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…

By Mickey Wiles My name is Mickey Wiles and I am the CFO of Burlington Labs, where I have been given a second chance after being convicted of a felony. As a person who has improved his own life through long-term recovery, I understand the power of second chances. Returning to a position such as…

By Scott Milne House Bill 249, a bill entitled “an act relating to intermunicipal services” passed the Vermont House of Representatives earlier this month, and is now being considered in the Senate. It is a direct assault on the independence of Vermont towns and an insult to voters. Regional planning commissions have lobbied successfully in…

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…

By Steve Costello In the two weeks since the “ I Love Rutland ” campaign started via a quick email exchange between a couple of friends, it’s clear it struck a chord. Born from an idea by Mike Napolitano and quickly nurtured by more than a dozen businesses and nonprofits, city and community leaders and…

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 Mitch Frankenberg The number 2.2 billion is a number that everyone throughout North America should remember. 2.2 billion is the number of reasons why Vermont and land throughout the world is targeted for large scale buildouts of wind, solar, and gas. 2.2 billion symbolizes a primary and under-appreciated reason why all forms of taxes…

By Rep. Sarah Copeland Hanzas The Vermont House of Representatives has a proven track record of fighting for Vermont’s working and middle class families. These families are the backbone of the state and deserve a fair shot at success. Every March, the House passes a budget for the state that affirms our commitment to the…

By Rob Roper The Vermont House Ways & Means committee just passed out a $48.3 million package of new or increased taxes and fees. The list includes the fuel gross receipts tax that will add two to three cents to every gallon of home heating fuel, a new application of the 9 percent rooms and…

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…