Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Coming out of the month-long Black Joy Project, JAG Productions will share its creative energy and healing power throughout the Upper Valley and beyond virtually this year during its annual fundraiser Juke Joint on November 14. The cabaret has been adapted to keep everyone safe while enjoying songs and soul food, ballads and beverages from the comfort of home. Tickets are $75 and include a single meal, cocktail, and the link to watch the virtual performance, or $20 for a ticket to view the show only.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health is reporting 24 new cases of COVID-19 today. The number of patients in the ICU statewide is down to two. The Health Department has developed a Holiday Travel Toolkit for Schools for use in helping families to consider their plans carefully to protect themselves and others. The toolkit offers resources to help Vermonters evaluate risk and tips for talking with family and friends about COVID safety.

​Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, today announced an advisory on social gatherings, strongly recommending they be limited to 10 or fewer people. Noting that Vermont has seen an increasing number of cases as a result of socializing, and many states are now pointing to private social gatherings as a contributor to spread of COVID-19, the State is providing firm recommendations to limit these types of events.

Vermont Business Magazine FEMA has approved $4,131,524 for the State of Vermont to help the Vermont Agency of Human Services defray the costs of preparing for and responding to COVID-19 under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. In response to the event, the state agency utilized contracts to execute the emergency sheltering as a protective measure to provide sheltering to A) the High-Risk population of Vermont, B) non-congregate housing sheltering for COVID-19.

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont Health Network said in a statement today that it has made additional progress in accessing schedules and continues to work on restoring systems impacted by last week's cyberattack event. UVM Medical Center President and COO Stephen Leffler, MD, said at a press briefing Friday afternoon that cancer patients are the most impacted. UVMMC has been most impacted and this includes the MyChart patient portal, but most patient services and all emergency services are available.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Weekly unemployment claims increased again last week after being near their lowest levels since the beginning of the pandemic. Claims increased by 44 to 750 (up 87 from the same time last year). The last time claims were under 500 was on March 7 when there were 446.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) announced Thursday the winners of the highway safety message contest. Cheryl Murray, 57, of Benson, submitted the winning entry in the fall round of the contest: “Don’t take the bait. That text can wait.” Maria Peña, 30, of Stowe, entered the contest with this message: “No need for speed. You can’t outrun winter.” This original message to slow down during winter driving conditions won over the AOT contest judges, who have awarded it the winter contest prize.

Vermont Business Magazine Several Vemont state senators issued a statement today urging Walmart to reverse course on not applying for hazard work grants on behalf of their employees. In part they said, “We are extremely disturbed to learn that Walmart has indicated they will not allow their Vermont employees to receive essential worker hazard pay grants. Their decision, cruel under any circumstances, is especially unthinkable since the grants are intended to thank essential workers who stayed on the job in high risk positions in the earliest days of the COVID pandemic."

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 35 new cases of COVID-19 statewide. UVM has reported six cases. They also have reorganized their COVID-19 web pages, making them even easier for people to find the information, guidance and data they need and want.

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont Health Network sent a statement Thursday afternoon saying they are making substantial progress toward restoring systems impacted by last week's cyberattack event. "Our work with the Vermont Army National Guard to clear thousands of end-user computers and devices is ongoing. This process is expected to take some time."

Vermont Business Magazine The Rikert Nordic Center and the Middlebury Snow Bowl will welcome skiers this winter with COVID-19 safety measures in place. Changes include required online reservations for skiing, equipment rentals, and lessons, as well as lodge access that is limited to restrooms, equipment rental, and grab-and-go food purchases.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos will be holding the Statewide Canvass of Vermont 2020 General Election results on Tuesday, November 10 in the Snelling Room of the Vermont History Museum located at 109 State Street in Montpelier. The canvass begins at 10 am. Secretary Condos, along with Chairs or their designees from the three major parties (Democratic, Republican and Progressive), will be certifying vote totals and winners for federal and statewide offices.