March 11, 2003 – News at a glance

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Buprenorphine treatment
A few Vermont doctors are prescribing a new treatment for heroin addiction. But so far only a small number of Vermont addicts are receiving the new drug, which promises easier access to treatment. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)

State revenue report
Administration Secretary Michael Smith says he’s concerned that a possible war with Iraq is having a negative effect on state revenues. Smith says a continued weakness in the state’s personal income receipts is a worrisome sign for the future. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)

Legislature reconvenes
Governor Jim Douglas is calling on lawmakers to pass an Act 250 reform bill, a comprehensive jobs package, and a short-term plan to reduce property taxes in the next few months. (VPR)

Technology coordination
Administration Secretary Michael Smith says the governor is encouraged by lawmakers’ response to a proposed state technology department. (AP)

Downtowns program
Hardwick and Weston have been added to a list of communities with downtowns or village centers worthy of special support. Twenty Vermont communities have the special designation. (AP)

Debt reduction fraud
Seven people who ran the now-bankrupt Law Centers for Consumer Protection in New York and Bennington are facing federal criminal charges. (AP)

Border drug smuggling
Canadian authorities say they have been too busy to start looking for a helicopter that flew in and out of Vermont as part of a drug smuggling operation. Police say a man on the ground received about a million dollars worth of marijuana from the helicopter.

CIEE chooses Portland over Burlington
A nonprofit organization that provides college students with study abroad programs in 30 countries is planning to relocate from New York City to Portland, Maine. The Council on International Educational Exchange had been considering moving to Portland or Burlington, Vermont. (AP)

Legislator appointed
A Hyde Park insurance agent is set to become Vermont’s newest lawmaker. Governor Jim Douglas appointed Harold Bailey to replace five-term representative Stephanie Bourdeau, who resigned because of ill health. Bailey will be sworn in Tuesday. (AP)

Milton teachers vote on strike
Teachers in Milton vote Tuesday on whether to strike for better salaries and benefits. Whatever happens in the vote of the 127-member Milton Education and Support Staff Association, union and school bard negotiators will meet with a federal mediator to try to work out their differences. (AP)

Dean campaign
Former Vermont Governor and presidential candidate Howard Dean is getting more attention for his opposition to a war on Iraq. Political analysts say the war with Iraq may be the best way for Democratic presidential candidates to set themselves apart. (AP)

Ice fishing ends March 30
It might still seem like the middle of winter, but the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is urging anglers to get ready for spring. And that means all ice fishing shanties have to be off Vermont’s lakes and ponds by March 30. Owners of shanties that remain can be fined. (AP)

UVM men’s basketball
Taylor Coppenrath scored 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds as Vermont beat Hartford 67-51 Tuesday night in the America East semifinals in Boston. Vermont advances to the America East championship game to be held on Saturday at Boston University’s Walter Brown Arena. (AP)

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