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
Namaste! Yoga options increase in our area
Yoga is a set of ancient practices, with origins in the Indian subcontinent thousands of years ago. The word itself means “union” in Sanskrit and is related to the English word “yoke,” in the sense of “to join together.”
OV’s Brooke Kimball named Unified Basketball Coach of the Year by Southern VT League
What really matters about sports? 2025 Southern Vermont League Unified Basketball Coach of the Year Brooke Kimball of Otter Valley said, “I love how much joy it brings.”
Nesobe Golf Club is no longer a “Hidden Gem”
Neshobe Golf Club hosted the 96th New England Amateur Championship with the best golfers in New England competing over three days.
A new generation of duckies takes the podium
The last few racing seasons, and all their attendant scandals, have left the local duckie community feeling unsettled.
Nifty Thrifty sponsors swim lessons for July 4th Duckies
Every July, hundreds of rubber duckies from all over the world descend upon Brandon for the Independence Day Duckie Race on the Neshobe River.

