Mon 11 P.M. News Script

Mon 30-JAN-2012 11 P.M. News Script

1} SHOCIK11_INTRO

Good evening. I'm Kristin Kelly. And I'm Darren Perron. Sordid details revealed in court - when a teacher faces a judge - for having sex with a student. Prosecutors say Abby Shocik (show-sick) took advantage of a suicidal teen - on school grounds. Matt Henson reports.

2} SHOCIK11_PKG

From the classroom to the courtroom. 23 year old Abby Shocik's career as the band teacher at the Danville School lasted just three months. ((Lisa Warren/Caledonia County State's Attorney 12:00 "It's very concerning that it happend at all, but the fact it happened on school grounds allegedly, before school started is very concerning.")) Prosecutors allege the South Burlington woman and a 15 year old male student would meet at school at 7 a.m. to have sex - either in a closet in the bandroom or a room near the auditorium. ((Lisa Warren/Caledonia County State's Attorney 12:49 They both knew each other through the school setting, liked each other through relationshiop of teacher and student, and the conformt level developed, and from that comnfort level more ensued.")) According to court papers - the two became close when the student told Shocik he was suicidal. The two then reportedly sent numerous online messages back and forth -- that led to discussions about sexual positions. And in one of them - Shocik allegedly amitted that having sex with the student was wrong. A concerned citizen discovered the messages and alerted authorities. ((Lisa Warren/Caledonia County Prosecutor tc 13:13 "It was disovered through Facebook.")) School superintenendet Martha Tucker says Shocik is no longer the band teacher at the school and issued this statement. ((quote)) "This is ultimately not about the Danville School, its administration nor its students. It is about the bad actions of one individual…" ((Jill Remick/Vt. Education Dept. ":15 This is very rare, at any given time we have over 8,000 teachers working in Vermont schools, and this happen one time a year on average. ")) The education department says in these rare cases - it's pretty much a split between male and female teachers who offend. ((Jill Remick/Vt. Education Dept. 1:23 "In the femal teachers it tends to be the teachers who are younger ")) Shocik pleaded not guilty to five counts of sex assault on a minor. If convicted of the charges - each one carries up to 20 years in prison. The judge set bail at 10-thousand dollars. Matt Henson - Channel 3 News - Danville.

3} ASSAULT11_INTRO

Mental health patients -- at the state hospital in Waterbury -- were suddenly forced to move -- after Tropical Storm Irene. Some went to Fletcher Allen in Burlington. And now nurses there say -- they're dealing with escalating attacks. Keith McGilvery has more.

4} ASSAULT11_PKG

Inside the psychiatric unit at Fletcher Allen nurses are scared for their safety. ((Diane Gallagher, Nurse 011524 "I have never seen anything as scary, as chaotic, as unsafe never, not even close as Shepardson 6 is now.)) When state hospital patients were moved out of the state hospital in Waterbury following Irene, 7 landed at Fletcher Allen. Others who would have traditionally gone to Waterbury --have since found spots in Fletcher Allen's 28- psych beds as well. ((01712 Christina Sclafani, Nurse "I was assaulted badly in October by a violent patient that would have normally been at the state hospital.")) Diane Gallagher has worked as a psych nurse for more than 30 years. She says for decades "code 8" emergency calls on her floor were rare- now they're routine. ((011227Diane Gallagher, Nurse Over the years we have certainly had patients that were accutely psychotic and considered dangerous to themselves or others that we have been able to sort of manage because there had been maybe one or two at a time, seven, eight that is a completely different dynamic.)) Assaults on Fletcher Allen staff have increased since the storm. Before Irene they were happening about twice a month. Since the storm that number is averaging in the teens. ((Dr. Robert Pierattini, Fletcher Allen Chair of Psychiatry 00:48:21"If a situation progresses to the point where we have to act to ensure everybody's safety, we have the option to use seclusion which is to have somebody go into a space alone, we can sometimes restrain people.)) Dr. Pierattini is the head of psychiatry at Fletcher Allen--he's acknowledging the challenges the new patients bring but says he'll have to continue to take them in. ((Dr. Robert Pierattini, Fletcher Allen Chair of Psychiatry 005038We'll have to do it, we have an emergency in the state and we need to take care of people.)) gallagher says waiting that long is unsafe--and that the state needs to move quickly-- to find better alternatives. ((011408 Diane Gallagher, Nurse "We need a different place, we need a different setting to be treat the population who is dangerous." A population whose future is uncertain as lawmakers jockey over what to do next. Fletcher Allen's head of psychiatry says a new state hospital with 25 beds could do a good job meeting the state's needs. KM Ch3 News BTV

5} BODIES_MAP

An unusual case - of a double suicide. Police in Keeseville found 54-year-old Anthony Kusalonis dead in the front yard of his home on Hollywood Avenue. And inside the home, they found the body of 49-year-old Teresa Fleury. Police say they found a gun next to each victim -- and an autopsy confirmed that both died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

6} HOMELESS5_VO

At first - police thought he froze to death in downtown Burlington. But now authorities say a homeless man died from a lethal mix of drugs and alcohol. Last month -- 56-year-old Paul O'Toole was found dead -- in below-freezing conditions. An autopsy just revealed that O'Toole died from a mixture of alcohol and the anti-anxiety drug, Diazepam. He did not have a prescription.

7} FLOODING11_VO

A malfunctioning water fountain -- washes highschool basketball teams off the court in Burlington. School staff say they don't know how the fountain broke over the weekend, but it caused several thousand dollars-worth of damages -- to a corner of the gym and the girls' locker room. The school cancelled tonight's game, and Rice will host -- rather than visit for tomorrow's game. Thursday's contest is up in the air.

8} BHS11_SOTVO

((3:47 - :54 - Nick Molander - Asst. Principal we want to get them back as soon as possible, we use this gym for all of our P.E. Classes, the estimate right now is hopefully by the end of the week.)) The court-floor is one of the oldest in the state. Administrators says if the affected portion needs to be replaced it could be quite expensive. Maintenance staff are checking with other schools across the state to see if they have any leftover material that might fit.

9} BIKEPATH11_VO

A facelift for Burlington's bike path -- comes with a big pricetag. Flooding last spring caused serious damage to the path -- just as the city was looking at how to improve it. Early estimates show repairs and changes will likely cost between 12 and nearly 17 million dollars. A finalized plan is expected to be ready for city council-consideration -- in late February. The city could get federal grants to offset some of the cost.

10} BURLINGTON11_TECH

Tonight Burlington residents got their first look at what the city might look like -- a century from now. Kyle Midura is here to explain. Kyle. Kristen, city planners are generally focused on immediate needs. But after spending a week talking with residents about what could make a better Burlington, several plans - big and small - emerged tonight.

11} BURLINGTON11_PKG

Dozens packed into city hall Monday night to get a glimpse of the future. These drawings show what Burlington could look like in 21-12. Planners say they rarely even get to look years ahead. (( 23:07 - :13 David White - BTV Planning and Zoning "it's been really exciting to actually be able to do that, we spend so much time and energy looking at the immediate")) (nat pop) Over the last week, hundreds of residents brought forward ideas for a Better Burlington (this idea may be crazy nat pop) Consultants incorporated those ideas and displayed a series of proposals... Big and small. ((21:51 - 55 - David White the consultants did an amazing job of capturing all of the various ideas)) In just a few years, residents could see greener streets, a duck pond and ice rink on the waterfront, and lots of benches too short for snoozing on Church St. Other ideas won't be possible for decades: - a dug-out parking garage near the waterfront accessible from Battery street - a colossal year-round farmer's market could cover the current parking lot - and the Town Center mall may be scrapped - divided by new grid streets much like the ones it replaced. ((27:17 - :26 Ross Nizlek - Burlington Resident "some of those we might have to tweak... But I think in general I was very impressed with 90% of what they put out")) ((29:17 - :27 Linda Tierney - Burlington Resident "as Burlingtonians, I think we've gotten used to some spaces that are not all that attractive, that I would like to see some of the ideas implemented that they presented." )) City staff say now they'll take theses illustrations and develop a master-plan to present to the city council this spring. ((24:28 - :33 these are all things that we've been talking about for a long time, but we're finally actually stitching them all together)) Even in a century, it's doubtful the Burlington canvas will ever be complete.

12} BURLINGTON11_TAG

This planning process began last year and is expected to run another two. Developing the long-range vision will cost just less than half a million dollars, most of which will be covered by a federal grant. Kristin -

13} IRAN11_VO

The U-S is concerned that Iran -- is trying to build a nuclear bomb. U.N. nuclear inspectors are in the country now -- and they're optimistic the visit will help ease tensions. Iran insists it has a right to develop nuclear energy -- and will quote -- CRUSH any U-S aggression.

14} FLORIDA11_INTRO

The polls open in the morning for Florida's republican voters. And the primary could be at turning point for the four remaining presidential candidates. Danielle Nottingham reports.

15} FLORIDA11_PKG

NATS Romney disc 19:02:00 "oh, beautiful for spacious skies..." Mitt Romney sang to supporters at a rally in Florida Monday Night - one of several last stops before Tuesday's Republican primary. "With a turnout like this I'm beginning to feel like we might win tomorrow. What do you think? The latest polls give Romney a double-digit lede over Newt Gingrich - A Suffolk University poll even suggests that lede is as wide as 20 points. . SOT "I know the speaker is not real happy. Speaker Gingrich. He's not feeling very excited these days. (crowd: aww) I know, it's sad. (Pipe 1 Gingrich Town Hall) 14:51:13 This is the most important election in our lifetime Gingrich campaigned all across the state, with a host conservative friends including former candidate Herman Cain, and Michael Reagan, son of the former president. Gingrich says HE has the best chance at defeating President Obama. 14:51:46 We nominated a moderate in 1996 and he lost. We nominated a moderate in 2008 and he lost. Mitt Romney is more liberal than either of those candidates. STANDUP BRIDGE: (pipe 2, 192540) Gingrich has been outspent 5-1 by Romney in Florida. Still, his message of consistent conservatism is finding supporters even without million-dollar ads. Roger Schneider, Clearwater, FL "I think if we nominate him, he won't turn into something else." Gingrich and Romney have each won one state. A win in Florida would crown one of them the true frontrunner, and send them into Saturday's Nevada Caucuses with a lot of momentum. Danielle Nottingham, CBS News, Tampa, Florida.

16} 2WAYA

A help-yourself beer keg has a Vermont inn keeper in hot water. That's coming up. And wicked back country skiing....To catch Vermont's beauty. You'll see next.

17} 2WAYB

After some light mountains snow to start the day, skies cleared up a bit for the second half of the day. Clouds are returning tonight, along with another round of light snow that will stick around for the start of the day on Tuesday. Here's the wake up weather. Skies will be cloudy with snow showers to begin the day. Temperatures will start out in the low to mid 20s. We've got a warm up on the way for Wednesday. The full forecast is coming up.

18} LIQUOR11_VO

Did a Killington Selectboard member -- break the law -- and illegally sell booze? Investigators with the Department of Liquor Control --say it happened at the Butternut Inn -- which is owned by Selectboard member Jim Haff. They say there was a keg behind the counter at the inn -- and patrons were allowed access to it -- even though the inn does not have a liquor license.

19} LICENSE11_SOTVO

(( Mike Davidson/ VT Dept. Liquor Control: I asked if there was a bartender on duty and that's when the person said no, there's no bartender, help yourself to the keg. There's a tip jar right there to help pay for the beer.)) ((Haff: I own a business, I want to be successful, I want to follow every rule and if there is a mistake here I will learn from it and it will never happen agian.)) Haff says he did nothing wrong... the keg was for himself -- and when he left the inn -- no one was drinking from it. He'll be arraigned on misdemeanor charges in March.

20} PRISON11_VO

The economy in Berlin New Hampshire is showing signs of life. The long awaited federal prison is accepting applications for nearly 300 jobs. City officials say it's a huge boost for the area -- which has struggled in recent years.

21} BERLIN11_SOTVO

((Paul Grenier/Mayor: "the economy in this particular part of the state has been on life support for 4 or 5 years since the mills closed.")) ((Grenier: "Berlin is on the upswing. We have a lot of good things happening. And I'm very very very excited about Berlin's future. It hasn't been this bright in a long long time.")) and that's not the only new employer creating jobs -- the old fraser paper mill is being turned into a biomass plant.

22} PHOTOS6_INTRO

From the slopes to the backwoods -- Vermont has some beautiful landscapes. And a Vermont couple -- goes to the extreme -- to capture them on camera. Gina Bullard reports.

23} PHOTOS6_PKG

It might not seem like it -- but Emily Johnson and Brian Mohr are on their way to work. ((nats getting on lift)) Today -- their office is at the Mad River Glen ski area. ((nat something)) The married photographer duo ... (3:24:26) ((Emily Johnson/Ember Photography "it was love at first site for sure)) ... captures natures beauty through their lenses-- and on their skis. (3:39:26) ((Brian Mohr/Ember Photography "we love to explore and much of our work stems from our explorations around Vermont and the northeast and to some extent around the globe")) Their business -- Ember Photography started 12 years ago. (3:09:05) ((Emily Johnson/Ember Photography "ember is emily and brian our names combined")) They sell original photos, prints and cards. These snap shots even end up in magazines, ski area websites and national campaigns for companies like Patagonia and Mammut. ((nat pics)) We quickly found out -- pictures like this -- do not come easy. Challenging terrain and the weather -- constantly pose new daring adventures. Emily has dealt with frost bite already a few times this year -- but nothing seems to stop this power couple. (5:01:07) ((Brian Mohr/Ember Photography "its incredibly rewarding we love to ski. ej-its what we love to do")) ((nat tree pics)) Climbing -- tucking into trees -- and skiing down some serious terrain -- often using each other as models. ((nat brian telling her where to go?)) And it's not just photos -- they even take videos WHILE they ski. No poles -- no problem. (38:38:29) ((Emily Johnson/Ember Photography "a lot of our ski days - people think we're crazy we'll get to the car right as we need to turn on our head lamps because we leave the top of the mountain right at sunset")) When it comes to who's a better photographer -- they say they compliment each other. Emily's good with details -- Brian shines while capturing quick movement. ((Emily Johnson/Ember Photography "gb-any fights? BM_from time to time. EJ- of course but we get along surprisingly well. ")) The tougher the terrain -- the edgier the picture. ((nat pic taking)) Exploration might be their middle name. And they admit they push it. (39:09:01) ((Brian Mohr/Ember Photography "its easy to interpret what we do as extreme or dangerous or crazy but we feel that we're extremely safe. ej-its good to have the woman's intuition in there too because i put on the red light before he does")) A couple capturing adventurous Made in Vermont moments in the great outdoors. Gina Bullard Channel 3 News Mad River Glen.

24} WX

25} FORECAST

Tonight: Mostly cloudy. Light snow likely. Lows: 12/20 Winds: Light Tuesday: Cloudy skies. Lingering snow showers. Highs: 30/37 Winds: SE 5-10 mph Tuesday Night: Chance of rain/snow showers possibly mixing with sleet. Lows: 25/32 Winds: S 10-15 mph Wednesday: Cloudy skies. Rain showers likely. Highs: 38/45 Winds: SW 10-15 mph Extended: Thursday through Monday. Thursday: Partly sunny. Highs 25/32 lows 12/20 Friday: Partly sunny. Highs 25/32 lows 12/20 Saturday: Partly sunny. Highs 25/32 Lows 12/20 Sunday: Increasing clouds, chance of snow, Sunday night. Highs 25/32 Lows 12/20 Monday: Chance of snow. Highs 25/35

26} WX_OUT

27} LUDLOWAM_INTRO

Many communities continue to bounce back from Irene Including Ludlow -- where a baseball star was on deck -- ready to help. Molly Smith explains.

28} LUDLOWAM_PKG

((nats of catch)) Most major leaguers head south in the off season, but not Carl Pavano. ((more nats)) He has a thing for the snow and a second home in Okemo -- but even on vacation this Minnesota Twins pitcher has to stay fit -- so he has uses the ludlow rec center for his winter workouts. ((Carl Pavano: thanks to howie he lets me use some of the facilities. The gyms and the basketball courts which enables me to throw and keep my training going. It's a perfect fit.)) Rec director Howie Paul -- says he is happy to open the facilities to Pavano. But a few months ago -- he had to ask for a favor of his own. Tropical storm Irene took out the ludlow little league's home turf -- washing away 10s of thousands of dollars worth of equipment down stream. After seeing the extent of the damage -- Paul said he knew someone who could help. ((Carl Pavano: I made a couple phone calls to some mlb players association reps they told me what kind of steps I can take to help. Gave me some numbers to foundations to call.)) ((molly smith the ludlow little leaguers may have no idea where charlies pizza is or where darien fd is based out of but they do know they are thankful to have these jerseys to play in this season thanks to a very special donation.)) ((howie paul: within a week they called back and said we are going to give you everything you need.)) a philadelphia based organization called "pitching in for baseball" came to the rescue -- sending these two boxes full of donated uniforms from across the country -- brand new baseballs, helmets, , gloves, and pitching machines. Enough gear to outfit 12 teams. ((howie paul: like xmas times 10. We had a big event when the equipment came in. Carl came down, david rhodes from pitch in for baseball came up from Philadelphia. To see the smile on the kids faces and how happy and excited they were that is what this is all about. All about the kids.)) During this time of rebuilding -- so many people need help, but Pavano says organizations like Pitching in for Baseball help the causes that land last on the to do list. ((Carl Pavano: howie had said that most likely these would be things that would be left last to be picked up because of the budgets in vt and the shortfalls and stuff like that.)) ((howie paul: With all the chaos going on that is where they would want to go and when it's not there it makes things tough)) Pavano says it doesn't matter if you are gearing up for spring training in the big leagues-- or the little leagues -- new gear always helps when it comes to the win column. ((Carl Pavano: you always feel like you are that much better when the stuff is new.)) giving a whole new meaning to the idea of a rebuilding year. Molly Smith Ch 3 Ludlow.

29} ESX_MMU_BBB_VO__L3RD_

We're just under a month away from the start of the high school basketball playoffs. Four teams, Mount Mansfield, Rice, Rutland and Brattleboro, have pulled away from the rest of the field. MMU...11-1 and coming off it's first loss at Rice Thursday night, looking to bounce back against 6-6 Essex... --- First quarter, Essex with some nice passing, Dee Barnes hits Thomas Carton underneath for 2. --- But the Cougars were on a mission tonight, TJ Wesson with the steal, he swoops in for 2. Mount Mansfield's lead starting to grow. --- The Hornets still playing some solid D, Carton with the block. --- But check out the block here on the other end, Hayden Pochop with the rejection, then watch him make the save. Nick Bergeron gets it and here they go. Sean Springer knocks down the jumper. and MMU goes on to the 70-39 win.

30} COL_SBHS_GBB_TAKE_VO__L3RD_

girls hoops... Colchester and South Burlington going down to the wire... --- Late fourth quarter, The rebels Allie Flaherty takes it to the basket for 2. South Burlington up 2. --- Back comes Colchester, Jackie Nagle inside for 2. We're tied at 47 with 20 seconds to go. --- on South Burlington's next possesion, Brittany Moody's shot for the lead is no good, but she's fouled with 10 seconds left. --- Moody makes one of two free throws putting the Rebels on top for good. South Burlington takes it 50-47 the final.

31} UVM_BRACKET_TAKE_VO

The UVM men's basketlball team will face Niagara as part of the ESPN BracketBuster series. That game will take place at Patrick Gym on either February 18th or 19th. The Purple Eagles, out of the MAAC that also features the likes of Iona, Siena and Marist, is just 9-14 this season. Niagara is 15-2 all time against Vermont, but this will be the first meeting between the schools since the 1988-89 season. This is the seventh time UVM has taken part in a BracketBuster game since the series debuted in 2004. --- The Cats are coming off a 77-60 win over New Hampshire Sunday. Four McGlynn scored a game high 20 and was named America East co-rookie of the week. The Cats visit Boston University Wednesday night in a rare doubleheader with the women's team.

32} LADYCATS_MON_WHITE

Speaking of the Vermont women, the Cats are coming off a huge 63-36 win at Stony Brook Saturday. The win snapped a four game losing streak and was the Vermont's first victory since losing juniors Lauren Buschmann and Lauren Wheeler to season ending knee injuries. Ffreshman Tierra Shumpert, Kayla Burchill and Niki Taylor combined to score 43 of Vermont's 63 points in the win. Burchill had a double double in that game and earned America East rookie of the week honors for the second time this season. The Cats will need more of that type of performance from their young players the rest of the way.

33} WOMEN_BITES_TAKE_SOT

(( TRT: 27 ... OC: "OUR BEST PLAYERS."))

34} PELKEY_WHITE

Amanda Pelkey has been named the Hockey East women's rookie of the week. She had two goals and an assist as Vermont split its home-and-home series against New Hampshire this weekend. It's the second time the freshman from Montpelier has won the award. Pelkey leads the Cats in scoring with five goals and eight assists. Vermont travels to Maine this weekend.

35} SHARRY_TAKE_VO

Middlebury's Ryan Sharry has been named the NESCAC men's basketball player of the week for the third time. The senior All-American averaged over 19 points, eight rebounds and two blocks while leading the top ranked Panthers to home wins over Plattsburgh and Williams this past week. Now 18-0, Middlebury visits Keene State tomorrow night, then hosts Bowdoin on Friday night and Colby Saturday afternoon at Pepin Gym.

Top of Script