This Week’s News
Rutland NAACP pushes to ban sale of racist items after slavery-era shackles sighted at local gun show
BY ELLA RUEHSEN/VTDigger Rutland — A local branch of the NAACP is denouncing the sale of what appeared to be slave shackles at a gun show held last weekend at […]
What’s the deal with hardiness zones?
Lyn Des Marais is often asked about what plant should be planted where. Let’s start with the basics: hardiness zones of plants and shrubs, soil type, water needs, and the amount of sunlight needed are key facts to know before you plant.
Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region in search of nominations for the Board of Directors
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR), a not-for-profit board charged with championing economic development in its communities, is seeking engaged residents for appointment to its Board of Directors.
802 Opportunity Grant to offer free college tuition to Vermonters
The Community College of Vermont (CCV) and Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) are expanding a program to provide Vermonters with a debt-free college degree.
Questions abound following new arrest for Shane Bartshe
On the evening of Friday, August 12, Bartshe was arrested again, this time for disorderly conduct, after placing a chair in the middle of Route 7/Franklin Street. Brandon Police were able to peacefully detain Mr. Barthse, who has a history of violence, including a recent incident with Rutland City Police that left two officers injured.
Photos of the Week
Sports
Otter Valley puts up a fight, but loses in Championship game to powerhouse Woodstock
The Otter Valley football team made an unanticipated trip to the Vermont Division 3 championship game but lost 65–14 to a fast and dominating Woodstock team that featured 13 seniors.
OV football stuns BFA Fairfax; will play division championship
Last Saturday, in a show of outstanding football, the Otter Valley Otters defeated the BFA Fairfax Bullets in a show of stellar offense and gutsy defense. On a raw day with occasional sleet, a crowd of 300 showed up in Fairfax to witness the semifinal game which looked to be a sure thing for the Bullets, who were undefeated at 10-0 versus the Otters at 5-4.
OV Football wins big in playoffs, moves to state semis
Isaac Whitney had a huge game, gaining 180 yards and scoring 4 touchdowns to lead the Otter Valley football team to a 46–14 playoff win over rival Mill River Saturday night under the new lights at Markowski Field.
Local group proposes multi-town community rec center
On a rainy Sunday afternoon, a bunch of middle-aged friends in Pittsford want to play some pick-up basketball. Or some older folks want to continue their daily exercise walks when the snow is knee deep outside in winter. Or some kids want to play volleyball but the school gyms are all closed. Where can they go?
‘Game Seekers’: local hunters use online platforms to reach an audience
Fall in Vermont means foliage, cider, pumpkins, and, for a good number of our neighbors, hunting. Every year, people across the state pick up their bows and rifles and head out into the woods, hoping to bag a big-antlered buck or a fat, feathered turkey.

