Explosive business opens at former Taco Bell site RUTLAND TOWN—Chip Greeno is opening a C&C Fireworks store on the site of the long-unused Taco Bell across Route 7 from Home Depot, scheduled to open by Memorial Day, according to the Rutland Herald. He will bring a portable building to the property with plans to operate…

Three Rutland County students recognized in art competition U.S. Representative Peter Welch, D-Vt., hosted the the Congressional Art Competition at Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier, and recognized three local students. Eli Sanderson of Center Rutland, a student at Long Trail School, won for his piece, “Powder Daze.” Kristen Drew of Wells, a student…

By Evan Johnson BRANDON—They came from Thailand, Somalia, the Philippines, Canada, Sweden, Mali, Bhutan and more, but at the end of the naturalization ceremony at the Neshobe School in Brandon on Wednesday, May 10, 62 candidates from 29 countries left as Americans. The event on Wednesday afternoon filled the school auditorium with elected representatives, area…

By Karen D. Lorentz The high elevation CCC Road between North Shrewsbury and Route 100 in Plymouth will reopen this month, according to Stewardship Forester Lisa Thorton of the Rutland office of the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR). Thorton said in an email to the Mountain Times that “Similar to previous years,…

Harriet Layton Bellerjeau, age 76, passed away peacefully in her home on the morning of May 1. She was surrounded by family, birdsong, and sunshine in her glorious garden. Born to William Young Bellerjeau and Ysabel Welanetz Bellerjeau in Plainfield, N.J., on Aug. 24, 1940, she earned her first degree in medical technology at the…

On Thursday, May 11, friends and families gathered at the Rutland High School Theater to honor the 2017 inductees to the National Technical Honor Society. Every year Stafford Technical Center inducts students to the society who have met the criteria of an 88 or better in the student’s academic classes and a 90 or better…

By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger A proposal to build a Dollar General store in Pittsford has been withdrawn, at least for now. The possibility of a store locating in town led some residents to post signs in their front yards that read, “We Don’t Want Your Dollar General.” Vermont is home to more than 30…

By Elizabeth Hewitt, VTDigger With a historic vote Wednesday, May 10, the Vermont Legislature became the first in the country to send a marijuana legalization bill to its governor. The House passed the latest version of a legalization proposal on a vote of 79-66. With the House’s approval, the bill, S.22, moves on to Gov.…

By Lee J. Kahrs, The Reporter PROCTOR—The question of whether or not to continue employing a town manager in Proctor will go back to the voters next month. A group of Proctor residents secured a petition with more than 5 percent of the required voter signatures in favor of bringing the question to the voters.…

Powdr resorts recognized with top industry accolades KILLINGTON—At its annual National Convention and Trade Show held earlier this month, the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) gave select ski areas top honors for their 2016-17 marketing programs. The awards were based on successful programs that ultimately help grow participation in skiing and snowboarding, according to a…

RUTLAND—College of St. Joseph has acquired Highland Meadows Apartments in Rutland as additional dormitory space for students. The apartment complex will add more than 100 beds for students in the coming years. The two-building, 32-unit facility was funded through the USDA Rural Development Loan program. “CSJ has enjoyed a period of growth in its academic…

By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger A Rutland City panel has sealed $2 million for new outdoor swimming, with one voice of dissent. The city board of finance on Wednesday, May 10, awarded the pool construction contract to Russell Construction of Rutland, the lowest of four bidders at a little under $2.07 million. The next closest…

Rutland Town solar site agreement nears RUTLAND TOWN—An agreement on solar development between Otter Creek Solar and Rutland Town is imminent, Town Administrator Joseph Zingale said, May 1. The Rutland Herald reported Otter Creek Solar 1 and Otter Creek Solar 2 are designed to alleviate residents’ and the town’s objections. Minor details are all that…

By Evan Johnson ROCHESTER—Police say they caught the man responsible for breaking into the Rochester School and another residence this weekend.  On Sunday, May 7, state police from the Royalton Barracks responded to a report of a break-in on Kirby Drive. Upon arriving, they discovered the suspect, identified as Rochester resident John Waters, had left…

On Saturday, May 13, the National Association of Letter Carriers will host its 25th annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive. The National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch #495 will be collecting non-perishable food items for distribution to food shelves in our Rutland County communities. Local letter carriers will pick it up and deliver it to…