Stowe Debates Consecrating Cemetery for Jewish Burials
Stowe, VT (03/25/02)In Stowe, a request to set aside an area of the town cemetery for Jewish burials has met with some resistance and led to a debate over the separation of church and state.
House Passes Resolution to Reauthorize Dairy Compact
Montpelier, VT (03/25/02)Late last week, the Vermont House overwhelmingly endorsed a resolution that calls on Congress to reauthorize the Northeast Dairy Compact.
Faillaces Mark Anniversary of Sheep Seizing
Colchester, VT (03/25/02)A year ago, federal agents were in Vermont to seize two flocks of sheep suspected of carrying a form of mad cow disease. The flocks' owners say they're still waiting for the government to prove that their animals were sick.
March 25, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/25/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
House Votes to Repeal Zero-Emissions Law
Montpelier, VT (03/22/02)The Vermont House on Thursday afternoon voted to repeal the state's mandate for the sale of zero emission vehicles by the year 2004. Vermont is one of four states in the country that requires the national car companies to make a non-polluting vehicle available for sale in the state or face financial penalties.
In Search of the Perfect Pancake
Colchester, VT (03/22/02)When the sap is boiling and the syrup is flowing this time of year , our thoughts turn to... pancakes. VPR uncovers the secrets behind a golden stack of tasty flapjacks in this audio postcard from Vermont kitchens. (Read the transcript or listen to the story online.)
All Judges Retained, Suntag by Slim Margin
Montpelier, VT (03/22/02)Lawmakers have voted to retain five state judges for new six-year terms. While most of the judges were retained on strong votes, District Court Judge David Suntag was approved by a 16 vote margin.
Consumer Dairy Prices Steady, Despite Compact's Demise
Montpelier, VT (03/22/02)Farmers are paid less for milk since the demise of Northeast Dairy Compact, yet consumers are not paying less at the store. When the Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact started up five years ago, supermarkets immediately raised the price of milk. Wholesale milk prices dropped sharply in December, but the retail price has stayed the same.
Intervale Move Casts Doubt on Egg Farm Expansion
Colchester, VT (03/22/02)A controversial egg farm in Highgate has lost a key partner for its expansion plans. A coalition of environmental and farm groups announced Wednesday that it would fight the egg farm's plan to add 135,000 birds to its Highgate operation. The group calls the farm a factory food operation.
March 22, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/22/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
VT House May Cut Champlain Flyer Service
Montpelier, VT (03/22/02)The Dean administration says it plans to actively fight any effort to cut funds for a commuter rail project in Chittenden County.
Pollina Will Not Seek Public Financing
Montpelier, VT (03/22/02)Progressive Anthony Pollina announced on Friday afternoon that he will not seek public financing in his race for lieutenant governor this year.
House Intends to Redraw Senate Districts
Montpelier, VT (03/21/02)The battle over the reapportionment of the Legislature is heating up at the Statehouse. House Republican leaders are unhappy that the Senate is making changes to the House plan, so the House is now prepared to radically change most Senate districts.
Brattleboro Grapples with School Closing
Brattleboro, VT (03/21/02)Earlier this year, the Brattleboro School Board voted to end regular classes at the Canal Street School, which serves a low income neighborhood. The new plan calls for the building to be used for HeadStart and pre-school programs instead. It's an unpopular decision in some quarters.
Neighbors Fight Highgate Egg Farm Expansion
Montpelier, VT (03/21/02)A Canadian company wants to more than double the size of its Franklin County egg farm. The Highgate farm already has 100,000 hens. The owner wants to build a new barn for another 135,000 birds. But a coalition of environmental and farm groups said on Wednesday that they will fight the proposal.
State, Church Deciding Next Steps in Abuse Cases
Norwich, VT (03/21/02)The Catholic Diocese of Burlington says it has finished investigating several recent allegations of sexual misconduct by priests. Meanwhile, the church and the Vermont attorney general's office say they have received new allegations of abuse by priests.
March 21, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/21/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
VPIRG, Pollina Split on Campaign Finance
Colchester, VT (03/20/02)The Vermont Public Interest Research Group has broken with Anthony Pollina, its former top lobbyist, over campaign finance reform.
Is it Spring?
Braintree, VT (03/20/02)Today marks the Vernal Equinox: one of two times in the year when the sun is directly over the equator. The equinox officially marks the first day of spring. In Vermont, the most obvious signs of the season are yet to come.
Is it Spring?
Braintree, VT (03/20/02)Today marks the Vernal Equinox: one of two times in the year when the sun is directly over the equator. The equinox officially marks the first day of spring. In Vermont, the most obvious signs of the season are yet to come.
Is it Spring?
Braintree, VT (03/20/02)Today marks the Vernal Equinox: one of two times in the year when the sun is directly over the equator. The equinox officially marks the first day of spring. In Vermont, the most obvious signs of the season are yet to come. (Read the transcript or listen to the story online.)
State Says Abenaki Do Not Have "Continuous Presence"
Colchester, VT (03/20/02)The Vermont attorney general's office is casting doubt on claims by Abenaki Indians that they have been in the state for generations. The Abenaki need to show a continuous presence in Vermont in order to win federal recognition as a tribe. The attorney general's office has just released a preliminary report that refutes the Abenaki's claims.
Interview with Sharon Davis
Colchester, VT (03/20/02)Steve Delaney interviews Sharon Davis, who recently became chairwoman of the Rutland Board of Aldermen. (Listen to the interview online.)
March 20, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/20/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview with "Mac" MacIntyre
Colchester, VT (03/19/02)Steve Delaney talks with the owner of the Morning Star Café in Springfield, about that town's cultural and community life in the wake of factory closings.
House, Senate Take Up Redistricting Revisions
Montpelier, VT (03/19/02)A special Senate Reapportionment Committee hopes to vote on a new House redistricting plan by the end of the week. It's expected that the committee will make several changes to a proposal that was adopted by the House last month.
Preliminary Results of Doyle Survey
Montpelier, VT (03/19/02)According to the preliminary results of Senator Bill Doyle's Town Meeting Day questionnaire, Vermonters appear to be split over a plan to raise the gas tax.
March 18, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/19/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
March 19, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/19/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Monster's Ball
South Royalton, Vermont (03/18/02)Commentator Cheryl Hanna talks about a troubling new film that examines some very tough issues.
Examining The Vermont Accent
SWANTON, VT (03/18/02)A University of Vermont researcher is studying the Vermont accent to learn what makes the dialect unique and how it's changing.
American Skiing Delists from NYSE Today
Newry, Maine (03/15/02)American Skiing Company, which owns the Killington and Mount Snow ski resorts in Vermont, is off the New York Stock Exchange effective today.
House Approves Medical Marijuana
Montpelier, VT (03/15/02)After nearly five hours of debate, the House Thursday night voted 81 to 53 in support of legislation that allows doctors to prescribe marijuana.
Family's Lawyer Says Civil Suit Should Procede
Colchester, VT (03/15/02)The lawyer for the slain Brattleboro man's family says the Vermont attorney general is unnecessarily requesting a hold on the family's civil suit.
March 15, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/15/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Leahy's Committee Votes Down Pickering
Colchester, VT (03/15/02)Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy and other Democrats on the Judiciary Committee voted to reject one of President Bush's judicial nominees. Leahy is chairman of the Judiciary panel.
Dartmouth Offers To Buy Dresden School District Land
COLCHESTER, VT (03/15/02)The towns of Norwich, Vermont, and Hanover, New Hampshire, make up the Dresden School District. The District's middle school and high school are in downtown Hanover near Dartmouth College, but the schools need extensive repairs. Dartmouth College has offered to buy the land the schools are currently on.
VT House Approves Medicinal Marijuana Legislation
MONTPELIER, VT (03/15/02)After two days of debate, the House gave its final approval to legislation that will allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to patients with terminal or chronic illnesses.
Jeb Spaulding Launches Campaign For State Treasurer
COLCHESTER, VT (03/15/02)Former state senator Jeb Spaulding of Montpelier formally launched his campaign for state treasurer at the Statehouse on Friday afternoon.
Federal Judge Refuses To Halt Pollina Investigation
BURLINGTON, VT (03/15/02)A federal judge has said it's too early for him to get involved in the fight between Democrats and Progressives over the state's campaign funding law. At question is whether Progressive Party candidate Anthony Pollina qualifies for public financing.
Former Boston Globe Editor Thomas Winship Dies
COLCHESTER, VT (03/15/02)Thomas Winship of Randolph Center, former editor of the Boston Globe, died Thursday at a Boston hospital.
House Debates Stormwater Bill
Montpelier, VT (03/14/02)The Vermont House has approved a bill that would make it easier for developers to win stormwater pollution permits. The bill was drafted in response to a ruling last summer that business groups said would restrict development in Chittenden County.
VT Terrorism Bill Debated in Senate
Montpelier, VT (03/14/02)The Senate Judiciary Committee has started work on a new terrorism bill. The American Civil Liberties Union says the legislation is unnecessary and could have a chilling effect on the first amendment rights of Vermonters.
Clavelle Endorses Racine
Burlington, VT (03/14/02)Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle will support Democratic Lieutenant Governor Douglas Racine in this year's race for governor. Clavelle, who's a Progressive, says it's somewhat unusual for him to support a candidate from a different party.
Court Hears Case of Ethnic Names in Vanity Plates
South Royalton, VT (03/14/02)The Vermont Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case brought by a Wallingford woman who was denied a vanity license plate containing the word "Irish." The Department of Motor Vehicles policy prohibits vanity plates from including references to ethnic heritage.
March 14, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/14/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Right-to-Farm Law
South Royalton, VT (03/14/02)A feud between neighbors landed in the Vermont Supreme Court yesterday in a test of Vermont's Right to Farm Act. The law is designed to protect farm operations from nuisance suits that might arise from encroaching development and complaints about the smells and sounds of normal farm operations.
Coalition Says Vermonters Support New Cigarette Tax
Montpelier, VT (03/14/02)Supporters of a plan to increase the state cigarette tax say a new poll shows that a strong majority of Vermonters back their effort. According to a poll released by the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Vermont, 77% of the people responding to the survey support boosting the cigarette tax by as much as a dollar a pack.
Warm Weather Hurt Nordic Ski Season
Norwich, VT (03/13/02)The mildest winter on record and continued drought conditions have combined to make for a difficult season at Vermont's Nordic ski areas.
Fraudulent Airbag Bill Awaiting Senate Approval
Montpelier, VT (03/13/02)The Vermont Senate on Tuesday gave its preliminary approval to legislation that is designed to protect people who ride in the front seat of a car. The bill imposes stiff penalties on car mechanics who knowingly replace air bags that have been activated in an accident with fraudulent materials.
Meub Annouces Candidacy for Congressional Seat
Rutland, VT (03/13/02)Rutland attorney Bill Meub is seeking the Republican nomination for Vermont's seat in the U.S. House. Meub, who announced his candidacy Tuesday, hopes to run against incumbent Congressman Bernard Sanders.
Progressives Ask Judge to Rule on Campaign Finance
Montpelier, VT (03/13/02)The Vermont Progressive Party wants a federal judge to rule that political parties can share polling information with candidates who are seeking public financing. The party requested the ruling in response to an effort by the Democratic Party to make Anthony Pollina ineligible for public funds in the race for lieutenant governor.
March 13, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/13/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Yankee Settlement Questioned at Hearing
Montpelier, VT (03/12/02)Last week, the agency that represents ratepayers said new conditions added to the sale of the nuclear power plant will protect consumers. But on Monday, the independent Public Service Board laid out a series of detailed questions it wants the state and the utilities to answer before it rules on the deal.
Markowitz Urges Legislative Action on Instant Runoff
Montpelier, VT (03/12/02)Secretary of State Deb Markowitz is urging lawmakers to consider legislation that would implement an instant runoff election system in Vermont.
March 12, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/12/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Coalition Urges Response to Housing Shortage
Montpelier, VT (03/12/02)Vermont Housing officials say a growing shortage of affordable housing throughout the state will seriously undermine economic development efforts if the shortage is not reduced in the next few years.
Schools, Economy Outweigh Interest in Civil Unions
Montpelier, VT (03/11/02)Two years ago at town meeting, civil unions was a much talked about issue. This year, a referendum dealing with how homosexuality is discussed in schools barely received notice on town meeting day. Voter concern over civil unions and homosexuality may have waned.
Deer Version of "Mad Cow Disease" Found in Midwest
Colchester, VT (03/11/02)Scientists have discovered that deer in Wisconsin have been infected with a fatal brain disease. The illness is similar to mad cow disease and this is the first time it's been detected in wild deer east of the Mississippi River. The discovery has raised concerns that the deer herd here in Vermont could be at risk.
March 11, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/11/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Pollina Announces for Lt. Gov, Will Run Against Shumlin
Montpelier, VT (03/08/02)Progressive Anthony Pollina announced this afternoon that he'll be a candidate for lieutenant governor this year. Pollina believes a success for that office would be good for his party.
Abenaki Claim State Racism
Colchester, VT (03/08/02)Vermont's Abenaki Indians are accusing state government of racism. Abenaki Chief April Rushlow says the state is using misinformation and scare tactics to oppose the Abenakis' attempt at formal tribal recognition.
Tango Lives in Brattleboro
Brattleboro, VT (03/08/02)Argentine tango originated in Buenos Aires in the late 1800s. It was danced in boarding houses and bars by men who practiced together until they were good enough to attract a female partner. In the '30s and '40s, it was popular with European sophisticates. And now it's turned up in southern Vermont.
March 8, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/08/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Revenues Weak, State May Tap Rainy Day Fund
Montpelier, VT (03/08/02)Administration Secretary Kathy Hoyt says Vermont will probably have to dip into its rainy day fund in order to balance this year's budget. Hoyt says a new revenue report shows continued weakness in state income tax receipts.
Instant Runoff Bill Likely to Stall in Committee
Montpelier, VT (03/07/02)Backers of an instant runoff voting system say they'll urge the Legislature to adopt their plan this year. The group says their strong success on Town Meeting Day in almost 50 communities sends a clear message to lawmakers. Still, it appears that the proposal faces an uphill battle in the Statehouse.
Maine Yankee Pulls Out of Interstate Compact
Montpelier, VT (03/07/02)A decade ago, the Vermont Legislature agreed to join with Maine and ship the state's low-level nuclear waste to Texas. But now that Maine's only nuclear power plant is closed, Maine is trying to pull out of the three-state compact. Vermont still plans to ship its waste to Texas.
March 7, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/07/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Wallingford Voters Energized by School Debate
Wallingford, VT (03/06/02)It was standing room only at Wallingford's town meeting Monday night and larger than usual crowds gathered again Tuesday at the polls. Rising education costs in Wallingford have stirred up debate and action.
Whitingham Grapples with Deficit, School Spending
Wallingford, VT (03/06/02)Voters in The southern Vermont community of Whitingham went to town meeting Tuesday facing a municipal budget deficit and a double digit increase in their school tax rate.
Windsor Voters Well Informed
Windsor, VT (03/06/02)Windsor voters turned out in a steady stream at the American Legion Hall on Court Street Tuesday. Some people think the electorate is becoming better informed.
Brandon Defeats New Town Office Building
Brandon, VT (03/06/02)Brandon voters passed their elementary school and town budgets on Tuesday. But a controversial one-million dollar bond to build a new town office building was defeated.
Waitsfield Approves Budget Increase
Waitsfield, VT (03/06/02)Voters in Waitsfield have approved the school and town budgets that were recommended by town officials. The budget comes with some financial pain for town taxpayers. Even though the elementary school budget increased by around 3%, residents will see a 14% boost in their tax rate.
Burlington Defeats School Budget
Burlington, VT (03/06/02)The big story in Burlington Tuesday was the school budget. Voters had been asked to approve a 6% increase, and defeated the budget by 24 votes.
Rutland Voter Turnout Light
Rutland, VT (03/06/02)In Rutland City, voter turn out was very light and with no hot button issue, many described this year's elections as a non-event. There were few candidates running for local office and no contested school board races.
School Budgets Pass, Some Exceptions
Montpelier, VT (03/06/02)Despite tight economic times and rising tax rates, town voters passed many school budgets around Vermont.
Referenda Considered by Towns Across the State
Montpelier, VT (03/06/02)It appears that most referenda fared well at town meetings this week.
Precision Valley Town Meetings
Norwich, VT (03/06/02)As voters went to the polls in towns along the Connecticut River Tuesday, VPR's Betty Smith visited five communities to hear about the major issues and observe the turnout.
Interview with Deb Markowitz
Colchester, VT (03/06/02)Steve Delaney talks with Secretary of State Deb Markowitz about town meetings across the state.
March 6, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/06/02)Town meeting headlines and other news from VPR and AP.
OMYA Makes Act 250 Appeal in Federal Court
Rutland, VT (03/05/02)A Vermont company has taken its appeal of an Act 250 land-use permit to a federal appeals court. OMYA Incorporated argues that Vermont is improperly restricting truck traffic on U.S. Route Seven.
Passage of School Budgets Uncertain
Montpelier, VT (03/05/02)There is a sense of uncertainty about the fate of school budgets this year. Some communities are seeing increases in their school budgets. Even districts with small budget increases are seeing large increases in their tax rates.
Legislature Recesses for Town Meeting Day
Montpelier, VT (03/05/02)Vermont lawmakers won't be in Montpelier this week. They're taking their traditional recess so they can attend Town Meeting Day in their home districts. A few communities already have held their town meetings but the vast majority will meet on Tuesday.
Water Shortages Likely After Yearlong Drought
Burlington, VT (03/05/02)It's going to take more than last weekend's rain to pull Vermont out of its yearlong drought. The state climatologist says that it will take months of steady precipitation to bring the state back to normal levels.
Goshen Voters Hold Traditional Town Meeting
Goshen, VT (03/05/02)Today is the traditional day for Vermont's town meeting. But voters in many communities got down to business on Monday night. The small Addison County town of Goshen was one of them.
Residents Vote on Brandon Town Office Building
Brandon, VT (03/05/02)Brandon residents will have a chance to vote Tuesday on a controversial one-million dollar bond proposal. The bond would pay for the construction of a new downtown municipal office building as well as the renovation of an existing building for a new police station.
Pollina Will Announce Run for Lt. Governor
Montpelier, VT (03/05/02)Progressive Anthony Pollina will announce later this week that he will be a candidate for lieutenant governor this year. Pollina says he is very disappointed that the Vermont Democratic Party is trying to make his candidacy ineligible for public campaign funding.
Williston Passes Local 1% Sales Tax
Williston, VT (03/05/02)The business of every town meeting includes taxes and budgets. But in Williston, a new tax issue took center stage Monday night as voters overwhelmingly approved a 1% retail sales tax.
March 5, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/05/02)News on Town Meeting Day and other headlines from across the region.
Interview with Bill McGrath
Colchester, VT (03/05/02)On the Vermont side of the Connecticut River, Bill Mc Grath is in the center of the effort to keep the C & S Wholesale Grocers headquartered in Vermont. McGrath is the executive director of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation.
Interview with Guy MacMillan
Colcheser, VT (03/05/02)Sometime this spring, C & S Wholesale Grocers of Brattleboro will decide whether to move its headquarters operation across the Connecticut River to Keene, New Hampshire. Brattleboro is trying hard to keep the 400 or more jobs in town, and Keene is trying to attract them.
Town Meeting Overview
Montpelier, VT (03/05/02)VPR previews issues before town meetings across the state.
Towns Prepare for Meeting Day
Norwich, VT (03/04/02)Vermonters in communities across the state will attend their town's annual meeting tomorrow. They'll be electing local officials, wrestling with school and municipal budgets and debating a variety of referenda.
March 4, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/04/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Tyminski Wins Grammy
Los Angeles (03/01/02)West Rutland native Dan Tyminski has a share in a Grammy award. Tyminski is a member of the group The Soggy Bottom Boys, which has won a Grammy Award for the song "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow.''
Wireless in Vermont, Part Five
Colchester, VT (03/01/02)More Vermonters are using wireless communication than ever before for convenience, safety, business and just to stay "connected." In the conclusion to our series "Wireless in Vermont," examines how cell phones are part of the cultural landscape. (Read the transcript or listen to the story online.)
Bishop Angell to Meet With Sexual Misconduct Board
Colchester, VT (03/01/02)The Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington plans to meet today with the diocese's Sexual Misconduct Board to discuss recent allegations involving Vermont priests. The allegations could be an important test for the diocese's sexual misconduct policy and for Bishop Kenneth Angell.
Governor, Legislature Debate Taxes and School Funding
Montpelier, VT (03/01/02)Governor Howard Dean says it's up to the Legislature to find the money to increase state education funding. On Thursday, Dean defended his plan to level-fund the state's block grant to schools.
March 1, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/01/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Democrats Allege Pollina Campaign Finance Trangression
Colchester, VT (03/01/02)The Vermont Progressive Party is defending its choice to commission a recent public opinion poll. Democrats are charging that the poll represents a premature campaign expenditure on behalf of Anthony Pollina. Pollina has been deciding whether to run as a Progressive candidate for governor or for lieutenant governor.