By Katy Savage A Catholic Woodstock Union High School snowboard coach who was fired for expressing his views against transgender students competing in sports is suing the district for violating his freedom of speech and due process rights.  Dave Bloch filed a complaint on July 17 at the U.S. District Court of Vermont, explaining…

  By Curt Peterson The Killington Planning Commission held a public hearing last Wednesday and voted to send its proposed new municipal plan to the Select Board. Planning Commission chair Jennifer Ianantuoni said the board will review the proposal and probably hold a public hearing regarding adoption in the fall of 2023. Planning consultant Lisa…

  By Katy Savage As mountain biking started exploding in Poultney, a group of avid riders realized the town needed a shop. Two couples teamed up and opened Porcupine Bikes June 29 on Main Street in Poultney. “We felt there was a real need for a mountain bike focused shop in Poultney,” co-owner Caitrin Maloney…

  Individuals directed to FEMA, businesses to ACCD; both to SBA By Polly Mikula Many throughout the region have been working hard to clean and rebuild their homes or businesses — and/or help others that have sustained damages.  Now more help is available; some in the form of grants, others as low interest loans. Business…

  Staff report Two South Woodstock residents died and two Stockbridge residents were in critical condition after a head-on crash on Route 4 in Mendon around 1 p.m. Monday, July 24. John Panoushek, 79, and Jean Panoushek, 74, of South Woodstock were pronounced dead at the scene.   Preliminary investigation revealed they were traveling west on…

  By Polly Mikula “We just finished 100 more burpees,” Doug Lewis said, when he answered the phone. “We’re at 1,000 for the camp with just 250 more to go.” That’s the essence of the Elite Team (ELITEAM) he runs for two weeks every summer based at the Killington Mountain School. “Yeah, above and beyond…

  By Angelo Lynn Editor’s note: Angelo Lynn is the editor and publisher of the Addison County Independent, a sister publication of the Mountain Times.  As Vermont braces for more rain again later this week, state, municipal and volunteer crews are working miracles to restore devastated downtowns, get commercial and retail buildings cleaned out, and…

  Gov. Phil Scott today signed an addendum to his emergency declaration on Friday, July 14, which directs state agencies and departments to provide specific and temporary regulatory relief to expedite the state’s response to damage resulting from the severe storms continuing affect the state.  “This historic rainfall and flooding have caused catastrophic damage to…

  State give guidance on flood ongoing recovery health and safety As the state of Vermont continues its floodwater response and recovery efforts, the Department of Health is urging people to know how to keep healthy and safe outside and when returning to flooded homes. Vermonters can find flood-related health guidance that includes information and…

  By Sarah Mearhoff/VTDigger On Monday afternoon, July 17, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg stood on a newly carved cliff, hands on his hips as he surveyed carnage at the Inn by the River, located in this rural Northeast Kingdom town. The former presidential hopeful and now-member of President Joe Biden’s cabinet traveled from Washington,…

  The past few days have seen flood devastation throughout Vermont, a stark reminder of what the state experienced from Tropical Storm Irene a dozen years ago. The “Vermont Strong” slogan showed that Vermonters were resilient and would persevere to overcome any obstacles thrown their way.  And while there was not a hurricane or tropical…

  By Polly Mikula Frank Pastor and Patrick Hemenway, two members of the state’s National Guard Response Force (NGRF), toured damages in Killington, Monday, July 17, with Selectman Jim Haff. “Our job is to be the liaison between the state and the local response, you know...whether it’s the Select Board or whoever the emergency managers…

   This past weekend, July 14-16, 2023 Paul Foley, 9, of Hartland  competed with the Upper Valley Aquatic Center in the NE BGSC LCM 10&U Championship swim meet held at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. The NE BGSC LCM 10&U Championship meet was held in long course meters (50 meter pool) and was a…

  The Woodstock municipal manager and the Village Board of Trustees have selected Joseph Swanson as the next police chief for the Woodstock Village, serving 900 residents.  Swanson, who was sworn in July 14, grew up in Woodstock and currently serves as the sergeant for the Woodstock Village Police. He originally joined the Woodstock Police…

  Patricia A. Mattson, 81, passed away suddenly on July 5, 2023, at her home in Barnard, Vermont. She was born on April 1, 1942, in Queens, New York, the daughter of Thomas and Katherine (Gillespie) Harkins. She grew up in Oyster Bay, New York. Pat Mattson spent a number of years living in Connecticut…