VT Diocese Investigates Possibility of Sexual Abuse
Burlington, VT (02/22/02)Officials in Vermont's Roman Catholic Church say they are starting an investigation to determine if there have been recent incidents of sexual abuse in parishes here.
Legislature Considers Bill to License VT Crematories
Colchester, VT (02/22/02)The gruesome discovery of scores of bodies near a Georgia crematory has renewed calls in Vermont to oversee the facilities. Vermont is one of only eight states that don't license crematories. A bill in the Legislature would require the operations to be licensed and inspected every year.
Palestinians, Israelis Explore Peace Through Sports
Burlington, VT (02/22/02)This winter, a group of Israeli and Palestinian basketball coaches spent ten days together at the University of Vermont. They attended coaching workshops and played basketball. Their hope is that peace can be built through personal interaction.
February 22, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/22/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Miller Medals Again
Salt Lake City, UT (02/22/02)Bode Miller takes silver in giant slalom. Coverage of women's hockey final and U.S. medals count.
Bishop Angell Returns to VT to Address Abuse Policy
Burlington, VT (02/22/02)The Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington has decided to cut short a vacation and return to Vermont. The Bishop is determining how the Burlington Diocese should respond to disclosures that the Catholic Archdiocese in Boston has quietly settled sexual abuse claims against more than 70 priests in the last decade.
House Votes to Expand Police Powers
Montpelier, VT (02/22/02)The House on Friday afternoon, by a two to one margin, gave its preliminary approval to legislation that will give law enforcement officers new power to take people into custody. Opponents argued that the measure gives the police too much discretion in determining whom to arrest.
City Market Opens in Burlington
Burlington, VT (02/21/02)Burlington has been without a grocery story for two and a half years, so when the doors to a new downtown market opened on Wednesday it was big event.
Jeffords Will Fundraise for Democrats
Montpelier, VT (02/21/02)Senator James Jeffords says he plans to campaign for some Democratic U.S. Senate candidates this year. Jeffords says he's concerned that a return to GOP control of the Senate will lead to an abuse of power by the Republicans.
FBI Releases Description of Armed Robber
Colchester, VT (02/21/02)Authorities have released a description of the man who robbed an armored car company in Rutland last month and made off with nearly $2 million.
Prescription Drug Bill Pending in Senate
Montpelier, VT (02/21/02)The Vermont Senate gave its unanimous preliminary approval on Wednesday to legislation that is designed to reduce the cost of prescription drugs.
Senate Takes Testimony on Reapportionment
Montpelier, VT (02/21/02)A map of new Vermont House legislative districts has won final approval. And now a committee of the state Senate is scrutinizing the House's work.
Police Urge Caution, Common Sense in Wake of Murders
Colchester, VT (02/21/02)People who live in Vermont and New Hampshire may be a little more wary of strangers these days. This week, prosecutors said that the Vermont teenagers charged in a brutal murder tried to get into a house by claiming that they needed help. Even before this week's news, police say it was never a good idea to let strangers inside.
February 21, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/21/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Jim Shea Wins Gold in Skeleton
Salt Lake City, UT (02/21/02)The Lake Placid athlete overcame a difficult month since the death of his grandfather, Olympian Jack Shea.
February 21, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/21/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
February 21, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/21/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Investigators Disclose Motive in Dartmouth Murders
Colchester, VT (02/20/02)On Tuesday, officials disclosed an apparent motive for last year's brutal murders of Dartmouth College professors Half and Susanne Zantop. Prosecutors say that the two Vermont teenagers tried to enter other homes in Vermont and New Hampshire. Officials allege the teenagers wanted to steal bank cards and then kill the homeowners.
Reapportionment Plan Passes in House
Montpelier, VT (02/20/02)The Vermont House has given its approval to a Republican-backed reapportionment plan. The process has taken on more of an edge this session because this year is the first time the Legislature has considered a reapportionment plan with the Republicans in control of the House and the Democrats in the majority in the Senate.
February 20, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/20/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
U.S. Men's and Women's Hockey Dominate at Olympics
Salt Lake City (02/20/02)Continuing coverage of men's and women's ice hockey and preview of the upcoming skeleton competition.
House Committee Takes Up Income Tax Changes
Montpelier, VT (02/20/02)The head of the House Ways and Means committee says he would like to see his panel vote out a new state income tax plan by the end of the week.
Environmental Group Dismissed in Omya Ruling
Colchester, VT (02/19/02)A citizens group has lost a round in its appeal of a wastewater permit granted to the Omya Corporation. They had filed an appeal before the state Water Resources Board. Late last week, the Board issued a preliminary ruling that says the appeal should be dismissed.
February 19, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/19/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Pollina Still Undecided in Governor's Race
Montpelier, VT (02/19/02)Progressive Anthony Pollina says he will make a decision about his political future in about two weeks. Pollina says he is still strongly considering a run for lieutenant governor.
Jeffords Criticizes Bush Air Pollution Proposal
Colchester, VT (02/18/02)This week, President Bush outlined his plan to slow the buildup of greenhouses gases that are blamed for climate change. The plan has received a mixed reception. Industry groups generally favor the proposal. Environmentalists say the plan falls short.
High School Students Participate in Historical Society
Colchester, VT (02/18/02)The Vermont Historical Society has announced the creation of a pilot project that is designed to involve high school students in the history of their community.
Aten-Johsnson Named to Board of Education
Colchester, VT (02/18/02)Governor Howard Dean has appointed a new member to state Education Board. Bonnie Johnson-Aten of Montpelier will fill the vacant seat on the board, effective immediately.
Norwich Offers New Degree Program
Colchester, VT (02/18/02)Norwich University is planning a new degree program that trains students in electronic security.
Instant Run Off Proposed for Statewide Elections
Montpelier, VT (02/18/02)The Vermont League of Women's Voters is urging lawmakers to support an instant run off election system in the state. The League says democracy is not well served when the Legislature determines the outcome of statewide races.
Effects of Reapportionment on Lincoln and Worcester
Colchester, VT (02/18/02)Every ten years, the Vermont Legislature draws new legislative districts. The proposed Republican plan has drawn fire from Democrats, who say it stacks the deck against their minority party. The same charges were heard in the 1980s, when the Democrats ruled the House.
February 18, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/18/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Northern Stage Produces Ovid's "Metamorphosis"
White River Junction, VT (02/16/02)The Roman poet Ovid's Metamorphosis has been adapted for the stage in major new productions this year in New York, London... and in White River Junction Vermont.
A Tale of Two Churches
South Newfane, VT (02/16/02)At a time when rural churches are being turned into meeting halls, residences or boutiques, many of Vermont's small congregations are struggling to hold on. But sometimes survival means hard choices.
Hogan Announces Independent Candidacy
Montpelier, VT (02/15/02)Former Human Services Secretary Con Hogan says he's running as an independent candidate for governor this year because he hopes to "light a fire" with Vermont voters. He wants to help end partisan fighting that he says is undermining the state's political system.
Sanders: Campaign Reform is Most Important Vote
Colchester, VT (02/15/02)Congressman Bernie Sanders says the vote this week in the U.S. House in support of campaign finance reform is one of the most important votes that has taken place during his congressional career.
Colodny Leaving UVM Presidency in High Regard
Burlington ,VT (02/15/02)The University of Vermont's incoming president faces several challenges. But one thing that seems to have improved at UVM is confidence in the office of the President. VPR reports on Ed Colodny, who has served as the university's interim president.
February 15, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/15/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Olympic Coverage: Men's Ice Hockey and Weekend Preview
Salt Lake City, UT (02/15/02)Vermont athletes on the men's ice hockey team and preview of weekend events.
GMP Study Says Utility Prices Will Drop
Colchester, VT (02/15/02)Wholesale power prices over the next decade are expected to drop in New England, according to a study commissioned by Green Mountain Power. GMP says the study bolsters its case for buying power from the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant after the plant is sold. Critics say electricity from other sources should be much cheaper.
Libertarians Offer Plan for Redistricting
Colchester, VT (02/14/02)The Vermont Libertarian Party has it's own plan for redrawing the state's legislative districts. The Party would like to create new districts in which a state senator would represent only 20,000 constituents.
St. Johnsbury May Feel Impact of Woodstock Jail Closing
St. Johnsbury, VT (02/14/02)The Saint Johnsbury Select Board is worried that the state is trying to boost the population of the local prison. Legislators met with the Select Board earlier this week to discuss what's going on with the Corrections Department.
Cree Nation Signs Development Deal with Quebec
Colchester, VT (02/14/02)The Cree Nation has signed a major new treaty with the Province of Quebec. It would allow the construction of hydro dams and the development of other resources on Cree land. In return, the Cree people would have a greater say in future projects and a share of the revenues.
Farm Bill Passes U.S. Senate
Colchester, VT (02/14/02)The U.S. Senate gave its strong approval Wednesday afternoon to a farm bill that includes a key provision for Vermont's dairy farmers. The legislation establishes a floor price for milk and it calls for payments to farmers whenever federal milk prices drop below the floor.
February 14, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/14/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Bode was Bodacious
Salt Lake City, UT (02/14/02)Bode Miller wins a medal after avoiding a threatening crash.
Polina, Racine React to Hogan's Candidacy
Montpelier, VT (02/14/02)Con Hogan's decision to run for governor potentially sets up an unprecedented four-way political contest in Vermont. Candidates Doug Racine and Anthony Pollina comment on how Hogan decision might affect their own election prospects.
Hogan Leaves GOP Primary, Will Run as Independent
Montpelier, VT (02/14/02)Gubernatorial candidate Con Hogan has dropped out of the Republican primary and say's he'll run instead as an independent in November.
FBI, Police Still Investigating Armored Car Robbery
Colchester, VT (02/13/02)A $70,000 reward is offered by police and FBI investigators for information on the $2 million robbery last month in Rutland. The FBI is not releasing a description of the suspect to the public.
Competitive Snowboarding Has Vermont Roots
Colchester, VT (02/13/02)The first International Snowboarding Championship was held in 1982 at the Suicide Six ski area in Woodstock. VPR looks at the early days of competitive snowboarding.
Olympics Security and Local Athletes' Results
Salt Lake City, UT (02/13/02)Changes in security, profiles of Olympics support staff and the results of Evan Dybvig, Kris Freeman, Nina Kemppel and Tessa Benoit.
Reapportionment Plan Headed for Vote on the House Floor
Montpelier, VT (02/13/02)The House Government Operations Committee approved a new reapportionment plan late Tuesday. The vote sets the stage for a highly partisan fight on the House floor later this week.
February 13, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/13/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Freed Back Act 60 Reform Proposal
Montpelier, VT (02/13/02)The bill, introduced by Rep. Marron, increases the student block grant by more than $1,000 and it pays for this change by raising the statewide property tax rate to $1.38. The proposal also eliminates the sharing pool of Act 60 unless a community spends more than $10,000 per student.
Congress Considers Ban on "Soft Money"
Colchester, VT (02/12/02)Congressman Bernard Sanders says an upcoming vote on campaign finance reform legislation will be one of the most important issues to come before Congress this year. The legislation would ban the use of "soft money" in political campaigns.
NY Trooper Killed While Responding to Domestic Abuse
Crown Point, NY (02/12/02)A man armed with a rifle shot and killed his girlfriend and a state trooper before killing himself after a domestic dispute Monday morning in Crown Point, New York, state police say.
Powers Wins Gold in Snowboarding
Park City, UT (02/12/02)Monday, Vermonter Ross Powers led a U.S. sweep of the men's halfpipe Olympic medals.
Coalition Draws Attention to Lack of Affordable Housing
Montpelier, VT (02/12/02)A coalition of state and private groups says that solving the housing shortge in the state requires the attention of builders, environmentalists, banks and community leaders.
Dairy Price Support Bill Goes to Committee
Montpelier, VT (02/12/02)Senator James Jeffords says he's confident that Congress will give its approval to a new dairy price support plan that will replace the Northeast Dairy Compact.
Forums Highlights Childcare Shortage
Burlington (02/12/02)Child Care Fund of Vermont held a forum at which three gubernatorial candidates agreed to help ease the shortage of quality, affordable childcare in the state.
February 12, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/12/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Powers Wins Olympic Gold in Halfpipe
Salt Lake City, UT (02/12/02)Vermonter Ross Powers wins gold medal, leading a U.S. sweep in the halfpipe snowboarding medals.
February 11, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/11/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Clark Wins Gold in Snowboarding
Salt Lake City, UT (02/11/02)Contributing reporter Beth Schmidt is in Salt Lake City, where she's an editor at the Olympic News Service. Steve Delaney and Beth Scmidt discuss the gold medal win of Vermonter Kelly Clark. Adam Heidt of Lake Placid took fourth place in luge, and Ross Powers of South Londonderry will compete Monday in snowboarding.
House Committee Hears Testimony on Stormwater
Montpelier, VT (02/09/02)The legislature has waded into a legal controversy over water pollution and new development. On Friday, a House committee took testimony on a stormwater bill that is backed by business lobbyists and criticized by
state officials and environmentalists.
State Revenues Still Down
Montpelier, VT (02/09/02)The state's new revenue report shows a continued weakness in income tax receipts. Administration Secretary Kathy Hoyt says it will probably be necessary to tap into the state's rainy day fund to balance this year's budget.
Billy Strauss Nominated for Grammy Award
Colchester, VT (02/09/02)Billy Strauss of Putney has been nominated for a Grammy Award for his work producing the soundtrack to the Broadway musical, "The Full Monty."
February 9, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/09/02)Regional news headlines from Vermont Public Radio.
Legislature May Mandate Photo Driver's Licenses
Montpelier, VT (02/08/02)Senate Transportation Committee considers how to extend licensing services to drivers in rural areas.
Sanders Criticizes Federal Tax Cuts
Colchester, VT (02/08/02)Congressman Bernie Sanders says the federal budget is in trouble and that Congress should rescind the tax cuts approved last year.
February 8, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/08/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Company Demonstrates "It" at the Statehouse
Montpelier, VT (02/07/02)At the Statehouse on Wednesday, lawmakers, lobbyists and reporters took a spin on a revolutionary new personal transportation machine.
Employees Claim Company Secretly Ended Health Insurance
Norwich, VT (02/07/02)Employees say the bankrupt owners of the paper mill in Gilman cancelled their health insurance but continued deducting payments from employees' paychecks.
February 7, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/07/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
VPR Previews Olympic Games
Salt Lake City, UT (02/07/02)VPR previews the Olympic Games, which start Friday.
Dean Criticizes President's Budget Proposal
Montpelier, VT (02/06/02)Governor Howard Dean says he is "alarmed" by the fiscal future of the country under President Bush's proposed budget. Dean says he will fight against health care and transportation cuts that will have a local impact.
Judges Undergo Scheduled Review
Montpelier, VT (02/06/02)Joint Committee on Judicial Retention has begun seven days of hearings that will review the performance of individual judges.
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.