Tue Noon News Script

Tue 09-MAR-2010 Noon News Script

1} CREDIT_VO

Good afternoon, I'm Roger Garrity. Burlington Telecom's outstanding debt -- is now affecting the City's credit rating. Moody's Investor Services knocked Burlington's rating down two notches Monday -- after concerns over BT's inability to repay 17 million dollars it borrowed from the city's cash pool. If BT cannot repay the money -- experts say the City may face long-term cash flow issues -- a major concern to lenders. That means the city will have to pay higher interest rates on the money it borrows -- with taxpayers ultimately footing the bill. Moody's will review the City's finances again in 90 days.

2} UVM_VO

Women professors at UVM who claim gender discrimination will get a hearing before a state panel this week. The faculty union says UVM is discriminating against five female assistant clinical professors in the nursing school -- by paying them less than their male counterparts. The grievance centers on the hiring of a man with similar education and credentials at a much higher salary than more experienced women in the department. An investigation concluded the salary differences were based on gender. But UVM was unwilling to settle. So the dispute will be heard by the Vermont Labor Relations Board beginning Thursday.

3} MEETINGS2_VO

There's controversy over closed meetings -- on education reform. The Dover school board says a series of meetings with state officials and educators are undemocratic -- because they're not open to the public. The meetings are being held under the new "Challenges for Change" law -- which asks for creative approaches to budget challenges.

4} RACINE_WHITE

Gubernatorial candidate Doug Racine is unveiling a health care reform plan. He wants to hire a panel of experts to design three health care systems that the state could implement -- and present those plans to lawmakers. Racine says this is not just another study -- because the models would be complete with implementation plans and cost estimates.

5} FLANNIGAN_VO

A fundraiser for an injured soldier raised 25-thousand dollars. 24-year old Army Lt. Bergan Flanningan lost her right leg last month in a bomb blast in Afghanistan. She is recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C. On Saturday all proceeds from lift tickets at Big Tupper Ski Area and a spaghetti dinner at the local VFW went to Flannigan's parents. The money will be used to help them spend as much time as possible with their daughter at the hospital.

6} HOFFMAN_VO

Looks like their could be a rematch in New York's 23rd Congressional district. Conservative Republican Doug Hoffman says he will run in this year's election. The Lake Placid businessman narrowly lost to Democrat Bill Owens in a special election for the seat last November. Hoffman is seeking the nomination of the Republican, Conservative and Independence parties. He says he stands for less spending -- lower taxes -- and shrinking the federal deficit.

7} OWENS2_SOT

Congressman Owens is trying to shore up his support in the North Country by talking about jobs. The unemployment rate in Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties is at historic highs. ((Bill Owens/D-New York "If we start focusing on the green projects we have, and in terms of biomass facilities around the district. If we get our communities active in recruiting out of Canada, as you know, the district borders Canada, there's lots of opportunities getting people from up there to come do business down here.")) Owens is a supporter of a federal jobs bill that is expected to pass this week in Washington. It would bring nearly $3 billion dollars to New York to help retain and create new jobs.

8} LOTTO_WHITE

Two local men have won the lottery. Michael Vice from Ticonderoga struck it rich in an instant game. He'll get five thousand dollars a week for life and is guaranteed at least five million dollars over the next 20 years Also Harry Todd Jr. of Altona won almost $80 thousand dollars in the Take Five drawing which was held February 27th. He bought the winning ticket a the Brookside grocery in West Chazy.

9} KIM_SOTVO

And here's something you don't see everyday -- the president of Ivy League Dartmouth College doing his best imitation of Michael Jackson. ((nats: "and rot inside a corps shell ...Kim dancing on stage...)) President Jim Yong Kim joined students for their version of American Idol. Kim played the part to a Tee -- with his signature glove. Many in the audience said President Kim stole the show from the night's official winner -- Dartmouth Junior Dan Van Deusen.

10} FORECAST

Today: Mostly sunny Highs: 38 to 45 Wind: N 5 to 15 mph Tonight: Clear skies Lows: 17 to 24 Wind: Light Wednesday: Sunny Highs: 43 to 50 Wind: Light & variable Extended: Thursday: Increasing clouds Chance for a shower late Lows: 20s Highs: 40s Friday: AM mix Then rain Lows: 30s Highs: 40s Saturday: Rain Lows: 35 to 40 Highs: 40s Hyper-Extended: Sunday: Rain Lows: 35 to 40 Highs: 40s Monday: Showers Lows: 35 to 40 Highs: 40s

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