By Robin Alberti Thursday night, March 26, Rich Cogliano, a representative from the Vermont Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, was at the firehouse in Killington conducting a tabletop exercise with Killington Search and Rescue (KSAR). Also in attendance were representatives from Killington Ski Patrol, 911 Dispatch, the State Game Warden,…

By Lee J. Kahrs, Brandon Reporter As the Vermont Senate Education Committee continues its work on an education funding reform bill, small schools are once again under scrutiny as lawmakers consider the proposition that school and district consolidation equals cost savings. Now, a new report names specific small schools in Addison and Rutland counties as…

By John Flowers, The Addison Independent Gov. Peter Shumlin on Monday, March 23, called on lawmakers to help him contain what he called one of the state’s top cost-drivers—education—in an effort to make Vermont more fiscally solvent and attractive to job creators. He also made a pitch for efforts to slow the growth of spending…

Killington woman digs unique career path By Polly Lynn KILLINGTON—22-year-old Emily Gorham often turns heads. But it’s not because of pink lipstick and high heels, it’s because of what she drives—an excavator. Being young and female guarantees she’ll be a minority on any work crew, but she enjoys the challenge and is proud to be…

Seven on ice fishing excursion are safe; six were rescued from the icy waters BENSON — On Sunday, March 29, at about 3 p.m., Vermont State Police was notified of several ATVs that had broken through the ice at Benson’s Landing. Upon arrival at the scene, troopers met with Richard Bain, age 61 of Putnam,…

By Polly Lynn RUTLAND — A major water leak was identified and repaired Saturday, March 28, after eight days of searching for the breach, according to Nate Stansberry, associate city engineer for the Rutland Department of Public Works. However, millions of gallons of water were lost in the process. “Our best estimate of the water…

By Lani Duke GMC helps develop innovative study tour POULTNEY—Green Mountain prof Philip Ackerman-Leist has spent the current academic year working with sustainable agricultural leaders at other Vermont colleges and the Vermont Council on Rural Development to create the first Vermont food systems study tour. The tour, worth three credits, takes undergraduate and graduate students…

Courtesy of BRGNS Okemo volunteers Sarah, Heather, Dan and Michelle collect food from skiers at the Okemo base lodge on March 29. LUDLOW — On Sunday, March 29, Okemo held their annual Cares and Shares spring food drive. On a beautiful Sunday morning, Okemo Mountain Ambassadors helped collect nonperishable food items and cash in exchange…

By Lani Duke Electric car owners with “range anxiety” find relief RUTLAND—With the weather's cooperation, Rutland's electric car drivers may have the convenience of a public car charging station available. Installed on Cottage Street near West Street, the new Freedom Station was due to go into service the first week of April. It will provide…

RUTLAND—The Mentor Connector board announced March 26 that Christopher Hultquist will serve as its new executive director, replacing Rebecca Majoya, who resigned to pursue other interests. Mr. Hultquist formerly served as director of outreach for the Pregnancy Center of the Upper Valley. He holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling from Capella University and…

By Lani Duke In the 1880s, trains played a critical role in the development of local industry as well as tourism. Central Vermont's economic prosperity relied on trains, which carried the state's maple products, apples, other goods, marble and slate to New York and beyond. The building on Evelyn Street that now houses TD Bank…

RUTLAND–Organizers of Rutland Blooms are hoping to grow the city beautification effort significantly this year and are looking for civic-minded citizens and businesses to help make it happen. “Rutland Blooms is already making a big impact on the look and feel of Rutland, and we want to grow the effort substantially this year,” said Steve…

By Jerry LeBlond Rick Dailey carves a turn on the highline race course at Killington,Wednesday, March 18. Wednesday, March 18 local “ski bums” battled it out on the Killington race course for the last regular season World Cup Wednesday event. Rick Dailey, who competes in the Men’s B division, exemplifies the spirit of the competition;…

KILLINGTON — State Police report that a skier died on the slopes of Killington Resort, Saturday, March 21 at approximately 1:30 p.m. State police said Terrence Scott, age 23 from Nashua, N.H., was skiing with family and friends Saturday afternoon when he lost control and crashed into multiple trees, knocking off his helmet. He was…

By Elizabeth Hewitt, www.VTDigger.org Lawmakers on the House Appropriations Committee were left with relief and a $113 surplus after unanimously approving an FY 2016 state budget plan Monday. The committee scrounged together enough in cuts, one-time money and revenue to patch a $113 million gap. The Appropriations total budget, including education and federal funds, rings…