Fri 6 P.M. News Script

Fri 09-MAY-2008 6 P.M. News Script

1} DRIVEOFFS_ENG

Good evening, I'm Marselis Parsons. And I'm Kristin Kelly. With gas prices soaring -- more and more drivers are failing to pay when they pump. The problem is so bad in South Burlington, the city may move to require motorists to pre-pay for gasoline at all the filling stations in the city. Brian Joyce is live at a filing station in South Burlington with our report. Marselis, Predictably -- gas pump drive-offs are on the rise as gas prices reach record levels. The real surprise is that very few gas stations here in South Burlington have taken the one simple security measure that would 100-percent prevent drive-offs -- but soon the city may force them to.

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((tape 416 tc :20 Chief Trevor Whipple/South Burlington Police: "It's causing us more problems than it did a year ago.")) South Burlington Police Chief Trevor Whipple says the increasing problem is the time his officers are spending investigating the increasing number of gas pump drive offs. His officers have responded to nine complaints in the last three weeks. The chief says he's certain there are more that are not reported. Some stations have had no drive off thefts because they went to pre-pay when gas hit 2-50 a gallon. ((tc 15:28 James Galler/Interstate Shell: )) That's 200 dollars a week that is no longer stolen. The non pre-pay stations fear making customers pay in advance hurts competition. ((Cousineau explains)) ((Rocheleau 11:47 Its kind of a hindrance ... no uniformity in it right now )) Based on our interviews of motorists today -- the owners fearing pre-pay hurts business may be right. ((Jerry Chambers/Masena NY: explains he will not go to pre-pay stations.)) ((Nicole Trott /UVM Student: explains it is annoying and she does not like pre-pay))

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Now we spoke with several station owners and managers who have not yet put in a pre-pay system. They say told us they would welcome a mandatory pre-pay ordinance from the city for all the gas stations -- but for now they fear that going pre-pay might cost them customers. Brian, does the city have the authority to impose a pre-pay requirement? (brian says a police officer is studying those issues for the city council) Brian, besides lost business, is there any other expense in going to a pre-pay system? (brian says no -- we're told it's as easy as flipping a switch)

4} GRANT_WHITE

A father from Franklin County pleaded not guilty to severely beating his 5-month-old twins. 24-year-old Jeremy Grant of Highgate faces two counts of aggravated domestic assault. Police say he beat the girls so badly -- one suffered three broken bones. The other had one broken bone. Grant reportedly admitted to police that he squeezed and beat the babies -- to keep them quiet.

5} BABYDEATH_MAP

Police in Brattleboro hope an autopsy will help them figure out how a baby died. Officers were called to a home on Moore Court yesterday and found a 2-month-old child unresponsive. The baby was taken to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and pronounced dead.

6} WILLIAMS_VO

A Vermont judge today refused to delay trial for the Essex shooting suspect -- so he can pursue an insanity defense. Police say Christopher Williams shot four people in August 2006 -- killing two of them. Williams says he was suffering mental-health problems that day. His attorneys say they have three witnesses to back that claim -- and they want more time to prepare an insanity defense. But today Judge Jeffrey Crawford told Wiliams' lawyers they have had enough time. He said the trial will start as scheduled -- in July.

7} ABDUCTION_WHITE

The police in Burlington are looking into a possible abduction attempt on Colchester Avenue last night near the baseball field.. The police say a man approached a young woman who was walking but she resisted and he fled. He may have used a small white pickup truck seen in the area. He is described as a white male, 5-10, slender build, dirty blonde hair.

8} GARZA2_VO

Another underwater search for missing Middlebury college student Nick Garza produced no new clues. A technical rescue team from Saranac, New York spent much of the day over a CVPS dam near the Weybridge-Middlebury town line in Otter Creek, looking under piles of debris. The team from New York is headed home after two days of searching-- but is planning to return to Middlebury at least one more time once water levels drop.

9} SEARCH_SOT

((17:15-29//16:04-08 Don Uhler/Saranac Technical Rescue: "There are cases in the north country where rivers have taken people and never let them back out, so there's a probability and possibility we may never locate this person. When you take a camera that sees 3 to 4 feet at a time, clearly there has to be some luck involved with the skill.")) Search teams had also hoped to divert a small section of river just above the falls to search an old spillway. That section of river runs beneath several buildings in town. But crews have called off that plan due to safety concerns.

10} GUNS_RUP

The clinton county sheriff's department is collecting unwanted guns from the public -- with no questions asked. Weapons from a simple pistol to a sawed-off-shotgun were turned in today. By mid afternoon eight guns had been surrendered to the department. This amnesty day is a sort of spring cleaning for safety. ((DAVID FAVRO/ (D) Clinton County Sheriff : people who brought them in were spouses , they were individuals who were intimidated by the weapons. Some didn't realize they were there and didn't know what to do. This gives them a safe avenue to eliminate the burden of them being in the house.)) All of the guns collected with be destroyed.

11} MONDAY_VO

House Speaker Gaye Symington is expected to announce on Monday she's running for Governor. The Democrat from Jericho stepped down after 4 years as Speaker -- at the end of the legislative session. Symington's announcement is expected to take place Monday morning on the statehouse steps. It's shaping up to be a three way contest. Progressive Anthony Pollina is already campaigning -- and Republican Jim Douglas is seeking his 4th term as Governor.

12} CLEARSOURCE_VO

A plant that bottles Vermont Pure water has closed -- putting dozens of people out of work. ClearSource Incorporated shut down its water bottling plant in Randolph. The Pennsylvania-based company cited tough economic times. 76 workers were given their last paychecks and told the plant's shutting down. It's tough news for Randolph -- where several businesses have closed or had financial problems -- like Vermont Castings and Ethan Allen.

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((tape 573 tc 6:23 Kevin Dorn: We've recgonized these challenges -- and when a small community loses an employer - the likelihood that people are going to be employed in that community are very slim and that's not likely to change over time - so that's why we're working so hard in our rural communities to keep those businesses viable. This is a tough situation with ClearSource.)) ClearSource did some bottling for Vermont Pure -- so now the company will need to find a new bottler for some of its products. Vermont Pure says it has plenty of inventory -- and the plant closing should not impact its workforce.

14} CVPH_RUP

The service employees union at the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh, New York announced a new three-year labor contract on friday that could benefit patients as well union members. The contract includes three percent across the board increases for members this year and in 2009 and 2010. union and hospital officials said that the contract will include changes that will help retain staff members and recruit new ones. One of the biggest gains in the new contract was in the retirement plan. ((PATRICK SULLIVAN/ 1199 SEIU UNION: after a long hard negotiation by both parties we we managed to frame the debate in our favor . They realized it and how important and beneficial for them to agree to our pension plan.)) sullivan said that over a long period of time a worker could see the pension plan double. The new contract expires in April of 2011. The union said patients will benefit because this contract keeps senior staff and that will improve patient care.

15} LETTER_VO

The largest emergency food drive in the country kicks off tomorrow. OTS1 Members of the National Association of Letter Carriers -- the postal union -- will ask for food donations along their delivery routes. They've been doing this nationwide for sixteen years . In the Burlington area, the food will go to the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf. It fills a gap during the summer when kids can't get school breakfast and lunch programs.

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((Rob Meehan/Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf: "This is really when things usually slow down for emergency food providers. But we're seeing an increase, more people coming to the food shelf at a time when some of these government programs aren't available.")) ((Sandra Sonntag/National Association of Letter Carriers: "So this year again, we would like to ask everybody to consider making one donation. It doesn't have to be a lot of food, just one can makes a difference.")) The letter Carriers will pick up canned goods and other non-perishables on Saturday. Just leave them under your mail box at home.

17} 1STWX

We are looking ahead to what sounds like a nice weekend! It's always nice when you can put together a nice looking forecast for Mothers Day weekend! And this weekend looks like it will be a good one. Today was also a great day, with a storm system staying south of us while we enjoyed the sunshine. And tomorrow, ...More partly sunny skies and temperatures will range from the upper 50s in the colder spots to the low 60s for most of us. And on Mothers Day, ...It will be a few degrees warmer. Still lots of sunshine, and temperatures will reach the low to mid 60s. Our outlook for early next week is also improving. There is still another storm we are watching for Monday, but that one may also slip a bit to our south, but there is still the chance of showers in the forecast for Monday, especially for southern areas. Chance of morning showers again on Tuesday, and nice weather holding again through the middle of the week.

18} LOTTERY3_INTRO

The Vermont Lottery has big plans -- as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Those plans - include expanding play -- to increase state revenues. It could mean more Vermonters will hold that Golden Ticket -- to financial freedom. But some say -- it could tarnish the state. Darren Perron has more.

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((10:09 DOREEN LYON/Megubucks Winner: I'm a worker. I've always worked.)) Doreen Lyon remembers well -- how her family needed a manure spreader for their farm in Barton. But couldn't afford one. ((5:14 DOREEN We did desperately need one.)) After November 29th, 1986 -- Lyon had no trouble buying that spreader. A winning Megabucks ticket -- meant an extra 123-thousand dollar a year -- for 20 years. ((DOREEN: 22:39 You go through that whole disbelief thing when you first win. )) In addition to farm equipment -- Lyon also used the cash to buy property -- and put her kids thru college. She took a few extra vacations here and there. But most of the money -- is still in the bank. ((15:34 DOREEN: It's sitting there waiting for retirement someday. 23:45 Financial security is the best part about it. Who wouldn't say that? You know? Haha. )) Others hope for similar luck. ((nats -- 15:17 There's your winning Megabucks ticket.)) ((LOUISE HARRINGTON: 1:05 I like it if I get a big one, hahah. )) Lottery players line up in Kilburn's Convenience Store in Manchester -- where the lunch counter ... ((nats -- 7:37 scratching)) ... Has become the scratch ticket counter. ((55:28 DARREN PERRON/Manchester: Kilburn's is one of about 700 places across Vermont selling lottery tickets. This store isn't very big, in fact it's actually pretty small. But when it comes to lottery sales, this place is huge.)) ((NICK SEELEY/Lottery Player: 14:22 This is the hot spot!)) Kilburn's consistently sells more lottery tickets .... ((11:39 tear and register)) ... than any other store in Vermont. ((30:20 Could be a winner!)) And like a recent study suggests -- most players here are not low-income. ((37:28 CYNTHIA KILBURN/Kilburn's Convenience Store: When Powerball hits 100-million, even the local millionaires come in. 37:40 It's a broad spectrum. Seems to be most of the town.)) Win or lose -- those tickets translate into dollars for Vermont schools. 23-million last year. That's how much the Vermont lottery makes -- after expenses -- and payouts to winners. 23-million is lot of money -- but less than 2-percent of the overall Education Fund. ((ALAN YANDOW/Vt. Lottery ED: 9:00 We're always interested in increasing our contribution to the ed fund.)) The lottery is betting it can boost revenues -- beyond the average annual increase -- of 3-point-2 percent. And many state lawmakers back that expansion. ((12:57 tear - good luck!)) Advertising on the back of scratch tickets, scratch ticket vending machines , and higher priced tickets -- with bigger prizes are possible. ((7:17 YANDOW: When we've gone to higher price points sales have increased.)) But expanding the lottery has its critics... Like 43 year-old Jeff, a gambling addict. ((JEFF/Problem Gambler: 2:45 The impact on my family has caused us to file for bankruptcy, my wife and I to separate.)) He thinks it's unfair the state profits from games that fueled his illness. And thinks the state should spend more on gambling treatment. ((nats: 46:34 beep. not winner)) Nearly 4-percent of Vermonters are addicted to gambling -- and the health department is concerned enough -- that it will include questions about gambling on its next annual risk behavior survey. ((12:55 file: I said I got that one. That one. Oh my God, I got them all!)) And even players who aren't addicted -- can have heart-breaking stories. Laurie Grant won 4-million dollars playing Megabucks in 1995. ((file Laurie Grant:11:53 I'm a millionaire")) But then her luck -- and the money -- ran out. ((Grant FILE TAPE 1:48:23 I spent it all.")) On homes, cars, and gifts. She ended up broke -- barely able to pay a traffic fine in court -- just ten years later. ((1:27 show: LAURIE GRANT: That was like spending thousands and thousands and thousands a day.)) ((2:07 DOREEN: I don't think people realize how quickly people can go through it all.)) Lyon did right with her money. And still plays -- because -- 'hey, you never know.' ((23:20 DOREEN -- Definitely peace of mind.))

20} LOTTERY3_GREEN

Again -- anyone can win. And it appears all kinds of folks are playing. As I mentioned -- a new study seems to buck -- what opponents say. That the games are played mostly by low-income people. The Center for Research and Public Policy -- found that HALF of all Vermont lottery players attended college -- and have an average household income of about 50-thousand dollars. Just 12 percent -- make less than 20-grand a year. Kristin? And Darren, what about leasing the lottery? The Governor proposed that idea to offset rising property taxes -- and to help pay for school construction projects. What happened with that? It basically died. The governor thought leasing the lottery could generate a one-time payment of 50-million dollars. As a quick fix. It really didn't get much support. And the Vermont Council on Problem Gambling says it's glad it did not go thru. If the lottery was leased -- the council fears there could be irresponsible marketing from an out-of-state organization. Darren Perron -- thank you. Our series -- the Golden Ticket continues tomorrow night -- at six.

21} DATA_2_STANDUP

((This is Jack Thurston in Charlotte. You may guess those glossy magazine spreads come from New York City -- but guess again. They're Made in Vermont. We'll have the story... Coming up.))

22} WASTE_INTRO

The City of Lebanon is expecting a large Brownfields grant to clean up some prime riverfront land. But several pieces still need to fall into place in order for the project to be a success. Adam Sullivan explains.

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(nats: talking about waterfront) Lebanon's newly appointed Mayor Karen Liot Hill looks out over the Connecticut River -- where it meets the White. She's standing on a two acre parcel that soon could be home to a new boat launch for canoes and kayaks. ((Karen Liot Hill/Mayor: "This is some of the most bueatiful land in all of Lebanon. We are very bested to have it here and excited that we can make this project happen.")) But first, the city needs to clean up the site. It sits on 13 acres-- which is currently owned by the state-- and known as the Westboro rail yard. The ENTIRE AREA has SERIOUS environmental issues. ((Hill: "there is contamination as result of the rail use and there has also been some oil contamination due to some oil tanks that were stored here.")) Some cleanup has already been done. 17 hundred tons of oil-saturated soil to be exact. The city will receive a federal Brownfields Grant of 200 thousand to clean up the rest. ((Sullivan: "state officails will be here on Monday to offically pledge the 200 thousand dollars for the cleanup. But, in order to receive the grant, the City of Lebanon must first take official ownership of the land.")) The state has pledged a technical assistance grant to survey the land to see how bad the problem actually is. ((Hill: "before the city would actually take ownership of the land, we can know exactly what we are getting into. In terms of how mush if left to clean up and what the risks are.")) ((Cindy Heath/Recreation Dept.: "OUtdoor adventure sports, as you know are really popular here.")) Cindy Heath of the city's recreation department says the boat launch project is part of a bigger plan for a recreation path through the city. ((Heath: "the eventual vision as outlined in our blueprint for community trail is a connecting pathway, non-motorized-- for bicycles, pedestrians and wheeled chair access from the Westboro Yard eventually all the way to down town lebanon.")) Though Heath say it is important to take the project one step at a time. Adam Sullivan channel three news, in Lebanon.

24} WASTE_TAG

Hill says the city's ultimate goal is to take ownership of the entire 13-acre site and use it for both recreation and economic development.

25} 2NDWX_INTRO

26} 2NDWX_FORECAST

Tonight: Mostly cloudy. Lows: 36/44 Winds: Light Saturday: Partly sunny. Highs: 58/64 Winds: N 5-10 mph Saturday Night: Mostly clear. Lows: 34/42 Winds: Light Sunday: Mostly sunny. Highs: 62/68 Winds: N 5-10 mph Extended: Monday through Wednesday. Monday: Showers, mainly south. Highs 56/62 Lows 38/46 Tuesday: Chance of AM showers. Highs 56/62 Lows 38/46 Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Highs 60/66

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28} SXTEASE_INTRO

JJ Cioffi is here with a sports preview .. Big Frost Heaves news ... Two and through in the ABA... the 2 time defending American Basketball Association champs announcing that they've quit the ABA and have joined a 2nd year league known as the premier Basketball League. I talked with owner Alex Wolff this afternoon.

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(Frost Heaves) Wolff: We were weighing all options in the middle of the season because we were afraid the league was collapsing around us. So, that's what's really driving this is the stability and the competitiveness . The idea that teams won't show up with only 6 guys and we had that a couple of times. (Celtics) NBA.. Celtics take a 2-0 series lead to Cleveland.. They pounded the Cavs in good order last night at the Garden.. They now go on the road tomorrow night for Game 3 of their Eastern semi. (Red Sox) Red Sox head to minnesota tonight after taking 3 of 4 in Detroit.. Beating the Tigers 5 to 1 .. And theynow have a 3 and a half game lead in the division.

30} SXTEASE_OUT

31} FOOD_INTRO

We tell you often how Vermont is a leader in the food industry. But not just on the farm -- in other sectors of the business community too. Jack Thurston and photographer Scott Waterman tell us about one food company -- and its Made in Vermont products.

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Hilary Meyer takes perfectionism to a whole new level. ((Hilary Meyer/Food Stylist: 2:16:05: It's tedious.)) The NECI-trained chef obsessively arranges her ingredients for this grilled pizza -- controlling the way they fall and how evenly they're spread out. ((Hilary Meyer/Food Stylist: 2:16:02: It sounds silly, but the perfect scallion can make all the difference.)) Taste matters, of course, but Meyer worries most about the way her dishes look. She's a food stylist. ((Hilary Meyer/Food Stylist: 2:05:24: You never can tell until you put it in front of the camera. It looks perfect here but it can look totally different.)) She works for Eating Well magazine. The Charlotte publication puts photos at the center of its brand. ((Ken Burris/Photographer: 1:44:53: The bottom line is it has to look appetizing.)) Photographer Ken Burris makes Meyer's creations -- stars. Despite what you may have heard about food photography -- there are few tricks here. No shoe polish to mimic grill marks... No white glue to replace milk. ((Ken Burris/Photographer: 1:42:57: We keep it pretty much natural.)) The staff wants to convey a sense this is food readers could actually make themselves. But Burris has to work quickly before the food starts looking old... While the art director closely scrutinizes his shots -- ((Mike Balzano/Art Director: 2:10:15: That makes a pretty harsh shadow.)) The team gives even small pictures for inside pages a once over... or a dozen or more once-overs. ((Mike Balzano/Art Director: 2:11:48: That napkin's not looking good, either.)) ((sound of snapping photo)) It's not a science -- but a good photo with appealing colors depicting seasonal freshness can really help sell copies. The editors say a recent apple cover was a hit ... While a chocolate-dipped apricot cookie missed the mark. The Eating Well reader seems to want healthy foods they could easily see on their table. ((Ken Burris/Photographer: 1:46:52: For now we're keeping to the simple, beautiful fruit or vegetable.)) The staff of about 35 produces six issues a year... For 325-thousand subscribers. Newsstand sales plus folks sharing their magazines boost the readership to an estimated 1.6 million. Nationwide reach from this small town. ((Ken Burris/Photographer: 1:48:37: I think a lot of people have the expectation these are produced in New York or Boston.)) The actual magazines are printed in Wisconsin -- with glossy images that showcase Hilary Meyer's talents. She's got her tweezers out -- carefully arranging a side dish. ((Hilary Meyer/Food Stylist: 2:15:32: The goal is to create a perfect picture but not have it look too perfect.)) Meyer would never call herself a picky eater -- but definitely a picky stylist. ((Hilary Meyer/Food Stylist: 2:16:09: Being picky makes a nice picture.)) And her attention to detail pays off ((snapping photo)) With these Made in Vermont photos -- that look good enough to eat. Jack Thurston, Channel 3 News, in Charlotte.

33} FOOD_TAG

The stylists tell us the only trick they regularly use is misting food with water to keep it looking fresh and glistening for long shoots. Even though Eating Well's main business is magazines -- it's branched out in recent years to book publishing, its growing website, and even prepared vegetarian meals... Those are sold only in the New York City area.

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Still ahead on the Channel 3 News... A military family is honored for their hard work. Tornados touch down in the southeast. And next in our HealthWatch.... Helping the smallest patients in need of a transplant. Here's Kristin...

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Waiting for a life-saving organ donation is a scary time -- especially if you're a parent with a sick child. Now two moms who've been there are trying to take some of the worry out of the experience. Josh Landis reports.

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Every day is Mother's Day for Samantha Kellner and Heather Thomson. nats playing with trains Their young sons are alive because of organ donors . sot (Samantha Kellner/Liver DiseaseFoundation ) "When you have a sick child, your world is just turned upside down and you feel helpless." Both boys had liver conditions that would have been fatal. They received transplants when they were just months old. sot SAMANTHA - WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES Now they're giving back. Samantha started a baby transplant foundation that's raised more than 650 thousand dollars . Heather is using her clothing line...yummy tummy...to raise money for the cause. sot "I myself will kick off a green yummy tummy where all the proceeds will go to organ donation and organ donation awareness." GFX There are more than 2-thousand children in the U-S waiting for an organ to save their lives... 100 thousand people in all. Each day, 18 die. JOSH LANDIS, CBS NEWS While the need is incredible, so is the ability of one person to make a difference. Each organ donor can save up to eight lives. sot: julia/organ spokesperson "It is allowing that that death become the life for one or more people that many donor families find some solace." "And there's this beautiful belly and this wonderful, gorgeous scar that we love, that we love." this mom and son have a permanent reminder of how lucky they are. - nat of laughing with Raphael pulling up shirt and then going to mirror to look at scar a reflection of how many lives can be saved by a simple act of kindness. Josh Landis, CBS News

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For more information about organ donation -- go to the Healthwatch Infocenter at wcax-dot-com. That's Healthwatch. Marselis.

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Recapping tonight's Top Stories ... growing concerns over gas station drive-offs. Police in South Burlington say a prices rise, more drivers are failing to pay after they pump. Now the city may require motorists to pay before they pump. Most stations have not gone to a pre-pay system, because they say consumers don't like it. A Vermont judge today refused to delay trial for Essex shooting suspect Christopher Williams. His lawyers want more time so they can pursue an insanity defense. But the judge says they've had enough time already --and the trial will proceed as planned in July. Another day of searching for Nicholas Garza. A technical rescue team focus its attention on a dam on the Otter Creek. They used under water cameras to scan beneath piles of debris, but found no signs of Garza's body.

39} CRUSHED_MAP

A freak accident killed a hiker in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Police say a 28-year-old woman from China was climbing the Falling Waters trail on Mount Lafayette in Franconia Notch. A large boulder broke off a ledge - fell 40 feet - and struck her in the head. Bad cell phone service meant rescuers were delayed in reaching her. The woman died at the hospital.

40} PEDESTRIAN_VO

A state highway worker was struck this morning on the job. Burlington police say a VTRANS worker was installing traffic monitoring equipment near the University of Vermont campus - when she was hit by a car. The woman was taken to the hospital with what police said were non-life threatening injuries. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

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A reminder that the Channel 3 late news now airs not only at 11:00, but also at 10:00. The 10:00 news airs live on our new digital channel W-C-A Xtra. It's available to most cable subscribers -- on the channels listed on your screen. You can also get WCAXtra free over-the-air on digital 3-point-2.

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43} LOWES_VO

In News Around the Region -- Lowes won its Act 250 permit to build a store in Essex. The home improvement chain plans to demolish the Essex Town Plaza on Susie Wilson Road -- near the corner of Route 15 -- to make way for a 125-thousand square foot store and garden center. Lowes will also have to pay Essex more than 20-thousand dollars for road improvements in the area -- and pay 40-thousand for bus service improvements in Chittenden County.

44} NORTHWAY_VO

Cell service continues to improve along the Adirondack Northway. Verizon Wireless received permission to build a fourth cell-phone tower -- to fill a service gap along a remote 47-mile stretch of the Northway. The 94-foot tower -- will be disguised to look like a pine tree. Verizon started adding towers to the Northway after a Brooklyn man crashed and froze to death last year -- after he was unable to call for help.

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The Hartford dispatch center is expanding its services to more Upper Valley towns. Right now -- the dispatch center provides service to a handful of towns in the Hartford area. But, it will become a regional center. Anyone calling with and emergency in Windsor, Weathersfield, and Reading will go directly into the Hartford center. The regional approach aims to save money and be more efficient.

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(("In affect, we are actually expanding our 9-1-1 coverage area to more towns. We are providing two dispatchers on each shift, right now we only have one, sometimes two. It will provide a better service to first responders and ultimately the citizens of our surrounding towns.")) The changes take affect July 1st. That's News Around the region -- Marselis.

47} SEVERE_INTRO

Not only some heavy rain in southern NE, ...But severe weather in the south. This is the season when this type of severe weather is all too common. Another powerful storm system packing tornados has left a path of destruction across the southeast. From Mississippi to Maryland, residents are getting hit with heavy wind and rain .. And in North Carolina, it proved deadly. Manuel Gallegus reports.

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((IT'S A REMARKABLE SIGHT RARELY CAPTURED ON CAMERA... A TWISTER POWERING THROUGH A FIELD... TOSSING CARS AROUND LIKE THEY WEIGHED NOTHING. Oh my...gosh, a bomb hit... that's what it appeared. Another TORNADO TOPPLED AIRPLANES... RIPPED TREES AND POWER LINES, AND DAMAGED HOMES AS IT MADE ITS WAY ACROSS CENTERAL NORTH CAROLINA. MANY RESIDENTS RODE OUT THE STORM IN BASEMENTS OR WHEREVER THEY COULD FIND GOOD COVER. When the power went out we got the girls from upstairs and went into a closet that we have under the steps. That was the safest place we thought. AT LEAST ONE MAN WAS KILLED WHEN A SMALL TRUCK OVERTURNED IN A PARKING LOT. A FEW OTHERS WERE INJURED ..BUT AS DESTRUCTIVE AS IT WAS, RESIDENTS AROUND GREENSBORO FEEL IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE. We really kind of dodged a bullet. It come in late in the evening after most of you had already gone home, our traffic volume was low. THE SEVERE WEATHER SWEPT ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST WITH INCREDIBLE RAIN, LIGHTNING AND WIND. DOZENS OF HOMES ARE DAMAGED IN VIRGINIA AND THERE ARE FLOOD WARNINGS AS FAR AWAY AS MARYLAND. FORECASTERS ARE TELLING RESIDENTS TO EXPECT THE WEEKEND TO BE PRETTY MUCH MORE OF THE SAME. MANUEL GALLEGUS CBS NEWS.))

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50} HEAVES_INTRO

After 2 seasons and 2 league titles, the Vermont Frost Heaves are pulling out of the American Basketball Association and moving to The Premier Basketball League.. We first reported this story this morning on WCAX.COM This afternoon.. The Premier League announcing the Frost Heaves AND The Manchester Millrats have joined their league.. We also understand there is the very real possibility that the Quebec City may join as well.

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(Nat Sound) It's been nearly 6 weeks since the Vermont Frost Heaves made it 2 for 2 with the ABA.... --- Today owner Alex wolff of Cornwall, a senior writer for Sports Illustrated announced they are joining the P-B-L. ((Wolff: We're really excited about the PBL. The quality of some of these organizations. We're going to be renewing some rivalries that our fans are already quite familiar with like the Rochester Razorsharks, the Maryland Nighthawks, the Wilmington Seadogs wgo came through for a playoff game. )) Despite great on court success ... Wolff spotted warning signs of ABA instability. ((Wolff: A couple of teams that were on our schedule Boston and Westchester stiffed other teams in our region. No shows for games and it's just something we didn't want to worry about anymore quite frankly.)) Despite the competitive nature of this past season's playoffs, Vermont was often a lopsided winner against inferior competition. Frot heave players can expect a more competitive league. ((B.J.: it's a big step. We've got to work extra hard now on the off season which there really is no off season. The guys we get returning they've got to be ready and prepared to step up to the next level. )) Wolff has a new league for his team, but does he have a coach ?? Will Voigt, a Cabot native has not made a decision on returning after his contract expired. ((Wolff: We've now settled the league piece of it and once that coaching carousel finishes spinning he'll either have found a job he would very much deserve.... somewhere else or he'll be back as Frost Heaves head Coach and we certainly hope it's the later...give us 4 to 6 weeks and I think that situation will sugar out. ))

52} HEAVES_TAG

There were 10 teams playing 20 regular season games in the league's 1st year.. Those numbers will probably increase.. Quebec city president Vincent Bernier told me this afternoon that they are considering a proposal and Vermont's decision has an impact with them. They will probably decide this weekend.

53} CELTICS_VO

The Celtics have proven they can win in Boston. Now they need to prove that they can win away from the friendly confines. Boston, like they did with Atlanta, will travel to Cleveland tomorrow night with 2 games to none lead. game 2 last night... Cavs come out of the gate hot...LeBron James elevating for the alley-oop...LeBron with 21, but he shot just 6-for-24 from the field...Cleveland would lead by seven after one quarter... --- but Boston wakes up in the second...the reserves keying the charge...James Posey ...quick hands on the steal...takes it the other way for the jam ...Boston up one... --- later...bodies on the floor going for the loose ball...Ray Allen hauls in the wayward pass...ahead to Kevin Garnett...soars in and the foul...KG with 13 and 12 boards...Boston by eight at the half ... --- and they pull away in the third...Allen, scoreless in game one ...he had 16 tonight ... --- and Pierce...the Celtics captain with a team high 19... Boston wins 89-73 and lead the series two games to none.

54} POST_TAKE_SOT

((Pierce/"We kept our turnovers down, we rebounded the ball, we made the extra pass and we got the job done defensively and that's true Celtics basketball right there.")) ((Garnett/"We're going to a hostile building and we know they play really well at home. They have a lot of confidence at home and they play with tremendous energy at home so some way some how we gotta carry this energy over to the road."))

55} FLYERS_WHITE

The NHL's Eastern Conference Finals begin tonight in Pittsburgh. An all Pennsylvania matchup between the Penguins and Flyers.

56} WINGS_VO__L3_

West Finals...game one ...Dallas at Detroit ...early in period one ...Detroit...5-on-3 power play...Brian Rafalski the big blast ...1-0 Red Wings... --- later in the first... another man advantage for the the Wings amd they cash in again... Niklas Kronwall's shot tipped in by Johan Franzen...2-0 Detroit after one... Red Wings take game one 4-1.

57} RED_SOX_VO

The Red Sox opening a 4 game weekend series in Minnesota tonight. Jon Lester looking to run his record above .500. The AL Central leading Twins will counter with Boof Bonser. Sox closing things out with Detroit last night...Josh Beckett strikes out Miguel Cabrera end the 2nd... 8 K's on the night for Beckett... --- top of the second... the captain...Jason Varitek...singles off the glove of Carlos Guillen and into left ...Mike Lowell scores ...J-D Drew following ...he's safe...2-0... --- now 3-1 in the fifth ...Kevin Youkilis... high and deep to left ...two run home run... third long ball in the last two games... The Red Sox take 3 of 4 from Detroit with a 5-1 win.

58} YANKEES_WHITE

Next up for the Tigers, a series with the New York Yankees beginning tonight. First pitch from The Motor City is at 7:00.

59} PANTHERS_SOT

The NESCAC men's lacrosse tournament has been dominated by Middlebury since it began in 2000. The Panthers winning all 7 titles...until this year. Midd needing an at large bid to get into the NCAA Tournament after losing to Williams in the NESCAC semi's. A new experience for the team as they gear up for a home game with Bowdoin tomorrow at 1:00. ((Campbell/"I would say it's motivation. It's a place we've never been before so that will be a first for is coming into the NCAA's not having won the NESCAC Tournament, but I think it's motivation for our guys saying we've got a 2nd chance let's do it right this time around.")) ((Granara/"I mean we didn't do too well in the NESCAC Tournament but we got a chip on our shoulder. The first tim not winning the NESCAC and good teams learn from losses."))

60} SPORTS_OUT

61} VETERANS_VO

A special honor today for some Vermont veterans - and families of fallen soldiers.... The U-S Army - as part of a new program called Freedom Salute -- is travelling the country recognizing their service. About a dozen veterans were honored -- and also Stephen and Marion Gray. Their son was killed in Iraq 4 years ago. The Grays started a group called Fallen Families - and also helped establish a memorial for Vermont soldiers.

62} GRAY_SOTS

((tape 573 tc 13:23 - Stephen Gray/Father of Fallen Soldier Jamie Gray: This is what all the soldiers that have sacrificed deserve and we're just proud that our son was able to give what he gave and that others are unfortunately have the same consequences but I know in dealing with other families that they are as proud as we are.// tc 14:27 Marion Gray/Mother of Fallen Soldier Jamie Gray: To know that our veterans organizations in this country recognize familes who have lost soldiers - and most importantly our Vermont fallen. Our mission is to make sure our boys are never forgotten)) Freedom Salute has honored over a-million families and veterans.

63} 4THWX_FORECAST

64} CHAT

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