AGP Executive Report

Vermont Gas Leadership: Lindsay Kurrle is set to become Vermont Gas Systems’ next president and CEO, succeeding Neale Lunderville at the end of 2026, after years on Gov. Phil Scott’s team including leading ACCD work tied to housing and tourism. Road & Bridge Updates: VermontBiz lists ongoing I-89 paving and bridge work plus local closures and lane restrictions, including a reopened Depot St. bridge and active Main St./VT Rt. 9 bridge replacement near Beech St. Rail for Travelers: Sen. Peter Welch announced $3.95M in federal funding to upgrade Amtrak’s Vermonter corridor bridge in the Champlain Valley, aiming to improve reliability and service frequency. Tourism Events: Bennington’s Battle Day weekend gets a full guide, and Ludlow’s Okemo Valley Summer Festival returns Aug. 22–23 with makers, music, food, and family activities. Local Dining Farewell: Blue Paddle Bistro in South Hero closed after 21 years, a hit for the Champlain Islands restaurant scene. Health & Visitor Impact: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital faces a projected $7.1M shortfall as regulators review plans to curb deficit spending, while UVM Medical support staff contracts expired with unions not on strike yet. Outdoor/History Picks: A Vermont Barns art exhibit runs through Sept. 6 at Highland Center for the Arts, and a story highlights Farm stays connecting visitors with Vermont agriculture.

Vermont Gas Leadership: Lindsay Kurrle is set to become Vermont Gas Systems’ next president and CEO, bringing years of state leadership experience tied to economic development, housing, tourism, and flood recovery. Rail Travel Upgrade: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch announced nearly $4 million to improve Amtrak’s Vermonter corridor in Vermont, aiming to boost service frequency and reliability. Road-Trip Reality Check: VermontBiz lists major I-89 paving and bridge work plus ramp closures and speed limits that could slow summer travel. Local Tourism Calendar: Bennington’s Battle Day weekend is packed with history and events honoring the 1777 battle. Family Travel & Community: The Okemo Valley’s Best of Vermont Summer Festival returns Aug. 22–23 in Ludlow with makers, music, food, and a family fun zone. Getting Around Safely: A guide breaks down dash-cam rules by state, including Vermont, to help drivers avoid trouble. Health & Wildlife Watch: A federal Endangered Species Act change could affect protections for Vermont’s vulnerable wildlife. Hospital Impact: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital faces a projected shortfall as regulators question past financial management and new leaders outline fixes.

Rail & Tourism Boost: Sen. Peter Welch announced nearly $4 million in federal funding to upgrade Amtrak’s Vermonter Corridor East, including work on the Alburgh Bridge to improve service frequency and reliability—good news for travelers heading to the Champlain Valley. Local Shopping & Community: Williston’s Williston ReStore is set to reopen Aug. 15 after months of fire and smoke damage repairs, with proceeds supporting homebuilding and secondhand shopping. Summer Events: The Best of Vermont Summer Festival returns Aug. 22–23 in Ludlow at Okemo Field, with two days of makers, live music, food trucks, and a family fun zone. Arts & Culture: “Rett Sturman’s ‘Vermont Barns’” continues through Sept. 6 at Highland Center for the Arts, spotlighting vernacular barns and farm life. Outdoor & Wildlife Policy: A federal Endangered Species Act change could affect Vermont’s vulnerable wildlife by loosening the definition of “harm,” raising concerns for habitat protection. Travel Practicalities: AAA reports gas prices are climbing again after a brief dip, with the national average back around $4.07. Community Needs: A regional childcare shortage is pushing young parents to seek alternatives, adding pressure to families and local economic growth.

Vermont Tourism & Events: Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee hosted Natasha Bedingfield for the Lake Morey Summer Concert Series, a free biweekly outdoor lineup that’s brought dozens of shows to rural Vermont and New Hampshire. Local Culture & History: A new look at the “Bennington Triangle” traces how a 1946 Long Trail disappearance helped spark Vermont’s state police force—and how the mystery became folklore. Travel Planning: Old Farmer’s Almanac’s extended fall forecast calls for a colder, wetter-than-normal fall across Vermont, with conditions fairly consistent statewide. Road & Safety Updates: Vermont State Police reported a tractor-trailer crash on I-91 northbound near Ryegate that closed one lane and caused delays; separately, a train struck a tractor-trailer at a crossing in Shrewsbury, reopening Route 103 after towing. Community & Visitor-Friendly Stops: Woodstock Community Food Shelf moved to a larger location in July to cut wait times, and Williston’s ReStore is set to reopen Aug. 15 after an April fire. Wildlife & Outdoors: Galley at the Vault in Springfield is featuring wildlife photographer Steve Costello, with a reception Aug. 14 and a show running through Sept. 22.

Death Investigation: Vermont State Police say Timothy Coleman, 72, was found unresponsive in a vehicle at Charlotte Town Beach; investigators report natural causes and no apparent foul play. Crash & Travel Disruption: A tractor-trailer rolled on I-91 northbound near Ryegate early Aug. 13, with one lane closed and delays expected while crews work to remove the truck. Rail Crossing Incident: In Shrewsbury, a tractor-trailer was struck by a train after failing to stop for crossing signals; no injuries reported and Route 103 reopened after towing. Local Tourism & Community: Newport’s long-vacant “pit” downtown is moving toward a new chapter—NVDA plans to buy the site for $1.1M pending court approval, aiming to transfer it to the city or a partner. Outdoors & Learning: Southeastern Vermont Audubon Society is hosting in-person programs at Brooks Memorial Library, including grassland bird conservation and a trip to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. ReStore Update: Williston’s Green Mountain Habitat ReStore will reopen Aug. 15 after an April fire. Gas Prices: Vermont’s average gas price is listed at $4.12, up from last week.

Vermont Tourism & Events: Vermont’s festival season is in full swing mid-August, with the Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots Festival in Manchester and the Stowe Jazz Festival, plus more music and summer happenings across Burlington, Rutland, Essex, Brattleboro, and Jay. Wildlife & Outdoors: The Vermont Bear Hound Association donated $3,042 to help the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department buy two satellite GPS bear-tracking collars, expanding female bear monitoring to better understand reproduction and population dynamics in the Green Mountains and Connecticut River Valley. Local Travel Spotlight: Hartford, Vermont’s “five villages” setup (Quechee, White River Junction, Wilder, Hartford, and West Hartford) is drawing big summer crowds, with Quechee Gorge a standout stop for visitors from dozens of countries. Road Trip Fuel Watch: Vermont’s gas average is $4.12, up from $4.17 a week ago, while the national average climbed back to $4.07 after a brief dip. Family Adventure Idea: A Boston Globe feature highlights a New Hampshire White Mountains thru-hike by a mom and her daughters—an inspiration for Vermont families chasing big mountain goals. Eco-Friendly Weddings: A Vermont wedding industry story looks at how local venues and vendors are cutting waste and carbon through greener practices. Vermont State Fair: The Vermont State Fair kicks off Tuesday in Rutland, adding racing goats alongside the classic racing pigs and expanding food and entertainment options. Travel Safety Note: If you’re planning around summer heat, keep an eye on local advisories—conditions can shift fast.

Vermont Wildlife & Safety: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is expanding its black bear research with a $3,042 donation from the Vermont Bear Hound Association, funding two new satellite GPS collars to track female bears in the Green Mountains and Connecticut River Valley and boost the collared-female sample from 18 to 20. Outdoor Climate Watch: New research led by UVM links how trees move up or down mountains under climate change to their water-handling traits, helping forecast future forest shifts. Tourism Spotlight: Hartford’s “five villages” tourism boom is on display, with Quechee Gorge drawing visitors from around the world and locals alike. Local Events: The Vermont State Fair kicks off Tuesday in Rutland, adding racing goats alongside the famous racing pigs and expanding vendor options. Travel Planning (Hikes): A Stowe weekend guide highlights Sterling Pond Trail and a Mansfield gondola-to-Cliff Trail hike, plus Edelweiss Mountain Deli for trail sandwiches. Community Access: North Star Health launches a new Dr. Delores Barbeau Mobile Health Unit with weekly stops in Brattleboro and Bellows Falls to help close primary-care gaps. Sports: Castleton’s QB competition heats up as the season approaches.

Bear Conservation & Wildlife Research: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is getting a $3,042 boost from the Vermont Bear Hound Association to buy two satellite GPS collars, expanding female black bear tracking in the Green Mountains and Connecticut River Valley from 18 to 20 collared bears. Outdoor Access & Land Protection: The Nature Conservancy in Vermont helped fund conservation projects via the Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund, protecting 2,163 acres across Athens, Marlboro, Fairfield, Fletcher, Bakersfield, and Thetford, with public access planned for places like the Athens Community Forest expansion and the Winter Wren Nature Preserve. Mobile Health Care: North Star Health launched the Dr. Delores Barbeau Mobile Health Unit, starting weekly alternating visits to Brattleboro and Bellows Falls to fill a primary care gap where federally qualified health centers are lacking. Local Events & Community Travel Flavor: Guilford’s Labor Day Fair keeps its classic country-fair feel while adding modern touches like ATM access and upgraded facilities, drawing thousands from across Vermont. Family-Friendly Sports Spotlight: Vermont’s Little League team plays Maine in the New England Region on ESPN as the LLWS chase hits elimination-and-championship stakes. Road Safety: Vermont State Police report a fatal single-vehicle crash in Mount Tabor on Aug. 10, killing a 17-year-old Manchester teen.

Bear Research Boost: Vermont Fish & Wildlife is getting $3,042 from the Vermont Bear Hound Association to buy two new GPS collars for female black bears, expanding a study in the Green Mountains and Connecticut River Valley to better track reproduction and population trends. Forest & Flood Resilience: A Burlington floodplain forest along the Winooski River—growing for 80 to 90 years—shows how “wild” urban nature can support biodiversity and help buffer spring flooding. Tourism Brand Watch: Vermont’s new dedicated tourism brand is rolling out, with a look at what it could mean for travel marketing statewide. Outdoor Learning & Art: Local artists are using foraged materials for eco-prints and natural-dye work, while the Lakes Region Art Association wrapped its 86th Annual Member Show. Road Safety Tragedy: A Manchester teen, Asher Cooperman, died in a Mount Tabor single-vehicle crash on National Forest Highway 10; police say speed and loss of traction were factors. Community & Housing: Rutland celebrated ribbon-cutting 30 permanently affordable apartments at Maplewood Commons, adding accessible homes and resident services near downtown. Events: Noah Kahan’s Busyhead Project returns with a Folk & Fairways benefit concert and golf tournament in Stowe (Sept. 14–15).

Vermont Tourism Brand: Vermont unveiled its first dedicated tourism brand, “State of Inspiration,” aiming to close the gap between how many travelers like Vermont and how many actually plan a trip—tourism brings in $4.2B annually and officials say brand visibility still lags neighbors. Outdoor & Wildlife: Vermont’s Fish & Wildlife is expanding its bear research with new GPS tracking collars funded by the Vermont Bear Hound Association, boosting the number of collared female bears to better understand reproduction and population dynamics. Nature & Climate: New research highlights why some mountain trees shift downslope while others move uphill as climate change alters water stress and drought tolerance. Arts & Local Flavor: Three Vermont artists are using foraged natural materials—like ginkgo leaves, grapevines, and wild clay—for eco-prints and other nature-based work. Safety on the Roads: A fatal single-vehicle crash in Mt. Tabor killed a 17-year-old passenger; police say the Subaru lost traction on a dry dirt road and hit a tree. Winter Travel Idea: A Bermuda snow program is sending a beginner to Jay Peak in February, with fully funded travel, lodging, lift access, and gear. Community Events: Rupert Old Home Days wrapped up with a parade honoring the volunteer fire department and longtime local service. Film Funding: Vermont Film Production Economic Impact Pilot Program announced seven grant recipients to support homegrown projects and track in-state spending impact.

Cross-Border Tourism & Trade: New England governors and eastern Canadian premiers met at Shelburne Farms to reaffirm ties with Canada, with tourism and energy among the topics as tariff tensions loom. Wildlife & Outdoor Recreation: Vermont is removing many loon nesting rafts after a strong rebound, and the state is also funding new bear research with GPS collars to better track reproduction in the Green Mountains and Connecticut River Valley. Conservation Land Deal: Mount Holly Conservation Trust bought the 33.5-acre “Maple Crossing” tract to connect conserved public lands and protect habitat for brook trout and low-impact recreation. Local Travel Disruptions: Route 2A construction in Williston is causing major commuter delays, and I-89 North near Exit 20 in West Lebanon has one-lane delays through Thursday for bridge work. Nature Learning Events: Brooks Memorial Library is hosting grassland bird and red wolf talks, while ECHO and Fairfax Community Library kicked off a BioBlitz using iNaturalist. Vermont Summer Heat Watch: NOAA says July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded nationwide, adding urgency to how Vermonters plan outdoor time. Community & Family Travel: Brattleboro Savings & Loan’s school supply drive supports local students ahead of the new year.

Vermont Nature & Outdoors: New research led in part by UVM finds mountain trees don’t all march uphill as the climate warms—water-handling traits can push some species downslope instead, reshaping how forests may reorganize. Local Art & Culture: Three Vermont artists are turning foraged materials into eco-prints and natural dyes, using everything from ginkgo leaves to wild clay. Public Safety: Vermont State Police are investigating a death of a man found unresponsive in a vehicle at Charlotte Town Beach; officials say it doesn’t appear suspicious. Family & Community Travel: Southern Vermont’s must-visit swimming spots spotlight classic local swimming holes like the Green River Covered Bridge and Timber Dam. Lodging Spotlight: The Serenity Motel in Shaftsbury is back for another busy season, with its cottage-style setup and upslope housekeeping routine. Food & Markets: Vermont farmers say the cyclosporiasis outbreak may be boosting local lettuce sales, while a separate report warns many Vermont farmers markets struggle to attract enough farm vendors as farm income drops. Events: A reception for wildlife photographer Steve Costello runs Aug. 14 in Springfield, featuring his exhibit “An Illusion of Proximity.”

Public Safety: Vermont State Police are investigating a death after an adult man was found unresponsive in a dark grey Subaru Forester at Charlotte Town Beach; officials say it doesn’t appear suspicious and no name has been released pending next-of-kin notification. Conservation & Outdoors: New research led by UVM finds mountain tree shifts aren’t just “uphill”—water-management traits can drive some species to move downslope as climate change reshuffles forests. Local Food & Tourism: Newport’s Kingdom Co-op effort aims to convert a downtown grocery and café into a member-owned food cooperative to keep local producers and community access strong. Farmers Markets: A Vermont survey finds markets are struggling to attract enough farmers; average market sales for tracked organic markets dropped sharply from 2022 to 2025, raising the question: what’s a farmers market without the farmers? New Lodging: Otherland Hotel, a renovated nature-forward boutique property in Newfane, is now open with riverside trails, cycling routes, and four-season stays. Family-Friendly Stops: Allen Brothers Farm Market and Country 93.5 are handing out free back-to-school backpacks in Westminster on Aug. 15. Wildlife & Science: VINS’ Eagle Cam launched this spring and drew national attention to a bald eagle nesting story; visitors can still watch in person at the Forest Canopy Walk. Health & Travel Planning: Vermont’s cyclosporiasis outbreak may be boosting local lettuce sales as shoppers look for locally sourced produce.

Food & Community: Newport’s Kingdom Co-op effort is turning a downtown natural foods store and café into a member-owned grocery model, aiming to keep local producers and community staples thriving. Farmers Market Reality Check: Vermont’s farmers markets are booming in number, but many say their biggest worry is attracting more farm vendors as sales drop—raising the question: what’s a farmers market without the farmers? New Lodging: Otherland boutique hotel has opened in Newfane, a nature-forward, four-season riverside retreat with meadow views, trails, and easy access to hiking and swimming holes. Cross-Border Travel & Relations: Just one New England governor joined eastern premiers for a cross-border meeting in Vermont as trade tensions shape the backdrop. Outdoor & Wildlife: A new study points to why some mountain trees shift downslope while others move uphill—water management may be the key. Family Travel Moments: A lake vacation essay captures why Vermonters keep returning to familiar waters, even when it’s “just” an hour away. Public Safety for Travelers: A boil water order is in effect for parts of North Jay, and I-89 south in Williamstown has traffic delays from crashes near milemarker 44.2. Ski Industry Spotlight: Mount Snow lift mechanic Josh Storino is competing in the Rise Up Challenge, with voting open through Aug. 16. Nature Events: The Perseid meteor shower peaks Aug. 12–13, with best viewing after midnight.

New Hotel Opening: Otherland boutique hotel has opened in Newfane, a 20-room, four-season riverside retreat on 40 acres with meadow views plus easy access to trails, swimming holes, and nearby mountains. Cross-Border Travel Mood: Calais, Maine and St. Stephen, New Brunswick are hosting the 53rd International Homecoming Festival Aug. 5–9, a rare moment of unity despite recent travel tensions. Ski Industry Jobs & Tourism: Mount Snow lift mechanic Josh Storino is competing in the Rise Up Challenge; voting runs through Aug. 16. Family-Friendly Giveaways: Allen Brothers Farm Market and Country 93.5 are handing out free backpacks Aug. 15 in Westminster. Outdoor Season Picks: Here are Vermont orchards for picking your own peaches, plus reminders that the Perseid meteor shower peaks Aug. 12–13. Road & Water Alerts: I-89 S near mm44.2 in Williamstown has traffic delays from crashes; Jay Water District has a boil-water order for parts of North Jay. Travel Practicalities: Gas prices dipped in Windham County (lowest regular reported at $3.99 in the week ending Aug. 1). Safety Note: A Vermont woman was charged after a dog was found in a sealed car in New Hampshire at 114 degrees.

Road & Water Updates: Multiple Vermont road projects are underway this week, including closures and one-lane reductions tied to bridge work and south-end water main upgrades, with delays expected. In Jay, a boil water order is in effect for some North Jay neighborhoods south of Look Brook Circle and along parts of Route 4/17 and nearby roads. Ski Industry & Jobs: Mount Snow lift mechanic Josh Storino is competing in the national Rise Up Challenge; voting runs through Aug. 16. Outdoor & Family Fun: Looking for peaches? Several Vermont orchards are offering pick-your-own fruit during a short summer window. Wildlife & Nature: VINS’ Eagle Cam marked its first year with a successful bald eagle nesting story, and visitors can still view the birds in person at the Forest Canopy Walk. Arts & Lodging: Otherland Hotel in Newfane has reopened as a nature-forward four-season boutique retreat. Community & Health: A letter urges support for Northwestern Medical Center as a rural lifeline, while UVM Health continues major budget pressure. Skywatching: August brings eclipse viewing and the Perseid meteor shower, with best meteor chances in the pre-dawn hours.