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.
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.