Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Fletcher Free Library will welcome patrons on the Fourth of July for the second year, serving as a cooling station during expected extreme heat. The library will open from noon until 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. The Fletcher Free will provide a cool space to gather, read, play games, and enjoy community.

Vermont Business Magazine In response to news of deplorable conditions faced by detainees at border facilities recently visited by members of Congress, as well as revelations that nearly 10,000 current and former Border Patrol agents were involved in a secret Facebook group in which racist and sexist posts were commonplace, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) issued a scathing statement Tuesday evening.

Vermont Business Magazine The boil water advisory in Burlington, affecting parts of the South End, is now lifted. Sample results (from samples taken yesterday after water pressure was restored and hydrants were flushed) were received this morning, July 3rd, and the results were normal, with no indication of contamination. Drinking water is also tested daily at the plant and regularly throughout the distribution system.

Vermont Business Magazine Weekly unemployment numbers fell last week after a steep spike, which is typical for the end of school, before settling back to low levels during the summer. Initial claims for the week of June 29, 2019, totaled 603, down 234 from last week. Claims were 7 fewer than they were at this time last year.

Vermont Business Magazine Warm weather is a welcome sign of summer, but it also creates ideal conditions for cyanobacteria to grow in Vermont waters. Cyanobacteria (sometimes referred to as blue-green algae) are tiny microorganisms. In large numbers they sometimes form blooms on the water’s surface and wash up along shorelines — and can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.

Vermont Business Magazine In the first five months of 2019, rural travel continues to rise with over 1 million guest arrivals to those states, earning hosts more than $129 million, according to a new Airbnb report. In Vermont alone, the first half of 2019 has brought in about 175,000 guest arrivals, according to Airbnb, with local hosts earning a total of $25 million, the most of any rural state this year. Also according to Airbnb, 59 percent of hosts report that hosting has helped them to stay in their home.  

Vermont Business Magazine The Expanded Site Inspection (ESI) for PFAS (Per-and-Polyfluoralkyl Substances) continues within the vicinity of the Vermont Air National Guard via an Air National Guard contract starting in July. The final results of the expanded site inspection are expected in early 2020.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced he’s appointed 85 Vermonters to state boards and commissions since April. 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 On July 1, 2019 David Roberts was on the back end of a 16-mile walk when he began the climb up Hartford, Vermont’s VA Cutoff Road. Staff and Veterans alike waited outside the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in White River Junction with flags and gratitude. David Roberts, a Marine Veteran set out to walk 90 miles to raise funds for the families left behind after fellow Marines and their loved ones were tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on June 21, 2019.

Vermont Business Magazine Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) and Flek Inc. received two awards this past May for their 2018 Annual Report: a silver award from the Aster Awards Program and a bronze award from the 36th Annual Healthcare Advertising Awards. The Aster Awards Program recognizes healthcare marketing professionals for excellence in advertising, marketing and communications. Winning entries are judged by a panel of industry experts and are published in the Marketing Healthcare Today magazine.

Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) has been named by Becker's Healthcare—publisher of Becker’s Hospital Review, one of the industry’s most influential sources of news for hospital leaders—to the 2019 list of "150 Great Places to Work in Healthcare” for the fourth year running. It is the only Vermont company on the list.

Vermont Business Magazine A new vital records law that goes into effect July 1 will enhance the safety and security of certified birth and death certificates, better protect against misuse of these documents and reduce the potential for identity theft. The law, which was passed by the Vermont legislature in 2017, also streamlines the process to create, store, issue and track birth and death certificates through a new electronic Statewide Vital Records System.