Current News

​Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Health Care’s (SVHC) Medical Matters Weekly with Dr. Trey Dobson—a weekly interactive, multiplatform medical-themed talk show—will feature Southwestern Vermont Medical Center’s Director of Population Health Rory Price, MPH, on its October 13 program. The show will air at 12 p.m. She will share results from the Community Health Needs Assessment conducted earlier this year.

Vermont Business Magazine During a visit to the Vermont Indigenous Heritage Center on Monday, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) announced a $250,000 grant to make improvements to the center’s home at the Ethan Allen Homestead. On hand for the announcement were Dr. Fred Wiseman, whose personal collection of artifacts forms the main portion of the collection; Phelan Fretz, executive director of the Leahy ECHO Center; and Nick Warner of the Winooski Valley Park District (WVPD).

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health on Monday reported 222 COVID-19 cases (up four from Sunday) and no additional deaths for 335 statewide. This is the fifth consecutive day with cases over 200. There were 41 people hospitalized (up seven) with 12 in the ICU (up three). Cases in the southern four counties which have been high in recent days fell back today. But cases were relatively high in Caledonia, Orleans and Washington counties.

by Jean Waltz, District Central School Board Commissioner, Burlington In 1997, in Brigham v. State, the Vermont Supreme Court concluded that the Vermont constitution requires the provision of substantially equal educational opportunity to all students. The court declared the state’s education funding system unconstitutional because it resulted in wide disparities in per-pupil expenditures.

Within months of this decision, the legislature created a new educational funding system that acknowledged circumstances that impede educational outcomes. Educational costs to address and counter effect these factors were, in good faith, projected. Monetary projections were “weighed” and assigned a percentage of funds reflective of an addition to the base “per pupil” cost—a funding effort that’s now referred to as “pupil weights.”

Despite this effort, legislators noted student performance disparities and, in 2018, commissioned a study.

Vermont Business Magazine For organizations getting the word out about essential programs, creating compelling press materials and working with media organizations has become a critical part of the success of worthy nonprofit endeavors. As part of the Media Mentoring Project, a series of workshops produced by Vermont Independent Media, publisher of The Commons, two professionals who have experience in doing so successfully will be available to coach workshop participants in creating communications that are accurate, professional, compelling, and — most importantly — effective.

Vermont Business Magazine Norwich University is honored to welcome Col Adam T. Rice, 158th Fighter Wing Vice Commander and Norwich University alumnus, Class of 1991 in a private ceremony Oct. 16 to dedicate an F-16 display at Sabine Field. This miniature aircraft display will commemorate 75 years of partnerships between the Vermont Air National Guard (ANG), Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 867, and Norwich University.

Vermont Business Magazine This morning, Lieutenant Governor Gray released the following statement on Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2021: “Today, across Vermont, we recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day. Across this nation, and here in Vermont, we commemorate the rich history and culture of Indigenous Peoples’ and recommit ourselves to enacting policies and practices that promote and respect cultural equity."

Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets October is National Farm to School Month - an apt time to step back and appreciate all the farmers, supply chain workers, food service professionals, childcare providers, educators and administrators that have been carrying out the heroic work of keeping kids fed during this pandemic. From everyone at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, a huge thank you.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health on Sunday reported 218 COVID-19 cases (down 26 from Friday) and no additional deaths for 335 statewide. This is the fourth consecutive day with cases over 200. There were 34 people hospitalized (up four) with nine in the ICU (up one). Cases and fatalities remain high in the southern four counties. Cases today were also high again in Orleans and Washington counties.

​Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Electric Co-operative (VEC) is urging members to act immediately if they need financial assistance from the Vermont COVID Arrearage Assistance Program (VCAAP II) for past due utility bills. The program, known as VCAAP II, is administered by the state of Vermont and is designed to help Vermonters who have suffered economic hardship due to COVID-19. Hundreds of VEC members have already caught up on past due bills through this important program.

by Kelly Nottermann When Rebecca and Joe Pimentel moved to Vermont, they envisioned a life of organic farming and raising their family close to the land. The pair began growing organic produce and trucking the fruits and vegetables to Massachusetts. They thought one day they might set up a teepee village and offer yoga on the farm. Then Will Raap called.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health on Saturday reported 244 COVID-19 cases (up 39 from Friday) and three additional deaths for 335 statewide. This is the third consecutive day with cases over 20. There were 30 people hospitalized (down two) with eight in the ICU (unchanged). Cases and fatalities remain high in the southern four counties. Cases also have been elevated recently in Franklin, Orleans, Rutland and Washington counties.