Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Childcare providers, both for profit and non-profit, are eligible for the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program. In this webinar, the SBA will explain how the PPP program works, connect providers with resource partners who can assist you with your application, and answer any questions providers have about the program.

Vermont State Police On Wednesday in St Albans, VSP Troopers responded to the above area for a single vehicle roll-over motor vehicle crash. The vehicle involved in the crash had been reported stolen a short time earlier and at the time of the crash was being pursued by a Swanton Village Police Officer.

Following the crash the operator, Richard Bosley, was taken into custody without further incident by the Swanton Officer and a VSP Trooper who had arrived to assist following the crash. Bosley was transported to NWMC where he is currently receiving treatment. VSP is only investigating the crash portion of this incident. Swanton Police Department is investigating all other aspects of this incident.

VERMONT STATE POLICE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

VSP CASE#: 21A200386 / Swanton PD case # 21SW00269

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Christopher Finley

STATION: St. Albans

CONTACT#: 524-5993

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today took additional actions to address and correct the tax form errors announced by the Vermont Department of Labor on Monday. Specifically, the governor has dispatched two senior-level tactical response teams to VDOL to expedite the response to the 1099-G tax form errors; asked State Auditor Doug Hoffer to conduct a performance audit to identify the root cause of the error and provide recommendations for long-term quality control improvements; and he has appointed a new deputy commissioner to help lead the department.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) has entered into a Stipulation and Consent Order with the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (Northwestern Mutual) for improperly calculating interest amounts that resulted in underpayments to life insurance policy beneficiaries.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 129 new cases of COVID-19 and three more deaths for a statewide total of 179. ALSO, VDH said that since the beginning of the pandemic, 29% of Vermont’s long-term care facilities (LTCF) have had at least one case of COVID-19. Outbreaks have been experienced by 17% of our long-term care facilities.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Mayor Miro Weinberger announced that Luke McGowan, Director of the City’s Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO), will leave the City to join the administration of President Joe Biden. Luke has accepted a position as a senior advisor on the White House Intergovernmental Affairs Team, where he will lead the stimulus and economic recovery efforts with state and local governments. That work will focus on implementing stimulus efforts, identifying new infrastructure projects, and ensuring that the economic recovery supports climate resilience and racial justice.

Vermont Business Magazine OneCare Vermont today responded with strong opposition to a suit filed this morning by Attorney General TJ Donovan on behalf of State Auditor Douglas Hoffer in Washington superior court requiring the organization to provide payroll, salary, and benefit information no other contractor or state partner is required to share. Although OneCare has already provided the state and the public with the compensation paid to every single OneCare executive, the Auditor is now seeking the pay of other OneCare employees. OneCare said in a statement today that it deems this suit a baseless overreach without purpose or merit.

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General TJ Donovan today filed a lawsuit on behalf of State Auditor Doug Hoffer against OneCare Vermont after the accountable care organization breached its contract with the State by repeatedly refusing to provide accounting records to the State Auditor.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced that the Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) has received more than $26 million in federal funding through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) to support public transit across the state.

The $26,772,119 award may be used to pay for 100% of public transit operations and vehicles. Most federal funds for public transit have a 20% or 50% non-federal funds match requirement, which usually comes from State and local resources. The CRRSAA funding will allow AOT to temporarily reduce the State and local funds needed for statewide transit service, allowing for more flexibility and resources to respond to the economic hardships and rebuilding costs associated with the COVID pandemic.

Vermont Research News A recent study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed people’s activities within nature. It found a significant increase in people’s engagement with nature through activities such as gardening, hiking, and wild-life watching as methods of stress-relief during this pandemic. Also, the key aspects of antibiotic stewardship include tracking antibiotic usage and reporting antibiotic use and resistance. And, watch for red and gray foxes in your own backyard; they don't like each other.

Vermont Business Magazine This first-ever grant program offers up to $500 to SoVTYP members through a competitive grant application process run by a volunteer selection committee. Some examples of eligible grant uses include acquiring a professional certification, continuing education or skills training through a local or online college, or attending professional conferences. These funds must be used for the advancement of the individual’s current profession or to pivot toward new career goals.

Vermont Business Magazine Norwich University continues its Todd Lecture Series with “True Grit: The Surprising, and Inspiring, Science of Success,” a live, virtual presentation by author and researcher Angela Duckworth with a moderated Q&A at 7 pm on Monday, February 15.