Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Interstate 89 remains closed Monday night in both directions between the Montpelier and Middlesex exits, according to the Vermont State Police. Additionally, the northbound lanes are shut down between the Berlin and Montpelier exits.

Senator Bernie Sanders Nobody knows for sure, but the flooding we are now experiencing could be the worst Vermont has seen in a very long time. What we do know is that extensive damage is already occurring in the towns of Weston, Ludlow, Londonderry, Calais, and many more. We also know that a number of roads have been closed, including sections of Route 100, 14, 131, 12, 12A, 14, 2, 103, 140, 107, and 155. Vermonters can stay up-to-date on road closures by visiting the Vermont Agency of Transportation website or New England 5-1-1.

Vermont State Police Initial charges have been filed against the man who led Rutland police on a brief high-speed pursuit Friday that ended when he crashed into two cruisers, killing 19-year-old part-time Officer Jessica Ebbighausen and injuring two other officers. Tate Rheaume, 20, is facing charges of grossly negligent operation of a motor vehicle with death resulting, and attempting to elude with death resulting. Meanwhile, nearly three dozen Vermont law-enforcement officers and first responders escorted Officer Ebbighausen’s body in a procession along US Route 7 from the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington back to the city she served as a part-time officer since May 23.

VermontBiz Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) issued the following statement amid flooding and severe rain across Vermont: 

“These storms are dangerous for folks throughout our state. I urge all Vermonters to take precautions: avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, stay up to date on the latest warnings from the National Weather Service and Vermont Emergency Management, and make a plan to evacuate if necessary. 

VermontBiz Mayor Miro Weinberger released the following statement regarding the current State of Emergency:  

“Today’s major flooding events have so far spared our community. Our thoughts are with our fellow Vermonters already experiencing catastrophic damage from this storm, and as long as conditions remain stable in Burlington, we will be sending mutual aid crews soon to support statewide recovery efforts. Already, members of the Burlington Fire Department have been deployed to the Urban Search and Rescue Task Force.  

VermontBiz “As we continue to face significant and damaging flooding, I want to thank the emergency responders and hardworking state employees across Vermont who are working tirelessly to keep our communities safe. 

My focus right now is ensuring Vermonters stay safe and know that my office is here to support with any resources people may need. This is a difficult time for our state with so many people, especially in vulnerable communities, struggling; please stay safe and avoid unnecessary risk to allow first responders to focus on urgent rescues.

VermontBiz Little Patakha, a Vermont-based, minority, and woman-owned children’s brand will launch its third Kickstarter campaign for its newest product, A Piece A Part jigsaw puzzle. The new product will add to its array of toys, games, books, and more that spark curiosity, celebrate differences and shatter stereotypes.

The A Piece A Part jigsaw puzzle introduces human anatomy through four diverse characters, teaching children that while there may be characteristics that set us apart on the outside, people are made of the same pieces on the inside. Kids can mix and match, combining the internal anatomy with external characteristics like skin color, hair, body shape, and more. 

VermontBiz Howard Center’s Zoe’s Race is set for Sunday morning, August 27 at Oakledge Park in Burlington. The annual event raises funds to make homes accessible for families served by Howard Center and includes a 1K fun run, a 5K run/walk, and a 10K run. 

Since 2009, Zoe’s Race has raised more than $270,000 from generous local businesses and individuals, enabling the completion of 34 home accessibility projects. Whether the modifications involve adding an entrance ramp, installing a stair lift, or modifying a bathroom, the improvements have a lasting positive impact in the daily lives of families. 

VermontBiz Several local nonprofit organizations have allied to co-host a virtual community conversation about the regional need for supported, safe, teen-led spaces. Winooski Partnership for Prevention and Big Heavy World with support from Vermont Afterschool and the Vermont Youth Center Alliance invite an open discussion about the social and economic value of providing safe spaces for teen-led programming and to explore the actions that might be taken collaboratively to address this need. The conversation via Zoom will be Thursday, July 27, 6pm.

VermontBiz Two Vermont cannabis producers – Family Tree and Vermontijuana – have become the first to bridge the gap between the state’s newborn cannabis industry into the realm of Vermont specialty foods as new members of the Vermont Fresh Network (VFN).
 

The Vermont Fresh Network has classified the two cannabis businesses as ‘Specialty Producers’, which it defines as, “specialty food and beverage makers, processors using primarily local ingredients ("primarily" means >50% of ingredients - excluding water - measured by weight, volume, or value; "local" ingredients are grown or raised in Vermont or within 30 miles of Vermont).”

VermontBiz “In the midst of the terrible flooding we are seeing, I want to thank all the emergency crews who have been working tirelessly to protect the lives and property of Vermonters during this very difficult time. I also want to thank the federal crews who are on their way from around our region and as far away as North Carolina.

VermontBiz The Killington World Cup Foundation (KWCF) has awarded 31 grants totaling $270,000 to Northeast area nonprofits in nine states for the upcoming ski season (23/24). Grant amounts ranged from ~ $1,500 to $18,000, and all recipients are registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or have a fiscal sponsor.

The KWCF grants were created with the aim of promoting winter sports and enriching communities. KWCF serves as a steward for this cause by providing financial assistance in various areas. In order to increase diversity and equity in sports, KWCF supports initiatives that focus on creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. This includes initiatives that help remove barriers to entry, such as providing equipment and training opportunities. Additionally, KWCF aims to create new growth opportunities in winter sports by improving safety mechanisms and infrastructure, as well as funding events that promote the sport to a wider audience. By doing so, KWCF hopes to foster a love for winter sports in individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.