Current News

Vermont Business Magazine After several warm, dry weeks and recent wildfires in Vermont, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) is reminding Vermonters of steps we can take to prevent human-caused fires. Much of Vermont is experiencing abnormally dry summer conditions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor 72% of Vermont is now in drought. While certain areas have received some rain, it has been inconsistent, leading to elevated fire danger across the state. Vermonters can help keep their communities safe by limiting fires as much as possible during dry periods and being aware of nearby fuel sources when considering any outdoor burning activities, like grilling, campfires, debris burning, and smoking.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) this week joined Northeastern U.S. Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) in demanding information from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin about how the Trump Administration has increased energy costs for families. In their letter, the Senators slammed Trump Administration policies that have raised electricity bills for Americans and called on the Administration to take immediate action that will actually support energy affordability in New England and across the country.  

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the Vermont Lottery’s regulations. The proposed changes to CVR 01-130-001 update the Vermont Lottery’s regulations to align with statutory changes following the consolidation of the previously independent Department of Liquor Control and Vermont Lottery Commission. This proposed rule change replaces outdated references, expands the Commissioner’s authority, clarifies licensing eligibility, and outlines updated conditions for lottery license suspension or revocation. The revisions introduce new definitions, streamline administrative procedures, and reinforce consumer protections.

by Mike Donoghue, Vermont News First, Vermont Business Magazine A Northfield man, whose father died in a suspicious shooting at his home last year, has been arrested on charges for stealing and selling firearms from the dead man’s home. Peter Baez, 41, of Northfield pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court in Burlington Thursday afternoon to a two-count federal indictment obtained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Vermont Business Magazine United Way of Northwest Vermont elected new leadership to its Board of Directors and welcomed four new board members. United Way’s Board of Directors unanimously elected new leadership: Rick Blount as the new Chair and Katie Titterton as Secretary. Adrina Walker, Vice Chair, and John St. Hilaire, Treasurer, will continue in their current roles. The Board also elected four new members: Jerry Carter, of Milton, Liz Gamache, of St. Albans, Julia Guy, of Burlington, and Heidi Stumpff, of Shelburne. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Associated General Contractors of Vermont (AGC/VT) proudly hosted its annual Scholarship Golf Tournament on August 5th at the scenic Lake Morey Country Club, bringing together 120 golfers from across the state in support of future construction industry professionals. Thanks to the incredible generosity and enthusiasm of participants and sponsors, the tournament raised an impressive $20,000 for the AGC/VT Scholarship Fund. These funds will directly support students pursuing careers in construction, engineering, and related fields. The day was filled with friendly competition, camaraderie, and community spirit. DEW Construction claimed the Low Gross honors, while Marshall Tire took home the Low Net title.

Vermont Business Magazine Officials gathered Thursday afternoon to mark the beginning of construction of 40 new permanently affordable apartments at Cambrian Rise, a new, mixed income neighborhood, situated between Burlington’s Old North End and New North End. The new building, 100 Cambrian Way, is being developed by Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) and Evernorth. Funding for the development came from 14 different sources totaling $23.8 million, including an anonymous $1 million charitable gift from a donor who has been motivated to address the homelessness challenges in Burlington. 

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont is $3.11 per gallon, up 2 cents per gallon from last week, down 1 cent/g from last month and down 31 cents from last year. The lowest price in the state this week was $2.89/g while the highest was $3.39/g, a difference of 50.0 cents per gallon. Prices were lowest in Bennington ($2.99/g) and Rutland ($3.04/g) counties and highest in Lamoille ($3.25/g), Franklin ($3.24/g) and Essex ($3.22/g), according to AAA. The national average price of gasoline has risen 2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.16/g today. The national average is up 2 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 29 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Vermont Business Magazine On Wednesday, a community tradition returned to Burlington for its 45th year, the annual Sidewalk Sale on the Church Street Marketplace. This five-day summertime shopping celebration features unbeatable deals from over 30 local retailers, with discounts ranging from 20% to 80% off at boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. From stylish clothing and home goods to gifts and gourmet treats, there's something for everyone. Embrace the perfect summer weather this week and shop incredible deals and dine outside on the Marketplace.   

Vermont Business Magazine In July, Treasurer Pieciak announced the availability of an additional $20 million for public investment in housing and economic development through the 10% in VT program. Today, he reminded Vermonters that the application deadline for local investment proposals is Friday, August 8. The 10% in VT program invests up to 10% of the state’s average daily cash balance into projects that grow Vermont’s economy and strengthen the State’s revenues. The State’s average daily cash balance has grown substantially in recent years, enabling Treasurer Pieciak to expand the program’s lending capacity. 

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) has a new program to help Vermonters afford to get connected to broadband. The Affordable Long Drop Program will provide grants to eligible providers to cover connection costs for long or nonstandard drops, including underground installations. Providers currently pay costs that exceed routine installation fees to connect addresses that are considered standard drops. Those are for houses that are closer than 500-2,000 feet from the fiber that runs along utility poles on the road, depending on the provider. Customers are required to pay additional costs to connect their homes if they’re farther from the road. That cost can be up to many thousands of dollars, making getting connected to broadband impossible for some Vermonters. 

Vermont State Police In June 2025 the Vermont State Police began an investigation into Jeremy Bogie for sexual assault of a minor that occurred between the years of 2004 and 2007. The investigation revealed that Bogie sexually assaulted a female from when the female was age 10 to12 years old that he knew, several times during these years. Based on the information learned, the Vermont State Police arrested Bogie on 8/6/25 on a charge of aggravated sexual assault with a child.