By Stephen Seitz LUDLOW — Ludlow Elementary School science teacher Lisa Marks returned home from Washington, D.C., last week as one of four Vermont teachers to have received an award for excellence in teaching from President Obama. The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is the nation’s highest honor for American math…

By Adam Federman, VTDigger RUTLAND — The city attorney has concluded the mayor did not violate the city charter in his efforts to have refugees settled in Rutland. The much-anticipated review of the mayor’s actions in selecting Rutland as a potential site for up to 100 Syrians and Iraqis to resettle was emailed to Selet…

By Julia Purdy Jan Sotirakis’ idea for a warning siren at the Chittenden dam was inspired by Tropical Storm Irene. Sotirakis, Chittenden’s emergency management director, has developed a proposal for a townwide alarm in the event that Chittenden dam, which holds back Chittenden Reservoir, failed. The danger is not imminent, Sotirakis said, but the state…

By Adam Federman, VTDigger.org Catherine Nelson, publisher of the Rutland Herald, is leaving the company and retiring, according to an email sent to employees Monday, Sept. 12. The move comes in the middle of negotiations to sell the company, which includes the Times Argus, to Maine newspaper publishers Reade Brower and Chip Harris, co-founders of…

By Elizabeth Hewitt, VTDigger.org A program to reduce firearm-related suicides in Vermont has brought together gun groups, suicide prevention advocates and mental health experts. Members of the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs and employees of the Department of Mental Health joined suicide prevention advocates Thursday, Sept. 1, to celebrate the rollout of the Gun Shop…

Sunday, Sept. 18—RUTLAND—On Sunday, Sept. 18 the Vermont Gun Shop Project will host a free 90-minute workshop for the gun-owning community at the Rutland Country Club from 3:30-5 p.m. Vermont Gun Shop Project seeks to reduce firearm-related suicides in Vermont. The program makes three promises: 1) No one will judge you. 2) No one will…

By Polly Lynn KILLINGTON— On Sunday, Sept. 11, at Moguls Sports Pub 22 volunteer “local celebrities” lined up and took dozens of pies to the face. Whipped cream as well as peaches, cherries and pumpkin were speared over faces with delight — all for a good cause as it was a fundraiser for Chase Kuehl…

PAWLET—The Pawlet Station restaurant reopened for one special night—“Mexican Monday” —on Monday, Aug. 29, as a fundraiser to benefit the Mettawee School Generator Fund. According to Robert Morlino, who serves as the Pawlet emergency management director, the successful evening raised about $6,300. “This brings us to the halfway mark of our Generator Fund goal,” he…

By Julia Purdy PITTSFORD—The Pittsford Planning Commission has been working on updating the town zoning ordinance for almost a year, with the final public hearing held Wednesday, Sept. 7, at the regular semimonthly meeting of the Pittsford Select Board. The Board will reconvene in executive session at a future time after compiling the two versions…

By: Lani Duke Change in student achievement recognition targets positive behaviors BENSON—New guidelines, adopted by the Addison Rutland Supervisory Union in July, have resulted in a new student achievement procedure. Adults will recommend students for recognition who have accomplished goals or improved academics or behavior. Benson students are part of the nationwide Positive Behavior Intervention…

By: Lani Duke Property taxes decrease as a result of Act 46 WALLINGFORD—Wallingford property owners received reduced tax bills in mid-August as a result of a lowered education tax, down from last year’s mil rate of $1.429 to $1.3675. That difference means that the owner of a $150,000 home who paid $2,143.50 in education property…

By Robin Alberti On Thursday, Sept. 8, United Way of Rutland County began its annual campaign at the Franklin Conference Center in Rutland by announcing that this year’s fundraising goal is $530,000. “Thanks to our pace-setter donor businesses, we already have pledges for nearly 30 percent of that goal — $155,670,” said Nanci Gordon, executive…

LUDLOW—Starting Sept. 17, Okemo Mountain Resort and the Green Mountain Railroad are partnering to offer a new way for visitors to enjoy Vermont’s spectacular fall foliage. The call of “All aboard!” will be heard at the historic Chester Depot as scenic excursions to Okemo’s Jackson Gore prepare to depart for a journey past rushing rivers,…

Rich McCoy to lead Pico; KSRM grad Jordan Spear to manage marketing KILLINGTON—On Friday, Sept. 9, Killington Resort announced the hiring of talented leaders to fill positions ahead of the 2016-17 winter season at Killington Resort and Pico Mountain. Two key roles have been filled through internal promotions, including director of operations at Pico Mountain…

LUDLOW—Big Eyes Bakery has relocated to 126 Main Street in downtown Ludlow. Situated immediately behind Engel and Volker’s Real Estate Office, the new space is accessible on foot, and there is plenty of parking on or off the street. The bakery now offers seating, and an expanded coffee bar serving Mountain Grove Coffee, a family…