April 23, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/23/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview: Moose on the Roads
Colchester, VT (04/23/02)Steve Delaney interviews Cedric Alexander, a moose biologist at the Department Fish and Wildlife. Alexander discusses the balance between moose and people. (Listen to the interview online.)
Circ Highway Receives Stormwater Permit
Colchester, VT (04/22/02)The Circumferential Highway in Chittenden County now has gained a key pollution permit. The state Agency of Natural Resources granted a stormwater permit that requires the Transportation Agency to manage the runoff from a new, four-mile section of road in Williston.
Omya, Critics Deadlock on Expansion Plans
Danby, VT (04/22/02)Omya Incorporated is an industrial giant. It makes crushed calcium carbonate from marble. The product is used in everything from chewing gum, to paint, to glossy paper. The company operates in 30 countries and it would like to expand here in Vermont. The expansion plans have run into opposition in Rutland County.
Chorus of the Peepers
Ferrisburgh, VT (04/22/02)An unseasonable heat wave has brought the sounds of spring to Vermont earlier than usual. Millions of tiny tree frogs have expanded their vocal sacs in hope of finding a mate. It's the chorus of the peepers.
April 22, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/22/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
"Moderate" Earthquake rumbles through Northeast
Vermont (04/20/02)Saturday morning at 6:51 an earthquake shook the Northeast for about 30 seconds. The National Earthquake Information Center reports that the earthquake magnitude was 5.1 on the Richter scale, centered 15 miles Southwest of Plattsburgh, NY.
"The Year That Trembled"
Burlington, VT (04/20/02)Vermont filmmaker Jay Craven has turned to a pivotal moment in the 1960s. It's a period that Craven feels has special relevance in today's political climate.
ANR Releases Stormwater Permit Plans
Colchester, VT (04/19/02)The Dean administration has announced several proposals that are designed to improve the quality of water in the state's rivers, lakes and streams. The plans detail all of the stormwater discharge permits that the state has issued in each watershed region.
April 19, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/19/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Vermont Experts Discuss Middle East Crisis
Colchester, VT (04/19/02)It will be difficult to break the cycle of escalating violence in the Middle East because of deepening mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians. That was the message last night on VPR's Switchboard program.
House Passes Medicaid Changes
Montpelier, VT (04/19/02)The Vermont House approved changes to the state's Medicaid program after an all-day debate Thursday, with the final decision coming by voice vote last night. Governor Howard Dean says he supports many of the cuts in the state's drug assistance program that are backed by House Republican leaders.
Waitsfield Shooting Not an Accident
Middlesex, VT (04/19/02)Vermont State Police have determined that last week's shooting death of a Montpelier man was not an accident. Two people were seen near the American Flatbread Pizza in Waitsfield last Friday afternoon at about 2:10 p.m.
House Passes Act 60 Reform Bill
Montpelier, VT (04/19/02)After a full day of debate, the House late Friday afternoon gave its approval to legislation that makes some key changes to Act 60, the state's education funding law. The final vote of 75 to 61 was largely along party lines. Most Republicans voted for the bill, most Democrats voted against it.
UVM Seeks to Limit "420" with Alternative Celebration
Colchester, VT (04/19/02)The University of Vermont will stage a rock concert tomorrow as part of a three-day spring celebration. The event is designed to replace an annual protest of marijuana laws that brought thousands to campus to smoke pot in public.
"Raging Grannies" Head to Washington, D.C.
Montpelier, VT (04/19/02)About two hundred activists from Vermont are in Washington this weekend. They'll join thousands of others taking part in marches and rallies to highlight a variety of concerns. One small but unusual group of protesters took the train yesterday.
April 17, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/18/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Students Clean Up Cigarettes at North Beach
Colchester, VT (04/18/02)Saint Michael's College senior has been working with a group of high school students to demonstrate that cigarettes aren't just bad for your health, they're also bad for the environment.
Springfield Votes on New Recreation Center
Springfield, VT (04/18/02)A group of Springfield residents wants voters to choose between five proposals for a new town recreational center. Money for the project came from the state in exchange for hosting the state's newest prison.
UVM Receives Forest Research Appropriation
Burlington, VT (04/18/02)The University of Vermont's School of Natural Resources has received a one million dollar appropriation for research in the 26-million acre Northern Forest. The research will focus on forest management and land stewardship in the Northern Forest, an area that stretches from eastern Maine through New Hampshire and Vermont to northern New York.
Patriots Bring Lombardi Trophy to Vermont
Montpelier, VT (04/18/02)Several thousand Vermonters jammed the steps of the Statehouse Wednesday to celebrate the Super Bowl victory of the New England Patriots.
Vermont Jews Respond to Mideast Turmoil
South Burlington, VT (04/18/02)About 200 members of the Chittenden County Jewish community gathered Wednesday evening to express support for the Israeli government's military actions in response to terrorist attacks. Speakers called upon Jews to set aside political disagreements and speak out against what they see as a rising tide of anti-Semitism.
Yankee Will Retain Union Workers, Release Documents
Montpelier, VT (04/18/02)The company that wants to buy the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant has agreed not to lay off any unionized workers over the next several years. Utilities involved in the sale also agreed to release some of the previously confidential documents in the case.
House Gives Preliminary Approval to Medicaid Changes
Montpelier, VT (04/18/02)After more than five hours of debate, the Vermont House Wednesday gave its preliminary approval to a Medicaid reform bill. The vote on the bill was 80 to 64. During its debate, the House rejected a plan to restore some budget cuts by raising the cigarette tax by 67 cents.
April 18, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/18/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Negotiations on Dairy Bill Shrink Benefits to Farmers
Colchester, VT (04/17/02)Negotiations are under way in Congress on a subsidy program to help dairy farmers in Vermont and around the country. The subsidy plan is meant to replace the Northeast Dairy Compact that expired last fall. But not everyone is satisfied with the concessions made in the negotiations.
Seniors Gather at Statehouse to Protest Medicaid Cuts
Montpelier, VT (04/17/02)Several hundred older Vermonters came to the Statehouse on Tuesday to urge lawmakers not to make cuts in the state's pharmaceutical assistance program. They called on the Legislature to increase the state cigarette tax by at least 67 cents as a way to finance their plan.
House Approves Changes to Medical Practice Board
Montpelier, VT (04/17/02)The Vermont House on Tuesday afternoon gave its approval to legislation that makes major changes in the way that doctors are regulated in the state.
Legislature Hears Home Schooling Testimony
Montpelier, VT (04/17/02)Home schoolers are expected to turn out in force for a public hearing tonight.
Heating Costs Way Down During Warm Winter
Burlington, VT (04/17/02)A state survey finds that Vermonters spent about 30% less for heat this winter than was the case the year before.
Vermont Yankee Supports Federal Yucca Mountain Program
Montpelier, VT (04/17/02)A coalition of organizations opposed to the shipment of nuclear waste is taking its lobbying efforts to Vermont's airwaves.
House Gives Preliminary Approval to School Choice
Montpelier, VT (04/17/02)The Vermont House last night gave its preliminary approval to school choice legislation. After more than three hours of debate, the House supported the plan by a vote of 69 to 64.
Interview with Tom Debevoise
Colchester, VT (04/17/02)Under the provisions of a bill given preliminary approval by the Vermont House Tuesday, a student could move to any school in Vermont and his or her state education money would transfer as well.
Racine Undecided on Yankee Sale
Montpelier, VT (04/17/02)Lieutenant Governor Doug Racine says he has yet to be convinced that it is a good idea to sell the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant to an out of state energy company.
Potassium Iodide Demand Lower than Expected
Randolph, VT (04/16/02)The state has started distributing potassium iodide pills to people living near the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant, but so far there's been little demand for the tablets.
Sanders Pushes for Increase in Veterans' Health Care
Montpelier, VT (04/16/02)A number of Vermont veterans' organizations are supporting Congressman Bernie Sanders' plan to increase health care funding for veterans.
Police Shoot Pittsford Man After Domestic Assault Call
Rutland, VT (04/16/02)A Pittsford man remains hospitalized after being shot by a Vermont state police officer yesterday. State troopers were responding to a domestic dispute when the shooting occurred just off Route 7 in Pittsford.
Police Investigate Shooting Death in Waitsfield
Randolph, VT (04/16/02)Authorities have determined that a Montpelier man found dead in Waitsfield last Friday was shot to death. Twenty-four year old Declan Lyons of Montpelier was killed while working at the American Flatbread Company.
Kingdom May Lose Senate Seat in Reapportionment
Montpelier, VT (04/16/02)The Vermont Senate this week is expected to consider a new reapportionment plan for itself. It appears unlikely that the Senate is going to back a proposal that would shift one senator from the northeast kingdom to the northwestern part of the state.
April 16, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/16/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview with Paul Gillies
Colchester, VT (04/16/02)Steve Delaney and Paul Gillies discuss possible outcomes of a reapportionment stalemate in the Legislature. Gillies is lawyer and former deputy secretary of state.
Lobbyists' Spending Reports Issued
Montpelier, VT (04/16/02)Vermont's legislative session has entered its fourth month and work for the dozens of lobbyists has become more intense. The most recent lobbyist spending reports show that business groups and the state's largest health insurance company are the top spenders this year.
House Strongly Endorses Medical Malpractice Bill
Montpelier, VT (04/15/02)The Vermont House gave its strong approval Friday to legislation that is designed to make doctors more accountable to the public.
Auditor's Criticism Starts Party Skirmish
Colchester, VT (04/15/02)Republicans are crying foul over a state audit that says Vermont Treasurer James Douglas has failed to balance the state's books on time. They say the report is politically motivated, since Douglas is now running for governor. But Auditor Elizabeth Ready, a Democrat, says the same criticism was contained in three previous reports.
Kinsey Will Run for Vermont House as a Democrat
Colchester, VT (04/15/02)Robert Kinsey of Craftsbury served in the Vermont House for 30 years. A lifelong Republican, Kinsey lost his seat in the last election because of opposition to his vote in favor of civil unions.
Auditor's Criticism Starts Party Skirmish
Colchester, VT (04/15/02)Republicans are crying foul over a state audit that says Vermont Treasurer James Douglas has failed to balance the state's books on time. They say the report is politically motivated, since Douglas is now running for governor. But Auditor Elizabeth Ready, a Democrat, says the same criticism was contained in three previous reports.
April 15, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/15/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Warren Family Disputes USDA Findings on Seized Sheep
Colchester, VT (04/13/02)The Warren family whose sheep were seized and destroyed by the federal government were paid for their loss this week. But their lawyer says the government has so far failed to prove that the animals were infected with mad cow disease.
USDA Says Two Seized Sheep Were Infected
Colchester, VT (04/12/02)The U.S. Department of Agriculture says two sheep from a Vermont flock have tested positive for a family of illnesses that includes mad cow disease. The test results were released more than a year after federal officials destroyed two flocks of sheep out of concern that the animals were infected with the fatal brain disorder.
Douglas Speaks Out Against Sterzbach
Montpelier, VT (04/12/02)Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Douglas says there's no place in Vermont politics for the hate-filled message of the Reverend David Stertzbach. Douglas' Democratic opponent, Doug Racine wonders why it's taken Douglas two years to come to this conclusion.
Utilities, Opponents Debate Sale of Vermont Yankee
Colchester, VT (04/12/02)Utility companies contend the sale of Vermont Yankee will benefit Vermont ratepayers and free the utilities from the risks and costs of operating the plant. Opponents say the sale commits the utilities to continue to buy power from Vermont Yankee. They argue the power will be more expensive for ratepayers.
Interview with Janet Milne
Colchester, VT (04/12/02)Steve Delaney talks with Vermont Law School Professor Janet Milne about environmental taxation. VLS is hosting a conference Friday on how tax policy can compel environmentally sound behavior. (Listen to the interview online.)
Freyne, VPT Settle Controversy
Colchester, VT (04/12/02)A public debate over who can be a panelist on a television news show has come to an end. Vermont Public Television has reversed its decision to limit the appearances of one of the panelists on its program "Vermont This Week."
Sorrell Receives No Information from Diocese
Burlington, VT (04/12/02)Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell has come away empty handed from a meeting with the Catholic Diocese of Burlington.
April 12, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/12/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
April 12, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/12/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
State, Diocese Disagree on Information to Disclose
Randolph, VT (04/12/02)The Burlington Diocese attorney says the diocese is giving the state information that is pertinent to cases that could still be prosecuted under the law. But the Vermont attorney general has said he's disappointed that the church is not providing more information about sexual abuse allegations.
Senate Approves Bioterrorism Bill
Montpelier, VT (04/12/02)The Vermont Senate has strongly approved legislation that makes it a crime to use weapons of mass destruction in an act of terrorism in the state.
Auditor Asks Nuclear Safety Panel to Meet
Montpelier, VT (04/11/02)Vermont's auditor says the state should convene an emergency meeting of the panel that oversees the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. But another official who regulates utilities says there isn't an emergency that would justify such a meeting.
Dean Opposes Bush's Welfare Reform Proposal
Montpelier, VT (04/11/02)Governor Howard Dean says he strongly opposes a plan by the Bush administration to make significant changes to the current welfare reform law.
State Will Likely Keep No-Photo Licenses
Montpelier, VT (04/11/02)The Legislature is unlikely to pass legislation mandating that all drivers in the state have their photograph on their license. Motor Vehicles Commissioner Bonnie Rutledge says she's disappointed by the lack of action.
Vermont Ranks 9th in Federal Pork Barreling
Randolph, VT (04/11/02)Vermont is among the top ten recipients of congressional pork barrel money according to a new report by a Washington-based group. Citizens Against Government Waste says the state ranks ninth in per capita federal spending on overly expensive or unnecessary projects.
April 11, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/11/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Welfare to Work: Dean interviewed on NPR
Washington, DC (04/11/02)NPR's Robert Siegel speaks with Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Vermont Gov. Howard Dean about the Bush administration's proposed changes in welfare rules. Both Huckabee and Dean have concerns.
Sorrell Expects Full Report from Burlington Diocese
Norwich, VT (04/10/02)The number of sexual abuse allegations against Catholic priests in Vermont continues to climb, according to Attorney General William Sorrell. Sorrell expects the church to provide him with all the information it has on sexual misconduct by priests at a meeting later this week.
EPA Says Stormwater Bill Conflicts with Federal Law
Colchester, VT (04/10/02)The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says a Vermont bill that is supposed to add clarity to the water pollution permit process will instead cause confusion and delay. The EPA's comments came in response to stormwater legislation that has passed the House and is now pending in the Senate.
Reapportionment Debate Impacts Legislative Calendar
Montpelier, VT (04/10/02)Legislative leaders say they must have an agreement on a new House reapportionment plan by this Friday if lawmakers want to adjourn by the second week of May. If the House and Senate cannot agree on a new proposal, it's likely that the issue will have to be resolved by the courts.
April 10, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/10/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
MAU Wrestler Loses Wrestling Title
Colchester, VT (04/10/02)VPR's Steve Delaney interviews Rick Pembroke, Chairman of the Mount Anthony Union School District. Pembroke responds to the official report on a dangerous high school wrestling match. (Listen to the interview online.)
State, Abenaki Disagree on Federal Status
Montpelier, VT (04/10/02)Supporters of an effort to have the federal government grant the Abenaki formal status as an Indian tribe say the protection of civil rights for the Abenaki is the chief reason they're seeking federal recognition.
Dean Critical of Powerball and Act 60 Reform Plan
Montpelier, VT (04/09/02)Governor Howard Dean says he won't sign a school choice bill being considered in the House because it will hurt the quality of education at smaller schools throughout the state. Dean is also criticizing an Act 60 reform bill drafted by House Republican leaders.
Montreal Record Company Donates Proceeds to Red Cross
Plattsburgh, NY (04/09/02)In recent months, a number of record companies have created benefit albums to help raise money for the victims of September 11. One Montreal-based company has quietly donated proceeds from their charity CD to a local chapter of the American Red Cross.
Canadian Company Pays Fine for Vermont Label
Colchester, VT (04/09/02)A Canadian cheese company and its Vermont subsidiary will pay the state $56,000 to settle consumer fraud violations. The attorney general's office says Fromage Cote of Warwick, Quebec labeled its Swiss-style cheese as a Vermont product when, in fact, it was made in Canada.
Burlington Collects Humanitarian Aid for Bethlehem
Burlington, VT (04/09/02)With Bethlehem under siege in the Mideast conflict, Burlington residents have raised more than $5,000 for humanitarian aid. Bethlehem is Burlington's sister city in the West Bank.
April 9, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/09/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
House Committee Passes Property Tax Increase
Montpelier, VT (04/08/02)The House Ways and Means Committee has voted to raise the statewide property tax by 28 cents. That would pay for changes to the Act 60 education funding law.
Church Community Tries to Heal After Shooting Report
Colchester, VT (04/08/02)A report this week by the Vermont attorney general on a police shooting in Brattleboro has closed the book on the criminal investigation. But the debate over the shooting lives on in the minds of the witnesses.
State Revenues Show Continued Weakness
Montpelier, VT (04/08/02)Administration Secretary Kathy Hoyt says it's very likely that the state will need to tap into its "rainy day" funds in order to balance this year's budget. A new revenue report shows that receipts from the personal income tax and corporate taxes are weaker than projected.
NH Prison Deals With Tulloch and Parker
Norwich, VT (04/08/02)Robert Tulloch and James Parker are now in the hands of the New Hampshire Prison system. The two Vermont teenagers were sentenced last week for the murders of Dartmouth College professors Half and Susanne Zantop.
April 8, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/08/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Constitutional Amendment Removes on Judges' Age Limit
Montpelier, VT (04/05/02)The Vermont House has given its strong approval to a proposed constitutional amendment concerning the retirement age for judges.
Effort to Bar Out-of-State Residents From Voting Fails
Montpelier, VT (04/05/02)A group of House Republicans tried to make it much more difficult Thursday for out-of-state college students to vote in Vermont.
State Distributes Anti-Radiation Pills Near VT Yankee
Burlington, VT (04/05/02)The Vermont Health Department is getting ready to distribute potassium iodide tablets to people near the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. The distribution will begin April 15.
State Extends Deadline for Egg Farm Expansion Proposal
Colchester, VT (04/05/02)The state has allowed a Canadian company more time to come up with a waste management plan for its Franklin County egg farm. But the expansion was dealt a setback last month, when a Burlington agricultural foundation said it wouldn't accept manure from the new barn.
State Announces Economic Program for Springfield, NEK
Montpelier, VT (04/05/02)The Dean administration unveiled a new proposal Thursday that is designed to stimulate economic development in Springfield and the Northeast Kingdom
Tulloch Pleads Guilty, Sentenced to Life Without Parole
Haverhill, NH (04/05/02)More than a year of legal proceedings came to a swift conclusion Thursday when Robert Tulloch and James Parker were sentenced for the murders of two Dartmouth College professors. The random killings of the popular professors and the arrests of the two Chelsea, Vermont teenagers last year were a shock to the twin-state region.
April 5, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/05/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Water Board Dismisses Group's Standing in Omya Case
Colchester, VT (04/04/02)A state appeals board has ruled that a citizens group does not have the legal right to challenge a pollution permit issued to Omya Incorporated. Omya produces calcium carbonate at its plant in Pittsford.
Muellers Consider Legal Actions Against ASC
Colchester, VT (04/04/02)The owners of Okemo Mountain Ski Area are back in Vermont after meeting with lawyers and investors in Colorado. Tim and Diane Mueller are considering their next move now that plans to buy the Steamboat Springs Ski Area have fallen through.
April 4, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/04/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Guardsman Reporting for Border Duty Arrested for DUI
Colchester, VT (04/04/02)A Vermont National Guardsman has been relieved from active duty after he was stopped for drunk driving on his way to work on the U.S. Canadian border. Authorities say the soldier had two loaded weapons in his vehicle.
House Likely to Undo Core Ecological Reserve
Montpelier, VT (04/04/02)The House late Wednesday afternoon gave its preliminary approval to legislation that eliminates the state's plan to create a core ecological reserve as part of the Champion land deal.
Senate Bill Would Raise License and Registration Fees
Montpelier, VT (04/04/02)The Senate on Wednesday afternoon gave its preliminary approval to legislation that increases dozens of motor vehicle fees in order to raise almost ten million dollars for a variety of local road and bridge repair projects.
House Committee Reviews School Choice Bill
Montpelier, VT (04/03/02)Supporters of an expanded school choice bill say they hope to bring the legislation to the House floor for a vote in the very near future. The proposal would allow students to go to any public school in the state.
Senate Defeats Body Piercing Bill
Montpelier, VT (04/03/02)The Vermont Senate has defeated legislation that would require that a person be 18 years old before they could have any part of their body pierced.
Sorrell Clears Brattleboro Police in Fatal Shooting
Brattleboro, VT (04/03/02)Attorney General William Sorrell has concluded that two Brattleboro police officers were legally justified when they shot a distraught man in a church last December. Thirty seven year old Robert Woodward died several hours after the shooting.
Bioterrorism Bill Passes with Amendments
Montpelier, VT (04/03/02)The Senate Judiciary Committee has given its unanimous approval to a new terrorism bill. But the legislation has been scaled back to meet the concerns of civil libertarians.
April 3, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/03/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview with Cheryl Hanna
Colchester, VT (04/03/02)Steve Delaney and Vermont Law School professor Cheryl Hanna discuss the difference between "guilty and "no contest" pleas in the Dartmouth murder cases. (Listen to the interview online.)
Angell, Priests Reflect on Abuse Cases
Norwich, VT (04/02/02)In his Easter homily, Vermont Bishop Kenneth Angell addressed the sexual abuse scandal that has gripped the Catholic Church. Angell apologized for the conduct of some priests and asked Catholics not to despair.