Lawmakers Recommend Overhaul of State Juvenile Justice
Montpelier, VT (02/06/02)Leaders in the Vermont Senate want to reform the way the state deals with young people in trouble with the law.
Senate Affirms Recreation on Champion Lands
Montpelier, VT (02/06/02)The Senate passed a bill that reaffirms recreation and hunting on the Champion lands. It voted down an amendment that would have led to logging on the state-owned portion of the land.
Dean Will Veto Logging on Champion Lands
Montpelier, VT (02/06/02)Governor Howard Dean says he will veto a budget adjustment bill that allows logging on the state's share of the Champion lands.
Shumlin Will Fight House Reapportionment Plan
Montpelier, VT (02/06/02)Peter Shumlin, Senate president pro tempore, says that the Senate will not accept the current version of the House's redistricting plan.
February 6, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/06/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
House Approves Budget, Protects Rainy Day Fund
Montpelier, VT (02/06/02)The House gave final approval to its budget adjustment bill Wednesday. It also defeated an effort to use the state's rainy day fund to balance this year's budget.
Dartmouth Study Links Indoor Tanning to Skin Cancer
Randolph, VT (02/06/02)A new study at Dartmouth College says indoor tanning can double the risk of certain forms of skin cancer.
VPR's Olympic Coverage
Salt Lake City, UT (02/06/02)Opening Ceremonies and overview of possible medal winners from our region.
State Auditor Criticizes VT's Electronic Systems
Montpelier, VT (02/05/02)State Auditor Elizabeth Ready says recent problems with the state's electronic income tax filing system reveal serious problems with more ambitious plans to use the Internet for many government transactions.
Enron Fallout Prompts Campaign Finance Reform
Bulington, VT (02/05/02)Vermont Congressman Bernie Sanders says Enron's collapse may finally force Congress to consider campaign finance reform.
NRA Backs Hunting on Champion Lands
Colchester, VT (02/05/02)The National Rifle Association has now joined the debate over the Champion lands. The gun-rights lobby warned over 10,000 members in Vermont that hunting could be banned from the state-owned portion of the property.
Owners Plan Improvements for Steamboat
Steamboat Springs, CO (02/05/02)The new Vermont-based owners of Steamboat Springs plan improvements for the Colorado ski resort.
Lake Placid Tourism Up
Lake Placid, NY (02/05/02)Lake Placid tourism is experiencing double-digit increases over last year.
February 5, 2002 - News At a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/05/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
CLF Will Testify Against New School Project
Bennington, VT (02/04/02)Conservation Law Foundation will be allowed to take part in hearings on whether a land-use permit should be granted for a new school in Bennington.
Public Service Board Reviews Sale of Vermont Yankee
Colchester, VT (02/04/02)Public Service Board starts technical hearings Monday on the sale of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. One concern is over the corporate structure that the new owners want to establish.
Public Service Board Reviews Vermont Yankee Sale
Colchester, VT (02/04/02)The Public Service Board starts technical hearings this week on the sale of Vermont Yakee nuclear power plant. The state agency that represents ratepayers has serious reservations about the deal.
February 4, 2002 - News At a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/04/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
February 2, 2002 - News At a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/02/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Dean PAC Raises $111,000
Montpelier, VT (02/01/02)Governor Howard Dean has raised just over $111,000 for his new political action committee. Dean says he's very pleased that his fundraising efforts for "The Fund for a Healthy America" have exceeded his initial goals.
Task Force Will Examine Job Growth
Montpelier, VT (02/01/02)Governor Howard Dean has announced the formation of a special economic development task force that will focus on job growth in the Northeast Kingdom and the Springfield region.
February 1, 2002 - News At a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/01/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Jeffords Calls for Improvements in Education
Colchester, VT (02/01/02)Senator James Jeffords spoke at Friday's meeting of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Jeffords spoke at length about education, reiterating his call for adequate funding to improve the nation's schools and calling for increased federal funding for special education.
House Takes Up Reapportionment
Montpelier, VT (02/01/02)House Republicans have come up with their first new map of Vermont legislative districts. But Democrats have expressed their dislike for the map right away. House Democratic leader John Tracy calls it "textbook gerrymandering."
Senate Passes Preliminary Bill on Champion Lands
Montpelier, VT (02/01/02)By a vote of 17-12, the Senate gave its approval Friday to legislation concerning the recreational uses of the former Champion Lands. However it's expected that a number of controversial amendments will be offered to the legislation when it comes up for final consideration next Tuesday.
Pending Transportation Cuts Concern Local Officials
Colchester, VT (02/01/02)With the possibility of big cuts in transportation funds, Vermont's local officials worry that there will be haves and have-nots when it comes to road projects.
Federal Cuts Will Impact State Transportation Projects
Montpelier, VT (02/01/02)Governor Howard Dean says some of the state's largest highway construction projects may have to be re-evaluated because it is likely that there will be significant cuts in federal transportation funds next year.
Bill Protects Elderly From Check Fraud
Montpelier, VT (01/31/02)The Vermont House gave approval to legislation that will allow an elderly person to authorize another individual to sign checks only for a specific purpose.
Voyer Will Not Run for Lt. Gov Seat
Montpelier, VT (01/31/02)Representative Cathy Voyer decided that she will not run for the Republican nomination.
Lawmaker Proposes Legalizing Marijuana for Medical Use
Montpelier, VT (01/31/02)Representative David Zuckerman has introduced a bill to allow seriously ill people to grow and smoke marijuana.
Lyn Jarvis Retires
Barre, VT (01/31/02)Lyn Jarvis is retiring after 27 years of hosting the television program "Across the Fence" on WCAX.
Fogel Makes First Visit to UVM
Burlington, VT (01/31/02)Daniel Fogel, newly named president of the University of Vermont, met faculty and students on his first visit to campus Wednesday.
Farmers Testify to Hardship Without Dairy Compact
Montpelier, VT (01/31/02)Dozens of farmers and their supporters gathered at the Statehouse Tuesday night to testify that milk prices are falling fast and farmers lack a safety net.
Dean Proposes Anti-Terrorism Bill, Photo ID Cards
Montpelier, VT (01/31/02)The Dean administration is proposing an anti-terrorism plan that requires photo driver's licenses as a new Vermont identification card.
State May Close Electronic Tax Filing System
Montpelier, VT (01/31/02)Governor Howard Dean says the state may have to discontinue its own electronic income tax program, if bugs in the system can't be worked out by the end of next week.
Vermont Man Placed on FBI Ten Most Wanted List
Colchester, VT (01/31/02)Federal law enforcement officials are asking for the public's help in finding Michael Scott Bliss. Officials want Bliss on charges that he repeatedly molested a child.
Farm Show May Relocate
Barre, VT (01/31/02)The annual Farm Show may leave Barre after 50 years and relocate to the more spacious Champlain Valley Fairgrounds.
January 31, 2002 - News At a Glance
Colchester, VT (01/31/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Gunman Robs Armored Car in Rutland
Colchester, VT (01/31/02)A gunman robbed Berkshire Armored Car Services in Rutland's Howe Center and made off with nearly $2 million dollars.
Legislators Disagree on Intent of Champion Land Deal
Montpelier (01/30/02)In 1999, the Legislature overwhelming approved the Champion land deal. Now some of the same House members who voted for the deal say they were blind-sided when the state unveiled a plan to ban logging on 9% of the acreage.
January 30 - News At a Glance
Colchester, VT (01/30/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
UVM Names Fogel As President
Montpelier, VT (01/29/02)The University of Vermont Monday named Daniel Fogel the institution's next president. He is the fourth UVM president in the last decade.
VT Pension Fund Slightly Affected by Enron Failure
Colchester, VT (01/29/02)Vermont's three pension funds have lost roughly $4 million because of investments in Enron. State Treasurer James Douglas says recent gains in these funds far outweigh the Enron loss.
NYSE May Delist the American Skiing Company
Colchester, VT (01/29/02)The stock price of American Skiing Company has fallen far over the last few years. Now regulators have begun moves to remove the stock from trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
January 29, 2002 - News At a Glance
Colchester, VT (01/29/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Mayors Criticize Prison Furlough Policies
Montpelier, VT (01/29/02)The mayors of Rutland and Barre City are accusing the Corrections Department of "dumping" a large number of furloughed inmates into their communities to ease crowding in the state's prison system.
House Debates Transportation Fees
Montpelier, VT (01/29/02)The House gave its preliminary approval to legislation that raises more than 100 different transportation fees. The legislation is designed to raise nearly $10 million for local road and bridge repair work.
Former Lawmakers Gather for Statehouse Reunion
Montpelier, VT (01/29/02)Several dozen former lawmakers returned to the Statehouse this week for a reunion and shared memories of the landmark debates that have occurred in the Legislature.
Coalition Urges Support for Cigarette Tax
Montpelier, VT (01/29/02)A coalition of 78 Vermont organizations backs a plan to increase the state cigarette tax by 67 cents a pack.
Credit Unions Open Doors to Community Members
Colchester, VT (01/28/02)Some of Vermont's largest credit unions have recently opened their doors to community membership, allowing more Vermonters to join a credit union and providing the organization with new deposits and borrowers. The change is also seen as new competition for local banks. (1-28-02)
Local Group Appeals Omya Permit
Colchester, VT (01/28/02)A Swiss company that has extensive operations in Rutland County is fighting environmentalists over its state wastewater permit. Vermonters for a Clean Environment says the permit would allow Omya to use new chemicals without state review.
Racine Opposes Level Funding of Education
Montpelier, VT (01/28/02)Lieutenant Governor Doug Racine says he opposes Governor Howard Dean's plan to level fund state aid to education next year. (1-28-02)
January 28, 2002 - News At a Glance
Colchester, VT (01/28/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Legislation May Preserve Campign Finance Rules
Montpelier, VT (01/25/02)The House is likely to reject Governor Howard Dean's plan to transfer funds from the state's public campaign fund to cover the budget deficit. (1-25-02)
Lawmakers Recommend 3-Tiered Income Tax
Montpelier, VT (01/24/02)Two dozen legislators are sponsoring a bill to increase the Vermont income tax. They say a three-tiered tax policy would offset drastic budget cuts.
Dean Proposes Natural Resources Budget Increase
Colchester, VT (01/24/02)Governor Howard Dean has proposed a substantial boost to the Agency of Natural Resources budget. The money will protect existing programs and compensate for an error in allocating federal funds.
Utilities Oversight Board Rejects Budget Plan
Montpelier, VT (01/24/02)Dean administration wants to use $500,000 collected from telephone customers to supplement the 2002 budget. State utility regulators say that the law requires that the money be used solely for telecommunication purposes.
Lawmakers Recommend 3-Tiered Income Tax
Montpelier, VT (01/24/02)Two dozen legislators are sponsoring a bill to increase the Vermont income tax. They say a three-tiered tax policy would offset drastic budget cuts. (1-24-02)
House Passes Resolution for Pledge of Allegiance
Montpelier, VT (01/24/02)Tthe House on Thursday gave passed a resolution that encourages schools to have their students recite the pledge of allegiance at the start of the school day.
Dean Will Not Appoint Special Prosecutor
Colchester, VT (01/23/02)Governor Howard Dean has concluded that no special prosecutor is needed to investigate the fatal shooting by police of a man who disrupted a Brattleboro church service in December. Two lawmakers and the man's family had requested that a special prosecutor be appointed.
Education Commissioner Responds to Budget
Montpelier, VT (01/23/02)Vermont's new Commissioner of Education, Ray McNulty, says he does not agree with Governor Howard Dean's decision to level fund state aid to education next year.
Governor Will Not Appoint Special Prosecutor
Montpelier, VT (01/23/02)Governor Howard Dean has concluded that no special prosecutor is needed to investigate the fatal shooting by police of a man who disrupted a Brattleboro church service.
Expert Recommends Policies to Reduce Obesity
Montpelier, VT (01/23/02)A national expert on health prevention programs urged lawmakers this week to adopt policies to fight what he called a "nationwide epidemic of obesity."
Dean Defends Budget Cuts to Critics
Montpelier (01/23/02)A coalition of education, elderly and human service groups opposes many of Governor Howard Dean's budget cuts.
Officials Prepare for Town Meeting Day
Montpelier, VT (01/22/02)Town Meeting Day is six weeks away and officials in Vermont communities are busy preparing.
Foundation for Excellent Schools Expands Mentoring
Middlebury, VT (01/22/02)The Cornwall-based organization has helped students from all over the country improve performance through programs that focus on mentoring, goal-setting and early awareness of college. Recently, FES expanded its programs to include fifty Vermont schools.
Legislature May Reform Victims' Restitution System
Colchester, VT (01/22/02)The Senate Judiciary Committee this week is expected to give its approval to legislation that reforms Vermont's system of victim restitution.
Olympian Jack Shea Dies at 91
Colchester, VT (01/22/02)America's oldest living Winter Olympics gold medallist has died. Jack Shea of Lake Placid, NY was killed Monday afternoon in a car crash.
Agencies React to Dean's Budget Address
Montpelier, VT (01/22/02)Governor Howard Dean's budget launches one of the most contentious budget debates in a decade.
Dean Recommends Cuts in Annual Budget Address
Montpelier, VT (01/22/02)Governor Howard Dean [Tuesday] unveiled his budget plan for next year. Dean proposed major cuts in transportation, health care and education programs.
Dean Will Ask for Spending Cuts During Budget Address
Montpelier, VT (01/21/02)Governor Howard Dean will deliver his budget address to the Legislature [Tuesday] afternoon at the Statehouse. Dean will unveil a spending plan that contains some significant cuts.
Board May Revoke Act 250 Permit for Williston Store
Colchester, VT (01/21/02)State regulators may revoke the Act 250 permit for a large shopping mall in Williston. The Environmental Board says the developers of Maple Tree Place failed to follow permit conditions when it built the project.
Family Sues Police, Town Over Brattleboro Shooting
Brattleboro, VT (01/21/02)The parents of a man who was killed by Brattleboro police last month have filed suit against the town of Brattleboro and the two police officers involved in the shooting.
Civil Rights Lawyer Commemorates Dr. King
South Royalton, VT (01/21/02)A key figure in the Civil Rights movement visited Vermont last week to commemorate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Fred Gray marked the holiday in a state with the smallest minority population in the country.
Middlebury College Adds Portuguese Language Program
Middlebury, VT (01/19/02)The College's Summer Language Schools are expanding to offer comprehensive language study of Latin American countries.
Jeffords Will Donate Enron Money to Employees' Fund
Colchester, VT (01/18/02)Senator James Jeffords will donate the $2,500 campaign contribution that he received from Enron to the failed company's employees' fund.
Family of Slain Man Will File Lawsuit Against Police
Colchester, VT (01/18/02)Robert Woodward's family will file suit against Brattleboro police for using improper force in the shooting death of Woodward last month.
Lowe's Granted Permit
Colchester, VT (01/18/02)Water Resources Board reverses ruling on water pollution and issues a storm water permit to the Lowe's Home Center planned for South Burlington.
State Defends Use of Anti-Tobacco Money
Montpelier, VT (01/18/02)Vermont gets mixed ratings in a national study on how states are spending their tobacco settlement money.
State Loses Nelson Farms Case
Colchester, VT (01/18/02)Judge rules that Nelson Farms is in compliance with the state's large farm operations law. This case was the first test of the 1996 law that requires special permits for large farms.
Abenaki Testify at Statehouse for Official Recognition
Montpelier, VT (01/18/02)The chief of the Abenaki Tribe came to the Statehouse on Friday afternoon to urge lawmakers to support a resolution that would recognize the tribal status of the Abenaki. The resolution is strongly opposed by Governor Howard Dean.
Ruth Dwyer Joins Channel 22 as Reporter
Thetford, VT (01/17/02)Former gubernatorial candidate Ruth Dwyer sets aside politics to become a reporter for WVNY Channel 22.
Burlington Sells its Shares of Vermont Yankee
Burlington, VT (01/17/02)City plans to save money by purchasing power from non-nuclear sources.
Ben & Jerry's Lays Off Seven Vermont Executives
Colchester, VT (01/17/02)Company is restructuring to create a new marketing strategy. Officials say the decision was made locally, and not by Unilever executives.
Vermont Arts Council Holds Public Forums
Colchester, VT (01/17/02)Council members seek public input and encourage local leaders to include the arts in town planning.
House Opposes Champion Ecological Reserve
Montpelier, VT (01/17/02)The House passed a resolution on Thursday that opposes an ecological reserve within the Champion lands. Legislators disagree about the intent of the original 1999 legislation.
Diane Snelling Appointed to Senate
Montpelier, VT (01/17/02)Governor Dean set aside Republican recommendations to appoint the daughter of retiring Senator Barbara Snelling.
Former Legislator Denied Parole
Colchester, VT (01/17/02)Gregory Reed will serve at least two more years of his prison sentence for a 1984 murder conviction.
Service Providers Testify Against Budget Cuts
Montpelier (01/16/02)Human services providers urged the House Appropriations Committee not to cut funding to their programs. The committee is trying balance the state budget.
Dean Will Consider Diane Snelling for Senate Seat
Montpelier, VT (01/16/02)Chittenden County Republicans are not recommending Diane Snelling for the open Chittenden Senate seat. Dean says he will consider the out going senator's daughter for the appointment.
Senator Wants Citizen Feedback on Further Budget Cuts
Montpelier, VT (01/16/02)Senator Susan Bartlett suggests postponing additional budget cuts until the public has time to review the impact of the cuts already made.
Dean Backs Multi-State Plan to Reduce Drug Costs
Montpelier, VT (01/15/02)Dean and some state lawmakers propose a plan that introduces more competition intro pharmaceutical pricing.
Agency Recommends Increasing Transportation Fees
Montpelier, VT (01/15/02)Agency of Transportation awaits legislation that will raise motorists' fees to cover road projects around the state.
Vermont Ski Waxer Goes to the Olympics
Lyndonville, VT (01/15/02)Veteran racer John Sackett will advise Olympic athletes in Salt Lake City on ski wax.
Bill Allows Recreation in Protected Champion Lands
Montpelier, VT (01/15/02)Senate President Pro Tempore introduces a bill that would reverse restrictions against logging and recreation in some parts of the Champion lands.
Helmet Factory Grows in Newport
Montpelier, VT (01/14/02)Company workforce expands to produce sophisticated military helmets.
Deficit Prompts Lawmakers to Examine Role of Government
Montpelier, VT (01/14/02)House leaders consider which government services are essential amid tight budgets and declining revenues.
Vermont Air Guard Deploys Squadron to Afghanistan
Colchester, VT (01/11/02)Guard unit will protect air bases and equipment in its first overseas deployment since 1991.
Vermont Celebrates 225th Anniversary of Constitution
Montpelier, VT (01/11/02)State Archivist and a State Supreme Court Justice explain how Vermont's constitution set precedents for other states.
Live from the Statehouse, Part 4
Montpelier, VT (01/11/02)VPR reports live from the Statehouse during the opening week of the Vermont Legislature. John Dillon talks with Representative Dick Marron.