Current News

​Vermont Business Magazine Castleton University interim president Dr. Jonathan Spiro announced his plans to retire at Monday's Vermont State Colleges System Board of Trustees meeting. Spiro successfully led Castleton through the most difficult period in the University's modern history as the pandemic forced classes online, canceled cherished events and traditions, and created pressures on nearly every aspect of the University. Dr Thomas Mauhs-Pugh has accepted the position of interim resident, effective January 3, 2022.

Vermont Business Magazine Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette works with Security Guard Joshua Scheffler to empty the MedSafe box in the lobby of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. In the 4 years since its installation in the main lobby of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, the MedSafe collection box has facilitated retrieval of 2,000 pounds of unwanted medications from homes and the street. The specialized box is available to the public 24 hours each day.

Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) and Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) have announced that each of its five primary care practices in Vermont—SVMC Deerfield Valley Campus in Wilmington, SVMC Internal Medicine in Bennington, SVMC Northshire Campus in Manchester, SVMC Pediatrics in Bennington, and SVMC Pownal Campus in Pownal—have achieved recognition for providing personalized, effective, and efficient primary care. The medical practices have been re-designated as Patient Centered Medical Homes by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

​Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), Vermont’s statewide organization supporting education for Vermonters beyond high school, has received a significant five-year funding extension for its Educational Opportunity Center, which helps Vermont adult learners connect with college and workforce training. The $2.9 million federal grant allows the EOC to continue its work through 2026. The EOC was founded in 1991 and has helped more than 60,000 adult Vermonters over the last three decades.

by Rob Roper When the Vermont House of Representatives returns in January, one of the first orders of business they will take up is a constitutional amendment called Proposal 5. Proposal 5 is being sold as a statewide protection for women’s rights guaranteed under Roe v. Wade. This isn’t an accurate portrayal of what Proposal 5 would do. In fact, Proposal 5 is a legal mess that no one on either side of the abortion debate should be okay with.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health on Monday reported 246 cases of COVID-19. On Sunday the VDH reported a record 643 cases. On Saturday, the VDH reported 539 cases of COVID-19, which had been the third highest total since the start of the pandemic. There were 482 cases of COVID-19 Friday. The previous record was 635 on December 1. All of the highest case numbers have occurred since November 3, 2021. The VDH also today reported no additional COVID-related deaths, which stand at 417 statewide.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced that Secretary of Human Services Mike Smith will retire at the end of the year, after his second stint leading the state’s largest agency. In addition to its role in the pandemic response, the Agency of Human Services oversees six state departments, twelve district offices, and a network of community partners and providers. It is responsible for the implementation and delivery of all human service programs within the state. Each department has a distinct area of focus and responsibility and contributes to the creation and sustenance of an entire system of human service supports. Deputy Human Services Secretary Jenney Samuelson will serve as interim secretary following Secretary Smith’s departure.

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont Medical Center is adjusting its visitation policy to reflect current COVID-19 conditions in the area and protect the health and safety of patients, staff and the community. This new policy will go into effect on Wednesday, December 8. The following policies apply to everyone entering UVM Medical Center: Masks must be worn at all times when in the building, this includes visitors who are sleeping while staying overnight. Inpatient waiting rooms are now closed. UVMMC will allow a maximum of 2 designated support people to visit per hospital stay. For adult inpatient units: Two healthy designated support people are permitted per hospital stay. Only 1 may visit per day. No visitors are permitted if patient is COVID+ or PUI unless in end of life care. Every effort will be made to facilitate remote visitation.

Vermont Business Magazine United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced the Department is investing $15 million to reduce the impacts of climate change on rural communities in New Hampshire and Vermont. With the enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and as part of the broader Build Back Better agenda, the Biden-Harris Administration has made investing in rural communities, creating good-paying jobs and combatting the climate crisis top priorities.

Vermont Business Magazine Today the Champlain Housing Trust announced the organization received a $500,000 grant from NeighborWorks America to support its signature shared equity homeownership program. The grant, just one of two made nationwide, will support Champlain Housing Trust’s efforts to expand affordable homeownership opportunity to 40 households and keep those homes affordable for subsequent buyers over time. The program was recognized with a United Nations World Habitat Award for its ingenuity and sustainability, and was recently featured in TIME Magazine, and has delivered on its promise of many benefits.

Vermont Business Magazine Well-documented natural gas pipeline constraints, coupled with global supply chain issues related to deliveries of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), are placing New England’s power system at heightened risk heading into the winter season, according to ISO New England Inc., operator of the region’s power grid. The ISO expects to have the resources needed to meet consumer demand if the winter is mild, but a severe prolonged cold snap could necessitate emergency actions if power-producing resources lack access to the fuel they need to operate. NOAA is expecting a warmer than average winter. ISO New England anticipates demand for electricity will peak at 19,710 megawatts (MW) during average winter weather conditions of 10°F, and 20,349 MW if temperatures reach below average conditions of 5°F. These projections are both about 2 percent lower than last year’s forecasts.

Vermont Business Magazine Burlington School District (BSD) invites students, staff, family members, and members of the greater Burlington community to apply to be a member of BSD’s LGBTQ+ Task Force. The group will meet biweekly beginning in January 2022 to better understand the District’s strengths and areas for improvement in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and create and implement a set of recommendations that will inform actions in the District’s new strategic plan. Applications to join the Task Force are being accepted now.