By Amy McClure LUDLOW—On Sunday, Aug. 14, the Book Nook in Ludlow welcomed World Horror Grandmaster Brian Keene and local author Asher Ellis to perform readings from their various works, sign copies, and answer questions from the audience. Keene is best known for his 2003 novel “The Rising,” which is often credited with starting the…

Sunday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m.—RUTLAND TOWN— Let your favorite pooch enjoy the end of summer with a dip in the pool from 10 a.m. to noon, Sunday, Aug. 28 at North Wood Pool, Post Road in Rutland Town! There will be a free swim for dogs only throughout the event, along with games and…

KILLINGTON— On Tuesday, Aug. 16, at their regular Killington Select Board meeting, the board discussed the towns financial status with regards to FEMA reimbursements, outstanding debts, loan repayment plan and delinquent tax collection. Here is a summary of the discussion, according to the meeting minutes: FEMA: Ravine Road appeal status Town Manager Debby Schwartz reported…

By Polly Lynn Five years ago this week, Tropical Storm Irene killed six people in Vermont, ravaged 3,500 buildings, took out more than 500 miles of roads and about 200 bridges at an estimated cost of $733 million—a figure equal to two-thirds of the state’s annual general fund budget, according to VTDigger. Washouts cut off…

By Julia Purdy The time is not far off when the metallic jingle of coins being collected from downtown parking meters will go the way of the ice wagon. A black square post stands in front of the Opera House on Merchants Row; its twin stands six parking spaces away toward West Street. They are…

By Adam Federman, VTDigger.org PITTSFORD—Top state transportation officials got a walking tour of the town’s sidewalks Friday, Aug. 12, to illustrate local frustration as the community awaits the long-delayed Route 7 upgrade. The Select Board and Rutland County legislators got together with Transportation Secretary Chris Cole and Highway Director Kevin Marshia to discuss infrastructure issues…

RUTLAND – Hoping to fill the Rutland Community Cupboard with a record amount of tuna, pasta, cereal, and peanut butter, Green Mountain Power announced a 34,000-item goal Tuesday, Aug. 23, for the 2016 GMP Fill the Cupboard Challenge. The current record for the event, 33,169, was set last year. Businesses, clubs, schools, sports teams, churches…

RUTLAND—The newest members of the CSJ community arrived on campus Thursday, Aug. 18, when freshmen and transfer students moved into the college’s residence halls and began to learn what it means to be a part of the CSJ family. Residence Life staff ­ helped unpack cars filled with plastic tubs, beanbags, boxed microwaves and mini-fridges,…

By Stephen Seitz PLYMOUTH— At a gathering in Plymouth, Sunday, Aug. 21, Vermont Republicans make it clear the economy is their top priority. A number of Republican candidates, including Lt. Gov. Phil Scott (governor), former state auditor Randy Brock (lieutenant governor), and Scott Milne (U.S. Senate), gathered at Camp Plymouth State Park this past Sunday…

Raises over $30,000 at food festival RUTLAND—The Vermont Farmers Food Center’s second annual Harvest Fest fed and entertained over 300 area residents and visitors in Farmers’ Hall on West Street Sunday, Aug. 14, in a successful renewal of the fundraiser and celebration that began last year. While the tallies were not quite complete at the…

By: Lani Duke Addison-Rutland Supervisory Union tackles Act 46 Representatives from the towns of Benson, Castleton, Fair Haven, Hubbardton, Orwell, and West Haven will soon begin conferring to develop a satisfactory consolidation agreement in compliance with Act 46. It’s about a year since the six-town group first attempted to hammer out a solution to the…

Castleton Polling Institute earns national contract CASTLETON – The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) recently awarded the Castleton University Polling Institute a $400,000 contract to develop and pilot test an interactive health-related survey and journal system, according to a Castleton University news release, Monday, Aug. 22.. Director of the Polling Institute Dr. Rich…

By: Lani Duke School districts consider Act 46 by deadlines School classrooms are filling up soon, and boards are returning to tackle discussions of how to meet the state-mandated merger requirements of Act 46. If these school districts combine, which are left out? Which lie in between but don’t fit in terms of their structure?…

RUTLAND—On Aug. 10, the board of directors of Rutland Area Farm and Food Link (RAFFL) announced that Elena Gustavson has been named the new executive director, effective Aug. 1. Gustavson succeeds Tara Kelly, who was appointed in June to serve as the planning director for the City of Rutland. Gustavson brings a wealth of experience…

RUTLAND—On Aug. 15, the Visiting Nurse Association of the Southwest Region (VNASWR) officially announced that Bernadette C. Robin has joined VNASWR as the director of business development and marketing. With a depth of experience in marketing and communications, Robin brings an integral understanding of healthcare marketing, public relations, and creating and launching communications strategies. Robin…