February 25, 2004 – News at a glance

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Potholes solution considered
Like the common cold, the common pothole has defied attempts to find a cure. Now a new technology imported from Russia promises a long lasting fix for one of the banes of winter driving. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)

Regional Technical Academy
Critics of a proposal to build a new technical high school in Chittenden County say the needs of students who are interested in these programs would be better served if voters reject this project on Town Meeting Day. (VPR)

Stormwater regulations
The Douglas administration unveiled legislation on Tuesday that would overhaul the way the state regulates stormwater pollution. The bill lifts a deadline to clean up damaged streams. And the proposal also gives the Agency of Natural Resources new authority to issue permits in polluted watersheds. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)

Workers compensation reform bill
After several hours of debate, the Vermont House gave its preliminary approval on Tuesday afternoon to legislation that backers hope will help reduce workers compensation insurance rates in Vermont. The vote on the bill was 101 to 39. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)

Photos driver’s licenses
The Vermont House has given its preliminary approval to legislation that will mandate photos on driver’s licenses in the state. The proposal applies only to new drivers. All current drivers will be exempt from the requirement. (VPR)

Senate refines rules on vanity license plates
Vermont state senators are trying to clarify the rules for what drivers can put on their vanity license plates. Senators gave preliminary approval on Tuesday to a bill that puts into state law the rules already used by the Motor Vehicles Department. (AP)

Arlington rejects wilderness expansion
Arlington has become the latest Vermont town to oppose a proposal to add more wilderness to the Green Mountain National Forest. (VPR)

Book interview: ‘Eden Falls’
A debut novel by Jericho author Richard Mindell explores the dark side of the Green Mountain State. “Eden Falls” is a murder mystery that draws upon the changing Vermont social landscape. At its core is a conflict between native Vermonters and the flatlanders. The novel has been drawing attention not only for it’s compelling narrative, but for it’s portrayal of how a Vermont confronts, or ignores, it’s social problems. Neal Charnoff talks with Richard Mindell. (Listen to the interview online.) (VPR)

Three charged for assisting Daley
Three New Hampshire men are facing charges they helped a friend flee authorities after he allegedly struck and killed a Vermont State Police trooper last June. (AP)

Director named for Vermont State Hospital
An Illinois psychiatrist will become the new medical director at the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury. Thomas Simpatico will begin his new job at the 54-bed psychiatric hospital in April. The hospital lost federal funding last fall. (AP)

Same-sex marriage amendment
The three members of Vermont’s congressional delegation are criticizing President Bush’s support for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Senator Patrick Leahy says the president’s position is “crass opportunism.” (AP)

Land conservation
The Vermont and New Hampshire chapters of a national conservation group are eyeing the purchase of some of New Hampshire’s best agricultural soil. The Trust for Public Land is negotiating with the owners of a New Hampshire farm to buy 645 acres in Concord and Canterbury, New Hampshire. (AP)

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