Current News

Vermont State Police Monday at approximately 1127 hours, Troopers responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash with death resulting on VT Route 22A near Carrs Lane in the Town of Bridport. Initial investigation indicates V#1 was traveling south on VT Route 22A when it gradually left the southbound lane. V#1 then struck a telephone pole, overturned and came to an upside-down position of uncontrolled rest. The operator was identified as Mark Axelrod (78) and the passenger was identified as Francine Axelrod (76), both of River Edge, NJ. Mark and Francine were both pronounced deceased at the scene.

Neither speed nor impairment are expected to be contributing factors at this time.

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.08 per gallon, down 3.0 cents per gallon from last week's $3.11/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.69/g while the highest was $3.29/g, a difference of 60.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has risen 3.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.01/g today. The national average is down 2.6 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 9.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Vermont Business Magazine A new report released today shows that Vermonters—especially low-income and vulnerable Vermonters—are facing broad and substantial unmet civil legal needs. In the five years since the last statewide study, these needs have increased substantially. The widening gap between legal needs and services is often called the “justice gap.” Legal needs are present across the entire spectrum of civil legal subject areas, but several areas stand out. In particular, the data clearly shows that Vermonters are facing eviction and other housing legal issues at a crisis level.

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Land for Good is hosting a free webinar series for farmers to learn about key issues, tools, and resources to help them make informed decisions and take steps towards transferring their farm to the next generation of their family or a non-family successor. Farmers will learn from other farmers and from professionals who can help in the process. Topics include retirement, financial and estate planning, taxes, legal entities, and determining goals for retirement, business transitions, and your land. All generations, including family and non-family members who may play a role in your farm's future are encouraged to attend. Farmers from across New England are welcome! Instructors include Mike Ghia, a Land For Good Vermont Field Agent, as well as a guest attorney and financial specialist. 

Vermont Business Magazine Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the closing of $9 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to finance the redevelopment of the DyeWorks Building, a historic mill building in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The revitalization of the DyeWorks Building marks a significant milestone in community development and urban renewal. With the support of MCD’s New Markets Tax Credit allocation, Lawrence CommunityWorks is set to transform this historic mill into a hub of activity and growth. The project promises to bring essential goods and services to the area by bringing in a supermarket, family health center, and youth program center, addressing the needs of the community while preserving the architectural heritage of the building. 

Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies University of Vermont’s Academic Research Commercialization (ARC) Program was founded in 2021 to help faculty commercialize their research and technology. The program has grown steadily over the past three years, offering students the unique opportunity to be entrepreneurs and gain startup experience. In this Q&A, we learn more about the program from Nicole Eaton, one of ARC’s early pioneers, and Rowan Godbout, the current student director.

Vermont Business Magazine Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Saturday released the following statement after voting against the Continuing Resolution to fund the government that passed the House and Senate early Saturday morning: I’m gratified that states that have been hard hit by natural disasters will finally receive the critical aid that they need. In fact, this bill includes over $200 million in disaster relief for Vermont – something I fought hard to include. But while I strongly support the disaster relief provision, I’m extremely disappointed that some vitally important programs were stripped from the original bill. Some of the provisions that were taken out included an expansion of primary health care, mental health care, substance abuse counseling, nutrition programs for the elderly, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, and expanding apprenticeships for our young people.

Vermont business Magazine Early Saturday, the U.S. Senate passed a comprehensive disaster aid package shaped by U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), which will help states like Vermont recover from extreme weather and climate disasters by delivering more than $10.4 billion of relief. The American Relief Act, 2025 will also fund the government through March 14, 2025. It now goes to President Biden’s desk for his signature. 

Vermont Business Magazine Emerge Vermont, the state’s premier organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office, announced today that it has selected its 2025 class. This year’s chosen group of 24 future women political leaders hails from all parts of the Green Mountain State and from diverse backgrounds, and spans the spectrum of races, gender, orientation, socioeconomic levels, and professional experiences. Emerge Vermont’s training program offers Democratic women who want to run for public office a unique opportunity. Cohort members receive 70+ hours of in-depth education over five months that inspires them to run for office and gives them the tools to win. 

by Jules Older Oh, it’s a crisis, all right. When your kid’s book will be delayed a full year because the cover illustrator is suddenly unavailable, that pretty much defines crisis. What to do? Though I write kid’s books, this one’s actually my wife’s crisis. The book is Effin Older’s HELP! Santa is in Trouble!. Yes, it’s a Christmas book, and if she can't get a cover going right now, it won't come out till next Christmas. What to do? Ah-ha — artificial intelligence! Artificial intelligence, better known as AI, just might save the day.

Vermont Business Magazine Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vermont) released the following statement after tonight’s vote to keep the government funded and deliver disaster relief funds to Vermonters: “Tonight, I voted to send disaster recovery funding directly to the communities who need it most and keep the government open. These dollars will help Vermonters build back stronger and more resilient from the devastating flooding we faced the last two years. After Republicans let Elon Musk play games with our nation’s budget, I’m relieved Vermont will finally receive the millions we need to build back our small businesses, farms, homes, and communities."

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak announced that the City of Burlington will open a cold weather emergency shelter at the Miller Center at 130 Gosse Court this weekend. Hours of operation will be Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM. The National Weather Service is currently forecasting evening temperatures diving below zero with windchill on Saturday, December 21, and Sunday, December 22. The State of Vermont defines an extreme cold weather emergency using a threshold of –20 degrees Fahrenheit with the windchill factor. The City is acting to open additional shelter this weekend based on a number of factors, including: current estimates indicate upwards of 250 people are sleeping unsheltered in the region.