Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger issued two important update to city regulations in order to encourage and enforce social distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and so that everyone follows Governor Scott's orders. One is that individuals will be warned and then fined if they do not follow the orders. Second is that in response to overwhelming constituent outreach that the Bike Path and sidewalks were too crowded to stay compliant with social distancing guidelines, the City is limiting some streets to local traffic only in order to allow for individuals or households taking walks and exercising to more easily keep a 6-foot distance with others.

​Vermont Business Magazine On Saturday evening, the Vermont Democratic Party’s State Committee -- meeting remotely -- approved a series of changes to the party’s Delegate Selection Plan. The election of State Convention delegates, originally scheduled to take place at town-level caucuses on April 21, will now be replaced with a process allowing voters to sign up on-line to be a caucus participant and file to become a State Convention delegate. The original May 30th State Convention, will be conducted virtually, including election of delegates and National Committeewoman/Committeeman. Any voter who cast a ballot in the March 3 Vermont Democratic primary is eligible to take part in the process.

by Deb Billado, VTGOP Chair It is difficult each week to come up with a meaningful VTGOP message for you. I desire to show leadership that promotes real difference in how we do Republican politics in Vermont so I strive to say things that will show that Republicanism is more than just winning a political office. There is no question that I want the Vermont landscape to become “Rosy Red in 2020” but more than that, I want to see us return to a time of true caring about those around us, many who are not as fortunate as we are or are forgotten by a world that is so busy with gaining power, influence, control or success and money.

VSECU Within the next three weeks, you should have a stimulus payment in your bank account. For many, this will offer much-needed financial relief and help you pay off some of those overdue bills. What can you expect to receive and how will you receive it?

Vermont Business Magazine Community Health’s network of health care centers in Rutland, Brandon, Shoreham, Castleton and West Pawlet are open and providing our community with full health care services, including Telehealth remote appointments. During this difficult time, when so much focus is on the COVID-19 precautions, Community Health continues to provide patients with consultations and visits with our health care providers. Community Health’s goal of preventing the spread of the coronavirus and continuing to help our patients, staff and community stay healthy and safe remains the same.

Vermont Business Magazine Washington and Northern Orange Counties – On Friday, April 3, the Washington and Northern Orange Counties Regional Response Command Center (WNOC-RRCC) officially operationalized a community-support Call Center. Operating from 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM, 7-days a week, the Call Center is a free and confidential community-support resource for anyone seeking guidance and connection to support services & resources in Central Vermont, specifically in Washington and Northern Orange Counties. The call line number is 802-636-2025. A text line is currently being developed to ensure citizens with verbal disabilities may be able to utilize the community resource. The text line will operate on the same number.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health this afternoon reported the biggest one-day increase in the number of new COVID-19 illnesses, for a total of 461 (two of those cases were not previously reported). There were also three more deaths from Friday's report, for a total of 20 deaths now in Vermont. Chittenden County far exceeds all counties in the number of cases, but the southern four counties have seen a rapid increase in reported cases. Grand Isle and Essex counties still have not reported any cases.

Leonine Public Affairs We are wrapping up week 12 of the 2020 legislative session but more appropriately we are in week three of what is for all practical purposes an entirely new legislative session. Because of the significant changes not only in the legislature but in all aspects of life in Vermont and throughout the country we will be expanding our newsletter to include updates and information about how government affairs and strategic communications are rapidly evolving in this new, uncharted era. We will continue to document the high (and low) points of the week in Vermont politics and will add insights into how the COVID-19 crisis is affecting the already turbulent world of public affairs.

Vermont Business Magazine On Tuesday, April 7, Middlebury will be Vermont’s lead college for a nationwide, virtual teach-in focused on local solutions to climate change. "Solve Climate By 2030," a project based at Bard College, will feature simultaneous, university-led webinars in almost all 50 states plus DC, Puerto Rico and five international sites. For the Vermont webinar, Middlebury’s Franklin Environmental Center will bring together statewide experts for a virtual panel.

Vermont Business Magazine It is strongly advised that the public postpone all outdoor burning through at least May 30, 2020. Open burning creates the risk of an escaped fire and puts pressure on emergency personnel. Given that Vermont is currently experiencing community-wide spread of COVID-19, there is a need to minimize any additional pressure on emergency personnel both in terms of response and unnecessary potential contact with people who may have COVID-19.

Vermont Department of Health Living with uncertainty during the outbreak of COVID-19 is stressful for everyone. Health, financial and other concerns can increase anxiety. Things that were normal a few weeks ago are no longer the norm. Physical distancing (also called social distancing) makes it impossible to see friends or visit family in person. At this time, we need to adopt “distant socializing”, which involves the creative use of technology, phone lines and the mail to connect. But it’s not the same. The Vermont Department of Mental Health has compiled some tips to help us get through this unsettling time.

The Saint Michael’s College Archives invites all members of the Saint Michael’s College community to help us in documenting this unprecedented time. We are piloting a project that is intended to capture your thoughts and feelings as we meet the day-to-day challenges brought about by Covid-19.