Current News

The Vermont State Police is investigating a fire in which one person was killed this past Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at a residence in Northfield. The Northfield Fire Department was called at about 5 a.m. Friday to 346 Water St. for a report of a fire. The fire department responded and found a camper trailer and nearby home fully engulfed; both structures were extinguished. The fire department discovered a body in the camper trailer. Northfield Fire and Northfield Police requested assistance from members of the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Department of Public Safety Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit. 

Vermont State Police The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office has completed the autopsy following the discovery of a body in Lake Champlain after a canoe capsized last week in North Hero. The victim is identified as Michael Bagiackas, 71, of Montpelier. The medical examiner determined the cause of death was drowning, and the manner of death was an accident. 

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement regarding access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is also referred to as 3SquaresVermont and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards: “Even with state efforts, the lack of federal SNAP funding will disrupt the lives of over 63,000 Vermonters and could cause real harm. This is another area where there is bipartisan support for a lawsuit seeking to require the federal government to release contingency funding it has available for emergencies. I have directed my administration to work with Attorney General Clark to support a multi-state lawsuit."

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.07 per gallon, down 5.1 cents per gallon from last week's $3.12/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.73/g while the highest was $3.39/g, a difference of 66.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has risen 2.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.00/g today. 

Vermont Business Magazine Kingdom Trails, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of recreational trails in the Northeast Kingdom, today announced it has received a monumental gift of $100,000 from Bear Den Partners, the owners of Burke Mountain, and Kingdom Trails’ single largest private landowner. This unprecedented corporate donation is the largest in Kingdom Trails’ history and signifies a powerful commitment to the economic vitality and future of recreation in the Northeast Kingdom. The $100,000 investment comes as both organizations continue to expand their collaborative efforts to enhance outdoor tourism and provide world-class experiences for visitors and local community members alike. This funding will be immediately directed toward critical trail maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable trail development projects across the network.

Vermont Business Magazine Kinney Drugs, with pharmacies across Vermont, has partnered with EnlivenHealth to offer FREE Medicare Part D plan comparisons for seniors. Approximately 60 million seniors age 65+ are covered by Medicare – nearly 20% of the U.S. population. Nationwide, there are more than 460 Medicare stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) available, and an average of 48 Medicare plans offering drug coverage (which includes Medicare Advantage drug plans) are available. The total number of plans varies by location, as plans and benefits are offered at regional and county levels versus nationally.

Vermont Business Magazine BBF applauds Governor Scott and Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak for their detailed short-term action plan to help address the challenges facing the City of Burlington. This is a timely development and BBF supports the recommendations laid out today. This collaborative effort between the state and our city government is exactly what we need right now to move forward in a productive and meaningful way. We look forward to working with Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak and her team, as well as the City Council, to help implement these recommendations as soon as possible. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Labor, in partnership with the Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC), is proud to announce Vermont Aerospace Industries’ and Weidmann Electrical Technology’s launch of Registered Apprenticeship programs that combine paid on-the-job training with technical instruction and support from experienced mentors. These programs aid in developing a skilled workforce, allowing Vermonter’s located in the Northeast Kingdom to earn a well-paying salary while they grow their skill set. 

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI) is now accepting applications for the Business Enhancement Grant. This grant is open to Vermont working lands businesses/organizations, which include farms producing food and fiber, as well as forest products businesses. Some food businesses/organizations, as well as agriculture or wood processing and/or distribution businesses can be eligible if they meet certain requirements for local sourcing of raw ingredients or product. Eligible project types include infrastructure, equipment, marketing, research and development, and workforce training and development. Applicants can apply for grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. There is no match requirement for this grant.

Vermont Business Magazine Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront (BPRW), in partnership with the Burlington Bike Park Coalition (BBPC) and the Fellowship of the Wheel (FOTW), are proud to announce the completion of the first phase of the Burlington Bike Park, located at Leddy Park in the City's New North End. After years of careful planning, Phase 1 was completed thanks to a substantial grant from the State of Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) program managed by the Department of Forests, Parks, & Recreation. BBPC and FOTW provided technical support, outreach, and volunteer labor throughout the bike park’s planning and construction. The BBPC plans to continue fundraising for future phases of the Burlington Bike Park, which would include more advanced trails, additional features, and a paved pump track. 

by Sarah Bokelberg, Community News Service Hinesburg has been working to increase availability of local, affordable housing in the past few years. The town has recently added more homes with a second phase in the Kelley’s Field senior housing community, with plans for nearly 200 more units at the Haystack Crossing development, which received state Act 250 approval in 2024. Discussion is also underway regarding the Windy Ridge development, a 90-unit project with 60 affordable units in partnership with Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity. The nonprofit Habitat is also proposing a six-unit development on Mechanicsville Road. After nearly 20 years of work, the Hinesburg Affordable Housing Committee is making progress.

Vermont Business Magazine This weekly report is a list of planned construction activities that will affect traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont for the week of October 27, 2025. Please remember to drive safely in all work zones. Lives depend on it.