Hogan Criticizes Statehouse Partisanship
Montpelier, VT (06/26/02)Independent gubernatorial candidate Con Hogan says he believes that the partisan bickering between the Republican and Democratic parties in Vermont is an obstacle to finding good solutions to many of the key problems facing the state.
Construction Begins on Unique Connecticut River Bridge
Brattleboro, VT (06/26/02)The single-span arch bridge over the Connecticut River between Brattleboro and Chesterfeld, New Hampshire, is a historic landmark. In 1937, the year it was built, the American Institute of Steel Construction recognized it as the most beautiful bridge of its kind.
Leahy, Jeffords Questioning Yucca Mountain Plan
Montpelier, VT (06/26/02)Both of Vermont's U.S. senators say they have serious concerns about a plan to ship nuclear waste to a proposed repository in Nevada. The votes of Senators Patrick Leahy and James Jeffords could be critical when the Senate votes on this issue in the very near future.
June 26, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (06/26/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Jeffords Warns of Chaos if Amtrak Shuts Down
Montpelier, VT (06/26/02)Senator James Jeffords says he's confident that Congress will pass emergency funding to keep the nation's passenger rail system in operation. Jeffords says shutting down Amtrak would lead to utter chaos in many parts of the country.
State Considers Taking Over Amtrak Lines in Vermont
Braintree, VT (06/25/02)Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta has told Amtrak's Board of Directors that the government will keep the nation's passenger rail system from shutting down this week. The rail line's president says without a $200 million loan, Amtrak could start canceling service as early as tomorrow.
Administration to Cut $35 Million from State Budget
Montpelier, VT (06/25/02)The Dean administration is drafting a plan to cut as much as $35 million from the state budget that will go into effect on July 1. The governor hopes it won't be necessary to lay off any state workers but he says it's an option that must be explored.
Vermont Foresters Fight in Western Fires
Colchester, VT (06/25/02)The U.S. Forest Service has called up a crew of firefighters from Vermont, New York and New Hampshire to fight the big western wildfires. A crew of 20 left from Manchester, New Hampshire, on Sunday and were assigned to a fire in Utah.
Sanders Announces Candidacy for Congress
Burlington, VT (06/25/02)Vermont Congressman Bernard Sanders kicked off his campaign for a seventh term Monday with a rally at the Burlington community boathouse. The Vermont independent urged voters to rise above the politics of cynicism and work to change the political system.
June 25, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (06/25/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Canadian Border Inundated with Refugee Applicants
Lacolle, Quebec (06/24/02)Refugee processing centers along the U.S. border are inundated with people trying to enter Canada. According to immigration officials, many of those seeking asylum are concerned a pending agreement between the United States and Canada will make it more difficult for them to cross the border.
Dean Outlines Presidential Campaign Strategy
Montpelier, VT (06/24/02)Governor Howard Dean says he plans to spend a lot of time in the next six months organizing his presidential campaign. Dean says he is clearly aiming his message at independent voters all across the country.
Hartford Reservoir Vandalized
Colchester, VT (06/24/02)Residents of Hartford were warned not to use the town water supply last Friday. Officials discovered that the town's northern reservoir was vandalized sometime last week.
Entergy Challenges Condition of Yankee Sale
Colchester, VT (06/24/02)The Mississippi company that wants to buy Vermont's only nuclear power plant doesn't like one of the conditions that state regulators put on the deal.
New Laws Protect Elderly from Financial Abuse
Montpelier, VT (06/24/02)Governor Howard Dean has signed two bills into law that are designed to protect the elderly from financial exploitation.
Wind Energy Project Gets Boost from Ben & Jerry's
North Ferrisburgh, VT (06/24/02)Visitors to Ben and Jerry's "One World-One Heart" festival in Warren Saturday may have seen a scale model wind turbine near the main stage. The exhibit highlighted an effort by two Vermont companies to help develop a wind energy project on a South Dakota Indian reservation.
June 24, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (06/24/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Here and Now: Public Radio's Noon Newsmagazine
- (06/24/02)Here and Now is a new Public Radio's newsmagazine, now available as a Web special from VPR.NET
Vermont Prisons Crowded with Pre-Trial Detainees
Colchester, VT (06/21/02)It's no secret that Vermont's prisons are overcrowded. The state Corrections Department has to ship hundreds of inmates out-of-state because there's no room in the local jails. But one reason for the overcrowding is the growing number of people who are locked up before they're convicted of a crime.
Burlington Taiko to Perform in Japanese Sister State
Burlington, VT (06/21/02)One way countries learn about each other is through music. A Vermont musical group will soon be traveling to Japan as part of a cultural exchange program.
Vermont Playgrounds Receive C- for Safety
Burlington, VT (06/21/02)Vermont rates a C-minus in playground safety, according to a new study by the Vermont Public Interest Research Group. V-PIRG studied ten Vermont playgrounds for hazards that can lead to injuries or illness in children.
Candidates for Lt. Governor Disagree on Spending Limits
Montpelier, VT (06/21/02)Republican Lieutenant Governor hopeful Brian Dubie is calling on his opponents to agree to a $100,000 spending cap in their upcoming race. Progressive Anthony Pollina and Democrat Peter Shumlin have some serious concerns about the proposal.
June 21, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (06/21/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Wheels Drivers Strike Over Agency Fee
Barre, VT (06/20/02)A strike at a central Vermont public transportation company has entered its sixth week. The walk-out by drivers and mechanics isn't about higher wages or benefits. The labor negotiations broke down over a fee that the union wants to collect from workers.
Shumlin Will Call Senate Back into Session
Montpelier, VT (06/20/02)The 2002 Legislative session is not quite over. Senate President Pro Tempore Peter Shumlin said on Wednesday afternoon that he has no choice but to call the Senate back to the Statehouse next week in a special veto session.
Sanders in England to Address Gulf War Illness
Montpelier, VT (06/20/02)Congressman Bernie Sanders has gone to England in an effort to coordinate international research concerning Gulf War related illnesses. Sanders has followed this issue very closely as a member of the House subcommittee on Veterans Affairs.
Man Fasts, Holds Vigil for Victims of Church Abuse
Burlington, VT (06/20/02)For nearly three weeks one man has stood in front of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Burlington protesting church handling of priests accused of sexual abuse of children. The man claims he has a personal stake in how the church deals with victims of abuse.
June 20, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (06/20/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
June 19, 2002 - News at a Glance
June 19, 2002 (06/19/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview: Middle East Peace Effort
Colchester, VT (06/19/02)Steve Delaney talks with Ambassador Thomas Pickering about peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Pickering will speaking Thursday at a panel discussion in Manchester.
Drug Law Aims to Curb Marketers' Gifts to Doctors
Montpelier, VT (06/19/02)The nation's pharmaceutical industry says it won't challenge Vermont's new drug law in court. The law, which goes into effect on July 1, requires drug salespeople to report how much they spend to influence doctors to use their products. It's the only reporting provision of its kind in the country.
Racine Announces Candidacy for Governor
Burlington, VT (06/19/02)Douglas Racine officially announced his candidacy for governor Tuesday. Speaking before supporters in Burlington, Racine emphasized economic issues as top priorities.
Little Steps Down from Legislature
Montpelier, VT (06/19/02)State Representative Tom Little of Shelburne is ending his career in the Vermont Legislature.
Angell Returns from Conference
Burlington, VT (06/19/02)Bishop Kenneth Angell of the Catholic Diocese of Burlington says he's returned from the Dallas conference of bishops with a determination to "see the task through."
Supreme Court Votes Down Town's Canvassing Law
Washington, D.C. (06/18/02)The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that the Constitution protects the right of missionaries, politicians and others to knock on doors without first getting permission from local authorities. Chief Justice William Rehnquist was the only dissenter, mentioning killing of two Dartmouth College professors by two Vermont teenagers, who had cased their neighborhood by going door-to-door.
California Company Buys Otter Creek Brewing
Middlebury, VT (06/18/02)Otter Creek Brewing has a new owner. Otter Creek announced today it has been sold to Panorama Brewing Company, which produces Wolaver's Organic Ales.
Jeffords Announces Disability Work Program
South Burlington, VT (06/18/02)Senator Jim Jeffords is making it easier for disabled Americans to work without losing their health care coverage and other benefits. Jeffords joined state and federal officials Monday in launching the "Ticket to Work" program.
Citizen Group Drops Appeal Against OMYA
Colchester, VT (06/18/02)A citizens group has decided to drop its challenge to a pollution permit issued to OMYA Incorporated in Proctor. The group, Vermonters for a Clean Environment, says it can't afford to continue the expensive legal battle. The environmentalists say that instead they will concentrate on fighting a marble quarry that OMYA wants to build in Danby.
Veto May Force Legislature to Reconvene
Montpelier, VT (06/18/02)Governor Howard Dean has vetoed a bill that deals with abandoned vehicles. Legislative leaders say they don't want to come back to the Statehouse to override the veto but they may have no choice.
Childcare Advocates Release Study of Parents' Earnings
Montepelier, VT (06/18/02)A new study has measured the importance of childcare to working families in Vermont. About half the employers in Vermont have at least one worker paying for childcare. Those parents earn about a billion dollars a year, about 13% of the wages in Vermont, and pay more than $100 million in state and federal income taxes.
June 18, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (06/18/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Real Estate Market Stays Strong
Rutland, VT (06/17/02)The economic slow down of the past year and post 9-11 jitters have affected many areas of the economy. But Vermont's housing market doesn't seem to be one of them. Real estate agents across the state say home sales remain strong.
Veterans Ask Vermonters to Vote
Monteplier, VT (06/17/02)A new program was launched last week to encourage more people to vote. The goal of the effort is to ask Vermonters to honor the memory of veterans by going to the polls and participating in their local, state or national election.
Dean Signs Two Medical Bills into Law
Montpelier, VT (06/14/02)Governor Howard Dean signed two medically related bills into law on Thursday afternoon. The first bill eliminates the autonomous status of the state's Medical Practice Board and places the Board under the jurisdiction of the Vermont Health Department. The second bill is designed to help reduce the cost of prescription drugs.
ASC Posts Increased Third Quarter Income
Newry, ME (06/14/02)American Skiing Company had some good news to report today: its third-quarter earnings were more than triple last year's figure.
New Law Regulates Pharmaceutical Promotions
Montpelier, VT (06/14/02)Governor Howard Dean has signed into law an initiative that makes Vermont the first state in the nation to require pharmaceutical companies to disclose their marketing practices. The law will require the companies to report to the state any time they give something worth $25 dollars or more to a physician or nurse.
Jeffords, Leahy Critical of New EPA Clean Air Rules
Colchester, VT (06/14/02)Vermont's two U.S. senators are criticizing the Bush administration's plans to relax air pollution requirements for older power plants.
House Agrees to Reapportionment, Legislature Adjourns
Montpelier, VT (06/14/02)After spending five and a half months in session, the Legislature adjourned Thursday after passing a new compromise reapportionment plan.
PSB Approves Vermont Yankee Sale with Conditions
Colchester, VT (06/14/02)State regulators Thursday approved the sale of Vermont's only nuclear power plant to a Louisiana-based energy company for $180 million. But the Public Service Board imposed several conditions on the deal that it said would protect Vermont electricity consumers.
Computer Viruses Hit Some State Offices
Colchester, VT (06/14/02)Like computer users everywhere, state government offices have been plagued by the recent wave of electronic viruses. The state defender general's office was particularly hard hit.
Growing Deer Herd Damages Forestland
Brattleboro, VT (06/14/02)The white-tailed deer occupies a place of honor in Vermont. A vigorous deer herd is often equated with a healthy landscape. But in parts of the state, especially in the southern Connecticut River Valley, experts are saying there are too many deer for the land to support. Foresters and landowners are concerned that heavy browsing of maple, ash and oak poses a threat to the future of the forest.
June 14, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (06/14/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
ASC May Move Headquarters to Utah
Newry, ME (06/14/02)The company that owns Killington and Mount Snow ski areas could be moving to Utah.
Black Fly Research
Etna, NH (06/14/02)Commentator Willem Lange has been using himself as bait in the search for a bloodthirsty creature that lives in northern New England, and he's found thousands of specimens.
Lawsuits May Challenege Reapportionment Plan
Montpelier, VT (06/14/02)Even though the Legislature gave its approval to a new reapportionment plan this week, Secretary of State Deb Markowitz believes that parts of the plan will be challenged in court. However Markowitz says it's likely that any changes approved by the courts would implemented after the November election.
Ben and Jerry's Increases Chemical Storage Security
Waterbury, VT (06/14/02)Thousands of manufacturers around the country use hazardous chemicals and store them on site. But heightened concerns over terrorism have brought new attention to these operations. Even companies like Ben & Jerry's have adopted stricter security measures.
Heavy Rains Cause Evacuations and Road Closures
Colchester, VT (06/13/02)Widespread flooding hit northern Vermont Wednesday as heavy rains forced rivers over their banks and led to the emergency evacuation of several neighborhoods.
Conference Committee Agrees on Reapportionment Plan
Montpelier, VT (06/13/02)House and Senate negotiators have reached an agreement on a new reapportionment plan. If the full General Assembly gives its approval to the proposal later this week, Vermont will become the first state in the country that has a split Legislature to adopt a reapportionment compromise.
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.