16 January 2008 - 12:37SPRINGFIELD MUSEUM TO HOST “THE SIMPSONS”

The old Vermont mill town that boasts of being home to the Simpsons will also be home to a museum devoted to the dysfunctional cartoon family.

The Springfield Chamber of Commerce will share space with the new museum on Main Street, according to a report Friday by Burlington, Vermont TV station WCAX. The facility will feature memorabilia from the world premiere of The Simpsons Movie, which took place next door.

“It is a way to help promote travel, hopefully here to Springfield,” said the chamber’s Patty Chaffee. “We would like to see visitors come because Springfield is a great community, as well as our recognition as our home of The Simpsons. So, if we could use The Simpsons to get travelers here, hopefully they will venture out to see the other great things Springfield has to offer.”

The Vermont “Springfield” won over a dozen namesakes throughout the United States to be named the home town of the Simpsons and the site for The Simpsons Movie’s premiere.

Elsewhere in Vermont, the Pink Panther gave away a man who was arrested for burglary, according to Vermont State Police.

Ezra Lowe, 23, of Bethel was arrested early Thursday morning. Police allege that Lowe broke into a home through a window and stole a stuffed Pink Panther, as well as an iPod and a flashlight. Police approached Lowe’s home and saw the stuffed panther sitting in the front seat of his car.

Lowe has been charged with burglary and possession of stolen property. His court date is scheduled for March.