Governor Phil Scott has appointed Lyle Jepson as commissioner and Nick Grimley as deputy commissioner of the Vermont Department of Economic Development, effective November 3.
Scott said the two bring valuable experience in education, business, and entrepreneurship that will strengthen the state’s economy.
Jepson has served as executive director of the Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region since 2020. He previously spent three decades in public and technical education across Vermont. Jepson said he looks forward to advancing the administration’s priorities of supporting businesses, strengthening rural communities, and improving affordability.
Grimley has worked in the department since 2017, most recently as director of entrepreneurship and tech commercialization. Before joining state government, he co-founded LaunchVT, which helps early-stage businesses grow. He said he remains committed to fostering innovation and job creation statewide.
VT burn ban rescinded
Though much of Vermont remains classified as suffering from extreme drought, the statewide burn ban that had been in place for more than a month was lifted on Friday, the Journal-Opinion reports.
According to a news release from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, town forest wardens can once again issue burn permits, though they may still restrict those permits based on local conditions.
Vermont burn ban was instituted on Sept. 22.
New Hampshire’s statewide ban, which was implemented the same day as Vermont’s, remains in effect as of Monday morning at 8 a.m.
Shadow war subject on Military Writers’ symposium
Norwich University will host the 2025 Military Writers’ Symposium, “The Shadow Front: Unconventional Approaches to Warfare,” on October 27–28 in Northfield. The event will explore how modern conflict unfolds through espionage, cyberattacks, disinformation, and other irregular tactics that challenge traditional warfare.
Lt. Gen. Michael S. Groen, USMC (Ret.), former director of the Defense Department’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, will deliver the keynote address. The 2025 William E. Colby Award will be presented to TIME correspondent Simon Shuster for The Showman, his book on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s wartime leadership.
Hosted by Norwich’s John and Mary Frances Patton Peace and War Center, the symposium brings together authors, scholars, and military professionals to examine how technology and information are reshaping global security.
More details and the event schedule are available at norwich.edu/research/peace-war-center/military-writers-symposium.