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,…

Mountain retreat was on the market for just 3 days with multiple offers By Karen D. Lorentz The most expensive house in Killington sold last week, on March 28, for $3.475 million after multiple offers, marking the first single-family home in Killington to sell for more than $3 million.  The previous record was $2.725 million,…

The annual Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge held Saturday, April 1, delighted crowds with soft bumps, a great party and even some unexpected sunshine!  The much anticipated spring event at Killington Resort features amateur bumpers who take to the slopes of Outer Limits (the longest, steepest mogul run on the East Coast) to battle for a…

Ludlow, Brandon, Cavendish and Hartford awarded planning grants  Four municipalities in Rutland and Windsor Counties were among 29 towns awarded planning projects totaling $598,997, Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development announced, March 24.  The money will fund a range of projects around the state intended to stimulate economic development,…

By Brett Yates Public opposition has led the would-be founders of a nature-based preschool in Chittenden to seek out alternative locations in town for their plan. They now describe their initial target, the North Chittenden Grange Hall, as “a backup site only.” In January, the team behind the proposed “forest school” asked the Select Board…

By Curt Peterson Hartland Town Clerk Brian Stroffolino surprised the Select Board on March 20 reading a statement accusing a town employee of “abusive, aggressive, disrespectful, threatening, violent and vulgar behavior on many occasions,” which “created a toxic workplace environment.” He didn’t name the offender, but the accused is believed to be Town Manager David…

Mark Foley, Jr. is renovating the upper floors of the Gryphon Building in Rutland to create 10 one or two bedroom apartments.  Gov. Phil Scott announced Wednesday, March 22 that Foley was one of six recipients of $860,000 in  tax credits. Foley received $125,000 toward his $750,000 project.  The Agency of Commerce and Community Development…

Staff report Woodstock Village eliminated its elected auditors in a 16-2 vote at the annual Village meeting on March 21 in favor of hiring a public accountant or auditing  firm to review finances.  Though the Village has elected auditors, this year filled by Steven Stuntz, it has long hired a professional audit firm.  “The function…

By Katy Savage  Two teachers from Rutland county have been named principals of the year by the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA).  Christy Coloutti of Northwest Primary School in Rutland and Debbie Alexander of Lothrop Elementary School in Pittsford were among four principals recognized for their leadership. The honorees were nominated by their peers and chosen…