By Lani Duke Raccoon tested positive for rabies WALLINGFORD — Authorities recently captured a raccoon on School Street in Wallingford that tested positive for rabies. Be wary of approaching any wildlife or domestic animals that are acting oddly. For information on rabies, call the Health Department, 863-7240. Fill the Cupboard food drive has begun Green Mountain…

This larger-than-life, wooden motorcycle was set aflame at the finale of the Cirque de Feugo motorcycle pyrotechnics show held at The Foundry on Saturday, Aug. 30. The show preceeded fireworks, in conclusion of the Killington Classic events for the day. Photos by Robin Alberti

By Polly Lynn Bethany Bosch, 29 of Wallingford, has completed the English Channel swim — joining only about 1,500 others (500 of whom were women) that have successfully made the journey solo.  Bosch has been training for four years to complete this feat. Bosch set out Sunday, Aug. 31 and after 17 hours and 34 minutes…

By Polly Lynn Sunday, Sept. 7 — RUTLAND – Vermonters for Vermonters will be hosting a benefit concert at the Vermont State Fairgrounds Grandstand from 2-8 p.m. Vermonters for Vermonters is a volunteer effort organized by citizens committed to raising funds and awareness to help combat the negative effects of drugs and addiction. The group…

PITTSFIELD — On Sunday, Aug. 24, the annual Pittsfield’s Picnic end of summer potluck community fundraiser was held in the town green. Townspeople enjoyed a fun-filled, beautiful sunny day featuring food, music, field games, dunk tank, silent auction and horseshoe tournament. “Many thanks go out to our neighbors, from near and far, who donated lots…

By Lee J. Kahrs BRANDON — For better or worse, Brandon has a budget. In this, the last town in Vermont to pass a municipal spending plan, voters approved a budget on the fifth try Tuesday by a vote of 534-472. But considering the austerity needed for voter approval, it is not exactly a time…

Margaret Ellen Ehmann, 86, died on Aug. 26, 2014 at her apartment in The Meadows in Rutland. She was born on Feb. 29, 1928 in Baltimore, Md. to Edgar and Mae Baker and was married to her high school sweetheart Preston Ehmann in 1949. She received her Bachelors degree in teaching from Winthrop University in…

UPDATE: Based on the description of damages and weather data from the area, meteorologists suspect a straight line wind with gusts over 60 MPH hit Pico from the east, said Michael Joseph, public relations manager for Killington and Pico Resorts. But an official analysis has not yet been reported. Representatives from the national weather service were…

By Anne Galloway, VTDigger.org Louis Freeh, the former director of the FBI was injured in a crash in Vermont on Monday afternoon. Freeh was airlifted to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., for treatment. USA Today reported that he was seriously injured. Freeh was FBI director from 1993 to 2001 during which time he investigated…

Debbie Singiser and Patrick Liu join staff to bolster recruitment and retention CASTLETON — As Castleton moves forward with instituting the Castleton Plan — a 10-year strategic initiative — it is pleased to announce the addition of two new administrative positions beginning in August 2014 to support international recruitment efforts. “Part of our mission going…

KILLINGTON — The town of Killington recently announced a schedule for roadway improvements and special events over the next months that will cause road closures and detours. Bridge replacement on Thundering Brook Road Thundering Brook Road will be closed to through traffic starting Monday, Aug. 25 for the replacement of a bridge and large culvert.…

RUTLAND — The Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce announced the Chef’s Best Taste Awards, Chef’s Best Presentation Award and People’s Choice Award at the 33rd Annual Chamber Winter In August celebration held Tuesday, Aug. 12. This is the second year the Chamber established a “chef led panel” of experts to make the decision. It was…

By Lani Duke Vt. State Fair, moving toward sustainability Full accounting for the Rutland County Agricultural Society’s finances is still in the future, although two accountants and an assistant have been following the organization’s paper trail since February, Board President Don Chioffi told members at a recent meeting. After the IRS placed a tax lien…

By Lani Duke Firehouse construction CASTLETON — Castleton’s select board continues to wait for a wetlands permit to build its new firehouse. Construction is expected to start in early September on what is estimated to be a six-month-long building project. If all goes according to plan, Castleton’s fire department should be able to move into…

By Robin Alberti RUTLAND — Evelyn Bartenstein was a vibrant young girl from Rutland who lost her life too soon. She was born with handicaps that would have stifled so many, but she never let her challenges hold her back. Her exuberant smile and hot pink crutches were seen around Rutland, and she always brighten other…