South Burlington Aircraft Firm Turns Attention to Ventilators

by Ken Picard Posted on May 4, 2020 at 10:05PM

something for under 500 bucks is truly astounding.” Hamlin and Chittineni have since been invited to serve on the board of the AutoVENT Foundation, a nonprofit organization Arms set up to get the device manufactured and into the hands of health care workers as quickly as possible.

Vermont State Colleges Plan In-Person Instruction This Fall

by Colin Flanders Posted on May 4, 2020 at 8:49PM

“I want to thank everyone who has advocated so fiercely for our VSCS," Zdatny said in a press release. "We must harness that energy for good as we consider strategies to address our ongoing financial challenges and position ourselves for success in the long-run."

Woman Punched by St. Albans Cop Sues City

by Derek Brouwer Posted on May 4, 2020 at 4:03PM

Scott Lifts Restrictions on Some Elective Procedures, Surgeries

by Colin Flanders Posted on May 4, 2020 at 1:33PM

Scott's announcement will likely come as welcome news to Vermont health care providers for whom elective procedures are a key source of revenue. Last week, the University of Vermont Health Network announced a series of austerity measures — including pay cuts and a hiring freeze — in anticipation of a $152 million loss in revenue this fiscal year, due in part to the cancellation of elective procedures. And while many providers have pivoted to telemedicine during the pandemic, remote visits remain inadequate for treating and diagnosing certain ailments, according to physicians at the Vermont Orthopedic Society, which issued a press release on Monday urging patients to take advantage of the lifted restrictions.

Media Note: Vermont PBS Chief Holly Groschner to Retire

by Paul Heintz Posted on May 1, 2020 at 3:06PM

Groschner said she was proud of her work to increase local programing, collaborate with Vermont Public Radio and, more recently, work with the state Agency of Education to provide educational opportunities for children during the coronavirus pandemic. According to Groschner, the transition has been in the works for some time, but its public announcement was delayed by the outbreak.

Scott Associate Lands Contract for Worker Safety Training

by Kevin McCallum Posted on May 1, 2020 at 2:53PM

The association’s course went live on April 20. It was initially advertised as free for members and $200 for nonmembers.

Scott Takes Further Steps to Reopen Vermont Economy

by Colin Flanders Posted on May 1, 2020 at 1:54PM

I want to be sure that everyone understands, we can't declare victory, because we have to recognize that states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York — states right on our borders just a few hours away — are still dealing with massive outbreaks." "It only takes one spark to reignite this fire," he continued.

Vermont Senate Approves $60 Million in Hazard Pay Grants

by Kevin McCallum Posted on May 1, 2020 at 12:49PM

Sen. Ruth Hardy (D-Addison) said she was disappointed that school food service workers and farm workers were not included in the bill, but she supported it strongly anyway. She noted that the majority of workers covered by the bill are women.

More Northwest State Correctional Facility Inmates Test Positive

by Derek Brouwer Posted on May 1, 2020 at 12:10PM

Asked if officials still believed the outbreak at Northwest was contained, Smith congratulated the Department of Corrections. "They have done an amazing job," he said.

UVM Health Network Projects $152 Million Loss Due to COVID-19

by Courtney Lamdin Posted on May 1, 2020 at 11:19AM

The health network is also instituting a hiring and capital spending freeze and will no longer pay performance-based bonuses to leaders or physicians. All of these changes will be in effect through September 30, the end of the fiscal year, and are expected to save about $25 million, the press release said.