It seems that refugees are all anyone is talking about in Rutland. Beyond a simple statement in support of the effort, I’ve largely listened over the past few days. I didn’t want to add to the cacophony of refugee discussion without taking the time to collect my thoughts and express them simply and clearly. As…

The Page Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter in Orleans, Vt. would like to acknowledge and truly thank Claude Blais for carrying out an amazing fundraiser to benefit our shelter in memory of his beloved dog, Bullet. The fundraiser was held this April and raised $800. Thank you to all the wonderful Killington folks for supporting this…

If drugs cause addiction, ceasing drug use would cure addiction. It doesn’t. Members of Narcotics and Alcoholics Anonymous are clean and sober. What’s causing their addiction, the drugs they don’t use? There would be a dose dependent relationship between use and addiction. There isn’t. An alcoholic can’t have one drink, but the vast majority can…

Over the past 10 years, Vermont’s suicide death rates have averaged 30 percent higher than the U.S. rates. It is the second leading cause of death of all Vermonters aged 14-35 and the third leading cause for ages 35-44 and in the top 10 for all Vermonters. It turns out that the idea that “if someone…

A very unique vote could be looming in the House. Many of you may have heard that the state has formed a working group to look at the purchase of 13 dams on the Connecticut River, an initiative that would require the General Assembly to authorize a bond for purchasing power somewhere in the region…

March 3 marked 25 years since total victory by all veterans who served in Desert Storm giving freedom back to Kuwait. This was the largest callup of reserves and deployment of troops in Vermont since the end of Vietnam almost 50 years ago. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of Vermont have petitioned the Vermont Board…

The accident which occurred on Rt. 4, July 31st was truly sad and tragic for all involved. Such devastating losses were suffered by all families and friends. I wondered but assumed, that someone who has ever driven these roads, in the dark of night surely had his lights on, or the high beams. I could never figure…

I am greatly disheartened that the state has chosen to bring felony charges against Craig Mosher in the tragic accident that resulted in the death of John Bellis. Craig Mosher is an outstanding individual whose tireless and timely response to open up Rte. 4 and rebuild Killington and a large part of the region in…

The Easter Sunrise Committee would like to thank all who contributed to the spectacular Easter sunrise celebration at Killington Peak on Easter Sunday. Thanks to Mike Solimano and Sharon Mayer and Grizz and Peter and all the Killington employees and Ambassadors who were willing to get to work EARLY to make the celebration happen. Thanks…

By Dean Whitlock Governor Shumlin has been parroting the Marijuana Policy Project’s emotionally charged polemics about prohibition, about being first, doing it right, having the courage. Let’s take a closer, calmer look. Prohibition of alcohol failed politically because we cut off the country cold turkey, relied on jails, and failed to treat the national addiction.…

By Linda E. Johnson Although Governor Shumlin and governors throughout the United States take time to proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, there are children in need of nurturing and protection every day and every month. We all have a significant role to play. If you know a parent who is stressed and could…

By Dave Correll The recent change in leadership at the Rutland Chamber comes at an exciting time for the Chamber and the Rutland Region, and allows us to take stock in how well-positioned we are for the future. Most importantly, the state of the Rutland Chamber is strong! The Rutland Chamber remains among the strongest…

Dear Editor, Nearly 97 percent of Vermont’s businesses are classified as “small” according to the Small Business Association (SBA). Statistics provided by the SBA report that between 2010 and 2013 Vermont had 77,726 small businesses and that, of that number, 60,067 businesses were without employees. These businesses primarily survive through contract work with other business…

Dear Editor, A new Vermont law extending paid time off benefits to tens of thousands of workers is good for the state’s economy and will result in a healthier and more stable workforce. Governor Peter Shumlin signed H.187, an act relating to the absence from work for health care and safety, into law Wednesday morning,…

Dear Editor, On behalf of the staff, volunteers and board of directors of the Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice (RAVNAH), I would like to thank the city, towns, and residents of Rutland County for your strong and heartfelt support of our comprehensive home care, hospice and community health services. Thanks to your vote…