RUTLAND—At the end of February, the United Way of Rutland County concluded its 2017-2018 campaign. This was the organization’s 75th year of supporting the Rutland County community. Caprice Hover, executive director of the United Way of Rutland County, explained the successful effort in a news release March 19 and at a press event Monday, March…

LUDLOW—With spring on its way, now is the time to mark the calendar with all the best summer events to attend. A new three-day music festival, Okemo’s All Come Home Music Festival scheduled for July 12-14 at Okemo Jackson Gore base area, is sure to be a summer sensation. New England’s premiere tribute-band event will…

By Lee J. Kahrs, The Reporter BRANDON— There are as many opinions as taxpayers regarding a proposed Otter Valley Unified Union School [OVUU] budget that offers the consolidation of schools and programs to save $500,000. The budget After several weeks of ideas, forums and fact finding, on Jan. 10 the OVUU board approved a proposed…

By Roy Pilcher This American tree sparrow is quite puffed up as it sits perched on a piece of weathered wood. Saturday, Feb. 10, 8 a.m. — WEST RUTLAND — Rutland County Audubon Society hosts its monthly bird monitoring walk, Saturday, Feb. 10. Join the group for the 3.7-mile loop around the marsh, or go halfway. Learn…

BARNARD— BarnArts Center for the Arts announces a full 2018 calendar to celebrate seven years of community-based arts programming. BarnArts will stage a series of musical and community events including four theater productions, two of which will be in new venues for the organization: The Grange Theatre and Woodstock’s Town Hall Theatre. First up and…

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 1:15 p.m.—CASTLETON—As we get older our needs change and we are faced with making some difficult decisions for ourselves or for our loved ones. For most of us, we are not fully aware of what is available to help with those ever-changing needs. On Jan. 31 at 1:15 p.m. the Castleton Community Center will…

THE QUESTION: "It was 14 degrees below zero today. What’s the one piece of clothing or gear you need, to be out on a day like this?" “This balaclava has been amazing today. Keeping my face and neck warm-ish is on the top of my list. If my face is cold, I’m cold all over.”…

THE QUESTION: “Happy 2018! Any skiing or riding-related new year’s resolutions?” January 3 “Ride more, work less. New Year’s resolutions are hard to keep, though. We’ll see how it goes.” - “Just Kyle” “I don’t put a whole lot of value on these resolution things. If you’re going to do something, just go out and…

RUTLAND—PEGTV is inviting the community to join its new monthly group called The Producers’ Group. The goal of the group is to inspire, train, and connect longtime and aspiring producers alike in a fun, encouraging atmosphere. It’s an opportunity for locals to share their work, collaborate on projects and learn from each other. No prior…

THE QUESTION: “What do you think of Killington’s plans to build a village?” “I guess I’ve got mixed feelings about it. A big village would be great, but I do wonder about it changing the character of the area. But this place is so big you could get away from it if you wanted to…

THE QUESTION: “What’s the best or worst excuse you’ve ever used to get out for a powder day?” "When you get to be retired, you need more excuses to miss powder days than to make it out." - Greg Schuyler That’s easy: “I think I have diarrhea.” - Patrik Sullivan "We’re from South Carolina, so…

THE QUESTION: “Jeans while skiing - yay or nay?” “If you can find a way to wear them and stay warm, I say go for it. I’m sure they would’ve been great this morning but I’m not sure about this afternoon.” - Barb Marshall “If you want to wear jeans, go to Montana. They still…

By Elizabeth Hewitt, VTDigger The state has investigated 52 claims of sexual harassment reported by state employees since 2014, according to the Vermont Department of Human Resources. Disciplinary action was taken in two cases in 2016 and two cases in 2017. (Penalties can range from a reprimand to dismissal.) The number of complaints spiked in…

By Alan J. Keays, VT Digger A panel charged with coming up with ways to combat the opioid crisis in Vermont has developed recommendations it will now work with others to help turn into reality. The Governor’s Opioid Coordination Council has compiled a draft document which is expected in the next couple of weeks, with some…