Sounds of Vermont: Route 7
For 135.3 miles – from Pownal to Highgate – U.S. Route 7 slices up the western side of Vermont. It’s Vermont’s hard-working north-south highway, carrying commuters, truckers, farmers and tourists. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Acid rain study
Researchers at the University of Vermont believe that acid rain is doing more damage to the forests than they thought. (VPR)
Housing project lawsuit
Former residents of a Castleton housing project who are suing over polluted water there have new cause for encouragement in their long-running legal battle. Superior Court Judge Alden Bryan ruled recently that the former residents of the Parsons Hill housing project can gain access to documents held by one of the companies they’re suing, Koppers Industry Incorporated. The residents allege that toxic chemicals leaked into their water and have resulted in years of health problems. (AP)
Bennington consumer fraud
Federal prosecutors want a judge to delay a civil forfeiture case against the Law Centers for Consumer Protection in Bennington. Prosecutors say they need more time to prepare for a criminal trial in what they say is the massive fraud case. (AP)
Presidential candidates visit NH
Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut and Governor Howard Dean of Vermont were in New Hampshire to campaign for Democratic candidates, and maybe themselves. Both could be seeking the presidency in 2004.
Poultney barn fire
Arson is not suspected in a Poultney barn fire that killed 27 cows trapped in a burning barn. But investigators still don’t know what started the fire that was reported at about 4:00 a.m. Sunday. No humans were injured in the fire.
Gallagos deportation
There is still no word on the fate of a popular Saxton’s River restaurant owner who may face deportation to his native Mexico. Silvestre Gallagos has been in legal limbo since his arrest by Immigration and Naturalization Service agents in late June. (AP)
UVM honors college
University of Vermont trustees have voted to create a special new honors college, which will offer small and challenging courses and new ways for students and professors to interact. UVM President Daniel Fogel says the program – set to begin a year from now – is part of the school’s new emphasis on attracting and retaining top students. (AP)
UVM finances
The University of Vermont has been losing money in the stock market, like a lot of other people and institutions. Trustees were told at a meeting this weekend that the university’s endowment of $174.5 million is down about 5.7% in the past year. (AP)
Norwich back in session
The rooks are back at Norwich University, the military college in Northfield. Over the next several months, the incoming freshmen will get their introduction to military life. There are 370 men and women in the Norwich class of 2006. (AP)
ATV association formed
Some Vermont all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts hope getting organized will keep them out of trouble. The newly formed Vermont ATV Sportsmen’s Association hopes that it will be able to control use of the machines and avoid conflicts with landowners. (AP)
Ski museum opens
A new ski museum is open for business in Stowe. The Vermont Ski Museum moved north from Brandon to a larger space and for better access to tourists. Organizers raised about one-million-dollars for renovations to the town’s old 1818 town hall. (AP)