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Burlington High School to Relocate to Macy's for In-Person Learning

by Courtney Lamdin Posted on November 17, 2020 at 10:26PM

The Macy's plan will cost $10 million over the duration of the lease, whereas renting trailers could cost north of $13 million, according to Nathan Lavery, the district's senior director of finance. The trailers wouldn't have been ready until late spring 2021; Macy's could be ready by February, Flanagan said.

Vermont Restricts Hospital Visitations, Announces New Testing Sites

by Colin Flanders Posted on November 17, 2020 at 4:13PM

State officials say it will take at least another week — and possibly several — to determine how impactful Scott's latest restrictions have been on slowing the spread of the virus. Last Friday, Scott closed bars, shut down recreational sports leagues and banned multi-household gatherings in an effort to cut down on the main sources of recent transmission.

The feds designated the 10 counties in red a disaster area. Farmers in adjoining counties (orange) are also eligible for aid.

Drought Disaster Declared for 10 Vermont Counties

by Kevin McCallum Posted on November 17, 2020 at 4:00PM

Parts of Vermont were declared abnormally dry as early as June, according to the National Drought Monitor, and advanced to moderate drought and severe drought as the summer progressed. Eastern Vermont was generally drier than the west.

Samples at the Vermont Health Department lab

COVID-19 Testing Underway for Vermont Teachers, School Staff

by Alison Novak Posted on November 16, 2020 at 10:03PM

On Monday, the South Burlington School District tested around 270 employees at its five schools, including teachers, paraeducators, nutritional service team members, facilities crew and central office staff, according to South Burlington High School assistant principal John Craig. At 3 p.m., a staff member collected tests from all five sites and brought them to UPS to be sent back to the Department of Health.

School Board to Consider Leasing Macy's as Temporary High School Space

by Courtney Lamdin Posted on November 16, 2020 at 7:35PM

The district began considering alternate high school spaces in September when air quality tests at the Burlington Technical Center building found polychlorinated biphenyls at levels 10 times higher than federal safety standards. "PCBs" is a catchall for more than 200 manmade chemicals, commonly found in buildings constructed between 1950 and 1979.

Church Street Marketplace earlier this year

Vermont's Hospitality Industry to Get $75 Million in Aid

by Kevin McCallum Posted on November 16, 2020 at 5:43PM

A total of 3,093 businesses applied for the state’s economic recovery grant program, which is funded by federal CARES Act money. Those businesses reported a total of $227 million in “unmet needs,” defined as pandemic-related revenue drops they experienced through September 1, 2020 compared to 2019, minus any other relief they’ve received.

Pine Touts Experience in Formal Mayoral Campaign Announcement

by Courtney Lamdin Posted on November 16, 2020 at 2:44PM

Christianson, an attorney and member of Burlington’s Development Review Board, told Seven Days last week he was “strongly considering” a run. In a press release Monday, Christianson said the pandemic solidified his desire to help his community.

Independent Report Faults DOC, Medical Contractor in Death of Black Inmate

by Paul Heintz Posted on November 16, 2020 at 1:06PM

resulted in having differential treatment, but it’s also hard to say that that wasn’t the case.” Downs Rachlin Martin made several recommendations to the Department of Corrections, including reevaluating its use of holding cells for medical purposes.

Gov. Phil Scott and Health Commissioner Mark Levine at a previous briefing

Scott Bans Multi-Household Gatherings, Closes Bars Amid COVID Spike

by Colin Flanders Posted on November 13, 2020 at 12:28PM

in your current household, you shouldn't interact with anyone," Scott added. “You shouldn't interact with your neighbors — you shouldn't get together for horseshoes or having a beer or coffee or anything like that.

From left: Sen. Michael Sirotkin, Sen. Tim Ashe and Sen. Chris Pearson

As Deadline Looms, Senators Pressure Businesses to Apply for Hazard Pay

by Paul Heintz Posted on November 12, 2020 at 8:29PM

and several retailers to make sure that they're aware of the opportunity, that they understand the process and making sure they know that tomorrow is the deadline," she said Thursday afternoon. "We are encouraged by the number of retailers and grocers across the state that have applied."