By Julia Purdy Editor’s note: This is the first of two articles tracking the effects of marijuana legalization on public safety.  In December of 2012, four days apart, limited recreational use of marijuana became legal in both Washington State and Colorado. Proponents of legalization in both states had succeeded in placing the measure on their…

By Stephen Seitz Twice a year, a number of Vermont’s artists and artisans invite the public into their studios to see their creativity in action. Under the auspices of the Vermont Crafts Council, Open Studio weekend gives the curious a chance to see an artist at work, see those works which make the cut and…

By Karen D. Lorentz Twenty-five years is a long time, but in reality it goes by fast. For agents at Ski Country Real Estate, it means having seen an amazing cycle of relationships with customers that has often come full circle. “Over 25 years ago, we started out as new agents working with seasonal renters,…

By Karen D. Lorentz Following the national real estate peak in 2006 and the 2007-2008 economic downturn, properties at most mountain resorts saw a precipitous drop in sales prices and activity levels. However, activity has been picking up nationwide and prices are moving up slowly, reports Michael Berry, president of the National Ski Areas Association.…

By Polly Lynn KILLINGTON — The 19th annual Killington Brewfest will take place at Snowshed Lodge, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3-4. This year, the event features 114 beers, which makes it the second largest brewfest in the state (behind the Vermont Brewers Festival held on the Burlington waterfront in July.) In addition to the brewfest…

By Karen D. Lorentz A joyous celebration for the long and mountain-filled life of Erling Omar Omland took place Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Andrea Mead Lawrence Lodge at Pico. It was a spectacular autumn day filled with sunshine, mountain beauty, and a gathering of family and friends who commemorated Erling Omland’s life with stories…

KILLINGTON — On Friday, Sept. 26, Killington Mountain School announced that all of the cutting is now finished on Killington’s Highline trail, as a part of the school’s ongoing Trails Initiative Project. “Craig Mosher of Mosher Excavating logged many hours this fall dropping brush, resulting in a much wider venue for our athletes this season,” KMS…

By Stephen Seitz HARTLAND—You have to hand it to Chef Brad Pirkey: he has a loyal following. Once Woodstock residents Tom and Sue Deedy heard about the new location of Chef Brad’s Crazy Side, now at 6 Damon Road just off Route 12 in Hartland, they had to come over and check it out. The…

KILLINGTON — Summer-like weather, friends, family and a great cause culminated in a successful Bootcampers against Breast Cancer 5K event headquartered at the Johnson Recreation Center on River Road in Killington Sunday. Organizers say this is the first year of what they hope to be an annual event. The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event met its goal of…

Snowguns catch the evening sun at the top of the North Ridge Triple at Killington Resort, a sign of winter preparation. Killington Resort, known for it’ expansive snowmaking capability, is often among the first resorts in the county to open for skiing and riding each season.  Photo by Polly Lynn

By Lani Duke Fire station construction CASTLETON—Castleton’s new fire station and first response facility recently received its land use permit from the Act 250 board. Shovels may have broken ground already. Construction is expected to be complete in spring 2015. Firefighters anticipate a greatly improved response time once they move into the new station. Practicality…

By Lani Duke Furloughed convicts move uphill from city offices New residents may move into 30 Washington St., the former McGee House, through an agreement between the Recovery House network of treatment facilities and the Vermont Achievement Center, which is in a “feasibility grant process” that would result in placing furloughed offenders in the 20-bed…

RUTLAND — Every year, as many as 350 individuals in our community hear “You have cancer,” for the first time. For 25 years, Rutland Regional Medical Center’s (RRMC) Foley Cancer Center has been providing comprehensive care to individuals with a cancer diagnosis. This means patients and families facing cancer can remain here in the community…

BRANDON—The Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC) and the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) invite Brandon businesses, employees and homeowners to attend an Oct. 16 community forum to learn about a Neshobe River study and to gather community input on ways to protect business and the local economy from future floods. The community…

Common Core has arrived Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are underway for all students in Vermont and throughout most of the country. The aim of this multi-state initiative is to ensure that all students are held to consistent expectations that build upon our educational foundation and that will prepare them for college and career. Sixth…