By Lawrence G. Jensen In just a few months, the first Syrian refugees may begin to arrive in Rutland, and as they settle in they will be far removed from the culture and places they have known as their home. Good neighbors and strong communities welcome newcomers and provide a friendly environment that meets their…

By Andrew A. Pallito It is the end of another legislative session and the beginning of another campaign season.  As with all campaign seasons, the State’s budget will likely become a topic of debate and conversation. Vermont, unlike most states, does not have a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget. However, Vermonters still expect fiscal responsibility…

By Steve Costello When the idea for Rutland Blooms first blossomed, we never could have dreamed of what it would become or the impact it would have in the City of Rutland. Its success is emblematic of the larger story of Rutland’s rebirth, born of unprecedented collaboration. Starting with the restoration of the Paramount Theatre…

Dear Editor, Today I was standing on my porch watching the Rutland Recreation Department employees mowing the “park” created on reclaimed lands of the former National Guard facility on North Street Extension. What a great job done by Cindi Wight’s staff in making the absolute best of a wonderful piece of property in a safe…

Dear Editor, On July 31, 2015, at approximately 10:10 p.m. an 1,800-pound pet bull was standing in the darkness of the westbound lane of Route 4 in Killington. What was the bull doing there? To answer this and many other disturbing questions, residents, farmers, tourists and elected officials are encouraged to read the state’s “Notice of Intent…

Dear Editor, The Great Progressive Era in United States History(1890-1920) was characterized by the enactment of antitrust laws. Presidents of this era were concerned about American consumers being cheated by big monopoly industries like the Standard Oil company, now known as Exxon-Mobil. What is a monopoly? According to www.investopedia.com, “A monopoly is a situation in…

Dear Editor, It is very dismaying to see the charges State’s Attorney Rose Kennedy has filed against Craig Mosher. Kennedy, please drop these ridiculous charges. They are not only an undeserved and malicious attack on a very upstanding citizen, but an insult to every resident of this state. Others have covered, often eloquently, why Craig…

Dear editor, I’d like to comment on Steve Seitz’s report published in the Mountain Times June 1-7 edition on Utah entrepreneur David Hall’s vision of planting a large new community in Sharon and Royalton. Unlike the communes we are used to, Hall’s scheme is both unusual and grandiose and is intended to found an entirely…

Dear Editor, We have served the Rutland County for the past nine years as the Pastors and Administrators for the Salvation Army. We are under farewell orders and will be leaving Vermont at the end of June. We will be moving back to New Jersey and will be the Pastors and Administrators for the Salvation…

Dear Editor, On May 14 the generous Woodstock community donated a record breaking volume of food to the Stamp Out Hunger campaign, both by leaving bags at their mailboxes and bringing items to the main post office. I am proud of the entire staff of the Woodstock post office for their genuine excitement and participation…

Dear Editor, On behalf of the Vermont Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society (VVSA), we would like to thank the enormous amount of people that helped make our 4th Annual Golf Tournament & Silent Auction a Hole-in-One! There are so many indivudals and businesses to thank that it’s impossible to list them here. Thank you,…

Dear Editor, Bill S. 230 — a bi-partisan piece of compromise legislation that empowers local communities when it comes to siting for energy projects and sets reasonable sound standards for industrial wind projects — was vetoed Monday, June 6, by Governor Shumlin. This bill had input from the governor’s office throughout the entire session, especially in…

Dear Editor, A few weeks ago I was the victim of theft as someone stole a large value of money and stuff from my car, which was parked at my house. In the weeks since I reported this to local officers Howard and Montgomery, they’ve been very proactive in tracking down the perpetrator that broke into…

By Rebecca Holcombe A recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit, confirmed that transgender students should be able to use the bathroom that is consistent with their gender identity. This is the right decision. I think of a family friend, who spends every day worrying about whether his transgender child will still…

Dear Editor, As I watched President Obama deliver a speech in Vietnam last week, I have to wonder about a few things this Ppresident does. First, he lifts a U. S. arms ban on this country so the U. S. can sell lethal military equipment to them even though the Communist Party leads the Socialist…