Vermonters and the Priesthood
The shortage of priests in Vermont is critical. There are fears the current scandal over priests and child sexual abuse will discourage men from entering the priesthood. VPR’s Steve Zind looks at how the church is coping with fewer pastors and what life is like for a newly minted priest in Vermont. (Listen to the story on online, or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Candidates Speak Out on Budget
The disagreement between Governor Howard Dean and Senate Democratic leaders over a proposed budget for next year has spilled over into the gubernatorial race for 2002. (Listen to the story on online, or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Commissioner of Agriculture
Vermont’s agriculture commissioner has strongly condemned a coalition of farm and environmental groups for opposing a large egg farm. Commissioner Leon Graves says the groups threaten the future of agriculture in Vermont. But the spokesman for one of the organizations says Graves is biased in favor of corporate agriculture. (Listen to the story on online, or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Blood Supply Company
Vermont’s blood supply is about to grow more plentiful. Ten of Vermont’s fourteen hospitals have contracted with a national blood management company to increase the state’s blood supply. (VPR)
Sorrell and Diocese to Meet Again
Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell says he plans to meet next Tuesday with representatives of the Catholic Diocese of Burlington. The meeting is the third between authorities and church officials. (VPR)
ASC Debt Reduction
American Skiing has closed the sale of the Heavenly ski resort in Nevada, reducing about 20% of its $400 million debt. (AP)
Hazen Teachers’ Contract
Teachers and the Hazen Union School Board have ratified a wage and benefits agreement that preempted a teachers’ strike yesterday. (AP)
Weapons Seized
Police have seized a cache of weapons including pipe bombs from a home in Chester Vermont. Police say Paul Foss stashed the weapons around his home. He was arraigned yesterday in White River Junction for domestic assault and unlawful restraint. (AP)
Eagle Still Missing
The tawny eagle that flew away while being exercised near Manchester last week has been seen but not recaptured. The British School of Falconry that lost the eagle is offering a $1,000 reward for the bird’s return. (AP)
Blue Cross/Blue Shield Charter
The Legislature will not give Blue Cross the revised charter it wants to set up a for-profit subsidiary. The proposal was criticized by people concerned for insurance coverage for the elderly and ill. (AP)