Good morning, Burlington.

The COTS October Winter Boot Drive is asking Burlington community members to donate new, waterproof boots rated to -10°F for people experiencing homelessness.

Boots in common sizes can be dropped off at 95 North Ave (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Rowley Fuels, Inc. in Milton was fined $6,750 by DEC after a December 2024 spill released 8 to 10 gallons of fuel oil that entered the Lamoille River & required cleanup and review for permit violations.

A UVM Ph.D. candidate, Graham Montague, is diving in Lake Champlain to capture lesser-seen marine life including fish, aquatic vegetation, and shipwrecks (a nod to local natural beauty).

He shares his research online to inspire conservation and guide local exploration.

Families using Vermont’s Summer EBT food aid must spend their benefits by Oct.

10 to buy groceries—like meat, dairy, and produce—as the program supports over 38,000 school-age children during summer. The federally funded program helps households manage higher food costs.

The Vermont Community Broadband Board launched VT Speed Check on 10/6 to let Vermonters test their internet speeds and view anonymous coverage data in real time; they recommended downloading the speed test app (best accuracy is achieved using a computer).

Local residents near the airport did not receive planned noise barrier upgrades this summer because federal funding stalled—homeowners may face more jet noise until a funding solution is provided.

The Vermont Department of Health said COVID-19 hospitalizations are scarce even as tests at Montpelier, Essex Junction and South Burlington show a high concentration of SARS-CoV-2.

Norovirus and EV-D68 have grown more common since mid-summer, with one outbreak reported at a long-term care facility in Bennington County.

At his Folk & Fairways Benefit Concert & Golf Tournament in Stowe on Sept.

15, Noah Kahan raised $3 million for mental health through his Busyhead Project, pushing total funds to over $13 million. The proceeds will support expanding access to care.

Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice (CVHHH) received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to bolster its Adult Home Healthcare program, which provides short-term care and education to over 1,700 local residents recovering from hospital stays, injuries, or surgeries. The funding helps offset cuts in Medicare reimbursements.

After three one-score games in Week 5, updated Super 10 rankings show shifts in Vermont high school football, with SeaWolves rejoining after beating Rutland while Burr-and-Burton Academy holds top spots and Colchester suffered its first loss, affecting playoff seeding.