Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) today announced Southern State Correctional Facility (SSCF) Superintendent Michaela Merrill returned to her role of Superintendent following a Department of Human Resources (DHR) investigation that concluded an allegation of misconduct to be unfounded. Per department and state policy, any and all allegations of misconduct must be immediately and automatically referred to DHR for review. DHR initiated the investigation at SSCF on July 17, 2025. Superintendent Merrill joined the Department in April 2003 and assumed the role of Superintendent in December 2023.  

Vermont Business Magazine Cathedral Square has received a $25,000 gift from Charlotte Congregational Church to support their Housing Incentive Program (HIP). This donation will help fund Cathedral Square's innovative initiative designed to support residents transitioning from homelessness to stable, long-term affordable housing. HIP launched in December 2024 to address Vermont's homelessness crisis by providing comprehensive support to individuals and families during the critical transition period after securing housing. The program offers embedded support services, wellness programs, community programs, monetary incentives, emergency funds, and a resident advisory group to ensure participants receive the critical support they need to stay housed during this vulnerable time.

Vermont Business Magazine Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, KOOL 105, and the Vermont Lake Monsters have teamed up again to present the 4th annual Ta-Kum-Ta Softball-a-thon at Delta Dental Diamond at Centennial Field on September 20th. This all-day event includes hourly softball games through friendly competition, all to support local families impacted by childhood cancer. The day is for the whole family, as there will be lawn games, face painting, and a Touch-A-Truck from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., along with food and non-alcoholic drinks for purchase from East Coast Ice, Shelburne Tap House, Urban Coffee Retreat, and pizza from the ballpark. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the new Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion federal initiative to modernize rural health care infrastructure across the nation. The Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHS) announced today that the state, working across agencies and in alliance with providers and community partners, will submit an application for funding. This initiative will provide long-term investments in health care facilities, technology, and workforce development—not direct service funding—giving Vermont the tools to create a stronger, more sustainable health system. The Rural Health Transformation Program has the potential to bring in at least $500 million to Vermont over the next five years, AHS stated.

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont has named Richard L. Page, M.D., Dean of the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, as its inaugural Chief Medical Affairs Officer. In an increasingly complex environment around medicine and medical education, this role will help the university strengthen its strategic and material responsiveness to its land-grant mission and the well-being of the state. Dr. Page will continue to serve as Dean of Larner, with oversight of more than 1,000 faculty members and nearly $100 million in research awards. In this capacity, he will report to Linda Schadler, UVM interim Provost and Senior Vice President. As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Page will report to UVM President Marlene Tromp and serve as a member of the President’s Leadership Council. 

Vermont Business Magazine A Paramedic Training Program serving organizations and communities across University of Vermont Health Network and supported by state and federal funding is working to address a longstanding challenge for rural health care by expanding access to education for aspiring paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and reliable access to advanced first responder care for communities throughout Vermont and northern New York. Expanding access to high-quality, affordable first responder education is crucial as health care organizations look to address a crisis of paramedic and EMS shortages across rural communities nationwide.

VermontBiz Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, joined U.S. Representatives Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10) and Alma Adams (D-NC-12) in reintroducing the bicameral Capital for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act, legislation to help new farmers and ranchers address early financial challenges. The legislation directs the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to develop a multi-year loan pilot program to address financing challenges for beginning farmers and ranchers who often face immediate financial hurdles during their first years of operation. 

“Supporting aspiring and beginner farmers is key to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our food systems and the health and welfare of our communities. Start-up funds are vital to building a business in any industry, and farming is no exception. Yet for many beginning farmers—especially first-generation and farmers of color—financial barriers can make it difficult to break ground on their farm,” said Senator Welch. “Our bicameral bill will make it easier for beginning farmers in Vermont, North Carolina, Washington, and across the country to start and maintain farming operations.” 

VermontBiz Governor Philip Scott has proclaimed September Vermont Loves Shelter Animals Month, a critical effort as the state commits to maintain its no-kill* achievement. The proclamation underlines Vermont’s commitment to ending the unnecessary killing of dogs and cats in the state’s shelters and working towards a time when there are no more homeless pets. 

With this proclamation, Vermont joins 17 other states in an effort to unify and mobilize the public to help get dogs and cats out of shelters and into loving homes. Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s and make the country no-kill, welcomes this affirmation of the state's continued pet lifesaving efforts. 

VermontBiz The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is now accepting applications for the 29th year of funding through the Better Roads Grant Program to support projects on municipal roads that improve water quality and result in maintenance cost savings. The grant funds are provided by AOT in partnership with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. The Vermont Better Roads Program promotes the use of erosion control and maintenance techniques that save money while protecting and enhancing water quality throughout the state.

VermontBiz – For the 15th year in a row, Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel, Darn Tough Vermont, and Smartwool have joined forces to donate more than $19,000 worth of socks and financial support to local agencies serving low-income individuals and families. This long-standing partnership helps ensure that neighbors across the region have access to warm Merino wool socks and vital resources as the colder months approach.

From August 28–30, Lenny’s hosted its 15th annual Charity Sock Sale. During the three-day event, Lenny’s pledged a monetary donation for every pair of Darn Tough Vermont and Smartwool socks sold. In addition, both Darn Tough Vermont and Smartwool contributed boxes of socks to be distributed.

VermontBiz Another big year and another big day at the Big E is coming this Saturday, September 20th!  The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets invites you to Vermont Day at the Big E, an exciting event that takes place annually at the Vermont Building on the Avenue of States at the Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts. During Vermont Day, you’ll find 25 Vermont vendors set up to serve you inside, plus 14 more on the front lawn of the historic Vermont Building. 

“The front lawn of the Vermont Building at the Big E will feel just like one of the local farmers markets you’d find in the Green Mountain State,” said Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts. “We’re excited to showcase the incredible variety of food, products, crafts, and activities that come straight from the heart of our Vermont communities. After enjoying the outdoor experience, visitors will want to step inside for even more activities, food and fun — what we like to call a Taste of Vermont.”

VermontBiz Average gasoline prices in Burlington have risen 7.0 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.27/g today, according to GasBuddy's survey of 100 stations in Burlington. Prices in Burlington are 15.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 3.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 2.6 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.658 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Burlington was priced at $3.14/g yesterday while the most expensive was $3.35/g, a difference of 21.0 cents per gallon. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.99/g while the highest was $3.35/g, a difference of 36.0 cents per gallon.