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.
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.