By Lani Duke Can lightning strike twice in the same place? PAWLET—Lightning struck an ash tree near the Mach General Store building and then rode the steel girders supporting the store over the Flower Brook gorge, to the propane line leading into the building and to the gas rage in DeAnna Mach’s apartment, causing a…

By Matt Powers of Woodstock History Center A group of student hikers look out at the stunning view from South Peak on Mt. Tom in Woodstock. By Polly Lynn WOODSTOCK — The 7th Annual Trek to Taste, celebrating National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6, was a stellar success, organizers said. “The weather could not have…

This summer from June 1 to Sept. 1, 95 Vermont public and academic libraries will be handing out passports and encouraging patrons to visit some of Vermont's unique, beautiful and creative libraries. "One of my favorite things about Vermont is the huge number of different libraries all over the state. Nearly very town has a…

CLARENDON—On June 1 at about 11:30 a.m. Sarah Dayton, 23, of Stockbridge, came to the Rutland State Police Barracks to report that her hiking pack and walking sticks had been stolen at the Long Trail trailhead on Route 103 in Clarendon. Dayton said she had set the bag and sticks down in the parking lot…

FERRISBURGH—On June 2, at about 8:40 p.m., the New Haven State Police Barracks, along with the Vergennes police department and the Ferrisburgh and Vergennes fire and rescue personnel responded to a report of a single-car crash with injuries at 5371 U.S. Route 7 in Ferrisburgh. Shortly after first responders arrived, the operator of the vehicle,…

First “Freedom Station” debuted Tuesday, part of EV charging network to help drivers reduce fossil fuel and save money RUTLAND — On Tuesday, June 9, Green Mountain Power & NRG, a Fortune 250 company, opened a new public electric vehicle charging station in Rutland to help electric vehicle owners save money and charge up more…

RUTLAND—Tricia Huebner, a Rutland community leader who has served a variety of local nonprofit organizations, will join Phoenix Books Rutland as the store manager and as minority owner with co-owners Michael DeSanto and her husband, Tom. In announcing her hiring and partnership, which includes an investment in the community-supported enterprise, DeSanto said Huebner was a…

FAIR HAVEN — On June 8, troopers, along with the Fair Haven police department, responded to a single vehicle motor vehicle crash that occurred on Bolger Road in the town of Fair Haven, Vt. at approximately 12:09 a.m. The passenger (whom the police did not identify) was able to walk to a nearby residence, where…

By Lani Duke Direct flights to New York metro area coming to Rutland RUTLAND—Rutland may soon have air connection to White Plains, N.Y. Syracuse-based charter airline Altius has applied to the feds for regular passenger flights between the Clarendon airport and White Plains, which provides easy access to New York City. The flights would utilize…

Courtesy of KMS Seven Killington Mountain School graduates stand together in caps and gowns, Saturday, June 6. KILLINGTON — With the lush, green mountain of Killington as a backdrop and Superstar’s lone snowy patch serving as a reminder of the long winter season, the seven members of Killington Mountain School’s full-term program gathered on campus Saturday,…

UPDATE (11:03 p.m. June 10): WINDSOR HOMICIDE SUSPECT, SUSPECTED DEAD At approximately 8 p.m. Wednesday evening, the Vermont State Police were contacted by the Kansas Highway Patrol about an incident possibly involving Jason Kendall, who is being sought for 2nd degree murder in the homicide of Molly Helland, of Windsor, Vt..  Earlier Wednesday, a car with…

Photos courtesy of Polly Lynn  

Submitted Michael J. Valentine RUTLAND—The face behind the cameras of Rutland’s PEGTV for over 20 years, Michael J. Valentine has stepped down as the organization’s executive director, effective immediately. The announcement was made May 27 by PEGTV board president Thad Omand. “Mike has shared with us that due to personal health concerns he will no…

Courtesy of Rob Kovalesky 100 Days clubbers Lynn Munsinger (L) and Rob Kovalesky (R) celebrated another ski season that saw them on the hill well over 100 days each. Pictured in the background are two other members of the 100 Days Club: Peggy Golonka (a.k.a. “Mrs. G.”) and Don McNeil (a.k.a. “Shortski”) who logged 136…

By Stephen Seitz WOODSTOCK –There may be nothing new under the sun, but Karl Kenmitzer is adept at finding new ways to use it. Kenmitzer, of Hartland, has lived off the electrical grid for almost 30 years, and he has built a pair of solar-assisted bicycles called solar cargo bikes. “Transportation is our largest use…