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.
Barak Discusses Middle East Crisis in NH Address
Hanover, NH (05/02/02)Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak was in Hanover, New Hampshire Wednesday. Barak met with students and delivered an afternoon address. Barak says he's not optimistic that the situation in the Middle East will improve in the short term.
May 2, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/02/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview: Employment Trends in Vermont
Colchester, VT (05/02/02)Steve Delaney interviews Molly Lambert, secretary of the Agency on Commerce and Community Development. Lambert discusses recent factory closings in Vermont and growth areas that are offsetting those layoffs.
Senate Passes Compromise Stormwater Legislation
Montpelier, VT (05/01/02)The Senate has unanimously passed a bill to regulate stormwater pollution. The measure approved Tuesday represents a compromise that was reached last week between business and environmental groups.
Senate Seeks to Keep Flyer, Prevent Highway Ads
Montpelier, VT (05/01/02)The Senate has rejected a House plan to place new business signs along the Interstate. In passing its transportation bill, the Senate also restored state funds for the Champlain Flyer commuter rail project in Chittenden County.
Perpetual Leases Approved for Camps on Champion Land
Montpelier, VT (05/01/02)The Vermont House has decided to give a perpetual lease to the people who own camps on the state's portion of the former Champion Lands. That's a big change from legislation approved in 1999 which allows camp owners to keep their leases for their lifetime plus 20 years.
May 1, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (05/01/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Faculty, Administration Differ on UVM's Finances
Randolph, VT (05/01/02)A study sponsored by the faculty union at the University of Vermont contends UVM is in sound financial condition. The conclusions contradict the University's claims of serious budget problems. The study is intended to bolster the union position that UVM has the money to increase faculty salaries.
Senate Finalizes Reapportionment Plan
Montpelier, VT (04/30/02)The Senate on Monday afternoon gave its final approval to a new reapportionment plan. The vote on the measure was 21 to 8. Most of the Democrats supported the bill while the Republican caucus was evenly split on the legislation.
Elderly Lobby for Lower Drug Prices
Montpelier, VT (04/30/02)A coalition of Vermont elderly groups is launching a media campaign to rally support for legislation that is designed to lower the cost of many prescription drugs.
Bankruptcy Court May Consider Springfield's Interests
Randolph, VT (04/30/02)This is a critical week for efforts to save hundreds of jobs in Springfield. A bankruptcy court in Delaware is set to rule on whether to expedite the sale of equipment owned by the Goldman Industrial Group. The ruling could pave the way for a company in the Midwest to dismantle much of what remains of Springfield's machine took industry.
Interview: Fletcher Allen Psychiatric Treatment Center
Colchester, VT (04/30/02)Steve Delaney talks with Senior Vice President Dave DeMers of Fletcher Allen on the hospital's plan to move the psychiatric unit to the former Fanny Allen Hospital campus. (Listen to the interview online.)
Families Sue Milton over Radon in Drinking Water
Burlington, VT (04/30/02)Two families in Milton have discovered that their drinking water is contaminated with radon and other dangerous elements. They recently sued their town and the local real estate agents who sold them the property. The families claim that town officials and the real estate agents should have known that the water was dangerous.
April 30, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/30/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Equinox Hotel Restructures Preservation Trust
Mount Equinox, VT (04/29/02)The Equinox Resort in Manchester and the Vermont Institute for Natural Science are working on an expanded partnership. But some conservationists worry that the educational and research programs of the Preservation Trust could be jeopardized by the restructuring and the loss of its director.
April 29, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/29/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Vermont Survivors Reflect on September 11
New York City and Vermont (04/29/02)In the days following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, Vermont Public Radio reporters spoke with several Vermonters who were directly affected by these acts of terrorism. Recently, reporter Beth Schmidt talked with four of these individuals again to see how they're doing.
Floor Debates and the Creation of New Law
Montpelier, VT (04/26/02)As the legislative session nears an end, lawmakers are debating the bills that have been hammered out in the past few months. The debates can consume hours of lawmakers' time. VPR's Steve Zind looks at the role of the floor debate in the legislative process.
Bill Pays for Road Projects, Allows More Highway Signs
Montpelier, VT (04/26/02)The House late Thursday gave its preliminary approval to next year's transportation bill. The legislation contains a controversial provision that authorizes new business information signs on the Interstate.
Racine Signs Pay Equity Bill into Law
Montpelier, VT (04/26/02)Lieutenant Governor Douglas Racine signed the "equal pay for equal work" bill into law Thursday. The legislation requires employers to give the same salary to a woman that it offers to a man for comparable work.
Douglas Announces Plan to Reduce Illicit Drug Use
Rutland, VT (04/26/02)Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Douglas proposed a three-point program Thursday that Douglas says will help reduce the state's growing drug problem.
Congress Agrees to Dairy Price Supports in Farm Bill
Montpelier, VT (04/26/02)House and Senate negotiators in Washington are set to give their approval a new farm bill that includes a key support program for dairy farmers.
April 26, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/26/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview: Jeffords on Air Pollution
Colchester, VT (04/26/02)Steve Delaney interviews Senator James Jeffords on the president's "Clean Skies" pollution abatement program, announced earlier this week. Jeffords is critical of the president's proposal. (Listen to the interview online.)
Vermont House Passes Bill for Highway Advertising
Montpelier, VT (04/26/02)After several hours of debate, the Vermont House on this afternoon voted in favor of a plan to allow new signs near interstate exits that would advertise nearby food, gas and lodging businesses.
State Takes Action Against Gilman Paper Mill
Randolph, VT (04/26/02)The state is taking action against the owners of a Gilman, Vermont paper mill. The Vermont Department of Labor and Industry on Friday ordered the American Paper Company to pay employees back wages.
Legislature Takes Up Animal Cruelty Bill
Montpelier, VT (04/25/02)The Senate gave its preliminary approval Wednesday to a bill that would crack down on cruelty to animals. The bill is designed to make it easier for law enforcement officials to take action when a pet is abused.
House Creates New Districts, Senate Unchanged
Montpelier, VT (04/25/02)House and Senate negotiators will agree on a new reapportionment plan for both the House and the Senate on Thursday. While the House map contains some new districts, it's likely that the Senate proposal will be very similar to the existing boundary lines for Senate districts.
Legislature Considers Drug Court for Juvenile Offenders
Montpelier, VT (04/25/02)The Senate has given its strong preliminary approval to legislation that sponsors hope will lead to the creation of a regional drug court in the state.
Researcher Connects Forgiveness and Health
Rutland, VT (04/25/02)Getting over the hurt isn't easy, but recent studies have shown that people who learn how to forgive say they feel better. A scientist in Burlington hopes to take those findings one-step further, and show that forgiving actually causes a physical response in the body as well.
April 25, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/25/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Present at the Creation
Washington, DC (04/25/02)Each week NPR's Morning Edition explores an icon of American Culture... from the story of the claymation cartoon "Gumby" to the origin of the phrase "OK."
Battlefield Preserves Vermont's Civil War History
Randolph, VT (04/24/02)A civil war battlefield where more than twelve hundred Vermonters fell has been saved from development. The National Park Service will spend just over six million dollars to protect the Wilderness battle site near Fredricksburg, Virginia. Vermont Civil War enthusiasts say preserving the site has been their top priority for years.
House Supports More Staff for Environmental Court
Montpelier, VT (04/24/02)The Vermont House has given its strong preliminary approval to legislation that sponsors hope will increase the productivity of the state's Environment Court.
Hartford School Support Staff Negotiate New Contract
Norwich, VT (04/24/02)Members of the Hartford school support staff delivered a petition to the Hartford School Board yesterday. The petition urges that the union contract currently being negotiated include livable wages and affordable health insurance.
April 24, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/24/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview: Planets in Alignment
Colchester, VT (04/24/02)Steve Delaney interviews astronomer Frank Pakulski on the upcoming alignment of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. (Listen to the interview online.)
Parties Compromise on New House Districts
Montpelier, VT (04/24/02)It appears that the Vermont House and Senate leaders have reached an agreement concerning a new reapportionment plan for the House. The details of the compromise are to be released later today.
Abenaki Video Brings Native Culture to Classrooms
Montpelier, VT (04/23/02)A new video, produced by the Vermont Folklife Center and an Abenaki advisory group, aims to help Vermont educators teach about the state's native culture.
Garelick Farms Moves Half of Operations to New York
Colchester, VT (04/23/02)The former Fairdale Farms dairy plant in Bennington will be closing in June. The company, now known as Garelick Farms of Vermont, will transfer roughly half of its 125 employees to its facility in East Greenbush, N.Y.
Senate Unlikely to Take Up School Choice
Montpelier, VT (04/23/02)It appears that the issue of school choice is dead for the session. The House passed a new plan last week but Senate President Pro Tempore Peter Shumlin says the proposal is flawed. And Shumlin says the Senate doesn't have the time to address the legislation this year.
Gilman Millworkers Go Without Paychecks
Randolph, VT (04/23/02)After months of struggling to keep operating, a Gilman Vermont paper plant has closed at least temporarily. Union officials say negotiations are underway between the plants owners and operators and the facility could reopen as early as midweek.