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…

Submitted This “getaway” bicycle was ditched by a robbery suspect in Royalton, and detained by police as evidence. On April 19 at 8 p.m. Vermont State Police Dispatch was contacted about an armed robbery which had just occurred at RB’s Deli located at 232 Chelsea Street in Royalton. State Troopers responded and found that a lone…

Nathan  Dearing WEYBRIDGE — On April 14, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the New Haven State Police barracks received a call regarding a motor vehicle crash involving a bicycle on Hamilton Road in the Town of Weybridge, Vt. When police arrived on scene they confirmed that driver Nathan Dearing, age 27 from Whiting, Vt., had struck…

Gregory  Allen  Smith UPDATE: SUSPECT CAPTURED IN WING HOMICIDE The Springfield Police Department and Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit announce the capture of Gregory Allen Smith in Londonderry, Vt. Thursday, April 23.  Smith, wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of Wesley Wing on April 18 in Springfield, was taken into custody without incident this…

RUTLAND TOWN—On Tuesday, April 14, at 3 p.m. state troopers from Rutland responded to a call at Taco Bell in Green Mountain Plaza, where an unidentified male customer had become frustrated with his food order and kicked the door on his way out. The kick caused the door to break off its hinges. Anyone with…

By Amy Ash Nixon, VTDigger.org The House-proposed statewide property tax increase is lower than the rate of growth that the Legislature passed last year. The state needed to generate $50 million to support increases in statewide education spending for the current year. And it needs $16 million in new taxes for school spending in fiscal…

RUTLAND— On April 9, the Vermont State Police Drug Diversion Unit was notified of a possible case involving the sale and diversion of prescription narcotics involving Jami Baker, age 49 from Rutland City. Through the course of the investigation, it was revealed Baker was receiving a regular prescription for narcotics from a physician in Whitehall,…