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…

By Amy Ash Nixon, VTDigger.org A bill that would prohibit Vermont public school teachers from striking passed the House Education Committee on an 8-3 vote Tuesday, March 17. Under the bill, teachers cannot strike and school boards cannot impose contracts. The bill, introduced by Rep. Kurt Wright, R-Burlington, originally required mandatory binding arbitration in contract…

By Amy Ash Nixon, VTDigger.org Wardsboro Elementary School children want a turnip to be the state vegetable—the Gilfeather turnip, grown in and around Wardsboro. On Tuesday, a dozen students told the House Committee on Forest and Agriculture Products to consider designating their hometown’s prized root as Vermont’s state vegetable. The students were informed by Rep.…

By Richard Podlesney Killington artist Peter Gould works on murals in the children’s room at the Sherburne Memorial Library on River Road. The work has been commissioned by the Town of Killington and Friends of the Library. The colorful murals depict toys and stuffed animals on shelves and beautiful Vermont landscapes complete with rolling hills,…

By Lee J. Kahrs BRANDON — Former Brandon Town Manager Robin Bennett has resigned, reaching a $12,578 settlement in principle with the town that officially closes the book on her 18-month tenure. The deal was announced following a brief executive session of the Brandon Select Board on Monday morning, March 23, at the Brandon Town…

First time city has received a report with no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies RUTLAND — The City of Rutland has earned its fourth unqualified audit opinion with the completion of the FY 2014 audit.  City Treasurer Wendy Wilton presented the audited financial statements to the Board of Aldermen on Monday, March 16, at the Board’s…

By Robin Alberti Also held March 15, the Vermont Specialty Food Days took over Bear Mountain, drawing a large crowd. KILLINGTON — Spring at Killington means soft snow, abundant sunshine, live music and surprising events both on and off the snow. The Nor’Beaster spring celebration kicked off this past weekend, March 14 and 15 with the…