Vermont Supreme Court Goes Online
Montpelier, VT (05/24/02)When you hear the words 'Vermont Supreme Court,' you may think about black robes, woody chambers and quiet and learned deliberations. Now think "dot-com." Add to your thoughts the latest technology, instant access to information, biographies of the justices, their opinions ... and now their voices on-line.
Six Priests Begin Administrative Leave on Friday
Randolph, VT (05/23/02)The Catholic Diocese of Burlington says six priests under investigation by the Vermont attorney general's office will be placed on administrative leave beginning this Friday.
Legislature at an Impasse on Act 60 Reform
Montpelier, VT (05/23/02)House and Senate negotiators working on a compromise plan to change Act 60 hit an impasse on Wednesday afternoon and the issue could be dead for the session.
Gubernatorial Candidates Debate Business Issues
South Burlington, VT (05/23/02)The state's troubled economic climate was the dominant theme as Vermont's gubernatorial candidates faced off in a debate Wednesday. The candidates agreed that many Vermont businesses are hurting. But they offered different prescriptions for a cure.
Dean "Certain" to Seek Democratic Nomination
Des Moines, IA (05/23/02)Vermont Governor Howard Dean said he's virtually certain to seek the Democratic presidential nomination in the next election cycle.
The Jeffords Effect: Patrick Leahy's Heightened Profile
Rutland, VT (05/23/02)It's been a year since Vermont Senator James Jeffords left the Republican Party and the ripple effects continue. One of those most affected by Jeffords' actions has been Vermont's other Senator, Patrick Leahy. When control of the Senate switched to the Democrats, Leahy assumed a much more pivotal and controversial role on Capitol Hill.
May 23, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/23/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Hill Announces Candidacy for Attorney General
Colchester, VT (05/22/02)Middlebury attorney Cindy Hill announced on Tuesday that she'll seek the Progressive nomination for attorney general. Standing just outside of the Vermont Supreme Court Building, Hill told reporters that if elected she would be an advocate for the people.
The Jeffords Effect: Vermonters Share Opinons
Monteplier, VT (05/22/02)It's unlikely many people have changed their minds about the wisdom of Jeffords' decision in the year since he announced his switch. A survey of the breakfast crowd at Montpelier's Coffee Corner found that most people saw Jeffords' move in light of it's broader political implications, not in terms of specific issues.
Conference Committees Meet to Settle Differences
Montpelier, VT (05/22/02)The House and Senate conference committee working on next year's budget is considering some changes to the state's Medicaid program, but the two chambers have yet to reach an agreement on this controversial issue. The conference committee is a familiar scene at this time of the year as the legislature winds down, as VPR's Bob Kinzel reports.
The Jeffords Effect: Impact on National Policy Issues
Colchester, VT (05/22/02)In the second part of our series on "The Jeffords Effect," VPR's John Dillon looks at the national farm plan, environmental issues and transportation policy a year later.
May 22, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/22/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview: U.S.-Canadian Trade
Colchester, VT (05/22/02)The Vermont Business and Industry Expo is being held today at the Sheraton Hotel in Burlington. It's a chance for companies and institutions to showcase their products and services. Steve Delaney interviews Deputy Consul General and Senior Trade Commissioner Robert Noble, who will be representing the Canadian government at the Expo.
Gates Foundation Announces Health Grant in Burlington
Burlington, VT (05/21/02)A one million dollar grant to improve global health was announced Monday in Burlington. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation selected the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International as recipient of the 2002 Gates Award for Global Health.
Act 60 Reform Deadlocked in Committee
Montpelier, VT (05/21/02)A conference committee on Act 60 appears to be deadlocked over new changes to the state's education funding law. House Republican leaders on Monday rejected a new Senate Democratic compromise plan for Act 60.
Chronic Wasting Disease Found in Wisconsin Deer
Colchester, VT (05/21/02)Vermont officials have banned imports of deer and elk into the state as they try to stop the spread of an incurable illness that's related to mad cow disease. The action by the state Wildlife and Agriculture Departments follows the discovery last winter that the disease had moved from western states to deer herds in the Midwest.
Interview: Governor Dean on Federal Education Money
Colchester, VT (05/21/02)Steve Delaney interviews Governor Howard Dean on the governor's leading role in opposing the Bush administration's education bill, passed earlier this year by Congress.
Gilman Millworkers List Grievances
Gilman, VT (05/21/02)Workers at the idle American Paper Company mill in the northeast kingdom town of Gilman met today to get a progress report on a long list against the mill's owners.
The Jeffords Effect - Senator Reflects on the Past Year
Montpelier, VT (05/21/02)VPR's Bob Kinzel examines how Jeffords' decision has personally affected the Senator and how it has touched the entire country in the first part of our series, "The Jeffords Effect."
May 21, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/21/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
May 20, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/20/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Critics Request Safety Inspections at Vermont Yankee
Colchester, VT (05/20/02)Hearings have ended on the sale of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. But the debate continues on whether the 550-megawatt reactor should be remodeled to boost its power output. An anti-nuclear group also wants a top-to-bottom safety review of the 30-year-old plant.
Border Immigration Services Expand
St. Albans, VT (05/18/02)The Vermont Service Center in Saint Albans expects to hire 300 new workers over the next six to eight months, bringing its steadily growing work force to around 1,500 people.
Piano Prompts Research into Forgotten Theater
Plattsburgh, NY (05/18/02)The city of Plattsburgh is trying to solve a musical mystery. Officials in West Hollywood, California recently contacted Plattsburgh Mayor Daniel Stewart to tell him about an antique piano that was discovered in a famous saloon.
Dartmouth College Presents, "Mexotica"
Hanover, NH (05/18/02)Art and performance came together at Dartmouth College Saturday night at the Epic of American Civilization mural. The colonization of America was the subject of an unusual performance installation called "Mexotica."
Transcripts Describe Parker and Tulloch's Friendship
Concord, NH (05/18/02)The New Hampshire attorney general has released transcripts of interviews with 17-year-old James Parker. Parker was sentenced last month for his role in the murders of Dartmouth Professors Half and Suzanna Zantop.
Sharing Provision Hinders Compromise on Act 60
Montpelier, VT (05/18/02)House Republican leaders say they need some time to review a new Senate Act 60 plan, but it's clear that the proposal faces some major obstacles in the House.
GMP Chairman Retires
Essex, VT (05/17/02)There's a changing of the guard at Vermont's second largest electric utility. Former Governor Thomas Salmon has stepped down as chairman of the board of Green Mountain Power.
Senate Proposes Compromise on Act 60 Reform
Montpelier, VT (05/17/02)A potential breakthrough has been found on the Act 60 education funding law. Members of a Senate team negotiating compromises on the law have proposed eliminating the sharing pool that's at the heart of Act 60.
Equinox Hotel Announces New Partnership with VINS
Colchester, VT (05/17/02)The Equinox Resort in Manchester has teamed up with a Woodstock-based organization to develop environmental education programs in the Mount Equinox area. The partnership between the resort and the Vermont Institute of Natural Science was announced Thursday.
Star Wars Hits the Movie Theaters
Essex, VT (05/17/02)Vermonters are joining filmgoers across the country this year as they flock to movies about superheroes and fantasy worlds. Fans packed theaters for the Lord of the Rings, and Spiderman. Now they're coming out "in force" for one of this year's most anticipated movies.
Diocese Changes Reporting Policy, Complies with Inquiry
Burlington, VT (05/17/02)The Catholic Diocese of Burlington says they'll no longer wait before turning over information to authorities. Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell also said the information the church gave his office earlier this week could result in criminal proceedings involving Vermont priests.
Dean Rebuts Rumors of IBM's Future
Montpelier, VT (05/17/02)Sam Palmisano, IBM's chief executive, told stock analysts in New York Wednesday that the company has too much capacity at its computer-chip plants. His report to the analysts took place while Vermonters waited for word on possible job cuts at the IBM plant in Essex Junction, but there were no specifics yet.
Interview: Water Reservoir Vandalism
Colchester, VT (05/17/02)The director of Vermont's Emergency Management System, Ed Von Turkovich, explains the state's response to a broken lock at the Lyndon reservoir, which has raised fears about local terrorism.
May 17, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/17/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Dean to Meet IBM Officials on Thursday
Montpelier, VT (05/16/02)Governor Howard Dean will meet with IBM officials on Thursday to discuss the company's future in Vermont. Dean says he expects that IBM will lay off some workers at its Essex Junction facility but the governor doubts the plant will be sold.
Flanagan Announces Candidacy for Treasurer
Montpelier, VT (05/16/02)Former State Auditor Ed Flanagan announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for treasurer on Wednesday. The office will be open this November because incumbent Republican Treasurer Jim Douglas is running for governor.
May 16, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/16/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview: Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse
Colchester, VT (05/16/02)Steve Delaney interviews William Young on how the mandated reporting law for child abuse cases applies to church clergy. Young is the commissioner of the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services. (Listen to the interview online.)
IBM President Says Company Has Too Much Capacity
Colchester, VT (05/16/02)Sam Palmisano, IBM's chief executive, told stock analysts in New York Wednesday that the company has too much capacity at its computer-chip plants. His report to the analysts took place while Vermonters waited for word on possible job cuts at the IBM plant in Essex Junction, but there were no specifics yet.
Hyde Announces Candidacy for Auditor
Montpelier, VT (05/15/02)Former Waitsfield Representative Bruce Hyde announced on Tuesday that he's seeking the Republican nomination for state auditor. He says he's concerned that the incumbent auditor has inappropriately politicized the office.
Dorset Protects Ridgelines from Development
Colchester, VT (05/15/02)Dorset voters continued their support Tuesday for a subdivision regulation that protects Dorset's ridgelines from development. It was the second time the community has approved the amendment to the town's bylaws.
Senate Approves Medicinal Marijuana Bill
Montpelier, VT (05/15/02)By a vote of 22 to 7, the Senate Tuesday gave its approval to a medical marijuana bill. But the legislation is very different from a plan passed by the House several weeks ago.
House, Senate Leaders Debate Medicaid Spending
Monteplier, VT (05/15/02)One of the most difficult issues for the Legislature to resolve in the final weeks of the session is how to control costs for the state's Medicaid program.
Employees, State Officials Await IBM Announcement
Essex, VT (05/15/02)Concern continues to grow that International Business Machines will trim its Vermont workforce. Some stock analysts have reported that IBM plans to sell its Vermont chip-making plant and lay off 1,000 or more workers. State officials say they don't know if that's true, but they're getting increasingly worried about Vermont's largest employer.
Diocese Releases Records to Attorney General
Burlington, VT (05/15/02)The Catholic Diocese of Burlington said Tuesday that six Vermont priests will be placed on administrative leave. The church said it is taking the action while Vermont's attorney general investigates allegations of sexual misconduct against the priests. VPR's Steve Zind reports.
Interview: Impact of IBM Business Decisions
Colchester, VT (05/15/02)IBM, Vermont's largest employer, is expected to confirm the rampant rumors that something big, and probably negative, is about to happen at the chip-making plant. Steve Delaney interviews George Tyler, managing editor of the The Essex Reporter in the speculation in town. (Listen to the interview online.)
May 15, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/15/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
House, Senate Negotiate on Act 60 Sharing Pool
Montpelier, VT (05/14/02)House and Senate negotiators began work on a compromise Act 60 reform plan on Monday. The future of the "sharing pool" of Act 60 is the largest issue separating the two chambers.
President Signs Farm Bill with Dairy Price Supports
Colchester, VT (05/14/02)Senator James Jeffords is heralding the new farm bill, signed into law Monday by President Bush. Jeffords says the law provides Vermont dairy farmers with critical financial assistance for a number of years.
Burke Lumber May Become Canadian Transfer Station
Burke, VT (05/14/02)A Northeast Kingdom lumber company may go back into business. A letter on file in the Sutton town clerk's office indicates that the old Burke Lumber property may become a station for transferring Canadian lumber into the United States.
May 14, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/14/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview: Legislature's Impact on Business
Colchester, VT (05/14/02)As the Legislature approaches the end of its current session, a lot of Vermonters are assessing what the lawmakers have done. One issues is the ongoing effort to attract and retain good jobs in Vermont.
Washington Conservatives Criticize Leahy
South Burlington, VT (05/14/02)Senator Patrick Leahy's job as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee is coming under fire. Three conservative lawyers from around the country flew to Vermont Monday to accuse Leahy of delaying action on President Bush's nominees to the federal bench.
Missing Eagle Returned to Falconry School
Colchester, VT (05/13/02)"Elsie" the eagle has landed. The tawny eagle that flew away from the British School of Falconry in Manchester last week was discovered this week near Bromley Mountain.
Burlington Diocese Changes Position on Reporting Abuse
Burlington, VT (05/13/02)The Catholic Diocese of Burlington has changed its position on how much information it will give authorities about alleged sexual abuse by priests. The announcement was made over the weekend by Bishop Kenneth Angell.
State Officers Worried About Possible IBM Lay-offs
Colchester, VT (05/13/02)There's more concern that computer giant IBM may trim its workforce. IBM is the state's largest private employer. Recent reports that it may lay off 8,000 workers has prompted Governor Howard Dean to call a meeting next week with top company officials.
May 13, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/13/02)Regional headlines form VPR and other news sources.
New Bidder on Tool Plant May Keep Jobs in Springfield
Randolph, VT (05/11/02)There's a new bidder for two machine tool shops in Springfield. Town officials say they're now hoping a Delaware bankruptcy court will expedite the sale of the shops.
Sorrell and Diocese to Meet Again on Child Abuse Cases
Colchester, VT (05/10/02)Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell says he plans to meet next Tuesday with representatives of the Catholic Diocese of Burlington. The meeting is the third between authorities and church officials.
"Promito": Vermonters and the Priesthood
Middlebury, VT (05/10/02)The shortage of priests in Vermont is critical. There are fears the current scandal over priests and child sexual abuse will discourage men from entering the priesthood. VPR's Steve Zind looks at how the church is coping with fewer pastors and what life is like for a newly minted priest in Vermont.
Agriculture Commissioner Critical of Some Farm Groups
Colchester, VT (05/10/02)Vermont's agriculture commissioner has strongly condemned a coalition of farm and environmental groups for opposing a large egg farm. Commissioner Leon Graves says the groups threaten the future of agriculture in Vermont. But the spokesman for one of the organizations says Graves is biased in favor of corporate agriculture.
Hospitals Contract With Blood Supply Company
Colchester, VT (05/10/02)Vermont's blood supply is about to grow more plentiful. Ten of Vermont's fourteen hospitals have contracted with a national blood management company to increase the state's blood supply.
May 10, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/10/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Gubernatorial Candidates Speak Out on State Budget
Montpelier, VT (05/10/02)The disagreement between Governor Howard Dean and Senate Democratic leaders over a proposed budget for next year has spilled over into the gubernatorial race for 2002.
Medicinal Marijauna Bill to be Decided This Week
Montpelier, VT (05/10/02)The future of the medicinal marijuana bill could be decided next week. A compromise plan is expected to be on the Senate floor that would allow individuals to use marijuana as a pain killer under certain circumstances.
INS Increases Personnel at Canadian Border
Swanton, VT (05/09/02)Vermont will receive more resources to patrol the border with Canada, according to the head of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. James Ziglar announced in Swanton Wednesday that Vermont would be assigned 20 new border patrol agents and 48 additional inspectors.
Seatbelt Laws Will Be Enforced This Summer
Montpelier, VT (05/09/02)Vermont law enforcement officials announced on Wednesday that they'll be beefing up efforts to enforce the state's seat belt law in the coming weeks.
Hazen Union Teachers' Strike Averted
Hardwick, VT (05/09/02)Negotiators have reached agreement on a new contract for teachers at Hazen Union High School in Hardwick. The agreement came at 1:30 a.m., after 17 months of bargaining and only hours before teachers were to go on strike.
May 9, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/09/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
All State Music Festival Celebrates Young Musicians
Burlington, VT (05/09/02)About 3,000 young musicians in more than 40 bands marched through Burlington last night to open the seventy-fifth Vermont All State Music Festival. Vermont Public Radio caught up with some of the musicians to get their impressions of the festival in this audio portrait.
Governor, Senate Leaders at Odds on Key Issues
Montpelier, VT (05/09/02)Governor Howard Dean is accusing Senate Democratic leaders of adopting a state budget for next year that is bloated and fiscally irresponsible. Senate President Pro Tempore Peter Shumlin says the governor has a lower bottom line because Dean is willing to abandon those Vermonters who need help the most.
May 8, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/08/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
House, Senate Divided on Act 60 Sharing Pool
Montpelier, VT (05/08/02)House and Senate leaders say they're hopeful that they'll be able to reach a compromise on an Act 60 reform bill but it's clear that disagreements over the future of the sharing pool will be the major issue of dispute between the two chambers.
Vermont Jazz Center's Weekly Jam Session
Brattleboro, VT (05/08/02)Jazz has evolved in part through an institution known as the jam session, in which musicians gather to improvise and play. That tradition is still thriving at the Vermont Jazz Center in Brattleboro, where musicians and fans come together every Wednesday for the weekly jazz jam.
Vermonters Show Interest in Botox
Randolph, VT (05/08/02)Last month, the federal government approved the marketing of Botox as a treatment for wrinkles and frown lines, and the drug's popularity has skyrocketed. VPR's Steve Zind set out to discover whether there's an increased interest in Botox in Vermont.
CVPS Will Cap Rates for Four Years
Montpelier, VT (05/08/02)Central Vermont Public Service, the state's largest electric utility, says it wants to avoid rate increases for the next four years. Some critics say the utility should be offering rate cuts.
Widow Asks for Police Documents in Shooting Death
Williston, VT (05/08/02)The widow of a Burlington man killed by police last fall wants the state to release documents from its internal investigation of the incident. State and local police shot Eilisei Borlovan last September after he reportedly refused orders to drop a weapon.
Senate Committee Modifies Misdemeanor Arrest Bill
Montpelier, VT (05/08/02)The Senate late Tuesday afternoon gave its approval to legislation that expands the number of crimes that an individual can be arrested for without a warrant. But the bill does not go nearly as far as a proposal passed by the House several months ago.
Lambert Steps Down From Commerce Agency
Montpelier, VT (05/07/02)Vermont Commerce Secretary Molly Lambert will resign from her post July 1 to serve as the new president of the Vermont Captive Insurance Association. Lambert says that as the Dean administration winds down it's final year, the time is right to move on.
Senate Gives Preliminary Approval to Budget
Montpelier, VT (05/07/02)With very little debate, the Senate yesterday afternoon gave its preliminary approval to the state budget for the year. The vote on the bill was 19 to 8. The proposal increases state spending by roughly 5%.
Ben & Jerry's to Close Two Plants
Colchester, VT (05/07/02)Ben and Jerry's has announced it will close two Vermont manufacturing plants. The ice cream maker announced Monday that it will shut down facilities in Springfield and Bellows Falls. The move will affect about 120 workers.
Interview: Ryegate Considers Buying Paper Mill
Colchester, VT (05/07/02)This evening, the residents of Ryegate, VT will gather to look a gift horse in the mouth. The town has been offered ownership of a closed paper mill and 25 acres of land for next to nothing. But there is a catch or two. VPR's Steve Delaney interviews Andy Smith, who is chairman of the Ryegate Selectboard and will preside over tonight's meeting.
State Revenues Falling Short by $25 Million
Montpelier, VT (05/07/02)Administration Secretary Kathy Hoyt says it's likely that the state will need to take roughly $25 million from its rainy day fund to balance this year's budget.
May 7, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/07/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Growing the Non-Toxic Lawn
Cornish Flat, NH (05/07/02)Commentator Henry Homeyer observes that the lawn care season is upon us, and he offers some of his favorite tips for keeping your lawn green and healthy.
Vermont Yankee Buyers May Boost Power Output
Colchester, VT (05/06/02)A Louisiana company wants to squeeze more life out of an aging Vermont nuclear power plant. But an anti-nuclear group says that before the Entergy Corporation can crank more power out of Vermont Yankee, it first needs permission from the Vermont Legislature.
May 6, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/06/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
School's Compost Squad Celebrates Green-up Day
Williston, VT (05/04/02)Saturday is Green-up Day and volunteers are out in force to clean up the Vermont countryside. This year, a group of third- and fourth-graders at Williston's Allen Brook School have been working on a unique green-up project.
Shanley Accused of Child Sexual Abuse in Vermont
Randolph, VT (05/04/02)In the early 1970s former priest Paul Shanley, who is at the center of the child sexual abuse scandal in Boston, was the leader of a retreat in Weston. At least one of Shanley's accusers alleges that he was abused in Vermont.
House, Senate Unreconciled on Cigarette Tax
Montpelier, VT (05/03/02)House and Senate negotiators will begin work next week over the size of a proposed increase in the state cigarette tax. The issue is directly linked to the future of the state's drug assistance program for Medicaid recipients.
May 3, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/03/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview: Role of Primaries in Vermont Politics
Colchester, VT (05/03/02)Steve Delaney interviews attorney Paul Gillies on the purpose of primary elections. Gillies is the former deputy secretary of state.
Senate, House, Governor Disagree on Medicinal Marijuana
Montpelier, VT (05/03/02)Confusion surrounds legislation that would allow people with chronic illnesses to use marijuana for pain relief. A group of Senate leaders has drafted a compromise that they say Governor Howard Dean will support but Dean says he is not ready to take that step.
Woodworkers Attempt to Re-open Ethan Allen Shop
Colchester, VT (05/03/02)The Ethan Allen furniture company laid off more than 200 people this week at two plants in Vermont. Yet despite the bad news, some of the company's former workers hope to re-open a manufacturing plant in Island Pond.
New Commission to Review Domestic Violence Fatalities
Montpelier, VT (05/03/02)Dean signed into law a measure that will review all domestic violence fatalities in Vermont. In the past 11 years, 53% of all homicides in the state were related to cases of domestic violence.
Dean Defends Schedule Privacy
Montpelier, VT (05/03/02)Governor Howard Dean says he's appealing a lower court decision that calls on the governor to make his entire daily schedule available to the public. Several newspapers claim that the details of the governor's schedule should be released under Vermont's Right to Know law.
General Dynamics Expansion May Create Vermont Jobs
Colchester, VT (05/03/02)General Dynamics, which operates a weapons manufacturing plant in Burlington, has bought a Georgia company that makes products found on many U.S. fighter jets and helicopters.
Senate Passes Tax Bill
Montpelier, VT (05/02/02)The Vermont Senate last night voted 18 to 11 to approve legislation that makes changes to the state's income tax system. As part of the debate, the Senate also supported a plan to raise the state cigarette tax by 67 cents a pack, after rejecting a proposal to increase it by $1.06.
Critics Compare Vermont Yankee Sale with Seabrook
Montpelier, VT (05/02/02)Vermont utilities say that they got a good deal when they sold the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant, despite the higher price to be paid for the Seabrook reactor in New Hampshire.