Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Hundreds of Vermonters from throughout the state are expected to gather Monday, Labor Day, on the Middlebury Green for an annual Labor Day celebration. The event is 4-7 pm. Rights & Democracy, Vermont AFL CIO, Vermont NEA, 350 VT, and other labor and other community organizations are hosting this year's event, which will feature speakers from local and statewide community, environmental, and labor organizations.

by Stephen  Leffler, MD, Interim President, UVM Medical Center I am writing to share a message I sent to all UVM Medical Center employees today regarding the recent action taken by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, Conscience and Religious Freedom Division. 

Vermont State Police On November 30, 2018 the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations began an investigation into an allegation of embezzlement by a former employee of the State of Vermont Agency of Transportation. After a lengthy investigation, it was determined that John Johnson had made several purchases for personal gain which were ultimately paid for by the State of Vermont without their knowledge at the time. 

These purchases were made to various auto-parts stores with which the State of Vermont Agency of Transportation holds purchase accounts. Johnson was found to have purchased various motor vehicle parts such as tires and brake rotors/pads in a total sum of $969.55. Johnson was found to have made additional purchases, however, due to the Statute of Limitations for these offenses, Johnson was only charged in relation to five specific transactions. 

JA McDonald is no longer eligible to work on additional AOT projects

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is actively investigating whistleblower allegations of willful, non-conforming construction services by contractor JA McDonald, Inc, based in Lyndon Center, Vermont, pertaining to two bridges constructed by JA McDonald in Bennington on Route 279 (Bennington bypass) and two bridges on I-91 in Guilford. The investigation has corroborated the allegations, but also confirmed there are no immediate safety concerns. The value of the contracts was over $55 million.

Vermont Business Magazine A lockdown of the Montpelier State Office Complex has been lifted after law enforcement thoroughly searched and cleared 133 State Street in response to reports of an armed individual entering the building. A nearby building located at 6 Baldwin Street was also searched and cleared. No intruder or firearm were located. 

Vermont Business Magazine Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) in Berlin recently received more than $73,000 from the Vermont Training Program (VTP). CVMC is experiencing recruiting challenges for Licensed Nursing Associate (LNA) and Clinical Care Associate (CCA) positions at both the main hospital and their Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing center. CCAs work in clinical practices performing important clinical and administrative functions. LNAs work in CVMC’s skilled nursing facility and hospital taking care of residents and patients.

Vermont Business Magazine VGS President and CEO Don Rendall today issued the following statement regarding the EPA’s Proposed Methane Rule: “We are disappointed that the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a rule change that will roll back methane emission regulations. We are committed to addressing the challenges of climate change and we believe natural gas must play a pivotal role. We share our customers’ goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in support of the Vermont’s 90% renewable energy by 2050 goal...

Vermont Business Magazine US Route 2 at the temporary drawbridge is open to two lanes of traffic. The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) expects intermittent stops and releases of traffic by flaggers to allow for construction vehicles to enter the work zone. The contractor is working 7AM to 6PM, Monday through Thursday, and 7AM to noon this Friday. There will be no work on Labor Day, and construction will resume Tuesday morning. Demolition of the old bridge is expected next week.

Vermont Business Magazine The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that it has resolved its inquiry into complaints that certain units at the Severance Corners housing complex in Colchester were built with architectural barriers that made them inaccessible to people with disabilities in violation of the Fair Housing Act. The matter was handled by United States Attorney’s Office and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, King Arthur Flour - a Best Place to Work in Vermont every year since 2006 - announced it is raising its entry wage for everyone on the company payroll, including seasonal, part-time, and full-time employees. Beginning September 2, King Arthur Flour’s new company-wide wage minimum will be $15, with no reductions to any employee benefits or offerings. This far exceeds the Vermont state minimum wage of $10.78/hour.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) is warning borrowers about a student loan debt relief scam hitting some Vermont borrowers right now. The scammers claim to be calling from “Vermont Student Assistance” and instructing borrowers that they need to call a company called Riverwalk Debt Solutions in Texas. The principals of this scam company recently pleaded guilty in Maryland to a $550 million Ponzi-type scheme targeting investors and others, according to the Better Business Bureau.

“This is a scam. Plain and simple. Do not call this company. Instead, contact the Vermont Attorney General’s office and VSAC immediately if you think you have been scammed by this outfit or any other who tries to charge fees to help you with your student loans,” said Scott Giles, president and CEO of VSAC.

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General TJ Donovan announced today that his office has reviewed the officer-involved shooting incident that occurred on May 5, 2019 in Quechee, Vermont. The Attorney General’s Office is declining to prosecute Vermont State Police Trooper Eric Vitali for charges related to the non-fatal shooting of James Luce. In reaching this decision, the Office reviewed all the materials provided by the Vermont State Police, who conducted the investigation.

The evidence showed that Vermont State Police Trooper Eric Vitali and Trooper Stacy Corliss, along with members of the Hartford Police Department and the Lebanon Police Department (NH), responded to a call of an alleged domestic violence incident involving Luce. Luce was found walking down the road carrying a shotgun. Luce initially ignored numerous commands from law enforcement to stop and put down his weapon.