Current News

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 194 cases of COVID-19 for Thursday, up 17 from Wednesday. The 7-day case average is 163 (see modeling update below). Hospitalizations and ICU stays have fallen dramatically the last few weeks. The CDC and Vermont are emphasizing serious health outcomes, such as hospitalizations and fatalities, and not overall cases, as the best measure of COVID's health impact at this time. There were three additional COVID-related deaths since yesterday, for 607 statewide; there was one in the 70-79 age range and two in the 80+ age group.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Weekly unemployment claims were up last week for the first time since the week after Christmas. Claims during the holidays typically result in a roller coaster of hirings and firings, to meet the ebb and flow of retail, before settling out after New Year.

Vermont State Police The Vermont State Police continues its investigation into the multi-car pileup with fatality resulting that occurred one week ago today on Interstate 89 in the town of Milton. Vermont State Police historians have researched this incident and determined it likely is the largest motor vehicle crash in Vermont history. To date, 36 vehicles have been identified as being directly involved in the crash. Roughly another 20 vehicles required a pull-back from a wrecker company after driving off the road to avoid collisions occurring in front of them; none of these 20 vehicles sustained damage.

Vermont Business Magazine The Ethan Allen Institute (EAI) has named Meg Hansen as the organization’s new president. She succeeds Rob Roper who led EAI for nine years. Hansen brings a wealth of experience in developing policy and media initiatives that give voice to the overlooked and unmet needs of middle class and working class Vermonters. She has an established record of effective community engagement and has her finger on the pulse of grassroots issues. The many thousands of people who have connected with Hansen are testament to her impactful career.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott along with the Vermont Department of Labor today celebrate Employee Appreciation Day in Vermont. Employee Appreciation is dedicated to giving thanks and recognition to employees across the state and country. The Department’s most recent labor market data shows there are 308,107 individuals employed in Vermont. Vermont’s workforce has a diversity of industries and opportunities, and these workers provide a great impact on Vermont’s local communities.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and other Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies joined Civica’s initiative to manufacture and distribute affordable insulins that, once approved, will be available to people living with diabetes at significantly lower prices than insulins currently on the market. The medications are expected to be available to all consumers for $30 or less per vial starting in 2024.

Vermont Business Magazine The Champlain Housing Trust announced today that they have come to an agreement with a Vermont philanthropist and community leader to develop 100 new homes in Hinesburg. Jan Blomstrann, the former owner of NRG Systems, will donate approximately 46 acres south of the Champlain Valley Union High School to support the development of affordable, sustainable, and inclusive housing close to the town center.

Vermont State Police As the investigation continues into Tuesday’s fatal shooting in St Johnsbury, the Vermont State Police has obtained an arrest warrant in relation to an assault that occurred prior to the shooting. Jerry Ramirez, 35, of Brooklyn, New York, is the subject of a warrant for felony aggravated assault. Judge Justin Jiron signed the warrant late Wednesday in Caledonia County criminal court and ordered Ramirez be held on $50,000 bail. Ramirez currently is in the custody of the New York State Police after he was hospitalized late Tuesday following a vehicle pursuit on the Taconic State Parkway in the town of Milan. Ramirez ultimately will be extradited to Vermont to face local charges.

​Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets has announced a new fund from the US Department of Agriculture augmenting the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center and the region’s dairy businesses. Vermont’s and this region's dairies will now have the opportunity to submit additional proposals for up to $20 million in American Rescue Plan funds to further support processing capacity expansion, on-farm improvements, and technical assistance to producers as part of an additional overall investment of $80 million in the Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives from USDA.

Vermont Business Magazine Burlington Mayor Weinberger announced Thursday that he is suspending the Burlington-Yaroslavl Sister City Relationship in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Established in 1988, the Burlington-Yaroslavl Sister City Program currently serves as an independent non-profit group to promote an exchange of culture between the two cities. Over the past 30 years, the two cities have facilitated exchanges and visits with students, business leaders, and athletes. The City of Burlington has long contributed $2,000 annually to the program’s budget.

Vermont Business Magazine The Campaign to End Qualified Immunity hosted a press conference at the Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop on Church Street in Burlington on Wednesday, March 2, demanding that legislators protect the civil rights of all Vermonters by passing S.254. This bill would end qualified immunity, the legal doctrine that shields police officers accused of misconduct from accountability and liability. The doctrine frequently prevents victims of police brutality from having their day in court.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) Wednesday evening held a statewide telephone town meeting to hear directly from Vermonters about the challenges they are facing and how the federal government can address the issues that matter most to them. Dr. Tim Lahey, an infectious disease physician at the UVM Medical Center, also joined the discussion to answer questions about the current state of COVID-19 in Vermont.