Interview: Homelessness not just seasonal
Winter is starting to make its presence felt throughout Vermont, and with awareness of the increasingly colder weather comes a greater awareness as well of Vermonters facing the prospect of being literally left out in the cold. Mitch Wertlieb spoke with Rita Markley, Executive Director of COTS The Committee On Temporary Shelter, in Burlington.
Dean travels to Hawaii to recover brother’s remains
Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean is traveling to Hawaii to recover the remains of his late brother Charlie.
Democrats accuse Dean of cutting VT programs
Howard Dean’s Democratic rivals accuse him of cutting social service programs in Vermont in order to balance the budget.
Man charged in Groton bank robbery
A 45-year-old man appeared in federal court in Burlington on bank robbery charges this afternoon.
VT senators split on Medicare vote
Vermont’s two US senators split today on the sweeping changes proposed to Medicare.
Funeral held for Vermont man killed in Iraq
The funeral service was held today in Essex Junction for the 29-year-old Starksboro soldier killed in Iraq on November 15th.
US Senate passes anti-spam legislation – Leahy co-author
The Senate has passed legislation aimed at reducing unwanted commercial e-mails. The bill, co-authored by Vermont Senator Patrick, will impose the first anti-spam criminal penalties for the worst offenders. The bill was sent back to House for a second vote next month. (AP)
Morrisville woman sentenced for leading heroin ring
A Morrisville woman accused of leading a heroin distribution ring has been sentenced to two years in prison. Forty-three-year-old Judy Champagne, who is also known as Judy Romero, was arrested in August 2002. The judge also ordered Champagne’s house to be forfeited to the government. (AP)
Montpelier holiday tree to be lit December 5
It’s starting to look like holiday season in Montpelier. This year’s holiday tree has arrived to the Statehouse. The 30-foot blue spruce came from a yard in Brandon. The governor will hold a lighting ceremony next week. (AP)
Rural airports won’t pay new commuter air fee – yet
Small airports have won a one-year respite from a new federal rule that eventually could require them to pay part of the costs of offering commuter air service in rural areas. The northern New England airports that could be affected include Rutland, Vermont; Lebanon, New Hampshire; and Augusta/Waterville, Maine. (AP)
Windsor recall vote turnout too low
Not enough voters turned out in Windsor last night to decide a recall measure. The measure called for the recall of four of five Windsor select board members. Only 693 votes were counted last night, which is less than a third of the voter checklist. (AP)
Former Norwich U. footballer pleads guilty on steroid charge
One of three former Norwich University football players charged with possession of steroids has entered a plea agreement. Andrew Berry of Berlin pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge. (AP)
More parking at BTV in time for holidays
There’s more parking at Burlington International Airport just in time for the busy holiday travel season. Officials say an additional 170 spaces have opened on the top level of the airport parking garage. An additional 960 new spaces are expected to open by late December when the new garage is completed. (AP)
UVM service and maintenance workers ratify new contract
Unionized service and maintenance workers at the University of Vermont have ratified a new three-year labor contract. The agreement was reached after eight months of negotiations. It guarantees that by 2005 all union members will be paid at least ten dollars an hour. (AP)
IBM retirees complain about rapid rise in insurance costs
Some IBM retirees are complaining that their former employer has raised insurance premiums more than 10 times the rising cost of health care. The complaints came Monday night at a meeting organized by Congressman Bernie Sanders. (AP)
Labor union says Montpelier restaurant using unfair labor practices
A labor union trying to organize its first restaurant in Vermont says it is experiencing unfair labor practices. The union has asked the National Labor Relations Board to investigate 20 charges against J-Morgan’s Steakhouse in Montpelier. The union claims intimidation, but the restaurant owner denies it. (AP)
Manchester, NH airport offers holiday travel
Workers at Manchester (New Hampshire) Airport are hoping some new security tips, and extra employees, will help make the busiest travel day of the year a little less stressful. The airport expects 60 thousand people to pass through today, as the holiday season gets underway. Extra ticket agents, baggage handlers and security people are working. The Transportation Security Administration says the key to a quick security check is to avoid setting off the alarm that prompts a second check by a screener with a hand-held wand.