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…

By George Jaeger Among the most disturbing aspects of this bizarre election season is the absence of any serious discussion of America’s foreign affairs. Endless debates have produced simplistic themes that play to the gut feelings of parts of the electorate. But relatively little attention has been paid to the most critical world issues America…

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…

By Deb Markowitz Every Earth Day, I take time to reflect on the importance of the work we do at the Agency of Natural Resources and how much I appreciate the passion and commitment of our over 600 employees. At ANR, our work to protect the environment is not just a job—it also provides a life…

By Emerson Lynn It breaks the heart to read the Securities and Exchange Commission’s allegations that the Jay Peak “miracle” was a “Ponzi-like” scheme involving the misuse of $200 million in investor funds. It is a story without victors. It’s a story from which we will have to recover. And that will take time. It…

By Job Tate Thankfully, Vermont is no “banana republic”—corruption, conflicts of interest and abuses of power by our elected officials are few and far between; and we continue to have one of the most accessible legislative bodies in the world. However, as the public trust continues to be tested by a mounting stream of either…

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…

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…