Current News

by Ben Kinsley Governor Scott says the Act 73 School Redistricting Task Force “failed” because it refused to deliver a mandatory consolidation map that would force Vermont into a handful of mega-districts. Respectfully, I disagree with this assessment. To assess if the task force failed its mission, we should agree on what that mission was. Was it to reduce the number of school boards? Create more opportunities for students? Or, generate cost savings? Those are three distinct goals. While some may argue that the former was the letter of the law (Act 73 in this case) most will agree that the latter two were the intent of the law. By those measures, the Task Force succeeded in its mission.

by Fiona Medeiros, Community News Service Winter rushed in last week with parts of Chittenden County seeing nearly a half a foot of snow. But that’s no obstacle for the year-round cyclists who see winter as merely an invitation to swap their nice, expensive rides for ‘beater bikes,’ and to remember to charge their bike lights. Whether it’s to and from work, picking up the kids or running errands, year-round cyclists prove that it can be done without using a car.

Vermont Business Magazine Generator Makerspace has announced the return of its Holiday Maker Market, a festive celebration of creativity, community, and local craftsmanship. The event will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 12–4 PM at Generator, 40 Sears Lane in Burlington. Admission is free and open to all ages. This year’s market brings together an inspiring lineup of local makers, artists, and craftspeople offering one-of-a-kind, handmade wares — perfect for anyone looking to shop local and find meaningful gifts this holiday season. Shoppers can expect handcrafted jewelry, unique wearables, artistic prints, outdoor goods, home décor, and more, all created by members of Vermont’s vibrant maker community.

Vermont Business Magazine GasBuddy today reports that the national average price of gasoline has fallen below $3 per gallon for the first time since May 2021— marking a significant milestone for motorists as the country heads deeper into the winter driving season. According to GasBuddy data, average prices have fallen in all 50 states over the last seven days, an exceptionally rare and broad-based retreat. Vermont is at $3.12 per gallon, down 1 cent from last week, up 3 cents from last month and down 1 cent/g from last year, according to AAA.

by Patti Kellogg, Community News Service A wide variety of trees frame the sidewalks of Burlington, providing both beauty and environmental benefits. Urban trees help lower the temperature in cities, sequester carbon to help with climate change and can even help economically by raising property values and shading buildings to lessen the need for cooling. City trees face many challenges, though, ranging from invasive species to climate change and road salt. One invasive insect recently threatened these urban forests, the term generally used to describe trees planted along streets and in parks and other spaces. That species is the emerald ash borer. Emerald ash borers kill ash trees within a few years of infestation. That prospect was bad news for Burlington, where ash trees represented about 9% of the trees planted by the city in Burlington’s green belts.

Vermont Business Magazine Rural Community Transportation (RCT) and Green Mountain Transit (GMT) are pleased to announce the upcoming transfer of rural transportation services in Franklin and Grand Isle counties, assuring riders that all current routes, schedules and services will continue seamlessly without any disruption or changes.  Beginning January 1st, 2026, RCT will assume responsibility for all fixed-route bus services in Franklin and Grand Isle counties, except for the Franklin County Commuter originating in Burlington, which will continue to be operated by GMT.

by Max Handelman, Community News Service Across six sites in Vermont’s forests, Savannah Ferreira and her team of trappers are on the lookout for six-legged invaders. If the rogues establish a stronghold here, they will pillage tree habitats and hold sugar producers hostage. The trappers cloak lures in forest camouflage to spring on their would-be enemy: the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). Should the trappers prevail, the pest won’t establish a beachhead here. Fail, and the results would be ruinous. Ecologists must cut down or burn every tree at an ALB infestation site to quarantine further spread. In Worcester, MA, one of the closest infestations to Vermont, 30,000 trees have been removed due to ALB reports since 2008.

Vermont Business Magazine TSS Advisors, the largest professional advisory firm in the Upper Connecticut River Valley and a partner on the Ascend platform, has acquired John G. Burk & Associates, based in Keene, New Hampshire. This strategic combination unites two firms with deep regional roots, long-standing client relationships, and shared values grounded in people-first cultures. The move enhances TSS’s reach throughout southern New Hampshire and further strengthens its specialized services in tax, audit, and business advisory solutions for privately held businesses, nonprofits, and individuals throughout the region.

Vermont Business Magazine Molly Gray, Executive Director of the Vermont Afghan Alliance released the following statement in response to President Trump calling for a “re-examination” of all Afghan nationals who came to the U.S. following the withdrawal from Afghanistan: “The Vermont Afghan Alliance condemns the horrific shooting of national guard members in Washington, DC by a suspected Afghan national, living in the United States. An act of one individual, on his own, cannot be attributed to an entire community or nationality. 

by Alana Dutcher-Hirsch, Community News Service You might expect a high-end bourbon to come from Tennessee or Kentucky, yet innovatively, High Drive Distillery in Hardwick is proving that fine whiskey can be made right here in Vermont. Operating out of North Hardwick Farm, the distillery has released its first fully organic, farm-grown bourbon, crafted entirely from grains grown on-site. For over 50 years, North Hardwick Farm operated as a dairy operation. The 300-acre farm on Bridgman Hill Road was founded by Steve and Patty Meyer in the 1970s. Brothers Nick and Taylor Meyer had grown up on the family farm. In 2019 they decided to chart a new course for the business which was struggling financially.

by Elise Coyle, Community News Service Surrounded by a sea of blue waves, the 220-foot steamboat Ticonderoga looks like it is ready to leave port. But the waves aren’t from nearby Lake Champlain; they’re made from yards of festive lights. The Shelburne Museum’s winter display came alight Nov. 21. It’s the fifth year for the experience, this time featuring updates such as an interactive station for kids, a model train and weathervanes on the round barn. The museum invites visitors to “bundle up and stroll the museum’s grounds, where iconic landmarks are transformed into a glittering wonderland.” The event coats the museum’s buildings and gardens in twinkling strands of lights – from a glowing big top circus tent to a garden of multicolored baubles.

Vermont Business Magazine As the holiday season begins and kitchens across Vermont warm up with great food and wine, 5th Quarter Butcher + Provisions (Waitsfield) and The Local: Wine + Beer (Middlesex / Waitsfield) are teaming up to give back with a weeklong online auction and a one-night-only benefit dinner. 100% of proceeds will directly benefit Community Harvest of Central Vermont. The centerpiece of the fundraiser is an online auction running December 1–7, featuring an extraordinary lineup of rare and vintage wines generously donated from the private cellar of Mad River local Larry Consenstein. The auction provides an accessible way for wine enthusiasts from Vermont and beyond to contribute to the critical work of feeding Vermonters this holiday season.