Questions linger in Woodward in shooting
One year ago December 2, a distraught man walked into the sanctuary of a West Brattleboro church and asked for help. Less than half an hour later, he was dying from gunshots fired by local police. In the year since, the attorney general has cleared the police of wrongdoing. A civil suit has been filed. But the pain and the questions linger. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
‘In-Sight’ gives youth creative outlet
For many young people the search for a creative outlet is an important part of growing up. In Brattleboro, a nonprofit organization called “In-Sight” supplies young people with the skills and equipment to express themselves through photography. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Douglas job summits
Vermont Governor-elect James Douglas is holding the first of his regional jobs summits Monday. Douglas promised during his campaign that if he were elected he would meet with leaders of Vermont’s top 100 companies during the first 100 days of his administration. His sessions in Putney and Bennington Monday are the first events toward meeting that goal. (AP)
Farm grants
New federal grants will help some Vermont farmers find new ways to market their goods. Three Vermont businesses received just over $380,000. Cabot Creamery plans to use the money to market two select cheeses in a national grocery store chain for the first time. (AP)
Fell murder trial
Federal prosecutors in Vermont are awaiting a ruling from Washington before moving forward in a two-year-old triple murder case. U.S. Attorney Peter Hall says he’s filed notice of his intention to appeal Judge William Sessions’ ruling that the federal death penalty is unconstitutional. But the U.S. Solicitor General’s office in Washington must approve before Hall can continue the case against Donald Fell. (AP)
Free parking in Rutland
Rutland civic boosters are trying to attract holiday shoppers. The city is lifting parking fees at all of its lots and metered spaces throughout the downtown through December 25. Rutland City Police Chief Anthony Bossi says the Downtown Rutland Partnership asked him to waive parking regulations for the holidays. (AP)
Hanover housing deeds
Dartmouth College would get first dibs on about 300 Hanover homes if they went up for sale, but officials say they’re interested only in housing faculty, not snapping up land for expansion. Since the 1930s, the college has held onto repurchase rights when it sold homes or building lots to faculty. Having that right of first refusal means the college gets a chance to match any offer made on about 15% of the town’s homes. (AP)
Patriot Act opposition
Two Burlington city councilors are urging the city to oppose the Patriot Act, which was enacted in the wake of September 11. The councilors say the federal law erodes civil rights. Councilors Doug Dunbebin and Richard Kemp say the act loosens restrictions on law enforcement and gives officers broad latitude during domestic intelligence gathering operations. (AP)
Kerry to run for nomination
Democrat John Kerry says he’s taking the first step toward a run for the White House in 2004. The Massachusetts senator told NBC’s “Meet the Press” yesterday that he’s forming a committee to explore a presidential bid. Democrats are expected to have a crowded field seeking the Party’s nomination, although only Vermont Governor Howard Dean has announced he’s running. (AP)