Large wind energy projects are bringing needed revenue to the Northeast Kingdom but they're also dividing communities. A tour of three wind projects in the Kingdom shows similar debates over tax benefits, environmental impacts, and the prospect of change to the region's rural landscape.

There is the sense in the Northeast Kingdom that the area is on the cusp of something that could bring in more high tech jobs. But even now, manufacturers in the region are struggling to find qualified workers.

Vermont's Northeast Kingdom has the highest unemployment rates in the state. Much of the reason has to do with the loss of manufacturing jobs over the years.

Many Northeast Kingdom sawmills are dark and the paper companies have left. But the region's dense forests still grow valuable trees. And efforts to revive the forest-based economy are now focused on supplying wood for local and regional markets.

VPR reporter, Steve Zind talks with Vermont Edition about some of the economic issues facing the Northeast Kingdom in 2012.  The region is the focus of VPR's special series, Kingdom Comeback, all this week during Morning Edition.

The Northeast Kingdom has been hit hard by mill closings and the loss of manufacturing jobs. It's a place where unemployment is higher, wages are lower and opportunities fewer than the rest of the state. One family has been rolling with the punches as the region's economy has changed.