The Nuclear Free Great Lakes Action Camp, August 13-19, brought hundreds of activists representing new and old generations of nuclear power opposition to Camp Soni Springs, Michigan, for a get-together with experienced organizers and noted critics of the nuclear industry to help reinvigorate a movement to close 37 regional power reactors, six uranium mining and production sites, and responsibly manage the resulting legacy of radioactive waste produced in the region. The six days of workshops and participant-organized demonstrations concluded with a civil disobedience action at the nearby Cook nuclear power plant, and the arrest of 17 people for trespass. Over 100 demonstrators called for permanent closure of the twin reactors, already shut down for two years of safety checks and cooling system repairs and not due to restart until Spring, 2000.

The 17 each posted $50 bail. One pled guilty and forfeited bail, thirteen pled not guilty, and three from out of state failed to appear at a September arraignment, forfeiting their bail. Trial is expected later in the fall.

For more information, contact Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana, 2015 Western Ave. #101, South Bend, IN 46629, (219) 232-7905; email: regor@michiana.org

A week later, the companion Nuclear Free Northeast Action Camp concluded as more than 100 people took part in a New Orlean's style funeral procession for Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation and the nuclear industry. After the funeral, 21 people blocked the plant gates. State troopers and local courts were prepared to quickly process anyone arrested but the utility explicitly refused to have them arrested if the protest remained nonviolent. Demonstrators had announced plans to put the nuclear utility on trial should they be arrested. The utility, which is trying to sell the plant, apparently wanted to avoid such publicity. Never intending violence, the protesters simply declared victory and adjourned to celebrate the nuclear free future with song and dance at the site.

For more information, contact Citizens Awareness Network, (413)339-5781, can@shaysnet.com