m. troopers from the state police Royalton Barracks received a call advising of a male trying to make entry into a dwelling at 10 Dudley St.  in Randolph, carrying a flammable device. Further investigation revealed that Clair Sherman, 40, was seen lighting a…

  Courtesy Windsor County Sheriff’s Office Windsor County Sheriff’s Office K9 Kye will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Kye’s vest will be embroidered with the slogan, “Honoring those who served and sacrificed.” Delivery is expected within 8-10 weeks. “We are…

  By Ginger Nickerson Editor’s note: Ginger Nickerson is the University of Vermont extension forest pest education coordinator. When working in their sugarbush this winter, maple producers are encouraged to be on the lookout for signs of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). This wood-boring insect, native to southeast Asia, will kill many hardwood trees. However,…