Current News

VermontBiz The Attorney General’s Office announced that Giselle Fichter (charged as Jarrod Fichter), 35, of Bellows Falls, Vermont, was sentenced today in Vermont Superior Court, Windham Criminal Division, after pleading guilty to one felony count of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material.

VermontBiz Today, Let’s Grow Kids Action Network (LGKAN) endorsed 107 child care champions for the upcoming Vermont primary election. The slate of candidates is made up of incumbents in the State Legislature who have demonstrated their commitment to solving the state’s child care crisis by voting for Act 76, making the 2023 Child Care Bill law. Today’s list includes 87 candidates in the Vermont House of Representatives and 20 from the Vermont Senate, representing every county and all major parties – Democrats, Progressives, and Republicans, as well as an Independent. Topping LGKAN’s endorsements are House Speaker Jill Krowinski and Senate President Phil Baruth, who both played pivotal leadership roles in the passage of Act 76 last year.

VermontBiz Today, the Colorado SecureSavings Program announced a partnership with Vermont’s public retirement program, Vermont Saves. The new partnership adds Vermont to the Partnership for a Dignified Retirement, an interstate consortium including Delaware and Maine. With more assets and accounts under management, the consortium will increase returns through economies of scale and reduce costs for savers. The partnership will also enable Vermont Saves to launch faster than anticipated, with an expected launch by the end of 2024.

VermontBiz When New England Federal Credit Union (NEFCU) and Vermont State Employees Credit Union (VSECU) merged in 2023, the two legacy organizations came together with the singular vision of expanding financial services access for members and enabling them to create impact—both in their own lives and in the lives of others. Now, after a year of planning and preparation, the credit union is excited to announce a new name and a unified brand in support of that mission. EastRise Credit Union represents a bright new day for the credit union’s members.

VermontBiz The ACLU and the Foundation of Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) settled a lawsuit against the Vermont State Police on behalf of Gregory Bombard, whose First Amendment rights were violated after an unnecessary traffic stop and retaliatory arrest in 2018. The terms of the ACLU and FIRE’s settlement include $100,000 in damages paid to Bombard and $75,000 in legal fees. 

VermontBiz The Attorney General’s Office announced that Anthony Weber, 30, of Winooski, Vermont, was sentenced yesterday afternoon in Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Criminal Division, after pleading guilty to one felony count of Luring a Child.

The Court, Judge Michael Harris presiding, sentenced the defendant on June 25, 2024, to a 10-year term of probation with conditions that he complete sex offender programming and that restrict his access to the internet and contact with the minor victim and minors under the age of 16. If Mr. Weber violates the terms of his probation, he faces up to 5 years in jail. Mr. Weber is also required to register as a sex offender for 10 years after the completion of his probation.

VermontBiz United Way of Northwest Vermont (UWNWVT) will distribute $748,000 in 2024 to 30 local organizations that are meeting an array of interconnected needs in our community. These grants represent one piece of United Way’s community funding. Last year, United Way invested $2.7 million into our community thanks to the support of generous donors and volunteers. 

Vermont Business Magazine Girls on the Run Vermont (GOTRVT), a statewide nonprofit organization for girls in 3rd-8th grade, has wrapped up its 25th anniversary season that served 1,683 girls across the state. Twenty-five years ago, 15 girls at Vernon Elementary School enrolled in the Girls on the Run program. Twenty-five seasons and 39,000 girls later, Girls on the Run Vermont is thriving and celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies ApprentiScope is a software company that helps companies scale their registered apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and work-based learning programs by automating their most time-consuming and repetitive program management tasks. Five years ago, while studying Computer Science at UVM, Will Lippolis grappled with two trends of higher education: rising costs and eroding degree value. These trends manifested in a heavily indebted labor force with degrees that didn’t boost earning potential or employability, according to Lippolis. That’s when he began considering registered apprenticeships as a substitute.

Vermont Food System News In 2023, the Grocer’s Project continued its commitment to supporting Vermont farmers and food businesses through comprehensive training and technical assistance programs. Cohort retail training was delivered to 33 food producers and farmers, focusing on retail strategies, effective merchandising, and boosting retail wholesale sales. The cohort approach fostered networking and peer learning, resulting in enriched skill sets and enhanced industry collaboration. Additionally, Technical Assistance initiatives provided invaluable support to independent Vermont grocery stores, co-ops and distributors, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to enhance their operations and viability through increased local food purchasing. These efforts contribute to the enduring sustainability of Vermont’s local food system.

VermontBiz Berkshire Bank is pleased to announce it has increased the funds available through its down payment assistance program to help homebuyers achieve their dream of homeownership.

Eligible borrowers purchasing a home in a qualifying area may now receive down payment assistance of $7,500 toward the purchase price. This program can also be combined with many local, state, and federal down payment assistance offerings.

VermontBiz Today, officials from the City of Burlington and representatives of the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI) gathered to celebrate the installation of a first-in-the-City Accessible Tactile Map located in Burlington’s Waterfront Park.  

The Waterfront Park Tactile Sign translates visual cues to distinct textures and braille, assisting blind and visually impaired visitors in their navigation of the area. Park-goers can use the sign to identify nearby locations, such as the ECHO Center or the A_Dog Skate Park, and determine the distance that they will need to travel in order to reach their destination. The map also distinguishes different kinds of terrain, allowing for a safer experience. A QR Code sticker attached to the sign will refer people to additional information, such as audio descriptions.