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…

KILLINGTON — Ian Clarke and Turner Ramsay, members of the Killington Mountain School cycling team, recently traveled to Connecticut to compete in the 2014 New England Road Championships. Clarke rode a smart race, pulling away to take the win in the hotly contested, and well-populated Cat 3 field! Coach Brad Ramsay comments that “it was an…

By Karen D. Lorentz Beth Kinne, daughter of Randy and Ruth Kinne of North Clarendon and a graduate of Mill River High School, hopes to shed some light on a national hot topic with the resource book “Beyond the Fracking Wars: A Guide for Lawyers, Public Officials, Planners and Citizens.” Kinne, an assistant professor of…

RUTLAND — This past Sunday dozens of dogs attended the fourth annual Dog Days of Summer Pool Party at White’s Pool in Rutland. Last year over 70 dogs participated and RCHS officials estimated this year’s event drew even larger crowds. The warm sunny weather certainly helped. The event raises money for the Rutland County Humane…

By Carolyn Dean If you’re a observant neighbor, you may have noticed a few more backyard chicken coops in your community recently. The ability to raise chickens that produce fresh organic eggs in a relatively small space is enough for many to have taken the plunge.  With good care, minimal cost and space, local families…