Good morning, Burlington.

Spring arrived at Joe's Pond when the iconic block broke through the ice on April 17th at 8:41 p.m.—marking the end of the 38th Ice-Out contest.

The Joe's Pond Association sold 16,749 $1 tickets and will soon announce a winner who may receive up to $7,835 while proceeds help finance water quality projects and the annual July 4 fireworks.

A Vermont teen was charged as an adult after he crashed his car on North Street in New Haven on Thursday when he sped away from a deputy while driving under suspension and under the influence of marijuana (which led to his 20-year-old passenger being ejected and later pronounced dead at the University of Vermont Medical Center).

A jury found Von Simmonds guilty of second-degree murder for the December 2022 stabbing of Abubakar Sharrif at Piesanos restaurant on Main Street in Burlington — his self-defense claim was rejected and his sentencing of 20 years to life has not yet been scheduled.

A federal jury in Burlington convicted Serhat Gumrukcu of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the 2018 killing of former business partner Gregory Davis—he now faces a mandatory life sentence when he is formally sentenced later this year.

Sen. Bernie Sanders is hosting his third annual Youth Chess Day for students grades 1-12 today at Vermont State University in Randolph — the event features a learn-to-play session with free lunch followed by a recreational tournament, and students must register by 12:00 p.m. on April 18.

University of Vermont researchers (led by Samantha Alger) and local beekeepers are testing a new method (UBeeO) that shows how well nurse bees remove sick young to help breed stronger bee colonies for the market and hobby use.

The researchers say the method will help make bees healthier but note that controlling pesticides is still hard.

Burlington’s proposed law to ban guns in bars cleared a Senate committee vote Friday — the revised measure now bans firearms only in venues licensed to serve alcohol and will next be considered by the full Senate before heading to the governor.

This change is the only gun control effort to advance in the Statehouse so far this session.

On April 18th, the Vermont House approved bill S.27 to forgive qualifying medical debt and keep it off credit reports—this measure will allocate $1 million to a nonprofit to protect families from long-term financial harm.

Representative Jill Krowinski said the law supports financial fairness and helps 1 in 10 Vermonters affected by medical debt.

Champlain Housing Trust in Burlington received a $200k grant from TD on April 18 to help low-to-moderate income homeowners manage rising costs—efforts that aim to support home repair and prevent foreclosure.

The grant is part of TD’s Housing for Everyone program, which awarded $7.2m to nonprofits across the region.

New England Log & Timber Design-Build EXPO

1-7 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont — Check for entry details — Explore innovative log and timber design solutions from top builders and vendors.

Devising Lab with Michael Bodel

10:00-11:30 a.m. — The Flynn — Free entry — Explore choreography through cardboard in this unique movement workshop.

Byland

8 PM – 12 AM — Higher Ground — Cost not mentioned — Experience the mesmerizing sounds of Deep Sea Diver's latest album, Impossible Weight.

All Night Boogie Band Live Performance

8:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Nectar's — Limited tickets available — Dance the night away with blues and soul inspired tunes every Thursday in May.

Vermont 1-Day Conference

9:00 AM - 2:30 PM — Edmunds Middle School — Pay what you can — Engage with the stuttering community and gain resources for growth and connection.

Burlington Anime Fest

10 a.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont — Kids enter FREE with paid adult ticket — Enjoy a family-friendly day filled with voice actors, vendors, attractions, and a huge cosplay contest.

Vermont HCBS Community Information Session

10 a.m. — Contois Auditorium — Free entry — Learn about upcoming changes to Developmental Disabilities Services while connecting with case management organizations.

ANIMAL Dance Performance

10 a.m. — The Flynn — Free entry — Experience innovative choreography and interactive movement games with ANIMAL Dance Company.

World Ballet Company - Burlington

3-4 p.m. — The Flynn — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the elegance of the Gilded Age through a world premiere ballet inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel.

Burlington Kids Weekend

May 16-17 — Waterfront Park — Free pizza and ice cream — Enjoy a fun-filled weekend with games and activities for kids.