March 31, 2003 – News at a glance

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Getting into the wind
With world oil prices at high levels, energy developers in Vermont are turning to a local power source: wind. Vermont is in the midst of a wind energy boom with a half dozen projects planned for mountain tops around the state. Experts predict that large-scale wind generators could eventually supply 20% of the state’s electricity needs. But the wind boom has also raised concerns about development in high elevation areas. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)

Proposed wind projects in Vermont
A half-dozen wind energy projects are contemplated for upper elevation ridgelines around the state. Follow link for complete list and project descriptions. (VPR)

Interview: wind-generated energy
Steve Delaney talks with an advocate for renewable energy about the growing interest in wind power. (Listen to the interview online.) (VPR)

Doyle announces survey results
The initial results of Washington County Senator Bill Doyle’s Town Meeting Day survey are in. The survey is not a scientific poll, but it indicates that Vermonters have strong opinions about a beer tax, medical marijuana and former Governor Howard Dean’s presidential aspirations. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)

Legislative calendar
The next few weeks could be full of action at the Vermont Statehouse. Several legislative initiatives that have been in committees all year will soon be forwarded on to the full House and Senate, including the budget for the 2004 fiscal year. (AP)

Guard members meet with teens
Members of the Vermont National Guard are meeting today with students at Twinfield Union High School. The meeting was arranged last week after some students approached faculty about showing support for the Guard. (AP)

Candidates file financial reports
Monday’s the deadline for 2004 Democratic presidential hopefuls to report their first quarter fund raising contributions. Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean’s campaign reported Friday it was nearing its goal of $1.5 million. (AP)

Pro-troops rally
Some Vermonters are stepping up their efforts to show support for U.S. troops in response to recent peace demonstrations. Four hundred people gathered Saturday in Burlington for a rally that included speeches in support of U.S.-led forces in Iraq. (AP)

Montpelier park
Vermont’s capital city may soon get a new park. The city council is moving forward with a plan to renovate a historic railway turntable on Stone Cutters Way. The city plans to transform the turntable into a public park and performance space. (AP)

Access for police dogs
Working dogs may be able to get some accommodations in Vermont. The Legislature is considering a bill that would permit dogs trained to assist law enforcement to enter public places such as motels even when they’re off duty. The House has approved the bill and it now is pending in the Senate. (AP)

All day kindergarten
Voters in a school district that straddles Underhill and Jericho will be deciding this week whether to switch from half-day kindergarten to a full day. The Underhill ID Elementary School district will be making that decision tomorrow. (AP)

Patterson to head Kingdom development association
The state Commerce Agency secretary under former Governor Howard Dean will head an economic development agency in the Northeast Kingdom. Steve Patterson will become executive director of the Northeastern Vermont Development Association. Patterson left the Commerce Agency earlier this year when Governor Jim Douglas took over. (AP)

Bears awaken
The bears are emerging from hibernation, and wildlife officials are cautioning Vermonters to leave them some space, and don’t leave garbage out where bears can get to it. (AP)

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