Ever since a new middle school and high school was proposed five years ago, there have been discussions over the true needs and alternative options in order to keep the costs down while continuing to provide excellent educational standards. Now with a bond for a new build on the Town Meeting Day ballot (Article 7),…

By Glenn Russell/VTDigger Economist Thomas Kavet speaks during a meeting of the Emergency Board at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Thursday, Jan. 18. Looking on is fellow economist Jeffrey Carr, right. By Sarah Mearhoff/VTDigger Despite last year’s hand-wringing over an anticipated downturn of Vermont’s economy, one year later, state economists on Thursday were notably optimistic about…

Courtesy philscott.org   By Sarah Mearhoff and Shaun Robinson, VTDigger In his budget address delivered to the Legislature on Tuesday, Jan. 23, Republican Gov. Phil Scott once again implored lawmakers to refrain from increasing state taxes and fees on Vermonters, and keep state spending within current revenues. And similar to his State of the State…

By Curt Peterson The homestead education tax rate in Hartland will rise 23.95% this year – from $1.816 per $100 in assessed value, to $2.251.  For a $250,000 home, this change will add about $1,087 to the FY2025 tax bill. “Ouch!” cries are heard throughout the town’s listserv and around the coffee bar at Three…

Courtesy Chaffee Center for the Arts George Thrall Chaffee built the now historic mansion in 1895.    Governor Phil Scott, the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation (VDHP) and the Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation recently announced grants totaling $319,090 to 19 municipalities and non-profit organizations in six counties to facilitate the restoration and rehabilitation of Vermont landmarks and…

          Submitted   Killington Resort has granted over $300,000 in cash and in-kind charitable donations through its Play Forever commitment in 2023 to support environmental and community nonprofit organizations, according to a news release Jan. 28.  “At Killington and Pico Resorts, we are committed to ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities…

Courtesy VSP Clair Sherman   On Saturday, Jan. 27 at approximately 11:15 p.m. troopers from the state police Royalton Barracks received a call advising of a male trying to make entry into a dwelling at 10 Dudley St.  in Randolph, carrying a flammable device. Further investigation revealed that Clair Sherman, 40, was seen lighting a…

  Courtesy Windsor County Sheriff’s Office Windsor County Sheriff’s Office K9 Kye will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Kye’s vest will be embroidered with the slogan, “Honoring those who served and sacrificed.” Delivery is expected within 8-10 weeks. “We are…

  By Ginger Nickerson Editor’s note: Ginger Nickerson is the University of Vermont extension forest pest education coordinator. When working in their sugarbush this winter, maple producers are encouraged to be on the lookout for signs of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). This wood-boring insect, native to southeast Asia, will kill many hardwood trees. However,…

Submitted William “Bill” Lucci Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) announce the appointment of William “Bill” Lucci as program director of The Hub CoWorks on Thursday, Jan. 25. Most recently, Lucci was the assistant director for adult technical education at Stafford Technical Center, a position he held since 2007. While at Stafford, Lucci…

By Polly Mikula KILLINGTON — A fast-burning fire rendered one of the oldest houses in Killington a total loss early Wednesday morning, Jan. 24. The Neil family lived at 202 Old Route 4, tucked away above Kent Pond on a remnant of the old two-lane road over Sherburne Pass that preceded the 1960s highway improvements…

“Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think,” said Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Many Killington-area residents and visitors are familiar with a popular fundraising event for the Rutland Community Cupboard (“the Cupboard”) that features local luminaries volunteering their time and talent as “Celebrity Servers” — i.e., waitstaff — at a…

Submitted By Curt Peterson The Hartland town budget and warning are set for the March Town Meeting. Interim Town Manager and Finance Director Martin Dole said a copy, including proposed budget figures, will be mailed to residents shortly. The proposed General Fund budget, which doesn’t include appropriations, as they are voted separately, is $2,055,243, 6.41%…

By Curt Peterson The Hartland Conservation Commission will be adding an article to the 2024 Town Meeting warning, asking voters to approve “setting aside” funds for part of possible purchase of approximately 75 acres near the Three Corners village center.  The amended article reads:  “Article 10: Shall the Town vote to direct the Selectboard to…

Submitted Attorney General Charity Clark announced Monday, Jan. 22, a $2,350,733 settlement with the estate of a former owner of a dry cleaner site, resolving over a decade of litigation with the state. The settlement resolves claims brought by the Attorney General’s Office on behalf of the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) for remediation of hazardous…