Vermont Marine Returning to Iraq
Among the first troops to enter Iraq when the war began sixteen months ago was a young Vermont Marine named Asa Keefe. Keefe spent seven months in Iraq, now he’s about to go back. Recently he reflected on his war experience and the prospect of returning to Iraq later this month. (VPR)
CVPS Offers ‘Cow Power’ Renewable Energy
Vermont’s largest power company has won approval to have dairy farmers generate energy from cow manure and sell it back to the power grid. Central Vermont Public Service hopes to sign up farmers to build generators on their property and go into the power business on a small scale. (VPR)
Governor Douglas, Premier Charest
Leaders from Quebec and Vermont say they’re working closely together on cross-border issues. Governor Jim Douglas and Quebec Premier Jean Charest met on Tuesday in Burlington. The officials said they’re committed to accelerating the clean-up of Lake Champlain, and to building greater economic ties between the two regions. (VPR)
Democrats Criticize Dubie Campaign Fundraiser
Vermont Democrats are upset that Republican Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie is linking a campaign fund raiser to a benefit for the families of Vermont military personnel. The Democrats say the August 14 concert at Saint Michael’s College on behalf of the Vermont Military Family Assistance Fund should be free of politics. (AP)
Dean to Guest-Host Cable Talk Show
Howard Dean has agreed to take over the hosting duties for a television talk show this weekend. Dean is scheduled to host “Topic A With Tina Brown” Sunday on the CNBC cable network. (AP)
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Democrats Endorse Douglas
Ten Vermont Democrats are endorsing Republican Governor Jim Douglas’ re-election. Former House Speaker Timothy O’Connor of Brattleboro heads the list of people calling themselves the Democrats for Douglas Steering Committee. Also on the list are Beverly Mayor, the former chairwoman of the Rutland Democratic Party, and Frank Cioffi, who was economic development commissioner under former Governor Howard Dean. (AP)
Clavelle’s Support for Sandinistas
Republicans are highlighting Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle’s participation in a march 15 years ago. They say the celebration of the communist overthrow of Nicaragua’s dictator by the Sandinistas shows that the Democratic gubernatorial candidate has a radical leftist agenda. (AP)
Maine Terrorism Task Force
Maine may become home to the first Joint Terrorism Task Force in northern New England. Only eight states, including Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, are without such a team. Maine Senator Susan Collins has organized a meeting to discuss formation of a Joint Terrorism Task Force. (AP)
Champlain Valley Exposition
The Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction is getting a $3.5 million loan from the state to build a new special events facility. The Vermont Economic Development Authority announced the loan, and others, on Tuesday. VEDA is Vermont’s economic development lending agency. (AP)
Historic Colchester House to be Moved
A group of Colchester residents is raising money to move the old Malletts Bay Schoolhouse to a park for use as an information center. The 1815 one-room schoolhouse was one of 14 such schoolhouses in Colchester. In the 1930s, it was moved and converted to a camp. It was rediscovered under several renovations four years ago. (AP)
Springfield Recreation Center
Supporters of a large new recreation center in Springfield are going before the town’s planning commission Wednesday night. Construction on the Southern Vermont Recreation Center is due to begin this fall. The project includes 40,000 square feet of space with a competition-size swimming pool, another pool, a basketball court, an indoor walking track and a child care area. (AP)