Angell Comments on Proposed Policy
Burlington, VT (06/13/02)Bishop Kenneth Angell of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington will join other U.S. Bishops in Dallas, Texas today. The bishops are gathering to consider a draft national policy to deal with priests who have sexually abused children. On Wednesday, Angell spoke out on one controversial sections of the policy.
June 13, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (06/13/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
St. Johnsbury Athenaeum Closing for Renovations
Saint Johnsbury, VT (06/12/02)The Saint Johnsbury Athenaeum will close for six to eight months next year for renovations. The library will move to a temporary site at the Sumner Street school during the construction.
Costes Retiring from Senate
Saint Albans, VT (06/12/02)A Republican state senator from Franklin County says he's retiring. Senator George Costes has served three terms in the Senate.
Supreme Court Debates Privacy of Governor's Schedule
Montpelier, VT (06/12/02)Vermont's Supreme Court justices today grilled lawyers for the state and for three newspapers as the attorneys argued over access to the governor's daily schedule.
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Vermont Mercury Label Law
Colchester, VT (06/12/02)Vermont has won a key legal victory as it tries to force companies to label products that contain mercury. The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear an industry group's appeal of the Vermont labeling law.
Pollina Advocates for Renewable Energy Industry
Montpelier, VT (06/12/02)Anthony Pollina, the Progressive Party's candidate for lieutenant governor, says some of the money from the Vermont Yankee sale should go to jump-start renewable energy.
June 12, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (06/12/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
IBM Union Organizers Extend Help to Laid Off Workers
Braintree, VT (06/12/02)Organizers say job uncertainty at IBM has renewed worker interest in forming a union at the Essex Junction plant. Last week, IBM cut nearly a thousand jobs at the facility. The future of a union is uncertain, but organizers are working this week to help former employees of the company.
Dean Considers Rejecting Federal Education Money
Montpelier, VT (06/12/02)Howard Dean, Democratic governor of Vermont, says his state may want to reject the millions of dollars in federal education aid rather than comply with the law's student testing requirements. VPR's John Dillon filed this story for National Public Radio.
Interview: Patrick Leahy
Colchester, VT (06/12/02)Steve Delaney talks with Senator Patrick Leahy about the proposal to consolidate several security and intelligence agencies under a new Department of Homeland Security.
Roads Flooded Around Vermont
Northern Vermont (06/12/02)Several roads are flooded in northern Vermont today. The town of Lyndonville declares a state of emergency.
State Budget Deficit Projected at $25 Million
Montpelier, VT (06/11/02)According to the latest revenue report, the state will end the current fiscal year with roughly a $25 million deficit. Money will be taken from the rainy day budget fund to cover this shortfall.
Sanders Warns of Cuts in Federal Health Care Spending
Burlington, VT (06/11/02)Congressman Bernard Sanders warns that Vermont hospitals and health care providers are threatened by cuts in Medicare and Medicaid. He says that the federal government fails to cover the full cost of care, and that means hospitals often lose money on Medicare patients.
Casella Solid Waste Settles Anti-Trust Case with State
Colchester, VT (06/11/02)The Vermont attorney general's office has reached an anti-trust settlement with a Rutland-based solid waste company.
New AARP Chapter Has Strong Base in Vermont
Montpelier, VT (06/11/02)Until eight months ago, there was no AARP office in Vermont. Now that the organization has opened up shop, it's become an influential force in state government.
Young People Inherit a Difficult World
Wolcott, VT (06/11/02)With recent graduations in mind, commentator Lois Eby offers some thoughts on the world young people are inheriting and the qualities they bring to it.
June 11, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (06/11/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview: Legislative Meltdown
Colchester and Montpelier, VT (06/11/02)Audio of this interview will be available later this morning.
IBM and Economic Development
Middlebury, VT (06/11/02)Commentator David Moats expects that the recent job losses at IBM will play a major part in the political discourse of the election season ahead.
Goddard Trustees Postpone Decision Till August
Braintree, VT (06/10/02)Trustees at Goddard College will wait a little longer to decide whether or not to close down the private, non-profit liberal arts school. At a weekend meeting, trustees at first voted to shut down the college's residency programs, which would have closed the Plainfield campus. The Board then decided to postpone a final decision on Goddard's future until August 15.
June 10, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (06/10/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Reapportionment Tension Rises, Adjournment Uncertain
Montpelier, VT (06/10/02)Lawmakers got caught up in a parliamentary fight on Saturday that made it impossible for the Legislature to adjourn. They'll be back in Montpelier this week with the state's capital bill and reapportionment still on the table.
Sheep Owners Say Animals Weren't Diseased
Colchester, VT (06/07/02)The East Warren farmers whose sheep were seized last year amid fears of Mad Cow Disease are disputing the governments interpretation of test results. The sheep were slaughtered because the government said tests showed the sheep might have had an illness related to Mad Cow Disease.
Dubie Announces Candidacy for Lieutenant Governor
Essex Junction, VT (06/07/02)Brian Dubie made it official Thursday. The Essex Junction resident says he will seek the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor this year. Dubie was the GOP candidate in this race two years and lost to Lieutenant Governor Doug Racine by roughly a 10-point margin.
Reapportionment Stalemate Continues, May Extend Session
Montpelier, VT (06/07/02)The stalemate over reapportionment continued at the Statehouse Thursday. The Senate offered a new plan to the House but it was immediately rejected.
Construction Begins on Route 9 Oxbow
Searsburg, VT (06/07/02)After decades of delays, work has begun on a $20 million project to correct a dangerous situation on Route 9. It's one of Vermont's most heavily traveled east-west truck routes.
June 7, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (06/07/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview: Free Fishing Day
Colchester, VT (06/07/02)This weekend marks the celebration of "Vermont Days" across the state. Highlights include "Free Fishing Day" on Saturday, meaning anyone can fish in Vermont without a license. Steve Delaney talks with Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Ron Regan.
Douglas Accuses Racine of "Flip-flop" on Circ Highway
Montpelier, VT (06/07/02)Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Douglas is accusing his Democratic opponent, Doug Racine, of political opportunism. Douglas says Racine has changed his position on the need to build the circumferential highway in Chittenden County purely for political reasons.
IBM Sells Company Country Club
Johnson City, NY (06/07/02)IBM has announced it's selling its country club, golf course and more than 600 acres of property near Binghamton, New York. The property in the town of Union, a few miles east of Big Blue's sprawling Endicott manufacturing complex, was acquired by the company more than 70 years ago.
Rutland High School Cannon Starts Noise Debate
Rutland, VT (06/07/02)Fans of the Rutland Raiders high school football team think it's a blast when a cannon at the field gets fired after the team scores a touchdown. Some neighbors don't, and now that those sounds have become the focus of land-use hearings under Vermont's Act 250.
Increased Border Security Slows Drug Smuggling
Saint Albans, VT (06/07/02)The prosecutor in the county with Vermont's biggest international port of entry says he's not worried about a growing number of busts on the border. Franklin County State's Attorney James Hughes was reacting to news from other parts of the country that beefed up border security has resulted in a big spike in drug cases being sent to local prosecutors.
Reapportionment Committee to Meet One More Time
Montpelier, VT (06/07/02)House and Senate leaders on Friday began to consider the legal ramifications of throwing the issue of reapportionment to the Vermont Supreme Court. The leaders were cautioned not to assume that the Court will necessarily follow any particular course of action.
VPR Goes Backstage with "Chicago"
Middlebury, VT (06/07/02)Summer theater is getting under way all over Vermont with performances of Broadway standards and recent plays. During the season, Vermont Public Radio goes "Backstage" to talk with actors and directors about the plays and the performances. Today, VPR's Betty Smith visits the Middlebury Community Players' production of Chicago.
Goddard Board of Trustees Deliberates College's Future
Braintree, VT (06/07/02)Since the 1930s, central Vermont's Goddard College has been known for it's unique and unorthodox approach to higher education. The college's Board of Trustees meets this weekend and there are indications the Board could decide to make significant changes; including merging with another institution or even selling the college.
Parishioners Ask Diocese for Information
Randolph, VT (06/06/02)The Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington says it's been hearing from some parishioners who want to know if their priests are among those placed on administrative leave while under investigation by the Vermont attorney general.
Revenue Report Expected to Show $20 Million Deficit
Montpelier, VT (06/06/02)The Dean administration is expected to release a new revenue report by the end of this week and it's likely that the report will show that the state will have roughly a $20 million deficit with one month remaining in the current fiscal year. Administration Secretary Kathy Hoyt says money from the state's rainy day funds will be used to cover the shortage.
ReCycle North Salvages Materials in Deconstruction
Middlebury, VT (06/06/02)For the last 11 years, Burlington's ReCycle North has dedicated itself to the repair and re-use of household items, such as appliances, furniture and electronics. They've now turned their attention to house deconstruction.
Interview: Aluminum and Copper Microchips
Colchester, VT (06/06/02)Steve Delaney talks with Craig Damon, UVM computer science professor, on why IBM is focusing on copper microchip technology and laying off employees with alumnium engineering expertise.
IBM Says State Business Climate Not Liable for Layoffs
Montpelier, VT (06/06/02)IBM officials said Wednesday that there was nothing the state of Vermont could have done to affect the company's decision to reduce its workforce by nearly 1,000 people. The officials say an international slowdown in the demand for computer chips and a reorganization of the company are the major factors driving the decision.
June 6, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (06/06/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Blind Golfers Hit the Links
Randolph, VT (06/05/02)Since the U.S. Blind Golf Association was organized in the early nineteen fifties, golf leagues for the blind and visually impaired have been established in nearly every state in the country. Now a Randolph Center woman is trying to organize a league in Vermont.
IBM Cuts 988 Jobs in Vermont
Colchester, VT (06/05/02)IBM cut 988 jobs at its Essex Junction Microelectronics plant Tuesday. It's one of the single largest job cuts in the state's history.
Dean Reacts to IBM Announcement
Montpelier, VT (06/05/02)IBM cut 988 jobs yesterday at its Essex Junction microelectronics plant. It is one of the largest job cuts in the state's history and it comes only a week after the state economist issued pessimistic projections for Vermont's economic health. The state has put together a plan to help the laid off employees at IBM find new jobs.
June 5, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (06/05/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview: Milton School Budget Passes
Colchester, VT (06/05/02)Steve Delaney interviews the Milton superintendent of schools on yesterday's school budget vote. The initial budget was soundly defeated on Town Meeting Day.
Legislators Turn Attention to Reapportionment
Montpelier, VT (06/04/02)The Legislative stalemate over next year's budget and reapportionment continued at the Statehouse on Monday afternoon. Senate Republicans are trying to block consideration of the budget until a compromise can be reached on reapportionment and the dispute may carry over to the House later this week.
Ski Areas Report Average Season
Colchester, VT (06/04/02)Despite a difficult season, Vermont ski areas report an above average turnout last winter. According to the Ski Areas Association, there were just over four million skier visits for the two thousand one, two thousand two season.
June 4, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (06/04/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview: Springfield Machine Tool Purchase
Colchester, VT (06/04/02)Steve Delaney interviews Patricia Moulton Powden, a sort of 'industrial nutritionist' for Springfield. Powden has been in the middle of the effort to salvage something out of the Bryant Grinder and Fellows closings.
Legislature Still in Session, Revenue Report Due Soon
Montpelier, VT (06/03/02)The Vermont Legislature failed to adjourn late Saturday night because of disagreements over the state budget and reapportionment, so lawmakers will be back in Montpelier this week. There's a possibility that the session could be extended for days or perhaps weeks if new budget concerns emerge this week.
Vermont Man Runs Diesel Car on Cooking Oil
Dummerston, VT (06/03/02)One alternative car fuel comes direct from the deep frier in the form of recycled cooking oil. At least one of the nation's "cooking oil cars" is chugging along the roads of southern Vermont.
June 3, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (06/03/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Sorrell Comments on Diocese Investigation
Colchester, VT (05/31/02)Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell says his office has received allegations of sexual misconduct against one or two still active priests, in addition to the six placed on leave by the Catholic Diocese of Burlington. Sorrell made his comments last night on VPR's Switchboard.
Entergy Claims Rights to Yankee Decommissioning Fund
Colchester, VT (05/31/02)State utility regulators will soon decide whether to approve the sale of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. But before the Public Service Board rules on the sale, it wants to know about a multi-million dollar fund that's supposed to be used to dismantle the reactor.
Dean Campaigns in Maine
Portland, ME (05/31/02)Vermont Governor Howard Dean is helping some Maine democrats in their electoral bids. Dean was in the Pine Tree State yesterday to support gubernatorial candidate John Baldacci and Senate hopeful Chellie Pingree.
Parishoners Defend Priests and Speculate on Accusations
Braintree, VT (05/31/02)As Attorney General William Sorrell looks into sexual misconduct allegations against six active Vermont priests, members of the parishes are weighing their own responses. Some members are supportive of their priests, and others are waiting to see how the cases are resolved.
Transportation and Construction Bills Deadlocked
Montpelier, VT (05/31/02)As lawmakers work to resolve their differences on next year's budget and a variety of tax issues, virtually no progress is being made on two other key bills the capital construction bill and the transportation bill.
May 31, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/31/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
National Life CEO Steps Down
Montpelier, VT (05/31/02)The president and chairman of National Life, Vermont's largest insurance company, is taking another job.
FAA Dispels Suspicions about Plane
Brattleboro, VT (05/31/02)The Federal Aviation Administration has revised an earlier statement to say a commercial airline did circle above southern Vermont last week.
Debate Continues on Transportation Bill and Champion
Montpelier, VT (05/31/02)As the weekend began, the Legislature was deadlocked on a number of issues that have polarized lawmakers for months. The House and Senate are divided on a key transportation bill and over legislation that would allow logging on state land in the Northeast Kingdom.
Legislature Disagrees on Budget and Reapportionment
Montpelier, VT (05/31/02)The Legislature made some progress toward adjournment Friday but disagreements remain over a number of key issues. Lawmakers will have to meet again today to wrap up this year's session.
May 30, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/30/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview: Bug Season
Colchester, VT (05/30/02)Steve Delaney talks with Jon Tumel about black flies, mosquitos and other pests of srping. Tumel is the insect specialist at the Vermont Department of Agriculture.
My New Wildflower Patch
Hinesburg, VT (05/30/02)Commentator Charlie Nardozzi has found that wildflowers are perfect match for poor soil.
ASC Defaults on Real Estate Loans
Colchester, VT (05/30/02)There's more bad news for American Skiing, the resort company that owns two ski areas in Vermont. The company's real estate subsidiary has defaulted on its loans and banks have begun the process of taking over the properties.
Legislature Still Divided on Champion Reserve Lands
Montpelier, VT (05/30/02)As the Legislature moves toward a possible weekend adjournment, strong disagreements still exist between the House and the Senate. One split is over the future use of the state's portion of the Champion lands.
Dean Forms PAC for Presidential Campaign
Montpelier, VT (05/30/02)Governor Howard Dean is moving closer to a formal decision to run for president. Dean says he'll create a political action committee later this week that will help finance a presidential campaign.
IBM Announcements Minimal Layoffs
Essex Junction, VT (05/30/02)IBM's Global Services unit in Essex Junction will see a layoff of fewer than ten employees. But company officials say they are not the much-anticipated layoffs that Vermont officials fear could see hundreds of people losing their jobs.
Accused Vermont Priest May Have Been Reassigned
Colchester, VT (05/30/02)An official with the Catholic Diocese of Burlington said today that in one instance a Vermont priest may have been moved from one parish to another due alleged sexual impropriety.
Dean Signs Downtown Revitalization Bill
Brattleboro, VT (05/29/02)Governor Howard Dean was in Brattleboro today to sign a bill that will help revitalize Vermont's downtowns, town and village centers. The bill is an expansion of the downtown bill that was passed 1998.
Con Man Hits Several Stores in Southern Vermont
Keene, NH (05/29/02)Police in Keene, New Hampshire, and southern Vermont are looking for a man who is using an old con man's trick to steal hundreds of dollars from stores. Police say the man appears to be a befuddled, grandfatherly-type.
Virus Found in Lake Champlain Northern Pike
Waterbury, VT (05/29/02)The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife is warning anglers not to eat northern pike from Lake Champlain that show symptoms of a viral disease. Officials say ice fisherman first noticed pike and muskellenge with strange lesions on their bodies.
Childhood Vaccines in Short Supply
Montpelier, VT (05/29/02)Vermont Senator Peter Shumlin wants Congress to investigate why there's a shortage of vaccines, especially for diseases affecting young children. Shumlin, who is running for lieutenant governor, says that some vaccines apparently in short supply are available to private medical practices for a higher price.
Septic Systems Spur Debate over Development
Colchester, VT (05/29/02)The Legislature is trying to break an impasse over regulation of home septic systems. State environmental officials say the legislation will result in cleaner systems that don't pollute groundwater. But some environmentalists worry that the law could open hundreds of thousands of acres to new development.
Legislation Expands Some Police Powers
Montpelier, VT (05/29/02)The Senate has given its approval to a compromise plan to expand the power of police in a limited number of cases. Currently, law enforcement officers who don't have a warrant can't arrest a person charged with a misdemeanor if the officer didn't witness the crime.
Lyndonville Suspends Manager of Water System
Lyndonville, VT (05/29/02)The manager of the Lyndonville water system, which was feared to be contaminated after a break-in at a reservoir, is being suspended from his job. Scott Townsend will begin his two-week suspension on Saturday. Village trustees say the suspension stems from discrepancies about when Townsend checked the reservoir.
Senate and House Debate Future of Champlain Flyer
Montpelier, VT (05/29/02)The House and Senate still strongly disagree about the future of the Champlain Flyer, a commuter train project in Chittenden County. The disagreement is a central issue in the negotiations over next year's transportation bill.
May 29, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/29/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
May 28, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/28/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Unresolved Bills Loom Before Adjournment
Monteplier, VT (05/28/02)Legislative leaders are hoping to adjourn by this weekend. But as VPR's Bob Kinzel reports, there are still a number of very difficult issues that will have to be resolved in order for that to occur.
Vermont City Marathon Draws Runners and Spectators
Burlington, VT (05/27/02)Strong winds and some rain added extra challenge to the Key Bank Vermont City Marathon on Sunday. The fourteenth annual race has become a Memorial Day tradition in Burlington. In addition to the individual racers seeking to qualify for the Boston Marathon, relay teams registered to share the 26.2 mile run.
May 27, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/27/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Governor Encourages More Act 60 Negotiations
Monteplier, VT (05/24/02)Governor Howard Dean wants legislative leaders to jumpstart their stalled negotiations over legislation that would make key changes to Act 60. Earlier this week, House and Senate conferees agreed that it's unlikely that the differences between the two chambers can be bridged this year.
Clergy as Mandated Reporters
Monteplier, VT (05/24/02)The Dean administration wants the clergy to be required to report allegations of child sex abuse. And administration officials say that requirement should extend to information that's discovered in the confidential confessionals of the Catholic Church.
IBM Says Essex Junction Plant Not for Sale
Essex Junction (05/24/02)An executive with IBM says the Vermont plant is critical to the company and isn't for sale.
Douglas Announces Candidacy for Governor
Monteplier, VT (05/24/02)State Treasurer Jim Douglas stood on the steps of the Statehouse on Thursday afternoon to formally launch his campaign for governor. Douglas backed a number of proposals that are designed to improve the state's economic climate.
Dean Measures His Standing for Presidential Race
Montpelier, VT (05/24/02)Governor Howard Dean has the "help wanted" sign out for his fledgling presidential campaign. The Democrat says he's just about made up his mind to run. He plans to hire staff, including a professional fundraiser, as he gears up for the race.
May 24, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/24/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview: Vermont City Marathon
Colchester, VT (05/24/02)This weekend marks the fourteenth annual running of the Vermont City Marathon. "Runners World" recently rated VCM as one of the top twenty marathons in the country - based on the beauty of the course, among other criteria. Steve Delaney interviews Andrea Sisino, executive director of the event.
Letter to JD Salinger
Etna, NH (05/24/02)Commentator Willem Lange has been rereading some books from his high school days, and writes a fan letter to one of the authors, who just happens to live locally.
Lawyer Defends Accused Priest
Randolph, VT (05/24/02)The lawyer for one of priests under investigation by the attorney general has released details of allegations against his client. Middlebury Attorney Peter Langrock says the information shows his client has not engaged in any impropriety.
Senate Passes Physicians' Regulation Bill
Monteplier, VT (05/24/02)The Senate gave its approval on Friday to legislation that would give more information about doctor misconduct to the public.
Arrests Made in Heroin Conspiracy Ring
Colchester, VT (05/24/02)Six people have been arrested for a drug conspiracy operating between Yonkers, New York and Burlington. The charges follow an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and police departments in Yonkers and Burlington.
IBM Receives Defense Contract
Colchester, VT (05/24/02)IBM's Essex plant got a boost from the Pentagon Friday with the announcement of a major contract for a new computer chip technology. The Defense Department awarded a $10 million contract to IBM and a South Burlington company for chips that use x-rays to create microscopic electronic circuitry.
Anastasio Embarking on Solo Tour
New York, NY (05/24/02)One of Vermont's most famous musicians is heading out on his own.Anastasio is setting out on a solo summer tour. It will include a hybrid of jam and swing that is dotted with love songs and chamber music.
Coolidge Museum Opens Display of Presidential Artifacts
Plymouth Notch, VT (05/24/02)Much has been made of Calvin Coolidge's humble beginnings on his family farm in Plymouth Notch. But as the country's thirtieth president, Coolidge was the recipient of scores of lavish gifts from everyone from world leaders to school children. Now, the Coolidge Historic Site has put on display some of items Coolidge receive during his presidency.
CLF Ad Campaign Aims at Dean and Yankee Sale
Montpelier, VT (05/24/02)An environmental group has used a series of newspaper advertisements to take aim at Governor Howard Dean's energy policy. The Conservation Law Foundation says the Dean administration wants to lock ratepayers into a bad deal with the sale of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. But Dean says the group's ads are misleading.