Current News

Vermont Agency of Transportation On 07/15/24 at approximately 2:50 p.m., a tractor trailer unit transporting compressed gas caught fire for unknown reasons and exploded, which caused the fire to spread to a nearby structure. The unidentified driver of the tractor trailer unit sustained injuries and was transported from the scene. Fire crews are on scene working to contain the fires. Additional information will be provided as details become available.

Vermont Business Magazine This week, Walmart began accepting applications for its 11th annual Open Call event, inviting small business owners and entrepreneurs across the U.S. to apply for the opportunity to pitch their products to be sold on Walmart or Sam's Club shelves or on Walmart.com and SamsClub.com. Applications are available now. Open Call is central to Walmart's $350 billion commitment to bolster U.S. manufacturing by sourcing shelf-ready products that are made, grown or assembled in the U.S. Open Call 2024 will be held on September 24 and 25, leading up to Manufacturing Month in October.

Vermont Business Magazine On the anniversary of last year’s flood, farmers are facing another round of huge losses. The full size and scope of the damage is unclear but there is significant damage in several Vermont communities.  Our thoughts are with all Vermonters and their families who are recovering from this devastating event. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) has assembled important guidance and resources for the state’s agricultural members and communities to facilitate recovery. To help our farmers VAAFM has assembled a series of suggestions and resources to help with recovery.  

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) released the following statement: “Judge Cannon’s misguided ruling undermines the rule of law and our national security. Time and time again in this litigation, Judge Cannon has stacked the deck in favor of the former President. In dismissing this case, Judge Cannon has now thrown out decades of established precedent and threatened the integrity of executive branch investigations in service of a political objective. The lack of judicial independence apparent in her ruling is stunning. It is my expectation that the ruling will be appealed and overturned.”

Vermont Business Magazine Cabot received high marks from industry experts at not only the American Cheese Society but also at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards. "We are incredibly proud to see our cheese and butter at the top of the winners' lists in these competitions,” said Jason Martin, SVP, Operations. “These achievements belong to our entire team, from the farmers who supply the milk, to our dedicated production crew, and our diligent supply chain employees. Their care and craftsmanship are the true foundation of our success." The American Cheese Society Awards, announced in Buffalo, NY last week, highlight cheesemakers throughout the industry that are committed to the highest standards of cheesemaking, food safety and sustainability. 

Vermont Business Magazine Recent flooding in central and northern Vermont caused many basements to fill with water and, in some cases, resulted in a release of oil from heating oil tanks in the basement. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is offering guidance for basement cleanup. If there is no evidence of oil in the water – such as an oil sheen (nothing floating on the water or no oil odor) – the water may be pumped out to the ground (preferably) or storm drains. When oil or petroleum is present floating on the water in a basement or container, report the situation to DEC.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced the appointment of Joseph McLean, as a superior court judge of the environmental division. “Joe has demonstrated a strong understanding of Vermont’s environmental laws through his decades of legal experience,” said Governor Phil Scott. “His experience, and balanced approach to the law will serve Vermonters well.” For more than 28 years, McLean worked in private practice, first as an associate then owner, providing legal services to Vermont municipalities. Throughout his career, his work has focused on land use regulation, permitting, development review and enforcement, Act 250 and Section 248 proceedings.

Vermont Business Magazine The State of Vermont on Saturday submitted a request for a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to determine whether the state qualifies for a federal major disaster declaration for flooding and resulting damage on July 10 and 11, 2024. The request requests assessments for both Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA) declarations. A PA disaster declaration provides 75 percent reimbursement to communities for responding to and repairing public infrastructure damaged by the storm. Assessments will be done in Addison, Orleans, Washington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, and Essex counties. 

Vermont Business Magazine After major flooding in central and northern Vermont, the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Dam Safety Program is sharing how the State is keeping Vermonters safe from the effects of potential storm damage to dams. Vermont’s three Winooski River Valley flood control reservoirs are functioning as designed. They are effectively protecting downstream communities from what would have been more severe flooding effects. These reservoirs have plenty of remaining storage capacity and water levels are starting to become stable or recede. Engineers are actively monitoring all three dams: East Barre, Waterbury, and Wrightsville.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and other state officials held a press briefing last Thursday to discuss the state's ongoing response to last Wednesday's flooding. As the northern half of Vermont begins the clean-up and recovery process from flooding July 10-11, the Vermont Department of Labor stands by, ready to help businesses and individuals get back on their feet. 

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.46 per gallon, up 1.5 cents per gallon from last week's $3.44/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $3.14/g while the highest was $3.89/g, a difference of 75.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has risen 2.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.49/g today. The national average is up 5.2 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 5.8 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont State Police investigation into Sunday night’s trooper-involved shooting in Burke remains active and ongoing Monday afternoon, July 15, 2024. The man who was shot is identified as Brenden Sackal, 30, of Hopkinton, Rhode Island. He initially was treated at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury and subsequently transferred to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, where he remains Monday afternoon. He was reported to be in critical condition with non-life-threatening injuries. The situation began Sunday evening when police in Rhode Island notified law-enforcement authorities in northern New Hampshire and Vermont that Sackal was believed to be traveling in the region and was the subject of an arrest warrant on charges related to possessing illegal high-capacity firearm magazines.