Current News

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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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.

VermontBiz Botanists with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department have rediscovered a population of false mermaid-weed (Floerkea proserpinacoides)—not seen in Vermont since 1916 and believed to be locally extinct—along a stream in Addison County.

“We’ve been searching for this plant for years,” said Grace Glynn, Botanist at the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.  “We knew of two original sites where false mermaid-weed existed in the 1800s and early 1900s but is absent today.  We think the species was lost from those sites perhaps due to development, invasive species, or extreme flood events.  So, we’re thrilled to know that false mermaid-weed has persisted along a separate stream all this time.”

VermontBiz Bobolinks, Savannah sparrows and eastern meadowlarks enrich our summers with their songs, but their populations continue to suffer long-term declines due to the loss in quantity and quality of their grassland habitat.

“These species continue to experience long-term population declines across the continent, and on Vermont’s grasslands, especially in large fields and in open landscapes, there are opportunities to help,” said Rosalind Renfrew, biologist for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.