Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Smoke & Cure, the artisanal Vermont smokehouse crafting premium meat snacks since 1962, today announced the launch of two new meat sticks created in partnership with Kraft Heinz Licensing and its iconic  A.1. and Lea & Perrins brands. Now available nationwide at Kroger, these launches mark the first-ever meat sticks made in collaboration with A.1. and Lea & Perrins, delivering signature steakhouse flavors in a convenient, on-the-go format. For generations, A.1. and Lea & Perrins have been the gold standard for elevating a great steak. Now, Vermont Smoke & Cure is extending that legacy beyond the dinner table, bringing bold, steakhouse flavor to the everyday moments that call for a satisfying, high-quality snack.

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office announced Friday that James Townsend, 41, of Woodstock, Vermont, was arraigned on one felony count of Luring a Child, five felony counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials, and one misdemeanor count of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials. The charges brought against Townsend were the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC). Townsend pleaded not guilty at the arraignment Friday in Vermont Superior Court, Windsor Criminal Division. The Court, Judge Elizabeth Mann presiding, ordered conditions of release which restrict Townsend’s contact with and access to minors, and the internet.  

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Vermont initial weekly unemployment claims fell last week to their lowest level since the end of last summer. For the week ending May 30, 2026, the Vermont Department of Labor reported that there were 248 new claims, down 108 from the previous week and up 9 from last year at this time. The end of the winter tourism season typically brings a flurry of layoffs; claims had spiked in April. Summer hiring typically reverses that trend. Nationally, despite a strong jobs report, stocks fell sharply as shares in chip stocks cratered. The markets are hoping for a big rally from the upcoming SpaceX IPO.

Vermont Business Magazine The Forest Business Accelerator is a Vermont-based program that supports startup and seed stage ventures developing innovative products, services, and technologies in the forest and wood industry. The program provides an intensive learning and business development process to help entrepreneurs validate their business model, strengthen operations, prepare for investment, and position their companies for meaningful growth. The application deadline closes June 12.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets has announced 34 grant awards totaling $1,000,000 to schools, early childhood programs, and Farm to School service providers in Fiscal Year 2026. The Farm to School Grant Program is funded by annual state appropriation of $500,875. In FY26, an additional $500,000 was allocated in a special one-time state appropriation for Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC). The funding opportunities offered through the Farm to School Grant program were updated in Fiscal Year 2026 to consolidate opportunities and streamline grant processes. The first grants of Fiscal Year 2027 will open in September 2026.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation will implement an overnight on-ramp closure at Exit 16 on Interstate 89 southbound. The on-ramp will be closed from 7 PM on Friday, June 5, until 6 AM on Saturday, June 6. The purpose of this closure is to support the ongoing Exit 16 Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) project. Motorists seeking to enter I-89 southbound at Exit 16 will be directed to Exit 15 in Winooski or seek alternative routes.

Vermont Business Magazine Early this morning, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) voted against Republicans’ budget reconciliation package, which funds the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) without any commonsense and necessary reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  Senator Welch proposed several amendments and changes to Senate Republicans’ budget package, focused both on reforming DHS and addressing the affordability crisis confronting rural America. Republicans blocked amendments to the bill throughout the Senate’s 18-hour long series of votes, including amendments to block President Trump’s slush fund, the so called “anti-weaponization fund,” which would give millions to January 6 insurrectionists. 

by Mike Donoghue, Vermont News First Federal authorities have arrested five out-of-state suspects as part of more than a $500,000 fraud perpetrated on banks and credit unions throughout Vermont and the Northeast.  The five arrests were made during synchronized raids at several locations, including in New York and New Jersey on Tuesday, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Vermont said. Also being sought are two others named in the nine-count indictment, which charges wire fraud conspiracy, bank fraud conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft. Their two names were redacted in the federal indictment secured by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia A. P. Cowles in Burlington on May 28.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Nut Free Chocolates is innovating again - this time expanding its better-for-you promise by re-launching one of its best-selling products, Skippers, with 100% plant-based colors. Vermont Nut Free Chocolates’ confectionery team did extensive testing and product development to identify the best-tasting, best-looking, and allergen-free plant-based colors before reformulating Skippers. The natural colors in Skippers candy coating are now made from Blackcurrant, Sweet Potato, Spirulina, Turmeric, Carrot, Radish, and Beet.   

Vermont Business Magazine Burke Mountain Resort is gearing up for its opening day of mountain bike season, set to open this weekend on Saturday, June 6. For the first two weekends, the Burke Bike Park will open Saturdays and Sundays only. Starting Thursday, June 18, it will operate Thursday - Sunday from 10 am - 6 pm.  The Bike Park at Burke offers lift-accessed and cross-country mountain biking for all ability levels. From singletrack to machine-excavated flow and jump trails, the resort features 24 trails across 25 miles of terrain, where three of its trails can be accessed from the summit, offering 2,115 feet of vertical biking. Burke’s Bike Park has direct access into the world-renowned Kingdom Trail network, featuring more than 100 miles of additional singletrack biking.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Land Trust (VLT) recognized Brody Allen of Reading, Elia Gage of Randolph, Ella Kane of Sheldon, Ephraim Elmer of Lowell, Eva Bury of Derby, Hailey Chase of Monkton, Jacob Buearegard of Franklin, Lydia Dickey of White River Junction, and Madalyn Perry of East Montpelier with Land Steward Awards, along with a check for $500 each. This is the 22nd year of VLT’s Land Steward Awards. Since 2005, the land trust has recognized outstanding high-school juniors and seniors who are dedicated to agriculture and forestry. Instructors from Vermont’s farming, forestry, and natural resources programs can nominate students for the award each spring.

Vermont Business Magazine Following a two-day trial, a Caledonia County jury has found Jonathan Fox, 57, of Barre, Vermont, guilty of Lewd and Lascivious Conduct with a Child. The charge brought against Fox was the result of a criminal investigation conducted by the Vermont State Police, the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit, and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC).