Sounds of Vermont: Thunder Road
Next week, Thunder Road in Barre will feature its infamous “Milk Bowl” when stock car racers tally their scores and vie for the chance to kiss a cow. All summer long, races have filled the air with excitement, danger, and noise. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Stratton House closes
The Stratton House nursing home in Townshend is known for its friendly atmosphere and loyalty in the region. But recently the nursing home announced that it would close this fall. The news forced this Windham County community to reconsider how to care for its growing elderly population. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Governor’s race
The three leading candidates for governor met for their first debate broadcast statewide Sunday night at the Barre Opera House. Independent Con’ Hogan, Republican Jim Douglas and Democrat Doug Racine covered a wide variety of topics, ranging from dealing with problems at Fletcher Allen Health Care to whether a governor should weigh in on war with Iraq. (AP)
Burlington Diocese investigation
The Vermont attorney general’s office is expected this week to deliver a progress report on its investigation into alleged sexual abuse of minors by some Catholic priests. Attorney General William Sorrell says the investigation is far from over and that he expects his office to be looking into such cases for a long time. (AP)
Chronic wasting disease
Vermont wildlife officials plan to test 400 to 500 of the deer killed by hunters this year to ensure they are not infected with chronic wasting disease. The illness is a relative of mad cow disease and has affected deer in Western and Midwestern states. (AP)
Health care rally
Organizers are promising a big turnout this coming Saturday at a rally for universal health care on the Statehouse lawn in Montpelier. Doctor Deborah Richter heads Vermont Health Care For All and has been organizing the rally. Richter says buses will travel to Montpelier for the noontime event from several locations around Vermont. (AP)
UVM peace conference
The peace movement needs to do more to reach out to minorities and the working poor. That was a central message shared at a weekend conference among peace activists at the University of Vermont. (AP)
Red Rocks injuries
A spate of recent injuries has renewed concerns about people jumping off cliffs into Lake Champlain at South Burington’s Red Rocks Park. Chris West was one of those hurt when he made the 76-foot leap recently. South Burlington Fire Captain Ken Dattillo says his department is called four or five times a summer to Red Rocks to rescue injured jumpers. (AP)
Summer weather
The start of fall today ends a summer that really started last spring, when a 90-degree temperature was recorded in Burlington on April 17. That’s the earliest recorded date in the year Vermont’s ever hit that temperature. And summer lasted right into September, with the most recent 90-degree temperature recorded on September 10. (AP)