Getting in the wood
The sound of chainsaws in the woods, the smell of wood smoke in the morning – Vermonters are getting in the wood. In one woodlot a few seasons ago, VPR’s Steve Zind found a place where the old ways are treasured. (VPR)
Democrats file suit against RGA ads
The Attorney General’s office says recent television ads in support of Governor Jim Douglas appear to violate Vermont’s campaign reform law. But the office says it won’t stop the ads from being aired, so the state Democratic Party has gone to court to block them. (VPR)
Early childhood education
Early childhood educators in Washington County are urging legislative candidates to support additional funding for preschool programs. The group says the state can save millions of dollars in social and correctional services in the future if it invests in early education programs now. (VPR)
NASCAR plane crash
One of the pilots of a plane that crashed on Sunday en route to a NASCAR event was the brother of Vermont state Representative John Tracy. Richard Tracy was killed near Martinsville, Virginia, along with nine others when their plane crashed in heavy fog. (AP)
Caledonian Record editor
The Caledonian Record newspaper of St. Johnsbury has a new editor. Lyn Bixby of Danville has been named executive editor of the newspaper. (AP)
Campaign finance reports
Democrat gubernatorial candidate Peter Clavelle has raised more money in the last few weeks of the election than Governor Jim Douglas has. According to campaign finance reports, Clavelle collected about $120,000 this past month while Douglas raised around $94,000. But Douglas still has more money on hand. Republican Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie has outpaced his opponents raising about $68,000 this month while Democratic challenger Cheryl Rivers raised $46,000. Progressive Steve Hingtgen has qualified for public financing of his campaign. In the race for state auditor, Republican Randy Brock has given his campaign $30,000 this month. Brock has raised a total of $102,000, while incumbent Democrat Elizabeth Ready has collected a total of $23,000. (AP)
Lt. gov. race
The three candidates for lieutenant governor are in a competitive race that may wind up being thrown the Legislature. There remains a likelihood that none will get 50 percent or more of the vote on November second. That means the Legislature will have to decide the winner. (AP)
Antennae on church steeple
Verizon Wireless will need an environmental permit from the state of Vermont to install six cell phone antennas in a Catholic church in Newport. District environmental commission coordinator Chuck Gallagher says vocal opposition and concerns raised by opponents were factors in his decision that an Act 250 permit would be required. (AP)
Red Sox riot
University of Vermont police have begun to issue citations people involved in the riot that broke out last week after the Red Sox won the American League pennant. Campus administrators and students also are discussing strategies to avoid a similar incident should the team win the World Series. (AP)
Grafton murder trial
The attorney for one of two men charged a 2002 double murder in Grafton wants to poll potential jurors about racial prejudice. Public defender David Sleigh says the questions are needed because defendant Michael Perez is black. (AP)