Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported July 2 that COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are still considered "Low." Total cases for the week were up slightly, while hospitalizations declined. Levels in June were near their lowest since a surge in cases that began last August. There have been 14 deaths in June attributed to COVID so far after 32 in May. May saw an increase in fatalities from April and March. June had the fewest COVID fatalities since last July (2).

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Scott, Speaker Krowinsky and the Vermont Democratic Party released the following statements following the news of the passing of Democratic State Representative Warren Kitzmiller

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Catholic magazine and the Diocese of Burlington’s communications team continued their long-time winning streak as together they earned 10 awards at the 2022 Catholic Media Conference July 7 in Portland, Oregon.
“I am thrilled that the communication team’s efforts were once again recognized, nationally, by the Catholic Media Association,” said Ellen Kane, executive director of development and communications for the Diocese of Burlington and editor of Vermont Catholic magazine. “Their dedication and faith permeate everything they create, especially the ‘eye-catching’ designs noted in the judges’ comments throughout, lead by our art director, Mary-Margaret Carroll.”
For a half dozen years, Vermont Catholic has been named to the top tier of diocesan magazines.

Vermont Business Magazine The Pelletier Dam in Castleton, Vermont is scheduled to be removed by the end of this week. This derelict dam is located on North Breton Brook off of East Hubbardton Road and approximately 0.85 river miles upstream from the confluence with the Castleton River. The dam is stone, approximately 180 ft long by 20 ft high, and was originally built around 1792 to power an industrial marble mill (the Sherman Marble Mill complex). In addition to water power, the dam impoundment was also used for commercial ice harvesting. After the closing of the Marble Mill in this location, the dam was acquired by the State of Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department who recognize the ecological benefits of dam removal far outweigh the impoundment barrier that is currently blocking trout species from moving up and down North Breton Brook.

Vermont Business Magazine This July, Phoenix Books is hosting an exciting month-long scavenger hunt to find Waldo in participating local businesses. This sprawling scavenger hunt is a wonderful way to engage the community while underscoring the unique character of our neighborhoods, promoting our “Shop Local” message, and bolstering our shared sense of community in Essex and Essex Junction, VT. Throughout the month, there will be prizes awarded to the players, and Phoenix Books Essex will celebrate Waldo Weekend on July 30 and 31!
What is Find Waldo Local? For ten years, children’s book character Waldo, in his signature red-and-white-striped shirt and black glasses, has been visiting local communities across the country as part of an annual Find Waldo Local campaign. The month-long scavenger hunt for Waldo hosted by more than two hundred and fifty independent bookstores across the United States. Participating bookstores champion the “shop local” message by enlivening downtown areas with the community-wide activity, to which everyone—kids, parents, and Waldo-lovers of all ages—is invited to participate for free.

Vermont Business Magazine Shelburne Museum will be closed to the public on Tuesday, July 12 for the filming of ANTIQUES ROADSHOW. The filming of this sold-out antique appraisal event will take place all day throughout the museum campus.

Only those who hold tickets issued by ANTIQUES ROADSHOW will have access to the museum campus that day. Aside from those who already have tickets for the event, there is no public access to the museum. Around 3,000 pre-ticketed visitors are expected to be at the museum on timed intervals throughout the day to have their prized antiques appraised and for a chance to be on the show. ANTIQUES ROADSHOW will produce three one-hour episodes from the event at Shelburne Museum that will air on public television in 2023.

Produced by GBH, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW is PBS’s most-watched ongoing series and is seen by around 6 million viewers each week, airing Mondays at 8/7c p.m. on PBS.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott has appointed Kevin Gaffney as commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) and Emily Brown as the Department’s deputy commissioner of insurance.

The Department of Financial Regulation is charged with protecting consumers while ensuring industry partners in the areas of banking, insurance, securities and captive insurance operate responsibly, and can access information and guidance to do so in Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine In June, more than 85 Community Bank branches joined together to host a food drive in honor of National Hunger Awareness Month to collect nonperishable food items for local food pantries and food banks across its four-state footprint, which includes New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Massachusetts.

Throughout the month, donations poured in from bank staff, customers and community members. In total, the participating branches collected over 5,600 nonperishable items and over $360 in donations to support more than 100 food pantries and food banks.

“We’ve seen firsthand the difference that food pantries and food banks make in the communities we live and work in,” Corporate-Wide Culture & Diversity Officer Monticia Prather said. “It’s been an incredible experience to deliver the items to each organization and hear the impact the donation will have on our neighbors in need.”

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Mayor Miro Weinberger issued the following statement on Burlington’s first homicide this year, which occurred Thursday night near Luck Street.

“Last night’s shooting and murder is Burlington’s first homicide in more than two years. Yet it is one of many recent gunfire incidents, part of a very disturbing trend that has dramatically increased since 2020.

“The Burlington Police Department has begun the hard work of identifying, finding, and apprehending the shooter, and we offer condolences to the victim’s family and those mourning him.

Vermont Business Magazine More Vermonters will be exempt from paying state taxes on their Social Security benefits, thanks to new legislation signed by Gov. Phil Scott. The law, backed by AARP Vermont, will raise the Social Security tax income exemption threshold from $45,000 to $50,000 for single filers and from $60,000 to $65,000 for joint filers, meaning more residents will be able to receive their benefits without paying state taxes.

The law also creates a tax exclusion for the first $10,000 of retirement income earned each year from military pensions and certain retirement programs for low- and middle-income Vermonters. We were active in pushing the bill over the finish line, encouraging Vermont residents to reach out to their elected officials to voice support for the bill.