Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Vermont’s $100 million proposal to use Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding to extend access to reliable, high speed, and affordable broadband services to areas where it currently does not exist. BEAD, a $42.45 billion federal grant program authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, sets the goal of connecting every American to high-speed internet by funding partnerships within states to build infrastructure.

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office today announced that Ayla Atherton, 30, of Richford, Vermont, has pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of Medicaid fraud related to submitting false claims for payment. Atherton’s sentencing will be deferred for a two-year term of probation and repayment of restitution. Atherton entered her plea this afternoon in Vermont Superior Court, Franklin Unit, Criminal Division. The Court, Judge Elizabeth Novotny, ordered Atherton to complete two years of supervised probation, repay $5,436 in restitution, and complete a restorative justice program. Atherton also agreed not to provide Medicaid services in the future.

Vermont Business Magazine Legislators, local government leaders, housing advocates, businesses, and conservation organizations gathered Tuesday at the State House to call on the Legislature to act this session to realign the implementation timelines of Act 181, Vermont’s landmark 2024 land use reform law. Speakers warned that Act 181 is moving faster than the maps and rules needed to implement it clearly and fairly, creating uncertainty for towns, housing projects, and working landowners across Vermont. The coalition is urging legislative leaders to take up H.730 to extend timelines and prevent further misalignment. The call to extend Act 181 timelines is being led by members of the Legislature’s nonpartisan Rural Caucus, including leadership and bipartisan sponsors of H.730, who represent communities across all regions of Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine The Stratton Mountain School (SMS) community is celebrating a historic victory today as alumnus Ben Ogden (Class of 2018) captured the silver medal in the Men’s Sprint at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy. With this podium finish, Ogden ended a half-century medal drought, becoming the first American man to win an Olympic medal in cross-country skiing since fellow Vermonter Bill Koch won silver at the 1976 Innsbruck Games. Koch was from Guilford and graduated from Putney School. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office today announced that Paul Frasca, 60, of Chester, Vermont, was sentenced in Vermont Superior Court, Windsor Criminal Division, after pleading guilty to one felony charge of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material. The Court, Judge Elizabeth D. Mann presiding, sentenced the defendant to two to five years in prison all suspended except six months, which will be served in a correctional facility, followed by 10 years of probation. Conditions of Frasca’s probation include that he must complete individual sex offender treatment, must not have contact with children under the age of 16, and shall have restricted access to electronic devices.

The Vermont State Police arrested 11 people Monday and cited two others on charges of criminal trespass Monday afternoon, Feb. 9, 2026, after they declined to leave a private office building in Williston and asked to be taken into custody instead. The individuals were in the building to protest federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, that are among government and private tenants, including private businesses and a medical office. The building owner informed police that the individuals were trespassing and would not leave and asked for them to be removed. 

Vermont State Police The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office informed the Vermont State Police on Monday evening that they have completed the autopsy in this case. The state police is able to identify the victim as Howard Doyle, 45, of Rochester. The medical examiner determined the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds, and the manner of death was a homicide. VSP’s investigation remains active and ongoing. 

Vermont State Police On October 18, 2025, Detectives with the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations, assigned to the New Haven Barracks, began an investigation into a reported sexual assault. After investigation, it was determined that Christian Leggett (25) had unlawful sexual contact with a juvenile during the summer of 2023. It was also determined that Therran Leggett (27) had unlawful sexual contact with the same juvenile from June 2025 to August 2025. 

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported last week that the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations have edged back to about 5 cases statewide. Other indicators through wastewater analysis show COVID-19, Norovirus and especially RSV in Vermont and nationally are active. There are no recently reported measles cases in Vermont and the rate nationally is low. However, testing discovered the virus in Washington County’s wastewater last week. There were 6 COVID outbreaks last week (2 the week before), with 3 in Long-Term Care Facilities and 1 in schools. Like hospitalizations, outbreaks increased slightly from mid-summer and have recently increased, especially in residential care facilities and one, unnamed correctional facility.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Afghan Alliance (VAA) has announced the appointment of Ellen Yount of Starksboro as its new Executive Director, effective March 4. Yount succeeds Molly Gray, who is stepping down in early March to run for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont and will remain in the role through a brief transition period. Gray has served as Executive Director since April 2023. Under her leadership, the organization evolved from a local, volunteer-led driving program into a professional, statewide organization now supporting more than 650 Afghans across Vermont with jobs, housing, immigration legal services and more.

by Mike Del Trecco, VAHHS President and CEO As you can tell from Devon’s legislative update, it’s been a busy time for health care in the State House. Last Friday, hospital leaders from across Vermont, along with VAHHS, testified before a joint meeting of the House Health Care and Senate Health and Welfare Committees about the critically important work we are doing to improve the health care system for our patients and communities. Our message was straightforward and sincere: Vermont’s hospitals recognize the financial pressure facing families, employers and the state, and we are taking meaningful and sometimes difficult steps to address affordability while working just as hard to keep care local. We shared with lawmakers that the status quo is not sustainable, as you’ve heard me say more than once. Hospitals know that, and we are acting accordingly.

Vermont Business Magazine Following a national search, Dain LaRoche has been appointed to lead UVM’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Currently the Associate Dean for Research in the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) and Professor of Exercise Science at the University of New Hampshire, Durham, Dr. LaRoche oversees the college’s $30 million annual research portfolio and has co-developed the college’s first interdisciplinary PhD program. LaRoche earned his Ph.D. in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Utah. The focus of his research is the interplay of neuromuscular, metabolic, and biomechanical function in the limitation of mobility of older adults.