By Amy Ash Nixon, VTDigger.org The Senate Education Committee unanimously passed H.361, the education reform bill, after taking testimony Wednesday, April 22, from 48 people. Of those, 25 supported the legislation and 23 opposed it, according to Rep. Bernie Juskiewicz, vice chair of the House Education Committee. The Senate version of H.361 contains generous incentives…

River Road residents express concern over safety By Polly Lynn Editor’s note: The names of the residents on River Road have been removed by request as some fear retribution. KILLINGTON — Nearly a dozen residents showed up at the Select Board meeting on Tuesday, April 21 to discuss the significant increase in recreational gun use…

Photo by Steve Finer A new dry hydrant was recently installed in Robinwood across from Pico off Route 7. By Stephen Seitz KILLINGTON–A new dry hydrant has been installed in the Robinwood development, which is off Route 4 west near the Pico entrance. “Technically, it’s in Mendon,” said Steve Finer of Killington Fire and Rescue.…

The Great Divide Enrollment, Staffing and Spending Trends, 2001-2014 Data: Vermont Agency of Education. Chart by Diane Zeigler / VTDigger.org By Amy Ash Nixon, VTDigger.org The Senate Education Committee was expected to vote out its version of H.361, the education restructuring bill, by the end of the day Tuesday and a public hearing on H.361…

By Erin Mansfield, VTDigger.org The Vermont House gave final approval to a gun bill Friday, April 17, that proponents say will keep firearms out of the hands of many violent felons and from certain people with severe mental illness. S.141 passed 80-62. If the governor signs the bill, Vermont will be the last state in…

By Polly Lynn RUTLAND — Three Tomatoes Trattoria, located at 88 Merchants Row, will close at the end of April after serving downtown Rutland restaurant-goers for over 18 years. Owner Allen Frey could not be reached for comment prior to publication, but according to a public letter addressed to the Rutland Community from the Friends…

By Erin Mansfield, VTDigger.org Frustrated by stalled efforts to legalize marijuana and regulate it like alcohol, two Vermont lawmakers introduced a bill Wednesday, April 15, that would ban alcohol and treat it like marijuana. The bill’s lead sponsor, Rep. Chris Pearson, P-Burlington, called it a symbolic step to “recognize recent scientific studies that demonstrate that…

On April 9 U.S. Congressman Peter Welch (D-Vt.) announced his support for bipartisan legislation to provide tax relief to Vermont’s growing small brewery industry. “Vermont is quickly gaining a reputation for brewing some of the best and most sought-after beers in the world,” said Welch. “Our brewers exemplify Vermont’s entrepreneurial culture, but taking a brewery…

RUTLAND — The next chapter in Rutland’s story of revitalization will include an independent downtown bookstore, as Phoenix Books has signed a five-year lease on a portion of the former Lake Sunapee Bank building, owned by MKF Properties. “I could not be more excited about our future in Rutland,” co-owner Michael DeSanto said. “I think we…

By Lee J. Kahrs, The Reporter BRANDON — Selectman Dave Atherton was hired by his colleagues as the new Brandon town manager this week. Atherton, a long-time resident and a member of the selectboard for three years, takes over from Robin Bennett, who was put on leave last month and ultimately resigned. The Brandon selectboard announced…

Submitted TIM DONOVAN This year marks Castleton’s 228th commencement ceremony CASTLETON—Castleton is pleased to welcome former chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges Tim Donovan to give the address at the college’s 2015 commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9 at 11 a.m. in the Castleton Pavilion. Donovan recently retired from a career in higher education that…

By Lani Duke RHS expands technology RUTLAND—Rutland High School’s library is undergoing a transformation with the addition of a second level designed for computer labs and classroom and study space. Tools from the folks at Google are a major component of the renewed learning environment, enabling students to work independently, while teachers may oversee and…

ROCHESTER—This year marks 40 years of independent publishing for Vermont-based  Inner Traditions Bear & Company. Founded by Ehud C. Sperling in 1975, Inner Traditions has established itself as a landmark publisher of books on new age spirituality, alternative health and more, with over 1,400 books in print. Inner Traditions moved to Rochester, Vt., in 1986…

By Lani Duke GMC professor receives grant to study Lyme Disease POULTNEY—Green Mountain College biology prof Bill Landesman recently received a grant to study the ecology and microbiology of Lyme Disease in Vermont. He is working under a $25,000 Pilot Renewal Grant from the Vermont Genetics Network. His work this summer will include quantifying infections…

Submitted Photo one: Trailhead parking lots are becoming an easy target for break-ins. Photo two: A sign warns visitors of potential theft. Incidents reported frequently Spring weather is here and there will be an increase in recreational hikers using hiking access points throughout Vermont. Last year there were numerous car break-ins at various locations, and…