Current News

Vermont Agency of Transportation This weekly report is a list of planned construction activities that will have traffic impacts on state highways throughout Vermont for the week of November 7, 2022. Please remember to drive safely in all work zones. Lives depend on it.

Vermont Agency of Transportation VTrans will continue bridge deck replacement of Mother’s Bridge over Lake Champlain between North Hero Island and South Alburg. Traffic impacts will be limited to an occasional one-way alternating traffic pattern under flagger control for the remainder of the 2022 construction season. During the 2023 construction season, the traffic pattern across the bridge will consist of full-time alternating one lane traffic regulated by temporary traffic signals. The project is expected to be completed in the winter of 2024.

Vermont Agency of Transportation US Route 2 at the temporary drawbridge is open to two lanes of traffic. The contractor is generally working from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Saturday. The seasonal operating schedule for the drawbridge has ended. Now through November 15, 2022, the temporary drawbridge will be de-constructed. There will be a vertical height restriction during this time. Vessels that can pass under the bridge without an opening may do so if at least four-hour notice is given by calling the bridge tender. Completion of the permanent drawbridge is expected in the spring of 2023.

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont’s College of Education and Social Services (CESS) and the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) will honor outstanding educators throughout Vermont and Vermont’s 2023 Teacher of the Year at the 42nd annual Outstanding Educators Day on Wednesday, November 9 at the University of Vermont (UVM). Hosted by CESS and AOE, the event is a culmination of each organization’s longstanding annual ceremonies honoring Vermont educators.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is reporting that several important fall foods for wildlife are less abundant this year, following the bountiful 2021 fall season. Fish and Wildlife biologists survey oak and beech stands around the state each fall season to assess how plentiful these important foods are for wildlife. Last year both acorns and beechnuts were plentiful across much of Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine Millennials have quickly become the leading generation of the United States over the past few years. This generation, born from 1981 to 1996, will become leaders in the workplace, and the biggest contributors to the economy. They will also continue to be political leaders and the drivers of social change. As they work towards this, it is important for millennials to live in the best environment. The good news for Vermont is that the state ranks 8th in the nation as the best state for Millennials; the bad news is Vermont has the fewest of them.

Vermont Business Magazine On October 26th, 2022, the Essex-based cannabis company, Magic Mann, received an email from the Cannabis Control Board. The email was a sign that the challenges faced in preparation for the company's future were well worth their efforts. Magic Mann has announced that its recreational dispensary is now licensed and opened to the public on November 2.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported November 2 that hospitalizations decreased from 76 to 47 last week, as overall COVID-19 cases fell from 585 to 532. COVID-19 infections are back down to a "Low" level, according to the VDH, after increasing hospitalizations had sent them to "Medium" the last few weeks (from a low of 30). There were 9 more COVID-related deaths since last week's report, for 25 in October and a pandemic total of 754

Vermont Business Magazine The Community Recovery and Revitalization Program (CRRP) will provide recovery funding for projects that spur economic recovery and revitalization to mitigate the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 in communities across the state. Program guidelines have now been posted on the ACCD website and the application will become available in the coming weeks. To best support entities preparing to apply, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) is hosting a series of five informational webinars unique to each eligible project type. All potential applicants are encouraged to attend live or watch the recordings prior to submitting their application.

by Mike Donoghue, Correspondent, VermontBiz Three Vermont men are part of a requested class action lawsuit filed in US District Court in Burlington against Bimbo Bakeries USA Inc. and its distribution arm on claims they repeatedly failed to pay premium wages for work beyond 40 hours a week. Arthur Provencher of South Hero, Michael McGuire of Colchester and Ronald Martel of Essex maintain they are falsely classified as independent contractors by Bimbo and Bimbo Food Bakeries Distribution LLC. Bimbo has about 30 listed brand names, including Freihofer's, Sara Lee, Thomas and Arnold, according to the company website.

Vermont Business Magazine Unveiled at its annual meeting and luncheon last week, the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) reflected on the 2022 fiscal year with its annual report. VEDA CEO Cassie Polhemus said the agency, in its 48th year, approved $160.9 million in new financings from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022. This equates to a 244 percent growth from the previous year, which was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.