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Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott issued the following statement in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: “Today we remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and honor his efforts to further civil rights. The work of fulfilling the promise of America is never finished, and it’s the duty of every citizen to further the cause of freedom and equality. Today offers us an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s work, as we strive to make his dream – a reality.” 

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.12/g, up 3.9 cents per gallon from last week's $3.09/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.85/g while the highest was $3.35/g, a difference of 50.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has risen 6.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.09/g today. The national average is up 4.5 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 1.8 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The application for the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPGs) is now available. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers these grants to help farmers create new products, expand markets, and increase their income. Approximately $30 million in total is available for this program. You can use grant and matching funds for planning activities or for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product. There are two levels of grant awards. Planning Grants have a maximum award of $75,000, and Working Capital Grants have a maximum award of $250,000. Both levels of grants require a one-to-one match of the grant amount.

Vermont State Police On 1/17/25 at approximately 1445 hours the Marshfield Fire Department was alerted by a concerned citizen to smoke coming from a structure at 3343 US Route 2 in Marshfield.  Marshfield Fire responded to the scene and was assisted by numerous area fire departments.  A household member was home at the time of the fire and was unable to escape the building.  The individual was located inside the home by fire personnel, removed, and transported to Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin.  The victim was later transported to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington due to the severity of the injuries sustained in the fire.

by Maia Segura, Vermont Business Magazine The largest ski resort in the eastern United States and home to the Audi FIS Ski World Cup, Killington Resort, is set to undergo a metamorphic development that aims to solidify its reputation as a world-class, four-season destination. Spearheaded by award-winning North American developers Great Gulf, the ambitious project leans into public-private partnerships blending hyper-modern architecture and amenities, with community-focused initiatives. With a projected investment of $3 billion over 25 years, the development has the potential to reshape not just the mountain but the surrounding region by enhancing its appeal to residents, tourists, and investors alike.

Vermont Business Magazine On Saturday, January 18, 2025, at approximately 1630 hours, Vermont State Police dispatch received a report of a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 89 Northbound, near Mile Marker 102.4, in the town of Milton. Upon arrival, Troopers learned from responding medical personnel that the driver of the vehicle, identified as Megan Porter (38), was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Vermont Business Magazine After reviewing weather modeling in consultation with the Burlington’s Emergency Management Director, officials have determined the forecasted temperature on Monday, January 20 meets the City’s criteria for operation of an extreme cold weather shelter. Updated hours of operation will be Monday, January 20, Tuesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 22, from 5:00pm until 8:00am.  The National Weather Service is currently forecasting evening temperatures diving well-below zero with windchill on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings, into the early morning hours on Thursday.   

Vermont Business Magazine MENTOR Vermont, in partnership with youth mentoring programs, youth mentees, volunteer mentors, legislators, and business supporters, encourages all Vermonters to join us in celebrating National Mentoring Month this January and to consider becoming a mentor in your community this year. Potential is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. 1 in 3 young people will grow up without a trusted adult to turn to for support outside of their immediate family. Amidst rising youth mental health needs and increased isolation, youth need mentors now more than ever before. MENTOR Vermont and its partner agencies are committed to supporting youth mentoring across the state to close the mentoring gap and ensure young people have the supportive relationships they need to thrive.

by Art Woolf A thriving, prosperous state is a goal that all Vermonters can agree to. That goal is easier to achieve with a growing population. More people means a larger selection of workers for businesses, government, and non-profits. It means more people earning incomes, supporting local businesses, and paying taxes to support government programs—many of which serve the neediest of our citizens. A growing economy means more opportunities for us and our children. It is important, therefore, to know whether, and by how much, our population is growing. In the first two decades of the 21st century, Vermont’s population has been growing at less than half the national rate and we were in the bottom ten states in terms of population growth. That’s very different from Vermont’s experience at the end of the 20th century, when Vermont’s growth was in step with the national experience.

Vermont Business Magazine Saint Michael’s College will host a series of events honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including his vision of a Beloved Community. The College will host its 33rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation during the week of January 20, 2025. Events will be held throughout the week, with the main day of celebration occurring on Tuesday, Jan. 21.  Events will include speakers, a performance by the College’s gospel choir, and artistic opportunities, such as painting the annual Convocation mural. The events are centered around the theme “Beloved Community: Radical Empathy,” inspired by one of the featured speaker’s work around bridging racial divides and exploring how the structures that lead to segregation, inequality, and injustice impact everyone.  

The Vermont State Police continues its investigation into the Dec. 13, 2024, shooting of St. Johnsbury Police Department Capt. Jason Gray and the subsequent effort to evade capture by suspect Scott Mason. As a result of that ongoing investigation, on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, state police detectives arrested five individuals.

Vermont Business Magazine GNAT-TV is inviting community members to celebrate the people, pets, and places that make our towns special through the “Hearts of Our Community” campaign this Valentine’s season. This campaign offers a chance to recognize the neighbors, teachers, friends, and local businesses who brighten your life. Community members are encouraged to submit a short video, photo, or written message of appreciation to be shared on GNAT-TV’s platforms throughout February. Submissions are open through February. As part of spreading the community love, Mother Myrick’s Confectionery has generously donated a $30 gift certificate, which will be raffled off to one of the participants in GNAT-TV’s “Hearts of Our Community” campaign.