Karen D. Lorentz The latest trend at ski resorts is to offer an array of season passes with permutations and perks tailored to the varying needs of families and outdoors oriented mountain adventurers.  The different types of passes not only benefit skiers and snowboarders due to the value and flexibility they offer, they also foster…

By Polly Mikula A “Shark Tank” style entrepreneurship class at Castleton University took a field trip last Tuesday, April 11, to visit local entrepreneur Dale Patterson and tour his brewery, Rutland Brew Works, on Granger Street in Rutland.  Chris Coughlin, vice president of mortgage servicing at Heritage Family Credit Union, has taught the popular class for CU's…

By Curt Peterson Safety and security have been topics of Hartland Select Board meetings for years, but Monday night brought tones of urgency and resolve not evident in the past. Chair Phil Hobbie characterized the discussion as “a big step forward.” Last year the Vermont State Police, due to a shortage of personnel and growing…

The Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation, Water Quality Division has recently awarded the Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC) a contract to administer water quality improvement programs to the 11 Regional Planning Commissions (RPCs) in the state of Vermont. The grant is funded through the 604(b) program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency…

By Katy Savage Killington Search and Rescue (KSAR) wants its equipment back after it was deemed unusable and not up to standard by new Fire Chief Chris Lahart.  KSAR leaders formally requested its climbing equipment, helmets, toboggan and other items in an April 6 email to Town Manager Chet Hagenbarth.  The request came after several…

$10,000 goal to receive a 2:1 matching grant through DHCD’s Better Places program Rutland residents will soon be able to enjoy Reimagine Depot Park thanks to a recently launched crowdfunding campaign. The campaign is a initiative by the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Better Places program and led by Come Alive Outside. “Access to community…

By Liz DiMarco Weinmann  Over the past three years Vermont has thrived as a national example of doing the right things for our most vulnerable populations, and it’s our state’s nonprofits that deserve much of the credit.  Combating such perils as food insecurity, inadequate shelter, domestic violence, and other threats many Vermonters experience on a…

Staff report RNESU Superintendent Kristin Hubert sent an email to families Sunday, April 2 notifying them that a threat at Neshobe School was deemed “not credible” as rumors circulated on social media. But Monday morning, Hubert said “new information has been brought to light.”   “Neshobe School is still conducting an internal review and investigation…

Public officials site harassment Staff report MENDON — The Mendon Town Office is now open by appointment only, according to its website. “Effective March 20, 2023, in an effort to increase Office Security, the Town Office will be open by appointment only,” it states. “The safety and wellbeing of the staff and volunteers that serve…

New rules on backyard chickens lead residents to petition for a special vote April 19 Staff report PROCTOR — Enough chicken owners in Proctor are upset about an amended town ordinance that puts restrictions on owning fowl that they have called for a town-wide vote to decide the matter. The petition for the vote was…

The 2023 Southwest Regional 4-H Day was held March 25 at the Hub CoWorks in Downtown Rutland.  The annual event showcased the talents of 34 4-Hers  from three counties, providing an opportunity for them to demonstrate what they have learned through University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H projects. Along with earning ribbons, the top stage…

By Curt Peterson Hartland Finance Administrator Martin Dole was appointed as acting town manager Monday, April 3, after Town Manager David Ormiston was placed on paid leave last week. Dole, who has been finance administrator for five years, will temporarily hold both positions while the necessary adjustments are made following Ormiston’s   suspension. Michelle Rielly,…

By Pat Wise Crocuses bloom on the hill near the Godnick Adult Center along Woodstock Avenue. Every year, the Rutland Garden Club plants 1,000 crocus bulbs , which are among the first flowers to bloom.

By Katy Savage After her children suddenly lost child care, Caroline Olsen decided to start her own facility in Woodstock. Olsen, who owns the Nutty Life, an organic plant-based milk company, with her husband Craig Olsen, plans to open her their nonprofit, The Mill School, in June in the same East Woodstock business complex that…

By Ethan Weinstein/VTDigger A bill that would give the Vermont Department of Taxes control of property appraisals passed the House on Wednesday, March 29. H.480 would require property reappraisals to take place at least every six years and would move the responsibility for those reappraisals from municipalities to the state.  The reimagining of Vermont’s property valuation system,…