Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Environmental Protection Agency illegally withdrew a proposed determination that would have effectively blocked the Pebble Mine in Alaska, the National Wildlife Federation alleged today in a new lawsuit filed in the US District Court in Alaska. The National Wildlife Federation’s lawsuit would compel the EPA to put back in place a determination that the Pebble Mine — a massive copper and gold mine in the heart of Bristol Bay, the world’s most productive salmon fishery — would pose undue adverse impacts to the ecosystem that supports native and local communities. 

Center for Research on Vermont Local storytelling has a substantial impact on the ways in which residents in communities strive to make sense of climate-related events. In a recent survey, Waterbury residents blamed government institutions for flooding based on perceptions that government entities had historically valued industrial or recreational uses of the rivers over protecting residents from floods. The study urges city planners to integrate these stories into future climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts to more effectively communicate and collaborate with local residents. Also: Support for local schools leads the nation; Mercury in birds does not match atmospheric levels; Studying suicide in Vermont’s Bhutanese refugee population; and more.

Vermont Business Magazine The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching a multi-year study to assess the impact of voluntary conservation practices on water quality in two Lake Champlain Basin watersheds. These studies – established with other state and federal partners – help USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) quantify the outcomes of conservation efforts of farmers who are taking steps on their land to improve water quality and conserve natural resources.

Vermont State Police As the investigation continues into the officer-involved shooting in Rutland, the Vermont State Police learned that a man’s body had been discovered off of Vermont Route 53, also known as Lake Dunmore Road, in Salisbury. Police are investigating the death as a possible homicide, along with potential links to the subsequent shooting at the Rutland Police Department and the events that transpired afterward in a parking lot off Evelyn Street near the railroad tracks downtown. The man killed in the police-involved shooting is identified as Christopher G Louras, 33, of Rutland.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced he appointed 27 Vermonters to state boards and commissions in September. Boards and commissions serve an important role in state government, giving Vermonters numerous opportunities to serve their state and communities. The governor’s office is currently soliciting applications to fill vacancies and upcoming term expirations.

Vermont Business Magazine Continuing efforts to protect clean air, Attorney General TJ Donovan announced that he joined with 30 states and local governments to file a motion to intervene to support the federal government’s authority to establish meaningful emission limits on greenhouse gases from power plants. The intervention pushes back against industry challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority under the Clean Air Act to limit these emissions.  

Vermont Business Magazine The Black River Innovation Campus is receiving $50,000 as part of the Small Growth Accelerator Fund Competition. The annual competition provides funds to accelerators and incubators supporting entrepreneurs researching and developing STEM-related innovations. It is the fifth year the Small Business Administration has held the competition. 

Vermont Business Magazine Healthy Living Market & Cafe officially broke ground on their new Williston location, which will be their third store. “We’re excited that construction has now officially begun on our future location at Finney Crossing in Williston,” said Eli Lesser-Goldsmith, CEO and Co-owner. “We look forward to becoming a great contributor to the Williston community and economy.” 

Vermont Business Magazine SaVida Health, a leader in outpatient medication-assisted treatment for opioid and alcohol addiction, is opening a new treatment center in Morrisville, VT on October 21st. SaVida Health Morrisville is the fifth Vermont location—joining the SaVida Health Bennington, Springfield, Newport, Vergennes, and Colchester sites.

Vermont State Police The Vermont State Police are investigating an incident in which Rutland City and Rutland Town police officers shot and killed a suspect Tuesday morning, Oct. 8, 2019. Preliminary investigation indicates the suspect drove by the Rutland City Police Department at about 5:30 am and fired a gun multiple times into the front entrance of the building. No one was injured. Shortly before 7 am, the vehicle was located, and a pursuit ensued, which culminated with an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and police. The suspect was struck and injured, then transported to Rutland Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. No officers or civilians were hurt.

Vermont Business Magazine The 26th Annual Masters in the Mountains Golf Tournament on September 6 at the Dorset Field Club in Dorset hosted 28 teams and raised over $57,000 in proceeds for Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC).

Vermont Business Magazine A new survey from Burlington-based Champlain College Online finds that while 48 percent of respondents describe themselves as “somewhat” or “very” financially insecure and one in four (25 percent) feel their current job is at risk of becoming extinct, most are willing to invest in continued training and education to advance their career prospects.

Champlain College Online commissioned the Adult Viewpoints 2019: Economic Security and Advancement in the Workforce survey, conducted online by national market research firm Full Circle Research, to explore how adults across three generations of the U.S. workforce -- millennials, Generation X, and baby boomers -- perceive their financial stability and career trajectory in today’s dynamic job landscape.