Interview: ski season
Steve Delaney talks with the president of the Vermont Ski Areas Association about the open of ski season. (Listen to the interview online.) (VPR)
Gubernatorial candidates’ debate
The four major candidates for governor debated a wide range of issues last night on VPR’s Switchboard program. (VPR)
Furloughed inmates
The Department of Corrections is launching a new program designed to give towns a greater say when criminal offenders are returned to a community. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Veterans endorse Sanders
Independent Congressman Bernie Sanders has been endorsed by a leading veterans organization, even though Sanders voted against a plan to give President Bush the authority to take military action against Iraq. (Listen to the program online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Lt. governor race deadlocked
A new poll finds that Vermont’s race for lieutenant governor is deadlocked. The poll done for the Burlington Free Press and WPTZ finds Republican Brian Dubie with 30%, 28% saying they support Democrat Peter Shumlin and Progressive Anthony Pollina had 25%. Given the poll’s margin of error, the race is seen as even. (AP)
Mt. Anthony wireless tower
A town board in Bennington has rejected a second, scaled-back proposal by a wireless phone company to place antennas on Mount Anthony’s summit. At the same time, Independent Wireless One is suing the Bennington Development Review board for its rejection in July of the company’s plan to put seven antennas on the mountain. The suit in U-S District Court for Vermont calls the town board’s decision arbitrary and capricious. (AP)
Vermonters’ opinions on war in Iraq
A new poll finds Vermonters divided on the question of military action against Iraq. Ten percent say the U.S. should launch a military strike on its own. Forty percent say it should do so if the United Nations supports such action. (AP)
New England economy
The New England economy is recovering even more slowly than expected and will likely lag behind the national economy through 2006. That’s the word from the New England Economic Project in its twice-yearly forecast for the region. The forecast calls for New Hampshire to outpace the region economically while the other New England states experience a more moderate recovery. (AP)
Airport growth
The Burlington International Airport is the second fastest growing airport in the country. That’s according to the Boyd Group, an aviation consulting firm in Colorado. The news comes as the airport prepares for a $24 million expansion to the parking garage and terminal. (AP)
Highgate egg farm
The owners of the Vermont Egg Farm in Highgate plan to appeal the state’s rejection of its plans to expand. Agriculture Commissioner Leon Graves earlier this month denied a permit for the 100,000-hen operation to more than double in size. The egg farm plans to appeal that decision to the Environmental Court. (AP)
Buprenorphine heroin treatment
The head of the psychiatry department at the University of Vermont says it’s a sign of progress that there are now two drugs that can treat heroin addiction. Vermont has opened its first methadone clinic this week, just weeks after the federal Food and Drug Administration approved another drug – buprenorphine – that had been researched at UVM. (AP)
Wallingford crematorium
Opposition is growing to a proposed crematorium in Wallingford. The owner of a local funeral home wants to add crematory services to his Main Street business. But 260 residents have signed petitions asking town officials to stop the project. (AP)
Mendon noise ordinance
Starting in December, Mendon will have a noise ordinance. The new rule prohibits loud and unnecessary noise from loudspeakers, radios, horns and vehicles between 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. The Select Board passed the ordinance last week after the constable requested it. (AP)
UVM noise policies
Students at the University of Vermont are making noise about a plan by the city of Burlington to get tougher on rowdy, late-night parties. The city has proposed raising the excessive noise penalty from $100 to $500 and ticketing party-goers as well as hosts. The UVM Student Government Association has countered with a less onerous plan. (AP)
Men’s camp
An organization of gay men has won approval under Vermont’s Act 250 land-use law to build a retreat in Grafton. Faerie Camp Destiny Incorporated owns 150 forested acres in Grafton and plans to build a camp including a kitchen, bathing and toilet facilities, and a 2,000-foot road. (AP)
Newfane drunk driving case
A 36-year-old Manchester doctor has been released on conditions after pleading innocent to being drunk behind the wheel when he struck and killed a Newfane man. Doctor James Most has been charged in the September 22 accident that claimed the life of 65-year-old Richard Hall, who was crossing Route 30 in Newfane when he was struck. (AP)