Interview: Bennington noise complaints
Steve Delaney talks with Bennington Town Manager Stuart Hurd about the noise ordinances proposed in that town. (Listen to the interview online.) (VPR)
AmeriCorps funding
Senator James Jeffords says he’s optimistic that Congress will restore funding for the AmeriCorps program in the next few weeks. A number of non-profit agencies in Vermont are watching this issue very closely because they depend on this program to help provide essential services to Vermonters. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Dean attracts small contributions
Former Governor Howard Dean is third among Democrats for the money raised so far in the presidential race. But Dean leads the pack in the number of individual donors who have given to his campaign. Political observers say Dean’s use of the Internet – and his ability to reach out to small contributors – has changed the way campaigns are financed. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Radio Free Brattleboro
Last month field agents with the Federal Communications Commission shut down a small unlicensed radio station operating from a Brattleboro apartment. That action has raised questions about proper use of the airwaves, especially in light of the FCC’s recent decision to allow increased media consolidation. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Brattleboro Retreat’s finances improve
The Brattleboro Retreat says its financial picture has improved dramatically. The retreat provides out-patient and residential treatment for psychiatric and addiction problems. (VPR)
EPA Superfund sites
The EPA is starting long-term cleanups at ten Superfund toxic waste sites, including the Elizabeth Mine in Strafford. The agency has been awarded $3 million for emergency clean up of the abandoned copper mine. (AP)
McMullen fundraising
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jack McMullen has acknowledged that he filed an incomplete campaign finance report in the latest election cycle. McMullen says the contributions he received in response to a fundraising letter should have been reported with the Federal Election Commission. (AP)
Beaver dam inquiry
The state is investigating whether someone intentionally destroyed a beaver pond that washed out a Northeast Kingdom road over the weekend. The dam’s collapse washed out nearly 400 feet of Vermont Route 111. The road is expected to be reopened in about two weeks. (AP)
Tenet’s resignation called for
Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean is one of two Democratic presidential candidates who says CIA director George Tenet should resign. The comments came as Tenet testified about questionable intelligence used to justify war with Iraq. (AP)
Circ Highway
Town leaders in Colchester are urging Governor Jim Douglas to encourage construction of the Circumferential Highway through Chittenden County. The select board says opposition by two environmental groups could prevent the highway from ever being built. (AP)
West Nile Virus
No cases of West Nile virus have been found in Vermont so far this year. But state health department officials say many bird carcasses remain to be tested and it’s still early in the season. Last year West Nile was reported in 11 of Vermont’s 14 counties. There was at least one human case. (AP)
Baby born on ferry
A Hinesburg woman and her son are resting at home Thursday after mom gave birth on a ferry in the middle of Lake Champlain. Erik Simkins was born on the ferry Tuesday afternoon as his parents were rushing home. Both Erik and his mom, Heidi, are doing fine. (AP)