Everyone is responsible for doing their part to stop this pandemic - wear a mask By Sen. Dick McCormack State Colleges As everyone knows, the proposal to close three state colleges has been taken off the table, at least somewhat in response to public outrage. But the issue is far from settled. As I argued…

By Rep. Jim Harrison Confirmed new cases of Covid-19 in Vermont continued to decline last week, another sign that we are beyond the peak and doing better than many other areas. On Friday, May 1, Scott again turned the proverbial spigot another quarter turn as more businesses will be allowed to open, albeit with restrictions…

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) has received a grant for more than $21 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The grant funds will be distributed among public transit providers statewide in rural and urban areas and aid…

By Kit Norton and Xander Landen/VTDigger Once the state cashes the checks it received from Washington, D.C., Vermont’s coffers will have $1.25 billion in funding that can be used to cover costs related to the Covid-19 crisis. Gov. Phil Scott and lawmakers have until the end of the year to decide how to spend the money granted to…

Last week, the Department of Labor reminded unemployed Vermonters that they must return to work if called back by their employer. While exceptions do exist for employees, such as those who have been exposed to Covid-19 or individuals who must care for a family member, those who refuse to return to suitable work may risk…

Labor Dept provides first round of PUA payments to 8,500 Vermonters The Vermont Department of Labor announced April 29 that it has provided more than $24 million in direct deposit payments to Vermonters through the newly created Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. The program provides benefits to those previously not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits,…

RUTLAND—Rutland Economic Development Corporation (REDC) announced Tuesday, May 5, that it has received authorization to offer an emergency loan program through its Revolving Loan Fund to assist businesses that are impacted by Covid-19. USDA Rural Development has authorized REDC to use $150,000 from its Revolving Loan Fund for the Covid-19 emergency loan program. Businesses and…

Fred R. Geery left the world too soon on May 2, 2020. He started his life homeless on the streets of Portland, Oregon, and suffered abuse, including a broken back before the age of 8 months old. He was rescued by a Good Samaritan who brought him to the Multnomah County animal shelter, where he…

By Katy Savage After a week of uncertainty about the immediate future of Vermont colleges, the chancellor of Vermont State Colleges and president of Castleton University both resigned. CU President Karen Scolforo is leaving May 31 while Vermont State Colleges Chancellor Jeb Spaulding’s resignation was effective April 29. Both announcements were made at an April…

RUTLAND – ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care, in Rutland, is offering Covid-19 testing for both active infections and antibodies seven days a week, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. No appointments are needed, but patients are encouraged to reserve a time at ccmdcenters.com/locations/rutland-vt. Both tests are covered by most major insurances: however, patients are recommend to reach out to their…

On Friday, May 1, Governor Phil Scott announced a third incremental, evidence-based step forward to put Vermonters back to work. If able to comply with outlined safety measures, the governor’s latest order allows for the following operations: Crews of 10 or fewer employees per location/job to perform outdoor work and construction work in unoccupied job sites. (Effective…

Relief loans are an awkward fit for the industry By Polly Mikula and Anne Wallace Allen/VTDigger “It’s all speculation, no one really knows what to expect or plan for,” said Phil Black, co-owner of the Lookout Tavern in Killington. Chris Karr, owner of multiple restaurants and businesses in Killington including the Foundry, Jax, Mad Hatter Scoops,…

RUTLAND—Effective May 5, 2020, in accordance with Governor Phil Scott’s order, Rutland Regional Medical Center will resume outpatient surgeries and procedures, in-person physician clinic visits, and diagnostic imaging services. These services will come back on-line in a controlled and phased way while following strict protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Vermont Department of Health.…

Plan calls for an increase from 2,000-7,500 tests per day in Vermont Governor Phil Scott and members of his administration on April 29 announced the state is significantly increasing and strengthening its testing and contact tracing programs in order to quickly identify, contain and suppress outbreaks of Covid-19. In mid-April, the governor began taking steps…

Reopening complicated by high Covid-19 cases nearby By Polly Mikula Vermont appears to be unique in its low Covid-19 infection rate, availability of testing and measured approach to reopening. In fact, it may be among the only states to satisfy the national guidelines for reopening: 1) A downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses and confirmed cases…