Vermont’s black bear population is estimated at roughly 6,300 to 7,600 based on 2023 data, the most recent available, according to a Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept (VTF&W) news release Monday, Aug. 19. “The 2023 population estimate is a little lower than in 2022, which was a five-year high for Vermont’s bears,” said wildlife biologist Jaclyn…

By Curt Peterson Perhaps because of traffic volume on Quechee Road, and although there are much worse and less-used Hartland roads, conditions on the main route from Hartland Three Corners to Quechee village is the topic of frequent complaints on the local listserv. The section between Gilson Road and Webster Road is particularly bad, featuring…

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) publishes this weekly report of planned construction activities that will impact traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont, Aug. 19-23 and ongoing. I-91 Springfield-Hartland: Lane closures will be in place on I-91 South from north of Exit 9 to just south of Exit 7. A speed limit reduction…

This week Killington Road is closed again from Anthony Way to its intersection with Route 4 for paving. The detour is up West Hill Road. The road will reopen Monday, Aug. 26.

The United Way of Rutland County (UWRC) announced the recipients of its 2024 Community Impact Grant cycle, Aug. 12. This year’s cycle awarded 18 programs across 16 nonprofits within Rutland County. The Community Impact Grant process is guided by UWRC’s three pillars of impact: health, education, and financial stability. All organizations that applied were required…

Part of $1.3 million to state for rural development On Friday, Aug. 16, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Chair of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy, celebrated major investments by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development in Vermont communities, totaling nearly $1.3 million.  The announcements include funding to advance economic…

By Curt Peterson Sewage limitations and surrounding wetlands preventing expansion are forcing the Rutland County Humane Society to seek new digs, according to RCHS Executive Director Beth Saradarian in an Aug. 14 letter to supporters. Since RCHS announced last spring that the organization needed a new home, they have investigated about 30 suggested sites. To…

The Vermont Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is launching the Automotive Emissions Repair Assistance Program Pilot with partner repair facilities in Shelburne and Bennington, the state announced Aug. 19. As a small-scale pilot, this program will help low-income vehicle owners with repairs required to pass the emissions portion of the annual state inspection. The pilot…

The Upper Valley Aquatic Center (UVAC) announced Aug. 15 that Kevin Blum will be its head swim team coach.  “With an impressive and diverse background in both collegiate and club coaching, Blum brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success to UVAC,” the organization stated. Blum joins UVAC after serving as the…

Monday, Aug. 14, marked what was intended to be the first of two matches against Rutland Country Club for the Killington Junior Golf League. The first was held at Green Mountain National Golf Club (GMNGC); the second scheduled for Monday, Aug. 19, at Rutland Country Club, but was postponed a week due to rain.  The…

This Saturday is the penultimate rodeo of the summer season at Pond Hill Ranch in Castleton. The Pond Hill Pro Rodeo Company has produced rodeos for over 50 years in western Vermont. The ranch hosts 10 events throughout the summer on Saturdayevenings at 7:30 p.m. The final rodeo of the season will take place Aug.…

Set in rural Vermont in the volatile 1960s, “Agony Hill” is the first novel in a historical series full of vivid New England atmosphere and the deeply drawn characters that are Sarah Stewart Taylor’s trademark. A former journalist and teacher, Taylor writes and lives with her family on a farm in Vermont where they raise sheep and…

The Vermont Historical Society is publishing a new book in September, titled “Ira Allen: A Biography.” Ethan Allen is a household name here in Vermont, but this book really showcases his younger brother’s important role in the entire saga that was the founding of Vermont. With the United States Semiquincentennial kicking off in 2025, there…

Killington Resort recently made three new tracks with banked turns and small bridge features on an easy grade just up from Snowshed Lodge. The easiest trails on the mountain all finish there rewarding new riders with a boost of confidence to end their ride.  The new park is so fun, that many choose to lap…

Removal of the derelict Wainwright Mill Dam (also known as Halnon Pond Dam) on Tributary #10 in Salisbury (south side of Lake Dunmore Road) will begin this week, according to a news release from the Vermont Natural Resources Council Aug. 12. The dam is in poor condition and no longer functional for its original purposes…