Current News

VermontBiz – Comcast announces expansion of smart, fast, reliable fiber-based network to Westmore, delivering its full suite of Xfinity and Comcast Business services to more than 400 additional residents and businesses in Orleans County by the end of the year.

“Access to advanced broadband is a powerful driver of innovation and economic growth and Comcast is committed to investing in and expanding our network in Vermont,” said Carolyne Hannan, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s New England Region. “Bringing our fast, secure and reliable Internet services to Westmore will ensure that more residents and businesses have additional broadband options for their educational, professional and personal lives, making the community an even more attractive destination to live and visit."

VermontBiz Lawmakers and immigrant community members rallied today at the Vermont State House to celebrate the passage of the “Education Equity for Immigrant Students” proposal by the legislature and to call on Governor Scott to sign the bill into law. The press conference was livestreamed and is available for viewing.

Once enacted, the bill will ensure that all Vermont residents, regardless of immigration status, have access to in-state tuition rates and need-based financial aid when attending public colleges and universities in the state. The proposal, originally introduced as H.817, was later combined with another education-related bill (S.191) and passed overwhelmingly by both houses. The bill was transmitted to the Governor on May 24th and awaits his signature.

VermontBiz The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 29, 2024, Michael Burton, 48, of Shelburne, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford to a term of 60 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Burton previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

VermontBiz  Vermont’s Killington Resort, the largest mountain resort in Eastern North America and a POWDR company, announces closing day for the 2023/24 winter season will be June 1, 2024, the 196th operating day of the season. This is the third year in a row Killington’s season has lasted into June on Superstar, the same trail which will host the Stifel Killington Cup over Thanksgiving Weekend 2024.  

VermontBiz Governor Scott signed S.58 yesterday, a bill that would further criminalize drug-related offenses and charge more juveniles as adults. 

The following statement was issued by ACLU of Vermont Advocacy Director Falko Schilling: 

“S.58 is one of multiple bills the legislature enacted that will send more people to prison without addressing the root causes of instability in our communities. Taken together, these bills increase penalties for low-level thefts, further criminalize drug-related offenses, call for more juveniles to be charged as adults, and again delay implementation of juvenile justice reforms. 

“S.58 perpetuates the failed war on drugs and the systemic racism in our criminal legal system, and that is nothing to celebrate. S.58 makes it easier to convict someone for knowingly possessing, distributing, or selling a regulated drug, which will put more people in prison and exacerbate existing disparities. This legislation also expands the possibilities for youth to be prosecuted in adult court, and delays–once again—implementation of Vermont’s 'Raise the Age' statutes.  

"We know from experience that mass incarceration does not make our communities safer, and neither will S.58. In the coming year, we look forward to resuming the progress of previous legislative sessions with smarter, evidence-based criminal justice reforms.” 

VermontBiz “Netanyahu must end this devastating war. Now. A redline has been crossed over and over again and the humanitarian crisis in Rafah is beyond words. The US must exert its influence to bring about an immediate end to this horrific violence, suffering, death and destruction.

“Hamas must be brought to justice for the horror of October 7, and Israel has the right, in accordance with international law, to defend itself, but that is not what we are witnessing in Rafah today. Only a negotiated ceasefire will bring about an end to the war, bring home hostages, and end the suffering of civilians. Idly standing by while children are dying, is an unconscionable decision – and one that we cannot accept. 

“Netanyahu’s current path serves to bring more death and destruction to Gaza and risks any hope of regional peace and security. The United States must use all its leverage to bring an end to this war and find a political solution that serves all Israelis and Palestinians.”

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"This experience has really opened my eyes and means the world to me.” “Grateful for the support you guys provide to parents and children, including me and my daughter. Thank you!”  “Our caseworker treats me and my children with respect and truly cares about us as a family and believes in the reunification process.” These comments are typical of the feedback Easterseals VT receives as it empowers and assists local families and youth to address their challenges and create safety and well-being within their lives.

VermontBiz The Vermont Brewers Association is thrilled to announce its call for speakers for the 2nd annual Vermont Craft Brewers Conference November 11-12th, 2024 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in South Burlington. The Vermont Brewers Association promises an exciting lineup of events and opportunities for attendees to learn, connect, and grow within the craft beer industry.

VermontBiz The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is reminding anglers and the public to avoid disturbing spawning sea lamprey that may currently be found in the Connecticut River and several of its tributaries.

“Sea lamprey are native to the Connecticut River basin and play a vital role in the ecosystem,” said Lael Will, fisheries biologist with Vermont Fish and Wildlife.

VermontBiz Every year, beginning on June 1st, bears, bobcats, foxes, and other wildlife are pursued by packs of hounds, potentially over miles of land, during Vermont's hound "training" season. Since this is also the time of year when wildlife is tending to their young, this "training" may lead to orphaned animals, as well as vulnerable wildlife suffering serious injuries or even death during these pursuits.

VermontBiz Shelburne Farms Institute for Sustainable Schools has released Learning Locally, Transforming Globally, a free guide for educators that lays out a step-by-step process for shifting schools and communities toward sustainability. As the school year comes to an end, many teachers will be turning their attention to professional development opportunities in preparation for the coming school year. This resource offers a host of resources and ideas for educators interested in a sustainability approach to their teaching.

VermontBiz The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) purchased the 15-acre island in Brighton’s Island Pond and a three-acre lakeshore parcel with support from the Vermont Land Trust (VLT), the two organizations announced today. The land is now under FPR management as part of Brighton State Park, which abuts the southern and eastern shores of Island Pond. It is also protected by a conservation easement co-held by VLT and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) that permanently protects public access and natural resources.