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.
Instant Runoff Bill Likely to Stall in Committee
Montpelier, VT (03/07/02)Backers of an instant runoff voting system say they'll urge the Legislature to adopt their plan this year. The group says their strong success on Town Meeting Day in almost 50 communities sends a clear message to lawmakers. Still, it appears that the proposal faces an uphill battle in the Statehouse.
Maine Yankee Pulls Out of Interstate Compact
Montpelier, VT (03/07/02)A decade ago, the Vermont Legislature agreed to join with Maine and ship the state's low-level nuclear waste to Texas. But now that Maine's only nuclear power plant is closed, Maine is trying to pull out of the three-state compact. Vermont still plans to ship its waste to Texas.
March 7, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/07/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Wallingford Voters Energized by School Debate
Wallingford, VT (03/06/02)It was standing room only at Wallingford's town meeting Monday night and larger than usual crowds gathered again Tuesday at the polls. Rising education costs in Wallingford have stirred up debate and action.
Whitingham Grapples with Deficit, School Spending
Wallingford, VT (03/06/02)Voters in The southern Vermont community of Whitingham went to town meeting Tuesday facing a municipal budget deficit and a double digit increase in their school tax rate.
Windsor Voters Well Informed
Windsor, VT (03/06/02)Windsor voters turned out in a steady stream at the American Legion Hall on Court Street Tuesday. Some people think the electorate is becoming better informed.
Brandon Defeats New Town Office Building
Brandon, VT (03/06/02)Brandon voters passed their elementary school and town budgets on Tuesday. But a controversial one-million dollar bond to build a new town office building was defeated.
Waitsfield Approves Budget Increase
Waitsfield, VT (03/06/02)Voters in Waitsfield have approved the school and town budgets that were recommended by town officials. The budget comes with some financial pain for town taxpayers. Even though the elementary school budget increased by around 3%, residents will see a 14% boost in their tax rate.
Burlington Defeats School Budget
Burlington, VT (03/06/02)The big story in Burlington Tuesday was the school budget. Voters had been asked to approve a 6% increase, and defeated the budget by 24 votes.
Rutland Voter Turnout Light
Rutland, VT (03/06/02)In Rutland City, voter turn out was very light and with no hot button issue, many described this year's elections as a non-event. There were few candidates running for local office and no contested school board races.
School Budgets Pass, Some Exceptions
Montpelier, VT (03/06/02)Despite tight economic times and rising tax rates, town voters passed many school budgets around Vermont.
Referenda Considered by Towns Across the State
Montpelier, VT (03/06/02)It appears that most referenda fared well at town meetings this week.
Precision Valley Town Meetings
Norwich, VT (03/06/02)As voters went to the polls in towns along the Connecticut River Tuesday, VPR's Betty Smith visited five communities to hear about the major issues and observe the turnout.
Interview with Deb Markowitz
Colchester, VT (03/06/02)Steve Delaney talks with Secretary of State Deb Markowitz about town meetings across the state.
March 6, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/06/02)Town meeting headlines and other news from VPR and AP.
OMYA Makes Act 250 Appeal in Federal Court
Rutland, VT (03/05/02)A Vermont company has taken its appeal of an Act 250 land-use permit to a federal appeals court. OMYA Incorporated argues that Vermont is improperly restricting truck traffic on U.S. Route Seven.
Passage of School Budgets Uncertain
Montpelier, VT (03/05/02)There is a sense of uncertainty about the fate of school budgets this year. Some communities are seeing increases in their school budgets. Even districts with small budget increases are seeing large increases in their tax rates.
Legislature Recesses for Town Meeting Day
Montpelier, VT (03/05/02)Vermont lawmakers won't be in Montpelier this week. They're taking their traditional recess so they can attend Town Meeting Day in their home districts. A few communities already have held their town meetings but the vast majority will meet on Tuesday.
Water Shortages Likely After Yearlong Drought
Burlington, VT (03/05/02)It's going to take more than last weekend's rain to pull Vermont out of its yearlong drought. The state climatologist says that it will take months of steady precipitation to bring the state back to normal levels.
Goshen Voters Hold Traditional Town Meeting
Goshen, VT (03/05/02)Today is the traditional day for Vermont's town meeting. But voters in many communities got down to business on Monday night. The small Addison County town of Goshen was one of them.
Residents Vote on Brandon Town Office Building
Brandon, VT (03/05/02)Brandon residents will have a chance to vote Tuesday on a controversial one-million dollar bond proposal. The bond would pay for the construction of a new downtown municipal office building as well as the renovation of an existing building for a new police station.
Pollina Will Announce Run for Lt. Governor
Montpelier, VT (03/05/02)Progressive Anthony Pollina will announce later this week that he will be a candidate for lieutenant governor this year. Pollina says he is very disappointed that the Vermont Democratic Party is trying to make his candidacy ineligible for public campaign funding.
Williston Passes Local 1% Sales Tax
Williston, VT (03/05/02)The business of every town meeting includes taxes and budgets. But in Williston, a new tax issue took center stage Monday night as voters overwhelmingly approved a 1% retail sales tax.
March 5, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/05/02)News on Town Meeting Day and other headlines from across the region.
Interview with Bill McGrath
Colchester, VT (03/05/02)On the Vermont side of the Connecticut River, Bill Mc Grath is in the center of the effort to keep the C & S Wholesale Grocers headquartered in Vermont. McGrath is the executive director of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation.
Interview with Guy MacMillan
Colcheser, VT (03/05/02)Sometime this spring, C & S Wholesale Grocers of Brattleboro will decide whether to move its headquarters operation across the Connecticut River to Keene, New Hampshire. Brattleboro is trying hard to keep the 400 or more jobs in town, and Keene is trying to attract them.
Town Meeting Overview
Montpelier, VT (03/05/02)VPR previews issues before town meetings across the state.
Towns Prepare for Meeting Day
Norwich, VT (03/04/02)Vermonters in communities across the state will attend their town's annual meeting tomorrow. They'll be electing local officials, wrestling with school and municipal budgets and debating a variety of referenda.
March 4, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/04/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Tyminski Wins Grammy
Los Angeles (03/01/02)West Rutland native Dan Tyminski has a share in a Grammy award. Tyminski is a member of the group The Soggy Bottom Boys, which has won a Grammy Award for the song "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow.''
Wireless in Vermont, Part Five
Colchester, VT (03/01/02)More Vermonters are using wireless communication than ever before for convenience, safety, business and just to stay "connected." In the conclusion to our series "Wireless in Vermont," examines how cell phones are part of the cultural landscape. (Read the transcript or listen to the story online.)
Bishop Angell to Meet With Sexual Misconduct Board
Colchester, VT (03/01/02)The Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington plans to meet today with the diocese's Sexual Misconduct Board to discuss recent allegations involving Vermont priests. The allegations could be an important test for the diocese's sexual misconduct policy and for Bishop Kenneth Angell.
Governor, Legislature Debate Taxes and School Funding
Montpelier, VT (03/01/02)Governor Howard Dean says it's up to the Legislature to find the money to increase state education funding. On Thursday, Dean defended his plan to level-fund the state's block grant to schools.
March 1, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (03/01/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Democrats Allege Pollina Campaign Finance Trangression
Colchester, VT (03/01/02)The Vermont Progressive Party is defending its choice to commission a recent public opinion poll. Democrats are charging that the poll represents a premature campaign expenditure on behalf of Anthony Pollina. Pollina has been deciding whether to run as a Progressive candidate for governor or for lieutenant governor.
Essex IBM to Manufacture Fastest Chip
Colchester, VT (03/01/02)Vermont's IBM plant is set to become the only site that will produce the world's fastest semiconductor chip. The newly unveiled chip is designed to improve the performance of communications products.
Mildest Winter on Record
Colchester, VT (03/01/02)This winter is officially the warmest on record in Vermont. The National Weather Service says the average temperature for December, January and February was more than eight degrees warmer than normal.
Dean Campaigns in Maine
Portland, ME (02/28/02)Mainers got a taste of Vermont Governor Howard Dean's stump speech this week at a gathering in Portland, Maine. Dean flew in from Washington D.C. after a tour of Iowa, where he was testing the appeal of his message for a possible presidential run in 2004.
UVM Names Watershed Science Chair
Burlington, VT (02/28/02)The University of Vermont announced today (Wednesday) the appointment of "Breck" Bowden to the Chair of Watershed Science. Bowden will head a research program on watershed issues in Vermont, such as water quality and land use planning.
February 28, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/28/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Wireless in Vermont, Part Four
Colchester, VT (02/28/02)On one hand, cell phones provide a valuable service for emergency crews and can save lives. On the other hand, when it comes to personal safety, debate is growing over the effects of radio-frequency radiation. (Read the transcript or listen to the story online.)
Workers in Springfield May Buy Idle Factory
Springfield, VT (02/28/02)Idle workers met in Springfield Thursday in an effort to revive the area's machine tool industry. The industry has been in decline for years. Recently two long time machine tool plants closed. Now the former employees looking into buying the businesses.
February 28, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/28/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
February 28, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/28/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Colody Asks Legislature for Increase in UVM Funding
Montpelier, VT (02/27/02)UVM wants a 3% funding increase, slightly more than was recommended by Governor Howard Dean in his budget. Interim President Edwin Colodny told lawmakers yesterday that the school is an economic engine that brings hundreds of millions of dollars into the state.
Wireless in Vermont, Part Three
Montpelier, VT (02/27/02)As more and more drivers in Vermont use cell phones, there are growing concerns that public safety could be jeopardized. (Read the transcript, or listen to the story online.)
VT National Guard Called Up to Service at Border
Colchester, VT (02/27/02)The National Guard will call up 78 Vermont Army National Guardsmen and women to assist in security at the Vermont-Canadian border.
February 27, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/27/02)Regional news headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Flu Spreading in Localized Areas, Not Epidemic
Colchester, VT (02/26/02)Although it may seem like everyone you know has the flu, the Vermont Health Department says it's not that bad of a year.
Attorney General Requests Meeting with Bishop Angell
Norwich, VT (02/26/02)The Vermont Attorney General's office has asked to meet with officials of the Catholic Diocese of Burlington to discuss allegations of past sexual abuse by priests. The attorney general requested the meeting after the diocese acknowledged it has recently received several reports of alleged incidents.
PSB Asks Utilities to Reexamine Vermont Yankee Deal
Colchester, VT (02/26/02)The Public Service Board recently asked utilities to re-evaluate their decision to sell Vermont Yankee nuclear Power plant, in light of new forecasts that show lower prices for power in New England. On Monday, the regulators again asked the utilities to slow down on the deal.
February 26, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/26/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Wireless in Vermont, Part Two
Norwich, VT (02/26/02)Cell towers are a new challenge for the volunteers who sit on town planning boards. In the second part of our series "Wireless in Vermont," Steve Zind looks at two towns that are dealing with the rush to build cell towers. (Read the transcript or listen to the story here.)
Wireless in Vermont, Part One
Montpelier, VT (02/25/02)The first of a five-part series examines town policies on cell tower construction.
February 25, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/25/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Junkyard Debate Spurs Select Board Race
Guilford, VT (02/25/02)The town of Guilford is cracking down on unofficial junkyards that officials say are polluting the landscape. But recent letters calling for a cleanup have divided the town.
Senate, House Anticipate Redistricting Standoff
Montpelier, VT (02/22/02)The Vermont House and Senate are apparently on a collision course concerning the reapportionment of the Legislature this session.
High Temperatures Prompt Early Sugaring
Burlington, VT (02/22/02)Temperatures reached past 50 degrees today in southern Vermont and at least for the moment, the sap is flowing.
VT Diocese Investigates Possibility of Sexual Abuse
Burlington, VT (02/22/02)Officials in Vermont's Roman Catholic Church say they are starting an investigation to determine if there have been recent incidents of sexual abuse in parishes here.
Legislature Considers Bill to License VT Crematories
Colchester, VT (02/22/02)The gruesome discovery of scores of bodies near a Georgia crematory has renewed calls in Vermont to oversee the facilities. Vermont is one of only eight states that don't license crematories. A bill in the Legislature would require the operations to be licensed and inspected every year.
Palestinians, Israelis Explore Peace Through Sports
Burlington, VT (02/22/02)This winter, a group of Israeli and Palestinian basketball coaches spent ten days together at the University of Vermont. They attended coaching workshops and played basketball. Their hope is that peace can be built through personal interaction.
February 22, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/22/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Miller Medals Again
Salt Lake City, UT (02/22/02)Bode Miller takes silver in giant slalom. Coverage of women's hockey final and U.S. medals count.
Bishop Angell Returns to VT to Address Abuse Policy
Burlington, VT (02/22/02)The Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington has decided to cut short a vacation and return to Vermont. The Bishop is determining how the Burlington Diocese should respond to disclosures that the Catholic Archdiocese in Boston has quietly settled sexual abuse claims against more than 70 priests in the last decade.
House Votes to Expand Police Powers
Montpelier, VT (02/22/02)The House on Friday afternoon, by a two to one margin, gave its preliminary approval to legislation that will give law enforcement officers new power to take people into custody. Opponents argued that the measure gives the police too much discretion in determining whom to arrest.
City Market Opens in Burlington
Burlington, VT (02/21/02)Burlington has been without a grocery story for two and a half years, so when the doors to a new downtown market opened on Wednesday it was big event.
Jeffords Will Fundraise for Democrats
Montpelier, VT (02/21/02)Senator James Jeffords says he plans to campaign for some Democratic U.S. Senate candidates this year. Jeffords says he's concerned that a return to GOP control of the Senate will lead to an abuse of power by the Republicans.
FBI Releases Description of Armed Robber
Colchester, VT (02/21/02)Authorities have released a description of the man who robbed an armored car company in Rutland last month and made off with nearly $2 million.
Prescription Drug Bill Pending in Senate
Montpelier, VT (02/21/02)The Vermont Senate gave its unanimous preliminary approval on Wednesday to legislation that is designed to reduce the cost of prescription drugs.
Senate Takes Testimony on Reapportionment
Montpelier, VT (02/21/02)A map of new Vermont House legislative districts has won final approval. And now a committee of the state Senate is scrutinizing the House's work.
Police Urge Caution, Common Sense in Wake of Murders
Colchester, VT (02/21/02)People who live in Vermont and New Hampshire may be a little more wary of strangers these days. This week, prosecutors said that the Vermont teenagers charged in a brutal murder tried to get into a house by claiming that they needed help. Even before this week's news, police say it was never a good idea to let strangers inside.
February 21, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/21/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Jim Shea Wins Gold in Skeleton
Salt Lake City, UT (02/21/02)The Lake Placid athlete overcame a difficult month since the death of his grandfather, Olympian Jack Shea.
February 21, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/21/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
February 21, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/21/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Investigators Disclose Motive in Dartmouth Murders
Colchester, VT (02/20/02)On Tuesday, officials disclosed an apparent motive for last year's brutal murders of Dartmouth College professors Half and Susanne Zantop. Prosecutors say that the two Vermont teenagers tried to enter other homes in Vermont and New Hampshire. Officials allege the teenagers wanted to steal bank cards and then kill the homeowners.
Reapportionment Plan Passes in House
Montpelier, VT (02/20/02)The Vermont House has given its approval to a Republican-backed reapportionment plan. The process has taken on more of an edge this session because this year is the first time the Legislature has considered a reapportionment plan with the Republicans in control of the House and the Democrats in the majority in the Senate.
February 20, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/20/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
U.S. Men's and Women's Hockey Dominate at Olympics
Salt Lake City (02/20/02)Continuing coverage of men's and women's ice hockey and preview of the upcoming skeleton competition.
House Committee Takes Up Income Tax Changes
Montpelier, VT (02/20/02)The head of the House Ways and Means committee says he would like to see his panel vote out a new state income tax plan by the end of the week.
Environmental Group Dismissed in Omya Ruling
Colchester, VT (02/19/02)A citizens group has lost a round in its appeal of a wastewater permit granted to the Omya Corporation. They had filed an appeal before the state Water Resources Board. Late last week, the Board issued a preliminary ruling that says the appeal should be dismissed.
February 19, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/19/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Pollina Still Undecided in Governor's Race
Montpelier, VT (02/19/02)Progressive Anthony Pollina says he will make a decision about his political future in about two weeks. Pollina says he is still strongly considering a run for lieutenant governor.
Jeffords Criticizes Bush Air Pollution Proposal
Colchester, VT (02/18/02)This week, President Bush outlined his plan to slow the buildup of greenhouses gases that are blamed for climate change. The plan has received a mixed reception. Industry groups generally favor the proposal. Environmentalists say the plan falls short.
High School Students Participate in Historical Society
Colchester, VT (02/18/02)The Vermont Historical Society has announced the creation of a pilot project that is designed to involve high school students in the history of their community.
Aten-Johsnson Named to Board of Education
Colchester, VT (02/18/02)Governor Howard Dean has appointed a new member to state Education Board. Bonnie Johnson-Aten of Montpelier will fill the vacant seat on the board, effective immediately.
Norwich Offers New Degree Program
Colchester, VT (02/18/02)Norwich University is planning a new degree program that trains students in electronic security.
Instant Run Off Proposed for Statewide Elections
Montpelier, VT (02/18/02)The Vermont League of Women's Voters is urging lawmakers to support an instant run off election system in the state. The League says democracy is not well served when the Legislature determines the outcome of statewide races.
Effects of Reapportionment on Lincoln and Worcester
Colchester, VT (02/18/02)Every ten years, the Vermont Legislature draws new legislative districts. The proposed Republican plan has drawn fire from Democrats, who say it stacks the deck against their minority party. The same charges were heard in the 1980s, when the Democrats ruled the House.
February 18, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/18/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.
Northern Stage Produces Ovid's "Metamorphosis"
White River Junction, VT (02/16/02)The Roman poet Ovid's Metamorphosis has been adapted for the stage in major new productions this year in New York, London... and in White River Junction Vermont.
A Tale of Two Churches
South Newfane, VT (02/16/02)At a time when rural churches are being turned into meeting halls, residences or boutiques, many of Vermont's small congregations are struggling to hold on. But sometimes survival means hard choices.
Hogan Announces Independent Candidacy
Montpelier, VT (02/15/02)Former Human Services Secretary Con Hogan says he's running as an independent candidate for governor this year because he hopes to "light a fire" with Vermont voters. He wants to help end partisan fighting that he says is undermining the state's political system.
Sanders: Campaign Reform is Most Important Vote
Colchester, VT (02/15/02)Congressman Bernie Sanders says the vote this week in the U.S. House in support of campaign finance reform is one of the most important votes that has taken place during his congressional career.
Colodny Leaving UVM Presidency in High Regard
Burlington ,VT (02/15/02)The University of Vermont's incoming president faces several challenges. But one thing that seems to have improved at UVM is confidence in the office of the President. VPR reports on Ed Colodny, who has served as the university's interim president.
February 15, 2002 - News at a Glance
Colchester, VT (02/15/02)Regional headlines from VPR and other news sources.