Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health on Sunday reported 218 COVID-19 cases (down 26 from Friday) and no additional deaths for 335 statewide. This is the fourth consecutive day with cases over 200. There were 34 people hospitalized (up four) with nine in the ICU (up one). Cases and fatalities remain high in the southern four counties. Cases today were also high again in Orleans and Washington counties.

​Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Electric Co-operative (VEC) is urging members to act immediately if they need financial assistance from the Vermont COVID Arrearage Assistance Program (VCAAP II) for past due utility bills. The program, known as VCAAP II, is administered by the state of Vermont and is designed to help Vermonters who have suffered economic hardship due to COVID-19. Hundreds of VEC members have already caught up on past due bills through this important program.

by Kelly Nottermann When Rebecca and Joe Pimentel moved to Vermont, they envisioned a life of organic farming and raising their family close to the land. The pair began growing organic produce and trucking the fruits and vegetables to Massachusetts. They thought one day they might set up a teepee village and offer yoga on the farm. Then Will Raap called.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health on Saturday reported 244 COVID-19 cases (up 39 from Friday) and three additional deaths for 335 statewide. This is the third consecutive day with cases over 20. There were 30 people hospitalized (down two) with eight in the ICU (unchanged). Cases and fatalities remain high in the southern four counties. Cases also have been elevated recently in Franklin, Orleans, Rutland and Washington counties.

by David Martins, Director of the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition “Out of storm and manifold perils rose an enduring state, the home of freedom and unity.” These words are the epitaph printed on the gravestone of the first Governor of Vermont, Thomas Chittenden. The phrase serves as an acknowledgement of the determination and resolve that motivated the first Vermonters during the formative years of our state. Time and again this commitment to leave no Vermonter behind has been recognized and celebrated as a defining characteristic of our state. It is that same spirit that continues to drive Vermonters today, and inspires our commitment to legislation that addresses rental housing safety. Too many Vermonters are being left behind.

Vermont Business Magazine On October 10th , Vermonters will join others across the world to recognize World Mental Health Day, designed to enhance awareness, reduce stigma, highlight services, and promote advancements in mental health. The event is drawing special interest this year, as the pandemic has highlighted that mental health is fundamental to well-being and the need for services is great.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Army National Guard will begin public tours of Camp Ethan Allen Training Site on Oct. 22. Those interested in participating in the public tour can find more information, including registration details, at www.vtguard.com/CEATS. The tour will include an overview of the Vermont Army National Guard organization and capabilities, a visit to the construction site of a new Army Mountain Warfare School and a stop at the renowned biathlon course.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation is inviting Vermont elementary schools to name the state’s big orange snowplows. The Agency received many inquiries from the public last winter about whether it would consider naming its snowplows. The new Name a Plow program offers an opportunity for children to put on their thinking caps and come up with creative names for AOT’s snowplows. The fleet has 250 full-size plows, and the Agency will aim to match every participating school with a truck.

Vermont Business Magazine Union Bank announced Thursday the opening of its newest full-service branch located in Shelburne Village at 5068 Shelburne Rd. (formerly a Citizens Bank branch location). Although national banks service the community, Union Bank is now the sole Vermont-domiciled bank located in Shelburne Village and is the leading bank for mortgages in the state.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today reported 283 COVID-19 cases (down four from Thursday) and four additional deaths for 332 statewide. This is the second consecutive day with cases near 300. There were 32 people hospitalized (down three) with eight in the ICU (down one). Cases and fatalities remain high in the southern four counties. Bennington County has had seven deaths in the last 14 days and Rutland County has had 377 cases during that time. Orleans County also has had elevated case counts, but no deaths in the last two weeks.

Vermont Business Magazine Mike Smith, Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Human Services, announced today that Governor Phil Scott is appointing Nicholas (Nick) J Deml as the new Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Corrections (Vermont DOC). Deml will fill the role currently occupied by Interim Commissioner Jim Baker, who took the Vermont DOC leadership position in January 2020. At the time, Commissioner Baker was planning to serve in the role for just 90 days.

Vermont Business Magazine On Wednesday night, an incident occurred during a Girl’s volleyball game between South Burlington (SBHS) and Burlington High Schools (BHS) in which racial and transphobic slurs were directed toward Burlington players. The referee was alerted of the incident and stopped play of the match to speak with the coaches and players. After confirming with coaches, it was determined that significant harm was done and the decision was made to stop the match, with Burlington coaches helping their players leave the court.