Vermont to take active role in test of IPC tire burn
Governor Jim Douglas says he needs to be convinced that a proposed test tire burn at the International Paper Company in Ticonderoga, New York will not harm the environment before the state of Vermont will allow the test burn to take place. It’s expected that IPC will file a formal application for this project by the end of the month. (VPR)
Iranian Nobel Laureate speaks at Bennington College
For several weeks, Iranian human rights activist Shirin Ebadi, winner of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize, has been speaking in this country. Mrs. Ebadi represents a modern Islam that embraces gender equality and separation of church and state. During commencement at Bennington College, Ebadi offered a perspective Americans rarely hear. (VPR)
Okemo owners propose expansion at Mt. Sunappee ski resort
Mt. Sunapee ski resort in New Hampshire has presented its five year plan to Granite State officials. Operated by the Muellers of Okemo Mountain Ski Resort in Vermont, Mount Sunapee is proposing 75 acres of new trails and up to 250 new condominiums. But a group of citizens who live near the mountain oppose those plans. (VPR)
VINS opens new nature center in Queechee
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science opens its new nature center in Quechee on Saturday. The $8 million facility is an effort by VINS to grow in size and in scope. (VPR)
Leahy questions Ashcroft on interrogation memo
This week Attorney General John Ashcroft appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee and faced persistent questioning by Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy over the use of torture in prisoner interrogations. (VPR)
Storms cause power outage
Thousands of Vermonters are still without power Thursday morning after two lines of thunderstorms knocked down limbs and snapped trees Wednesday. It is expected to be well into the day before all customers have power restored. The state’s largest power company, Rutland-based Central Vermont Public Service, said about 18,000 of its customers lose power. (AP)
Douglas to attend Reagan funeral
Governor Jim Douglas has declared Friday a day of remembrance for President Ronald Reagan. Douglas will attend Friday’s funeral service at Washington’s National Cemetery. Douglas is urging Vermonters to pause and reflect on Reagan’s contributions to the country and the world. (AP)
State Senator Janet Munt retires
Chittenden County Senator Janet Munt will announce her retirement this weekend. The 81-year-old senator will step down Saturday at a Democratic fund-raiser in Saint George. Munt, a Democrat, is one of the most liberal members of the Senate. She has been a champion of human service programs involving low-income families, single parents and children. (AP)
Wilderness planning
Some conflicting demands are being placed on the U.S. Forest Service as it drafts a new management plan for the Green Mountain National Forest. Some people are calling for more logging, while others want more protected wilderness. (AP)
Woman charged for cutting down city trees
A 56-year-old Burlington woman is facing charges of hiring two men to cut down city trees that blocked her view of Lake Champlain. Brenda Fitzgerald is charged with being an accessory to unlawful mischief. She is scheduled to appear in court July 13. (AP)
Pollution-caused deaths
Some 32 Vermonters die prematurely each year due to pollution from Midwestern power plants. That’s one conclusion from a study by a Cambridge, Massachusetts based consultant that does work for the Environmental Protection Agency. (AP)