Coalition Calls for Lower Electric Rates
Montpelier, VT (04/02/02)A consumer group says utilities should lower their rates after they sell the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. The Vermont Electricity Consumers Coalition represents business and residential customers.
Sanders Calls for Federal Support for Childcare
Norwich, VT (04/02/02)Congressman Bernie Sanders is calling on Congress to allocate more money in next year's budget for childcare programs. Sanders says he is very concerned that the Bush administration wants to level fund the federal childcare block grant for the next five years.
New Foodbank Program Increases Food Distribution
South Barre, VT (04/02/02)In 1999, the Vermont Foodbank lost part of it's main facility when the building roof collapsed. Now with a new building and a new program, the Foodbank is ready to put healthier, fresher food on the table.
Vermonters Memorialize Britain's Queen Mum
Norwich (04/02/02)England's Queen Mother died Saturday at the age of one hundred and one. Her passing did not go unnoticed among Vermonters with ties to England.
GOP Caucus Seeks Consensus on Act 60 Reforms
Montpelier, VT (04/02/02)This could be a key week concerning efforts by House Republicans to make changes to Act 60. Finding consensus in the GOP caucus for any major change is proving to be a difficult task.
Tulloch Will Change Plea in Dartmouth Murder Cases
Norwich, VT (04/02/02)Robert Tulloch plans to change his plea of innocent by reason of insanity in the murders of two Dartmouth professors. Tulloch is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the January 2001 stabbing deaths of Half and Susanne Zantop in their Hanover home. He's expected to plead either guilty or no contest to the crimes.
April 2, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/02/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
House Passes Budget, Upholds Program Cuts
Montpelier, VT (04/01/02)The House on Friday afternoon gave its final approval to next year's budget bill. House members easily defeated several efforts to restore funds for several programs.
Advocates Ask Legislature for Drug Treatment Programs
Montpelier, VT (04/01/02)Recovering substance abusers and their advocates came to the Statehouse today to urge lawmakers to create more treatment and recovery programs for addicts.
Blue Cross/Blue Shield Seeks for-Profit Status
Colchester, VT (04/01/02)The non-profit Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont wants to create a for-profit subsidiary that can sell stock. The proposal has triggered a debate about whether Blue Cross/Blue Shield will abandon its longtime role as a health insurance safety net for all Vermonters.
April 1, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (04/01/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Task Force Says Drought is Serious, Not Critical
Norwich, VT (03/29/02)Vermont's Drought Task Force met Thursday to go over the latest information on the impact of a yearlong spell of dry weather. There are currently 35,000 people in Vermont affected by water outages and shortages due to the drought.
Senate Sees Renewable Energy as Growth Industry
Montpelier, VT (03/29/02)The Senate on Thursday afternoon gave its final approval to legislation that is designed to stimulate the state's renewable energy industry.
House Upholds Cuts, Gives Initial Approval to Budget
Montpelier, VT (03/29/02)The House late Thursday afternoon gave its preliminary approval to a proposed state budget for next year. During the first day of review, House members rejected several efforts to restore funds for various programs.
March 29, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/29/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
State Worries Arthur Andersen May Not Fulfill Contract
Colchester, VT (03/29/02)Vermont has a multi-million dollar contract with Arthur Andersen accounting and consulting firm. Vermont used Andersen computer consultants for an expensive computer upgrade. The system still is not working right, and state officials are now worried that Andersen's recent troubles may affect its ability to complete its Vermont contracts.
Surprise Reapportionment Amendment Dies in Senate
Montpelier, VT (03/29/02)The Senate on Thursday afternoon gave its final approval to a new House reapportionment map. But there were some surprises during the Senate's debate over this issue.
Leahy Asks VT Senate to Amend Dairy Compact Resolution
Montpelier, VT (03/28/02)A Vermont House resolution that calls on Congress to reauthorize the Northeast Dairy Compact has raised concerns among the congressional delegation in Washington. Staff for Senator Patrick Leahy in Washington are concerned the resolution could upset negotiations now taking place on the federal Farm Bill.
Refugee Resettlement Program Names New Director
Colchester, VT (03/28/02)Vermont's Refugee Resettlement Program has a new director. Stacie Lee Blake of Hinesburg will assume the job at the end of April.
American Skiing Backs Out of Steamboat Sale
Norwich, VT (03/28/02)News that the American Skiing Company has cancelled plans to sell a Colorado Ski Area to the owners of Okemo Mountain has taken the ski industry by surprise. The last minute announcement came as a group of investors led by Okemo's Tim and Diane Mueller were preparing to close the deal.
Senate Gives Preliminary Approval to New House Map
Montpelier, VT (03/28/02)The Senate on Wednesday afternoon gave its unanimous preliminary approval to a new reapportionment map for the House. There was no debate over the bill but some opposition may emerge when the measure comes up for final approval on Thursday.
March 28, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/28/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
CVPS Nominated for Osprey Conservation Work
Colchester, VT (03/27/02)The state's largest electric utility is a finalist for one of the industry's top awards. Central Vermont Public Service Corporation was nominated for the Edison Award for its work to restore Vermont's endangered ospreys.
Koop Testifies in Support of Cigarette Tax
Montpelier, VT (03/27/02)Former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop urged the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday afternoon to increase Vermont's cigarette tax.
Groups Rally for Prisoners' Rights
Montpelier, VT (03/27/02)Vermont is one of only four states that does not make it a crime for prison guards to have sexual contact with prison inmates. Human rights activists plan to gather at the Statehouse Wednesday to rally for legislation that would protect prison inmates.
Douglas, Racine Differ on Cigarette Tax Proceeds
Montpelier, VT (03/27/02)State Treasurer Jim Douglas and Lieutenant Governor Doug Racine, who will face off in next fall's gubernatorial race, have very different ideas about how to use money from a proposed cigarette tax increase.
Task Force Meets on Drought Relief
Norwich, VT (03/27/02)Despite this month's precipitation, an increasing number of Vermonters are running short of water due to drought conditions affecting much of the Eastern U.S.
Hoff's Election Changed Party Tradition in the State
Norwich, VT (03/27/02)In the 1940s and 50s, Vermont was regarded as the most Republican state in the nation. No Vermont Democrat had won an important statewide election since before the Civil War. Finally, in 1958, Democrat William Meyer of West Rupert won election to Congress and Vermont's Democratic Party began to stir.
Hoff Years Ushered in Landmark Changes in Vermont
Montpelier, VT (03/27/02)The tenure of former Governor Phil Hoff marked some important changes in the operations of state government in Vermont. Many of the key issues debated at the Statehouse in the 1960s are the same as those under discussion today.
March 27, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/27/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Ratepayers Will Cover Expense of Yankee Repairs
Colchester, VT (03/26/02)An unplanned shutdown at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant will come before the plant was scheduled to be sold to a Louisiana energy company. That means Vermont ratepayers and not the new owners will eventually have to foot the bill for the repairs.
Senate Will Vote on Redrawing House Districts
Montpelier, VT (03/26/02)The Vermont Senate this week is set to consider a plan to reapportion the House. If the Senate passes this bill, House leaders have vowed to get revenge and it's possible that this issue will not be settled until this summer.
House Committee Seeks to Eliminate Commission on Women
Montpelier, VT (03/26/02)The Dean administration says it will fight a plan to eliminate the independent status of the Governor's Commission on Women. The House Appropriations Committee on Monday afternoon voted to cut the budget of the Commission by more than $100,000 and to place the Commission directly under the jurisdiction of the governor's office.
Governor Hoff Remembers LBJ
Colchester, VT (03/26/02)Forty years ago, Vermont elected Philip Henderson Hoff its first Democrat as governor in more than 100 years. During his tenure, Hoff was highly regarded by President Lyndon Johnson. Newly released tapes of phone conversations between Hoff and LBJ provide an insight into the period when democrats established a foothold in Vermont.
March 26, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/26/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Stowe Debates Consecrating Cemetery for Jewish Burials
Stowe, VT (03/25/02)In Stowe, a request to set aside an area of the town cemetery for Jewish burials has met with some resistance and led to a debate over the separation of church and state.
House Passes Resolution to Reauthorize Dairy Compact
Montpelier, VT (03/25/02)Late last week, the Vermont House overwhelmingly endorsed a resolution that calls on Congress to reauthorize the Northeast Dairy Compact.
Faillaces Mark Anniversary of Sheep Seizing
Colchester, VT (03/25/02)A year ago, federal agents were in Vermont to seize two flocks of sheep suspected of carrying a form of mad cow disease. The flocks' owners say they're still waiting for the government to prove that their animals were sick.
March 25, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/25/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
House Votes to Repeal Zero-Emissions Law
Montpelier, VT (03/22/02)The Vermont House on Thursday afternoon voted to repeal the state's mandate for the sale of zero emission vehicles by the year 2004. Vermont is one of four states in the country that requires the national car companies to make a non-polluting vehicle available for sale in the state or face financial penalties.
In Search of the Perfect Pancake
Colchester, VT (03/22/02)When the sap is boiling and the syrup is flowing this time of year , our thoughts turn to... pancakes. VPR uncovers the secrets behind a golden stack of tasty flapjacks in this audio postcard from Vermont kitchens. (Read the transcript or listen to the story online.)
All Judges Retained, Suntag by Slim Margin
Montpelier, VT (03/22/02)Lawmakers have voted to retain five state judges for new six-year terms. While most of the judges were retained on strong votes, District Court Judge David Suntag was approved by a 16 vote margin.
Consumer Dairy Prices Steady, Despite Compact's Demise
Montpelier, VT (03/22/02)Farmers are paid less for milk since the demise of Northeast Dairy Compact, yet consumers are not paying less at the store. When the Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact started up five years ago, supermarkets immediately raised the price of milk. Wholesale milk prices dropped sharply in December, but the retail price has stayed the same.
Intervale Move Casts Doubt on Egg Farm Expansion
Colchester, VT (03/22/02)A controversial egg farm in Highgate has lost a key partner for its expansion plans. A coalition of environmental and farm groups announced Wednesday that it would fight the egg farm's plan to add 135,000 birds to its Highgate operation. The group calls the farm a factory food operation.
March 22, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/22/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
VT House May Cut Champlain Flyer Service
Montpelier, VT (03/22/02)The Dean administration says it plans to actively fight any effort to cut funds for a commuter rail project in Chittenden County.
Pollina Will Not Seek Public Financing
Montpelier, VT (03/22/02)Progressive Anthony Pollina announced on Friday afternoon that he will not seek public financing in his race for lieutenant governor this year.
House Intends to Redraw Senate Districts
Montpelier, VT (03/21/02)The battle over the reapportionment of the Legislature is heating up at the Statehouse. House Republican leaders are unhappy that the Senate is making changes to the House plan, so the House is now prepared to radically change most Senate districts.
Brattleboro Grapples with School Closing
Brattleboro, VT (03/21/02)Earlier this year, the Brattleboro School Board voted to end regular classes at the Canal Street School, which serves a low income neighborhood. The new plan calls for the building to be used for HeadStart and pre-school programs instead. It's an unpopular decision in some quarters.
Neighbors Fight Highgate Egg Farm Expansion
Montpelier, VT (03/21/02)A Canadian company wants to more than double the size of its Franklin County egg farm. The Highgate farm already has 100,000 hens. The owner wants to build a new barn for another 135,000 birds. But a coalition of environmental and farm groups said on Wednesday that they will fight the proposal.
State, Church Deciding Next Steps in Abuse Cases
Norwich, VT (03/21/02)The Catholic Diocese of Burlington says it has finished investigating several recent allegations of sexual misconduct by priests. Meanwhile, the church and the Vermont attorney general's office say they have received new allegations of abuse by priests.
March 21, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/21/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
VPIRG, Pollina Split on Campaign Finance
Colchester, VT (03/20/02)The Vermont Public Interest Research Group has broken with Anthony Pollina, its former top lobbyist, over campaign finance reform.
Is it Spring?
Braintree, VT (03/20/02)Today marks the Vernal Equinox: one of two times in the year when the sun is directly over the equator. The equinox officially marks the first day of spring. In Vermont, the most obvious signs of the season are yet to come.
Is it Spring?
Braintree, VT (03/20/02)Today marks the Vernal Equinox: one of two times in the year when the sun is directly over the equator. The equinox officially marks the first day of spring. In Vermont, the most obvious signs of the season are yet to come.
Is it Spring?
Braintree, VT (03/20/02)Today marks the Vernal Equinox: one of two times in the year when the sun is directly over the equator. The equinox officially marks the first day of spring. In Vermont, the most obvious signs of the season are yet to come. (Read the transcript or listen to the story online.)
State Says Abenaki Do Not Have "Continuous Presence"
Colchester, VT (03/20/02)The Vermont attorney general's office is casting doubt on claims by Abenaki Indians that they have been in the state for generations. The Abenaki need to show a continuous presence in Vermont in order to win federal recognition as a tribe. The attorney general's office has just released a preliminary report that refutes the Abenaki's claims.
Interview with Sharon Davis
Colchester, VT (03/20/02)Steve Delaney interviews Sharon Davis, who recently became chairwoman of the Rutland Board of Aldermen. (Listen to the interview online.)
March 20, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/20/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Interview with "Mac" MacIntyre
Colchester, VT (03/19/02)Steve Delaney talks with the owner of the Morning Star Café in Springfield, about that town's cultural and community life in the wake of factory closings.
House, Senate Take Up Redistricting Revisions
Montpelier, VT (03/19/02)A special Senate Reapportionment Committee hopes to vote on a new House redistricting plan by the end of the week. It's expected that the committee will make several changes to a proposal that was adopted by the House last month.
Preliminary Results of Doyle Survey
Montpelier, VT (03/19/02)According to the preliminary results of Senator Bill Doyle's Town Meeting Day questionnaire, Vermonters appear to be split over a plan to raise the gas tax.
March 18, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/19/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
March 19, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/19/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Monster's Ball
South Royalton, Vermont (03/18/02)Commentator Cheryl Hanna talks about a troubling new film that examines some very tough issues.
Examining The Vermont Accent
SWANTON, VT (03/18/02)A University of Vermont researcher is studying the Vermont accent to learn what makes the dialect unique and how it's changing.
American Skiing Delists from NYSE Today
Newry, Maine (03/15/02)American Skiing Company, which owns the Killington and Mount Snow ski resorts in Vermont, is off the New York Stock Exchange effective today.
House Approves Medical Marijuana
Montpelier, VT (03/15/02)After nearly five hours of debate, the House Thursday night voted 81 to 53 in support of legislation that allows doctors to prescribe marijuana.
Family's Lawyer Says Civil Suit Should Procede
Colchester, VT (03/15/02)The lawyer for the slain Brattleboro man's family says the Vermont attorney general is unnecessarily requesting a hold on the family's civil suit.
March 15, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/15/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Leahy's Committee Votes Down Pickering
Colchester, VT (03/15/02)Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy and other Democrats on the Judiciary Committee voted to reject one of President Bush's judicial nominees. Leahy is chairman of the Judiciary panel.
Dartmouth Offers To Buy Dresden School District Land
COLCHESTER, VT (03/15/02)The towns of Norwich, Vermont, and Hanover, New Hampshire, make up the Dresden School District. The District's middle school and high school are in downtown Hanover near Dartmouth College, but the schools need extensive repairs. Dartmouth College has offered to buy the land the schools are currently on.
VT House Approves Medicinal Marijuana Legislation
MONTPELIER, VT (03/15/02)After two days of debate, the House gave its final approval to legislation that will allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to patients with terminal or chronic illnesses.
Jeb Spaulding Launches Campaign For State Treasurer
COLCHESTER, VT (03/15/02)Former state senator Jeb Spaulding of Montpelier formally launched his campaign for state treasurer at the Statehouse on Friday afternoon.
Federal Judge Refuses To Halt Pollina Investigation
BURLINGTON, VT (03/15/02)A federal judge has said it's too early for him to get involved in the fight between Democrats and Progressives over the state's campaign funding law. At question is whether Progressive Party candidate Anthony Pollina qualifies for public financing.
Former Boston Globe Editor Thomas Winship Dies
COLCHESTER, VT (03/15/02)Thomas Winship of Randolph Center, former editor of the Boston Globe, died Thursday at a Boston hospital.
House Debates Stormwater Bill
Montpelier, VT (03/14/02)The Vermont House has approved a bill that would make it easier for developers to win stormwater pollution permits. The bill was drafted in response to a ruling last summer that business groups said would restrict development in Chittenden County.
VT Terrorism Bill Debated in Senate
Montpelier, VT (03/14/02)The Senate Judiciary Committee has started work on a new terrorism bill. The American Civil Liberties Union says the legislation is unnecessary and could have a chilling effect on the first amendment rights of Vermonters.
Clavelle Endorses Racine
Burlington, VT (03/14/02)Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle will support Democratic Lieutenant Governor Douglas Racine in this year's race for governor. Clavelle, who's a Progressive, says it's somewhat unusual for him to support a candidate from a different party.
Court Hears Case of Ethnic Names in Vanity Plates
South Royalton, VT (03/14/02)The Vermont Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case brought by a Wallingford woman who was denied a vanity license plate containing the word "Irish." The Department of Motor Vehicles policy prohibits vanity plates from including references to ethnic heritage.
March 14, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/14/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Right-to-Farm Law
South Royalton, VT (03/14/02)A feud between neighbors landed in the Vermont Supreme Court yesterday in a test of Vermont's Right to Farm Act. The law is designed to protect farm operations from nuisance suits that might arise from encroaching development and complaints about the smells and sounds of normal farm operations.
Coalition Says Vermonters Support New Cigarette Tax
Montpelier, VT (03/14/02)Supporters of a plan to increase the state cigarette tax say a new poll shows that a strong majority of Vermonters back their effort. According to a poll released by the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Vermont, 77% of the people responding to the survey support boosting the cigarette tax by as much as a dollar a pack.
Warm Weather Hurt Nordic Ski Season
Norwich, VT (03/13/02)The mildest winter on record and continued drought conditions have combined to make for a difficult season at Vermont's Nordic ski areas.
Fraudulent Airbag Bill Awaiting Senate Approval
Montpelier, VT (03/13/02)The Vermont Senate on Tuesday gave its preliminary approval to legislation that is designed to protect people who ride in the front seat of a car. The bill imposes stiff penalties on car mechanics who knowingly replace air bags that have been activated in an accident with fraudulent materials.
Meub Annouces Candidacy for Congressional Seat
Rutland, VT (03/13/02)Rutland attorney Bill Meub is seeking the Republican nomination for Vermont's seat in the U.S. House. Meub, who announced his candidacy Tuesday, hopes to run against incumbent Congressman Bernard Sanders.
Progressives Ask Judge to Rule on Campaign Finance
Montpelier, VT (03/13/02)The Vermont Progressive Party wants a federal judge to rule that political parties can share polling information with candidates who are seeking public financing. The party requested the ruling in response to an effort by the Democratic Party to make Anthony Pollina ineligible for public funds in the race for lieutenant governor.
March 13, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/13/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Yankee Settlement Questioned at Hearing
Montpelier, VT (03/12/02)Last week, the agency that represents ratepayers said new conditions added to the sale of the nuclear power plant will protect consumers. But on Monday, the independent Public Service Board laid out a series of detailed questions it wants the state and the utilities to answer before it rules on the deal.
Markowitz Urges Legislative Action on Instant Runoff
Montpelier, VT (03/12/02)Secretary of State Deb Markowitz is urging lawmakers to consider legislation that would implement an instant runoff election system in Vermont.
March 12, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/12/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Coalition Urges Response to Housing Shortage
Montpelier, VT (03/12/02)Vermont Housing officials say a growing shortage of affordable housing throughout the state will seriously undermine economic development efforts if the shortage is not reduced in the next few years.
Schools, Economy Outweigh Interest in Civil Unions
Montpelier, VT (03/11/02)Two years ago at town meeting, civil unions was a much talked about issue. This year, a referendum dealing with how homosexuality is discussed in schools barely received notice on town meeting day. Voter concern over civil unions and homosexuality may have waned.
Deer Version of "Mad Cow Disease" Found in Midwest
Colchester, VT (03/11/02)Scientists have discovered that deer in Wisconsin have been infected with a fatal brain disease. The illness is similar to mad cow disease and this is the first time it's been detected in wild deer east of the Mississippi River. The discovery has raised concerns that the deer herd here in Vermont could be at risk.
March 11, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/11/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Pollina Announces for Lt. Gov, Will Run Against Shumlin
Montpelier, VT (03/08/02)Progressive Anthony Pollina announced this afternoon that he'll be a candidate for lieutenant governor this year. Pollina believes a success for that office would be good for his party.
Abenaki Claim State Racism
Colchester, VT (03/08/02)Vermont's Abenaki Indians are accusing state government of racism. Abenaki Chief April Rushlow says the state is using misinformation and scare tactics to oppose the Abenakis' attempt at formal tribal recognition.
Tango Lives in Brattleboro
Brattleboro, VT (03/08/02)Argentine tango originated in Buenos Aires in the late 1800s. It was danced in boarding houses and bars by men who practiced together until they were good enough to attract a female partner. In the '30s and '40s, it was popular with European sophisticates. And now it's turned up in southern Vermont.
March 8, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/08/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Revenues Weak, State May Tap Rainy Day Fund
Montpelier, VT (03/08/02)Administration Secretary Kathy Hoyt says Vermont will probably have to dip into its rainy day fund in order to balance this year's budget. Hoyt says a new revenue report shows continued weakness in state income tax receipts.