RUTLAND — On July 21 and 22, 27 individuals were arrested in Rutland City and the surrounding area for offenses related to drug distribution. These arrests are the result of long term, sustained efforts by law enforcement to reduce the flow of dangerous drugs coming into Vermont, police reported Thursday, July 24. These individuals will all be…

By Stephen Seitz WOODSTOCK – This past weekend saw ideal conditions for an outdoor event like Bookstock, the annual literary festival held in Woodstock. “We have about 20 people who put a lot of time into making this happen,” said Ron Miller, a volunteer coordinator. “Everything’s gone the way we expected it, and everyone’s having…

By Dan Colton When the Vermont Farmers Food Association purchased Farmers Hall in February 2012, the project to establish a multi-layered, Rutland-centered food economy was daunting. Yet with the help of thousands of dollars in contributions and countless volunteer hours, the $200,000 effort to renovate and establish the winter farmers market was complete in four…

By Stephen Seitz KILLINGTON – Following a special meeting on July 22, Killington’s board of selectmen decided to support the placement of a new AT&T cell tower in the Pickle Barrel Nightclub parking lot on Killington Road. However, there are a few strings attached. Of the choices offered by cell carrier AT&T: a 100-foot pole,…

By Robin Alberti In mid-June Don Pitaniello, 58, of Rutland, thwarted a robbery at Mac’s Convenience Store at 145 North Main Street in Rutland by drawing a gun on a knife-wielding robber Sunday night, June 15. He was subsequently suspended from his job as a clerk at the convenience store. Upon hearing this, folks in…

By John Flowers MIDDLEBURY — As newly appointed interim president, Dan Smith has set progressive goals over the next year to help Vermont Technical College better establish its niche in higher education, while attracting a higher number of applicants. The goals are readily attainable, Smith said, because the college has proven itself as a wise…

Photo by Gillian Stippa By Katie Jickling, VTDigger.org There has been an uptick in the number of black bear sightings in the past few weeks, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department reports. Mark Scott, Director of Wildlife, estimated that the department has received “a couple dozen” calls from all over the state. In all those…

Okemo summers are increasingly successful, the resort reports By Karen D. Lorentz In 1996 when Tim and Diane Mueller were interested in developing Jackson Gore, they cited several reasons for expanding Okemo Mountain Resort. In addition to adding more beginner and expert terrain and improving their ability to handle bus groups and learners, they cited…

KILLINGTON — On Tuesday, July 8, the Killington Selectboard held a special meeting at 10 a.m. to review the professional report on the town’s Fire Department facilities. Architects Dore and Whittier were hired by the town to review the Fire Department facilities (which includes two stations), and provide recommendations for renovating the aging facilities. The final…

RUTLAND – Mount Saint Joseph Academy of Rutland is proud to name Sarah Fortier as its new principal. Fortier brings a wealth of experience to the position, including having served as the dean of students and teacher for Mount Saint Joseph Academy since 2004. Fortier stated, “I have always been drawn to MSJ as it…

By Cristina Kumka RUTLAND — Preliminary statistics from a data expert working for the Rutland City Police Department show that calls for service since the start of this year are down 24.9 percent compared to the same time last year. Meanwhile, drug crimes are up 28.4 percent, an indicator of proactive policing and more people…

By Morgan True, VTDigger.org Vermont’s second largest hospital says its rates are likely to grow by 8.4 percent next fiscal year, because payments from government programs that cover health care services aren’t keeping up with inflation. In a letter to the 1,100 employees of Rutland Regional Medical Center, CEO Tom Huebner said the hospital board…

By Cristina Kumka KILLINGTON — Town Manager Seth Webb recently outlined scenarios that might convince voters to repeal the town's local option sales and use tax that flows $450,000 into town coffers annually. The Economic Development and Tourism Commission (EDTC) meeting, held Monday July 14, at the town offices, was attended by town, resort and…

By Cristina Kumka KILLINGTON — Town Manager Seth Webb recently outlined scenarios that might convince voters to repeal the town’s local option sales and use tax that flows $450,000 into town coffers annually. The Economic Development and Tourism Commission (EDTC) meeting, held Monday July 14, at the town offices, was attended by town, resort and…

Fourth vote set for July 22, includes over $100K in additional cuts By Lee J. Kahrs BRANDON – The public has made it clear that it does not want a significant tax increase, and the select board has listened, but if voters don’t pay their taxes, it doesn’t matter what budget is approved. On Monday,…