Current News

Vermont Business Magazine On May 12, the Vermont Department of Labor’s Workforce Development Division participated in a graduation ceremony held by Vermont Technical College, honoring the 164 individuals graduating from the Registered Apprenticeship Program. The graduates came from all areas of Vermont, with every county represented, ranging in age from 20 to nearly 60 years old. The participants were each presented with a nationally recognized certification in their field, securing a career path for each. Registered Apprentices are paid while they learn and take coursework as a part of their program. This years’ graduates will be moving into occupations specializing in the electrical, plumbing, industrial sewing, and advanced manufacturing industries.

Vermont Business Magazine Due to new federal regulations, Vermont public water systems need to inventory the drinking water service lines that connect homes and buildings to the water main by October 16, 2024. The inventory of this vital infrastructure will help systems find and remove harmful lead service lines that deliver water to Vermonters. As the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recognizes Infrastructure Week, May 15 – 19, 2023, members of the public can support this important public health work by responding promptly if a water system professional contacts them to schedule a quick water line check.

Vermont State Police The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office has completed its autopsy findings regarding the March 23, 2023, death of Darrel Jones while in custody at the Bennington Police Department. The office determined that the cause of Jones’s death was acute mixed drug intoxication including fentanyl, heroin and cocaine, and the manner of death was an accident. The Vermont State Police investigation into this incident concluded that Jones had drugs concealed in his person when he was taken into custody by the Bennington Police Department. He subsequently ingested a large amount of drugs while in a holding cell before he experienced extreme medical distress and died in the cell.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) today announced Southern State Correctional Facility Superintendent Mike Lyon will immediately return to his position at the Springfield facility after an independent investigation determined a recent allegation of misconduct to be unfounded. Interim Superintendent Monique Sullivan will resume her position as Living Unit Supervisor.