October 15, 2002 – News at a glance

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Interview: civil liberties and the environment
Steve Delaney talks with Jonathan Lash about the connection between civil liberties and environmental sustainability. Lash is the former Vermont Commissioner of Environmental Conservation and will be delivering an address to the Vermont ACLU later this week. (Listen to the interview online.) (VPR)

Creosote on utility poles
State regulators are investigating complaints from utility workers about a toxic chemical that’s used to treat telephone poles. The investigation by the Public Service Board follows a dispute between Verizon Vermont and the union that represents line workers. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)

FAHC admits additional cost overruns
Vermont’s largest hospital has reported another $26 million in cost overruns for its massive redevelopment project. The disclosure shocked state regulators, who are continuing to investigate Fletcher Allen Health care in Burlington. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)

Hogan proposes increased alcohol tax
Independent gubernatorial candidate Con Hogan has proposed raising the state tax on alcohol to help pay for health care programs. Hogan says he hopes the tax increase will also encourage Vermonters to consume less alcohol. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)

Dean endorses Racine
Governor Howard Dean gave his endorsement Monday to Lieutenant Governor Douglas Racine. (VPR)

INS job cuts
Congressman Bernard Sanders is criticizing the Immigration and Naturalization Service for hiring others to do its work. Sanders says the INS plan threatens up to 100 jobs in Vermont. Sanders joined labor leaders in criticizing the INS. (AP)

UVM reorganizes
University of Vermont President Daniel Fogel has reorganized the school’s top administration. He’s created at least four new high-level jobs to focus the University’s finance, diversity, government relations and faculty affairs. (AP)

Baska’s license revoked
The Vermont Medical Practice Board has revoked the medical license of doctor Robert Baska. The former surgeon at Copley Hospital in Morrisville was found guilty last month of 20 counts of unprofessional conduct. Baska can’t ask for his license back for seven years. (AP)

St. Johnsbury fire
A 94-year-old man died in an apartment building fire near downtown Saint Johnsbury this morning. Another elderly couple was rescued from the burning building. Authorities say there were two apartments in the building and no one else was hurt. Five different fire departments from around the region responded to the blaze. (AP)

Richford arson-murder
A Richford man charged with killing his wife and burning down his house is being held without bail pending a psychiatric evaluation. Richard Allain appeared in court yesterday in Saint Albans. He pleaded innocent to charges of second degree murder and arson. (AP)

Brandon police harassment suit
A sergeant in the Brandon Police Department has sued her chief, another officer and the town, alleging she has been the victim of sexual harassment. Sergeant Laurie Krupp filed the four-page lawsuit late last month seeking unspecified damages that her attorney says a jury should decide. She claims that Chief Craig Hanson and officer Michael O’Neill have subjected her to harassment. (AP)

Environmental court reviews car dealer development
A plan to expand a car dealership in Manchester is headed to Vermont’s Environmental Court. And the case is highlighting complaints about the pace of deciding development cases. The planning director in Manchester says the application by Hand Motors has been pending before the Environmental Court for more than a year. (AP)

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