Current News

Vermont Business Magazine In the days and weeks after a flood event, work within rivers and streams may be necessary to protect communities, homes, and businesses, and to repair Vermont’s infrastructure. Towns have the authority to implement Emergency Protective Measures to facilitate the rapid response required to address flood-related threats, while complying with guidelines set by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Any work in rivers and streams needed to recover from the recent flooding must comply with regulations.

Vermont State Police A Rhode Island man faces more than a dozen charges including attempted aggravated murder arising from a shootout late Sunday, July 14, 2024, on Vermont Route 114 in the town of Burke. Brenden Sackal, 30, of Hopkinton, Rhode Island, could receive a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of all the charges. A judge in Caledonia County signed an arrest warrant late Tuesday afternoon, July 16, for Sackal on charges which include: Attempted aggravated murder, three counts; and aggravated assault on a law-enforcement officer, three counts. These charges are related to Sackal’s shooting at three Vermont State Police troopers.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine For the week ending July 10, the Vermont Department of Health reported that there was one COVID-19 related death in the last two weeks, for 1,157 since the beginning of the pandemic over four years ago. The weekly report also shows that hospitalizations and general "syndromic" cases remain low, but have increased to just over five people being treated at a Vermont hospital each week. The number of COVID cases is elevated and is now double where it was in mid June, with a weekly total of 99. The pandemic death total stands at 1,157 as of July 6, 2024 (the most recent data available). Total reported deaths in January were 29, which is the highest monthly total since November 2022. There were 16 fatalities in February, 12 in March, 3 in April, 6 in May, 2 in June and none so far in July. April and June deaths were the fewest from COVID since July 2021. 

Vermont Business Magazine On July 16, 2024, the Vermont Criminal Justice Council held a scheduled hearing to hear evidence regarding a law enforcement officer’s certification. In January of 2023, former Vermont State Police officer Zachary Gauthier plead guilty to three misdemeanor charges including one count of Violation of Abuse Prevention Order, one count of False Reports to Law Enforcement Authorities, and one count of Violation of Conditions of Release. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Mental Health (DMH) in collaboration with The National Alliance for Eating Disorders (The Alliance) and The Emily Program Foundation (TEPF), are pleased to announce a specialized training initiative aimed at equipping Vermont mental health providers with essential skills in the screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of eating disorders across all ages and genders. Scheduled for September 26 and 27, 2024 at Montpelier's Capitol Plaza, the training will feature a lineup of expert speakers.

Vermont Business Magazine One year after devastating flooding to much of Vermont, another storm event has caused significant damage across the state and some in Johnson.  With this stark reminder of repeated flooding events as the backdrop, plans are moving ahead for a long term flood recovery convening in Johnson that will gather input on the future, as well as hold space for community members to reflect on their current and past experiences with flood response and recovery.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) is hosting a Workforce Workshop on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program this week. The session will be held Friday, July 19, in Burlington to help prospective BEAD applicants understand the program’s workforce requirements and prepare them for the upcoming application process. ISPs will compete with bids for part of the $229 million of federal funding to bring universal broadband service to Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine The Prouty, Dartmouth Cancer Center’s premier annual fundraiser, brought the community together in an unprecedented show of support in the fight against cancer, surpassing this year’s goal of $8 million to fund critical cancer research and patient support services. The family-friendly event, known for its inclusive atmosphere and wide range of activities, saw participation from more than 4,500 individuals this year, underscoring its significance within the community and its impact on cancer care. 

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released an interim report yesterday as part of the sweeping investigation he launched into Amazon’s "unacceptable corporate greed and abysmal workplace safety practices." As part of this report, Sanders is making public, for the first time, internal company data showing that almost half of all warehouse workers at Amazon – the second largest corporation in America worth over $2 trillion – suffered injuries during Prime Day week in 2019.

Vermont Business Magazine The Kendall Emergency Department at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) has been selected as a recipient of the Emergency Nurses Association’s 2024 Lantern Award for demonstrating excellence in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research performance. The Lantern Award showcases emergency department’s (ED) accomplishments in incorporating evidence-based practice and innovation into emergency care. As part of the application, EDs are encouraged to share stories that highlight a commitment to patient care, in addition to the well-being of nursing staff. The award serves as a visible symbol of a commitment to quality, safety and a healthy work environment.

US Small Business Administration Vermont It’s safe to say that the U.S. is in something of a small business era: According to Pew Research Center, 86% of Americans believe that small businesses are having a positive effect on the way things are going in the country. Retailers make up a significant portion of that figure. In fact, from 2021-2023, retail ranked as one of the top 10 sectors for total business applications. That makes now a great time to start your own retail operation if you’ve been on the fence about it. In the spirit of Independent Retailer Month, the SBA is proud to share resources that aspiring entrepreneurs can utilize to claim their place in the independent retail community. 

Vermont Business Magazine Burlington City Arts (BCA) has announced the recipients of the 2024 BCA Community Fund. The fund is awarding nearly $60,000 to Burlington artists. Established in 2016, the BCA Community Fund is designed to foster a robust, healthy, creative community, encourage social innovation through the arts, and support artists and organizations that contribute to the public good through art. In 2024, an award from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and support from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has allowed BCA to continue providing an increased granting ability of the Community Fund. Thanks to Tito’s Handmade Vodka, the expanded capacity provides greater resources and opportunities for artists and organizations to realize their artistic visions and make a lasting impact.