Brattleboro’s virtual meeting place
There’s a lot of talk these days about media ownership being consolidated into too few hands. In Brattleboro, a couple of Web designers have created an Internet soapbox and local information exchange. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Dean replaces campaign manager
A major shake up at the Howard Dean campaign. Dean has named a longtime associate of former Vice President Al Gore to head up the campaign. Roy Neel will have the title of chief operating officer. (AP)
Interview: Annual Farm Show wraps up in Barre
The Vermont Farm Show has been underway at the Barre Civic Center. The three-day exhibition wraps up on Thursday and this year celebrates a milestone. The show is now in its seventieth year, in what has become the state’s largest agricultural showcase. Mitch Wertlieb talks with Jon Turmel, the farm show manager. (Listen to the interview online.) (VPR)
Lawmakers’ terms
A plan to extend the terms of the governor and other Vermont officials from two to four years is getting mixed reviews. Some say a longer term means the governor could get more done. Others argue it could lead to a corrupt executive branch. (AP)
Dean’s records
A Vermont Superior Court judge is delaying a ruling on a conservative group’s lawsuit to force presidential candidate Howard Dean to release sealed documents from his time as governor. The group, Judicial Watch, filed suit in December. (AP)
Businesses’ health care expenses
Some Vermont business owners are looking to the Legislature to do something about the escalating cost of health care. Some favored creating a single payer health care system. Others suggested streamlining services and encouraging employees to lead healthier lifestyles. (AP)
Mental health for inmates
A change in the mental health systems in Vermont’s prisons makes it harder for staff to find services for inmates who need them. That what some prison staff and others say. Critics pointed to five untimely prison deaths, including two suicides, in the last year. (AP)
GMNF water bodies
Environmentalists are fighting for greater protection of 60 bodies of water in the Green Mountain National Forest. The Conservation Law Foundation and the Vermont Natural Resources Council want to designate 60 brooks, ponds and rivers as “outstanding resource waters.” (AP)
Downtown designation for Brandon
Brandon is the latest Vermont town to get an official downtown designation. The state program offers downtowns financial assistance for revitalization projects. Brandon will be eligible for state funds to help pay for improving infrastructure. (AP)
Claremont plant’s emissions control
A New Hampshire trash-to-energy plant that takes garbage from Vermont has a new permit to install air pollution control equipment. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services says the equipment will cut mercury emissions at the Wheelabrator plant in Claremont by more than 90 percent. (AP)
Manchester Airport growth
The number of travelers passing through Manchester, New Hampshire airport grew again last year. Officials say that in 2003 the airport handled more than 3.6 million passengers, a seven percent increase over 2002. The airport has experienced steady growth in recent years. Airport Director Kevin Dillon called the growth a significant accomplishment given the economy and lingering concerns about terrorism. (AP)
Cell phone recycling
Old cell phones can go in the recycling bin instead of the trash can. The Chittenden Solid Waste District accepts cell phones and pagers at drop-off centers throughout Chittenden County. Retailers like Sprint and Verizon also accept old cell phones. (AP)
Explosion hinders propane delivery
It looks like the effects of an explosion at a propane depot in New York on Sunday will be short-lived. Officials say customers may see a spike in prices — but right now there’s no cause for panic. Dealers might have to go further to get propane, but they should be able to get enough. (AP)
Public nudity ruling
A Newport man is being ordered to keep his clothes on while working outside his home. Neighbors say 37-year-old Patrick Meunier worked outside his home in 2002 and 2003 without clothes. Meunier is pleading innocent to a charge of a prohibited act. (AP)