Iranian art exhibit
The United States severed diplomatic ties with Iran in the late 1970s, in the wake of the hostage crisis. Since then, there have been exchanges between the two countries in areas like sports and science. Now, a touring exhibition of contemporary art from Iran has come to the U.S. The Helen Day Arts Center in Stowe is the only New England stop on the ten-city tour of the exhibit, called A Breeze from the Gardens of Persia. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Snowmobiles on the trail
Snowmobiling has become a big industry in Vermont, but for many riders it’s a lot more than that. VPR’s Susan Keese took a backseat to learn through the eyes of one snowmobiler what it’s all about for our continuing exploration of the “Sounds of Vermont.” (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
MAU High School fire
Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington is closed Monday while officials clean up damage from a fire. The computer laboratory in the Career Development Center adjacent to the high school was badly damaged by a fire on Friday. (VPR)
Education reform
Vermont legislators are hoping to tackle education funding reform before Town Meeting Day. There are competing versions of plans to address the issue in both House and Senate committees. (AP)
Farm relief conference
There’s more talk today about how to best help Vermont dairy farmers. Congressman Bernie Sanders, along with several other organizations, is sponsoring a conference Monday in Burlington. It’s called “Fair Prices for Farmers: Taking Action, Creating Solutions.” (AP)
Poetry protest
A group of Vermont poets is planning an event of its own after White House officials canceled a literary symposium. The White House called off the event after learning that some of the poets planned to express opposition to a possible war with Iraq. (AP)
Dean campaigns in Iowa
Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean is taking his political message to college students in Iowa. Over the weekend Dean met with students at Grinnell College, a small liberal arts college. He also talked with University of Iowa College Democrats in Iowa City. (AP)
Worker shortage predicted
The Vermont Workforce Education and Training Consortium predicts that Vermont might soon be desperate for workers. It says that there won’t be enough young people to fill the jobs that will soon be left by retiring baby boomers and those that will be created by economic growth. (AP)
Leland and Gray reopens
The doors at a southern Vermont high school hard-hit by sickness last week are open again Monday. Leland and Gray High School in Townshend was closed Friday after more than half the students had been sick during the week. (AP)
Virginia prison meals
Vermont prisoners serving time in Virginia prisons are getting fewer meals. In a cost-cutting move, Virginia officials have begun serving just two meals a day during the weekend. They say they serve a midmorning brunch on Saturdays and Sundays and a regular meal for supper. (AP)
College student housing
Officials in South Burlington are worried about the increasing numbers of University of Vermont students living in the city. So they’re considering a proposal that would limit the number of adults who can live in a house. (AP)
Court improves handicapped entrance
Rutland County officials are hoping to make it safer to get into the Superior Courthouse. They’re considering realigning the granite steps into the front door and extending the portico so it extends over an access ramp for the disabled. That would protect it from falling ice and snow. (AP)