Dear Editor, In its recent decision under 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, which opens the door for U.S. businesses to refuse services to LGBTQ+ people, conservative activists on the U.S. Supreme Court added another notch in their belts by which recent rulings have further weakened the 14th Amendment’s guarantee that no person shall be…

  Dear Editor, Raccoon hounders can run their hounds in the middle of the night during “training” season, which started June 1st. The torment of animals by released uncontrolled hounds lasts throughout much of the year. Summer is also a time when people, dogs, and other animals are using the woods. Hounds are loud and…

  By Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman The Legislature reconvened for a special summer veto session — a time to review the bills that the governor vetoed and vote on whether those vetoes should be overridden. At the end of the session there were seven bills passed by the legislature that saw the governor’s veto pen,…

  Rutland motel resident struggles with uncertainty after new legislation last week By Lola Duffort/VTDigger Susan Ladmer, of Rutland, first wrote to reporters in early June, asking for help. “I am currently housed in a homeless motel. I am a 77-year-old woman who suffered a stroke in December. Despite tremendous efforts to find out where I…

  By Katy Savage  The Rutland Redevelopment Authority has a new executive director. Ed Bove, who was the executive director of the Rutland Regional Planning Commission for eight years, is starting his new role Sept. 6. “It is an honor to be chosen to lead this prestigious organization,” Bove said in a news release. “I…

  Staff report Owner Steven Sawyer has closed Table 24 in downtown Rutland after 15 years as a pillar of the dining scene downtown.  Sawyer said he made the decision to focus on his family more, namely his almost 9-year-old daughter.  The restaurant at 24 Wales Street closed its doors abruptly at the end of…

  Five features to be made up throughout summer schedule Adam LaFountain was the only winner on a washout day at Devil’s Bowl Speedway on Sunday, June 25. The event, presented by Fair Haven/Poultney Auto Supply, was postponed by rain on Saturday night, and again punctuated by a major pop-up rainstorm on Sunday, postponing five…

Woodstock Revel in patriotic events throughout Woodstock. From traditional fireworks and barbecues to historic activities and games.  Fireworks begin July 4, at 6 p.m. at Billings Park and surrounding area. Rutland Fireworks will start at dusk at Northwood Park July 2 from 8:30-10 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, July 9.  Ludlow Fireworks start at…

  Perhaps the biggest surprise of the legislature’s return last week was that the session was just one day in duration.  Legislators were told to reserve June 20-22 if they were called back to take up any vetoes by the Governor, following the May 12 adjournment for the regular session. Some hinted that the special…

   All Brains Belong, a leading organization dedicated to supporting neurodivergent  individuals, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a significant grant from the Vermont  Dept. of Health. The grant allows All Brains Belong to expand its capacity and enhance its  services, aiming to address health inequity for neurodivergent Vermonters.   The grant…

  As most adults know, even a small contingent of cantankerous kiddoes stuck at home can wreak havoc: turning lamps into projectiles, beds into trampolines, and all species of house pets into scaredy-cats. For that kind of mayhem, grownups need to muster up some major magic. They need a solid action plan, one that keeps…

  The Attorney General’s Office announced June 22 that Michael Dubois, 35, of Proctor was arraigned today on seven felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. The charges brought against  Dubois are the result of a criminal investigation, including the execution of search warrants into  Dubois’ residence and online data accounts, conducted by…

  By Katy Savage In an attempt to move on from turmoil, Killington’s search and rescue team (KSAR) will fall under the purview of the police department going forward, moving away from the fire department. Killington Police Chief Whit Montgomery will become the new head of search and rescue. He plans to name a volunteer…

  By Curt Peterson The Killington Select Board approved the FY2024 municipal tax rate Monday night, at $.5444, a very slight increase over the current year FY2023 rate of $.5436, according to Town Manager Chet Hagenbarth. To calculate your property's municipal tax, multiply $0.5444 times every $100 of property value on the grand list. For…

  By Bonnie Kim Donahue  Much of landscape maintenance in summer is devoted to mowing lawns.  Traditional lawns in the Northeast are typically made up of a mix of turfgrasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye and fine fescues. Seed mixes often include a mix of species to provide full lawn cover in spite of…