Good morning, Burlington.

Steve Giroux of Giroux Body Shop in Hinesburg discussed his lifelong work ethic and the challenges facing local skilled trades today, noting that trade school closures have made hands-on work more vital.

He emphasized that personal values and hard work continue to define success in his family business.

Working Lands Enterprise Initiative is accepting applications for its Service Provider & Producer Association Grant offering up to $225K for Vermont agriculture, food and forest businesses.

The online portal is open through Nov. 5 at 2:00 p.m.; an optional webinar is set for Oct. 1 at 11:00 a.m.

The revamped Grand Point North festival—held Sept.

18-20 at Waterfront Park—celebrated Vermont arts and music while benefiting Grace Potter’s Grand Point Foundation. Local performers such as Jackson Browne and Maggie Rose added creative murals and vibrant sounds to the event.

Local farms and groups are hosting fall events with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and ghost tours through October; visitors can explore spots like Isham Family Farm (9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays) and enjoy ghost walks in Burlington and Montpelier.

Vermont utility regulators announced today that McNeil Generating Station in Burlington & Ryegate Power Station in the Northeast Kingdom may purchase wood scraps cut before the end of July that were once sold to Finch Paper Mill, a move meant to support local loggers while keeping projects sustainable.

State Board of Education chair Jennifer Deck Samuelson resigned abruptly citing personal reasons; vice chair Tammy Kolbe will serve as acting chair until an election in October selects a new leader as the board continues its education transformation efforts.

Vermont had a dry September with warmer days + cooler nights in Burlington, which may result in a gradual but slightly less vibrant fall foliage season.

Experts say peak colors will appear in early October as weather remains a key factor.

A press conference for the Ride Public campaign was held at Downtown Transit Center on Tuesday to urge state leaders to secure reliable funding as bus routes face cuts and future shortfalls.

Low-income seniors now qualify for Vermont’s expanded Medicare Savings Program that helps cover Medicare premiums.

Carole Patten from Lake Elmore now keeps an extra ($200) from her Social Security each month, and nearly 12,000 seniors have signed up so far.

McClure Miller Respite House—Vermont’s only Medicare-certified inpatient hospice facility—marked 10 years in Colchester after serving 3,429 residents and expanding clinical care and community support beyond its previous 25-year history.

Vermont's hunting season for ruffed grouse will start Sept.

26 and run until Dec. 31; for woodcock the season ends Nov. 9. Hunters have daily limits of 4 grouse (8 per possession) and 3 woodcock (9), and must register with H.I.P.