Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today called for a bipartisan congressional investigation into the recent firing of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Susan Monarez by the Trump administration. Citing growing concern over the politicization of vaccine policy and a surge in preventable diseases, Sanders said Kennedy’s actions are undermining public trust in science and threatening lives both in the United States and around the world.

Vermont Business Magazine The Associated General Contractors of Vermont (AGC-VT) on Wednesday, August 27 hosted members and community leaders at its Montpelier training facility to celebrate the association’s 90-year anniversary. The event featured a grilled dinner, locally made Island Homemade Ice Cream, live music, congenial networking and the debut of AGC-VT’s new, high-tech heavy equipment simulator. In attendance were members of AGC-VT from across the state, as well as notable community leaders, such as state legislators, Lt. Gov. John Rogers and Gov. Phil Scott (himself, a twice-former president of AGC-VT).

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA), Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD), Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (AAFM), and Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) today announced the launch of VEDA’s Disaster Recovery Loan Fund. This fund provides financial assistance to Vermont businesses; working lands enterprises including farms, logging operations, and sawmills; and not-for-profit organizations to recover from damage caused by disasters. Proceeds may be used to repair or replace damaged property and/or inventory, as well as relieve economic injury by replenishing working capital. 

By Ed Neuert, UVM For over 20 years, outstanding farmers, producers, and other individuals involved in Vermont’s working landscape have been honored with induction into the Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame. This year, for the first time, a new member of the Hall of Fame will be not a person, but a thing: the long running television show “Across the Fence.” Since its inception in 2003, the Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame has recognized over 100 individuals. The selection of “Across the Fence” marks the first time an entity other than an individual person has been honored.

Vermont Business Magazine Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling, and resource management services company, recently honored four organizations for their leadership in sustainability as part of Casella’s annual Sustainability Leadership Awards. The Casella Sustainability Leadership Awards recognize customers who best exemplify what we can achieve when we work together to reduce waste, increase recycling, and advance the circular economy. Recipients are selected annually from a range of sectors, including municipalities, colleges and universities, industrial manufacturers, food and beverage producers, and more. This year’s winners are: Primo Brands, Dartmouth College, The Arc Otsego, and The University of Vermont Medical Center.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department says bear hunting season starts in September and reminds hunters about the bear hunting regulations. Vermont has two bear hunting seasons.  The early season, which requires a special bear tag, starts September 1 and continues through November 14 with one exception.  Nonresident hunters using dogs cannot start bear hunting until September 15.  The late bear season begins November 15 and continues through November 23.  A hunter may only take one bear during the year. In addition to a hunting license, a bear hunter using a bow or crossbow must have a prior or current bow license or a certificate proving completion of a bow hunter education course.

Vermont Business Magazine This Labor Day Weekend, experienced anglers have a special chance to share the joy of fishing.  The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is asking anyone who regularly spends time on the water to consider taking out a friend or family member in celebration of Vermont’s first ever “Free Mentored Fishing Weekend.” The new annual opportunity was approved this past June as part of Act 47, a package of updates to the state’s fish and wildlife laws. This opportunity allows a licensed angler to take up to four unlicensed anglers aged 15 years or older to fish for free from Saturday, August 30, through Monday, September 1.  Kids under 15 years old can already fish for free in Vermont.  Free Mentored Fishing Weekend gives adults who have never fished, or have not fished since childhood, an easy and welcoming way to try the sport.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department are developing a new long range management plan for the Hubbardton Management Unit. The public is invited to an in-person scoping meeting on Tuesday, September 9 to learn about the planning process and share input on the future use and conservation of these state lands. An online survey will offer an additional opportunity to submit comments between September 9 and October 9, 2025. Situated within one of Vermont’s largest contiguous forest blocks and linking the Green Mountain National Forest with New York’s Adirondacks, the Hubbardton Management Unit consists of two parcels totaling 672 acres

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.10 per gallon, up 1 cent per gallon from last week, also up 1 cent/g from a month ago and down 27 cents/g from a year ago. The lowest price in the state this week was $2.77/g while the highest was $3.25/g, a difference of 48.0 cents per gallon. Prices were lowest in Bennington ($3.00/g) and Rutland ($3.02/g) counties and highest in Lamoille ($3.22/g), Franklin ($3.24/g) and Grand Isle ($3.23/g), according to AAA. Meanwhile, GasBuddy has released its annual Labor Day gas price forecast, predicting that average gas prices on the last summer holiday weekend of 2025 will be $3.15 per gallon, 14 cents lower than in 2024, and the lowest price at the pump since Labor Day 2020. The national average price of gasoline has risen 8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.21/g today.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) released the following reaction to President Trump’s illegal attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook: “President Trump’s unlawful attempt to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook is an attack on the independence of our central bank. The Federal Reserve Board is purposely insulated from political pressures; the president’s interference is a blatant and illegal power grab, and the judiciary must push back. Eroding the independence of our central bank strikes at the heart of what makes our economy work. This move will further increase costs for working families, make it harder to buy a house or start a small business, and endanger the retirement savings of millions of Americans."

Vermont Business Magazine Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom (WCVT), a fourth-generation, family-owned Vermont company, acquired Tilson’s Boundless Broadband Vermont fiber network, which serves customers in parts of Danville, Lunenburg, and Saint Johnsbury. Founded in 1904, WCVT has been connecting Vermonters for over 120 years. Customers in the newly acquired areas can expect a seamless transition, continued investment in infrastructure, responsive local customer service, and a long-term focus on connectivity and reliability. 

Vermont State Police On August 27th, 2025, at approximately 0420 hours VSP St. Albans barracks was notified of a single vehicle rollover crash on Cambridge Rd. near the intersection of Rushford Rd. in the Town of Fletcher. Upon arrival it was determined the vehicle left the roadway,  rolled, and the operator was deceased. The male operator was identified as 39-year-old Eric Martin, from Enosburg Vt. Assisting agencies included the Cambridge Fire Department, Fairfax Fire Department, and Cambridge Rescue.  The vehicle was removed by Stones Towing Service.