Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Ben & Jerry's has sweet news as the summer gets into full swing: it's bringing the creamy-dreamy, funky-chunky, whirly-swirly world of Non-Dairy frozen desserts to a city near you! That's right – the beloved Vermont-based dessert maker is officially on the road, hitting seven cities across the U.S. through August and transforming local Scoop Shops into can't-miss dairy-free dreamlands. The Ben & Jerry's Creamy, Dreamy Non-Dairy Tour kicked off in New York City in June and continues in Tampa, Florida July 9-10, 2024, and includes Burlington, Vermont, August 13-14.

Northeastern Vermont Development Association It is likely that those of you reading this have been affected by the recent storm and we want you to know that the team at NVDA is here to assist your municipality with recovery needs in the coming days / weeks and months. Municipal Officials wishing to report damage to public infrastructure have likely already heard from NVDA's Bruce Melendy, Doug Morton, or Liam Abbate. They have been collecting information on damage to the physical infrastructure in your community. 

Vermont Arts Council  Our thoughts are with everyone experiencing flooding in Vermont this week, and we hope that you are staying safe. Severe weather and devastation is not how anyone expected to mark the one-year anniversary of 2023’s flooding. We know that this has impacted Vermont’s creative sector, especially during the busy summer performance and events season. As co-leads of the Vermont Arts & Culture Disaster and Resilience Network (VACDaRN), we are working closely with the Vermont Historical Records Program and the rest of the Steering Team to compile resources and share updates as we recover together.

Vermont Business Magazine For 50 years, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children — better known as WIC — has been a cornerstone in promoting the health and well-being of millions of young children, parents and families throughout the United States. To celebrate this milestone, Vermont WIC and Vermont Parks Forever are hosting a series of events and activities at several state parks. Established in 1974, WIC provides income-eligible families and individuals with nutrition education, breast/chestfeeding support, and access to healthy foods needed for positive family and child health outcomes. During this 50th year, WIC will roll out updates to its food packages to better meet the nutritional needs of participants. The Vermont WIC Program, a vital part of the Department of Health, serves over 11,000 people statewide. 

Vermont Business Magazine The American Red Cross will open a third regional disaster shelter in Lyndonville at the Lyndonville Fire Department (316 Main St.) as dozens of area residents remain displaced by Wednesday’s storm. The shelter will open at 3 pm. This shelter is managed by the Red Cross – and pets are welcome. Pet owners should bring their own animal crate, supplies, medications and food whenever possible. The Red Cross shelter at the Barre City Auditorium (16 Auditorium Hill) remains open and supported an overnight population of nine people. This shelter is also pet-friendly. The Red Cross shelter in St. Johnsbury closed Friday at noon after serving one overnight resident.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Labor urges all workers whose employment has been impacted by the July 2024 flooding to apply for unemployment benefits. This includes individuals whose place of business is closed due to the flood or who are unable to report to work due to the flood. Individuals who have lost their jobs, are unable to reach their place of employment, or cannot work due to the flood conditions are encouraged to apply for unemployment benefits as soon as possible. Vermonter’s can initiate the application process by calling the Unemployment Claimant Assistance Center at 1-877-214-3330. If you file a claim and are found ineligible, you may become eligible later on if federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are authorized. Regardless, the first step in the process is to file an initial claim through the regular unemployment insurance program.

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office announced that Caleb Devarney, 31, of St. Albans, Vermont, was arraigned today on three felony counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material and two misdemeanor counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material. The charges brought against the defendant are the result of a criminal investigation conducted by the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC), including personnel from the Attorney General’s Office, St. Albans City Police Department, and Burlington Police Department.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Corrections today reported an unsuccessful escape attempt at Southern State Correctional Facility (SSCF) in Springfield. The individual was identified as Christoph Berger. Christoph Berger, 28, is detained on a charge of Fugitive from Justice. He was lodged at SSCF on July 6.  

Department of Economic Development The ACCD Severe Storm Resource Center is live. Please visit accd.vermont.gov/flood for the latest information on staying safe, getting help, giving help, clearing debris, documenting damage, and how to protect your mental health during this difficult time. ACCD will be continuously updating this site as new details emerge. The state of Vermont will pursue a federal disaster declaration which, if granted, would unlock resources for repairing and rebuilding. For that application to be a success, the state needs your help. Please document your damage and report it to Vermont 211. The state of Vermont will use this data to make its case to the federal government for a disaster declaration. 

Vermont Business Magazine As people throughout Vermont begin recovery from yet another devastating flood, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD joined Governor Phil Scott and other administration officials to encourage people to take advantage of the resources and information available to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy. People can find safe cleanup, food safety and other guidance at HealthVermont.gov/Flood. Translated versions of these resources are also available. Dr. Levine announced the Health Department is now offering free drinking water test kits for people with private wells or springs that were affected by floodwater. The kits are not for people who use municipal water (receive a water bill). People who order a kit should follow all instructions for completing and returning it to receive an accurate result.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Weekly unemployment claims fell for the second week after a steep increase in late June. For the week ending July 6, 2024, new claims were 295, or back their usual summer lows. The Service industry accounts for the most claims with 48%. For the week, claims were down 120 for the week but 44 more than this time last year. Meanwhile, the state unemployment rate remains near historic low levels as employment and the labor force have increased (2.1 percent in May 2024). 

Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing As Vermont residents, we are all now acutely aware of the flooding that has hit some of our communities again, exactly one year after the devastating flooding we experienced last summer. In true Vermont fashion, we will rally together with our friends and neighbors as roads are repaired, homes and businesses are cleaned up, and our communities support those in need. Thankfully most parts of the state were spared any damage and so far, images of devastation in Vermont are not on the national news. We have prepared a list of resources for visitors who may be here now or travelling this weekend, but hopefully our major roads will be reopened in the next few days.