Thu 6 P.M. News Script

Thu 05-NOV-2009 6 P.M. News Script

1} FLANAGAN_LVSD

Good evening, I'm Darren Perron. And I'm Kristin Kelly ... State Senator Ed Flanagan will NOT be charged following allegations he inappropriately touched himself in public. The prosecutor says Flanagan is not responsible for his actions because of brain damage he suffered. Brian Joyce is live in the newsroom with more. Brian, what can you tell us? Darren, the allegations arose this summer. Two members of the YMCA in Burlington claimed they saw Flanagan alone in the Y's wellness center performing a sexual act. Flanagan -- a Chittenden County state senator and candidate for Lt. Governor -- denied the allegation. But it was investigated by the county sex crimes unit -- and forwarded to prosecutors for consideration. Today the prosecutor announced he will not charge Flanagan with a crime -- because there is not enough evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

2} PERKETT_SOT

((Christopher Perkett/Addison Deputy Prosecutor: tape 425/ tc 1:36: I believe that there was strong evidence that the conduct described occured as it was described by the witnesses. However to charge an individual with a crime it's not enough just to say that they committed the conduct. You also have to prove the requisite mental state in the conduct // 1:59: that the defendant-- uh-- Mr. Flanagan-- committed this crime intentionally and I did not believe I could prove beyond a reasonable doubt that was the case.)) Perkett is making reference to brain damage Flanagan suffered in a car accident three years ago. The prosecutor says research he did shows that people with traumatic brain injuries are often incapable of controling their behavior -- so it would be very difficult to prove he intended to break the law. Flanagan has not used his brain injury as an excuse. He maintains he did not commit any lewd acts. We attempted to get his response today, but he has not returned our phone calls. We did reach his lawyer, John Pacht, who says Flanagan regrets any misunderstanding from the events that day at the Y. (thanks brian) We should point out that the case was handled by the Addison County prosecutor because of a potential conflict of interest in Chittenden County. State's Attorney T-J Donovan is also considering a run for Lt. Governor.

3} ORTLOFF_VO

The sentencing of former Plattsburgh Assemblyman Chris Ortloff has been delayed again. Ortloff has been in federal custody since last April. He pleaded guilty to trying to meet with two pre-teen sisters for sex. Ortloff was due to appear in court next week to face a minimum ten year sentence. But the hearing was cancelled -- and federal prosecutors now say -- the sentencing won't happen until next year.

4} BURGLARIES_INTRO

State police say they've cracked a crime spree in the Upper Valley. Adam Sullivan reports.

5} BURGLARIES_PKG

Police say 19-year-old Joshua Hill, 18-year-old Jason Hicks, 21-year-old Thomas Gauthier, and 20-year-old Mikel Brady are responsible for upwards of 100 burglaries throughout the Upper Valley over the last two years. Most of them at homes and business, but police say the men also stole dynamite from the Rock of Ages quarry in Bethel last summer. Police say the investigation into a recent home invasion in South Royalton led them to the men. ((Det. Brian Berry/Vermont State Police: "we received information that the individuals who committed this home invasion were also involved in the theft the the explosives. And we obtained information that these individuals were also involved in numerous other burglaries in the Randolph Bethel area.")) Police say the men brought he stolen loot-- mostly tools, firearms, and electronics-- to this home in Randolph were they traded it for drugs. The home's owner-- 38-year-old Douglas Finkle-- was arrested last week on federal drug charges. ((Berry: "this whole issue I think revolves around drugs and money. These are young adults that had a place to bring all the stolen property.")) Brady and Hill recently fled to Mexico and are currently in the process of being extradited back to Vermont. All four men will face charges of burglary and possession of explosives. ((Berry: "each of them may not have been together during each burglary, but all were involved in this burglary ring.")) ((Sullivan: "police say that other people have also been arrested in connection with this burglary ring, but they say the four men were at the core of the crime ring. Adam Sullivan, channel three news, from our Upper Valley Bureau."))

6} BURGLARIES_TAG

The men are expected to answer to the charges in court in January.

7} THOW2_INTRO

A Rutland man was sentenced today --- for causing a crash that killed his friend. Molly Smith has more on that.

8} THOW2_PKG

In March 2008 Richard Thow was driving on Cold River Road -- when he collided with a car driven by Jim Wetherby. Thow's passenger -- Joey Earle of North Clarendon -- was killed in the crash. A plea bargain gave Thow 9 months in jail - and required him to take driving safety course. Jim Wetherby and the Earle family argued for more jail time. ((20:11-25 Jim Wetherby/ Accident Victim: I would like the court to reconsider the charges of the sentence being handed down. I thought when you take another human life it is a felony and you are sentenced accordingly. I guess I was wrong.)) ((20-59-30:16 Joanne Earle/ Mother of Joseph Earle: We hope that this court finds that ricky thow's actions were more than careless and negligent, but criminal when you get behind the wheel of a car you are responsible for every life that's riding with you. If this court finds any less than I would have to ask where is the justice for joey?)) Thow did apologize to the family and the victim of the incident. ((Rick ThowI just want to say I'm sorry to you guys...)) Judge Zonay sentenced Thow. He accepted the plea bargain and tacked on an extra year of a license suspension. ((STANDUP---the earl family does not agree)) Thow was to report to the correctional facility by 5:00 thursday evening. Molly Smith Channel 3 News Rutland.

9} FETUSLAW_VOFO

A car crash this summer that killed a pregnant woman's unborn twins -- sparked a new bill to protect the unborn. Patricia Blair was six months pregnant when she was injured in a head-on collision on Route 7 in Bennington. Her unborn twins did not survive. Police say the driver of the other car -- Kelly Cook -- was under the influence of drugs -- but cannot be charged with the deaths because Vermont law does not define a fetus as a person. Now -- Bennington County Senator Dick Sears says he is drafting legislation to change that. Sears says the bill will be carefully written to avoid the divisive issue of abortion.

10} ESCAPE_FONT

Authorities in New York captured an illegal alien who escaped from custody last night. 42-year old Linda Bjork Magnusdottir of Iceland -- was waiting to be arraigned on federal charges for illegally entering the country yesterday in Plattsburgh -- when she asked to use the ladies room -- and then took off. Federal, state and local authorities launched a search -- and Magnusdottir was recaptured this morning at a convenience store on Route 3 in Plattsburgh.

11} LIEN_VO

A lien has been placed on some investments owned by the Burlington Catholic Diocese. A judged ordered the lien -- to cover a recent 2-point-2 million dollar jury award to a former alter boy. He was molested by a priest in the 1970s. The diocese says the lien will limit the programs and operations run by the church. Liens were also placed on the diocese following two earlier judgments.

12} MAMMORELLA_VO

A Williston man pleaded not guilty to bank fraud. 54-year old Paul Mammorella worked for Specialty Filaments -- where prosecutors say he inflated the company's worth to get large loans from Wells Fargo. Specialty Filaments went bankrupt in 2007. Mammorella's alleged actions cost Wells Fargo and the Vermont Economic Development Authority about one-million dollars. Mammorella faces up to 30 years in jail and a one-million fine if convicted.

13} MORAN_INTRO

One of the tenants involved in the renovation of the Moran Plant in Burlington announced today it is pulling out of the deal. So what effect will that have on the 21-million-dollar project? Kate Duffy reports there are differing opinions inside Burlington's city hall.

14} MORAN_PKG

Renovation of the old Moran Plant is still underway, but it will no longer be the future home of the Green Mountain Children's Museum. The board issued a statement saying "the economic climate has changed since the project began.... As a start-up nonprofit, it is especially vital that we acknowledge those changes." (11:04-16 kiss)((they all knew and we all knew this was the point where they had to say we're in or we're out. in that respect it's no surprise. the children's museum, they were challenged.)) The museum was to have joined the Ice Factor and the Community Sailing Center as tenants of the $21 million project. Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss says those tenants are still on board. The museum's withdrawal does not jeopardize the renovation or the city's commitment. (6:14-22 kiss)((we projected there would be 80 jobs and $2 million of activity at the site with a $6 million ripple effect and we're still proposing there be three tenants.)) (17:40-49 kate)((city hall will now be putting out a request for proposals for a new tenant -- hoping that the space that would have been occupied by the museum will provide a new opportunity for someone else.)) (1:26-32 bill keogh/city council president)((if he's going to put out that rfp, i guess he has hope for it. i don't share that hope.)) City Council President Bill Keogh has long called for the plant to be torn down. He says this is evidence the city should refocus its energy away from the renovation -- a project in which the city has already sunk nearly a million dollars. (1:34 bill)((there's not the economic draw for that location. there's a lot of problems with it, it's a unique building, and i just don't think it has the draw at this time under this economy.)) Kiss says even without the museum, he thinks the project remains a good investment for the city. (12:07 kiss)((we're going to do it and it's just a question of who joins us.)) Kate Duffy, Channel 3 News, Burlington.

15} MORAN_TAG

The board of the proposed children's museum says it will work to find another location in downtown Burlington.

16} 1STWX

We've got more rain and snow on the way..... We do! And guess who was out sailing today? Our own freshly retired Marselis Parsons! And he told me he wasn't the only one out there! There was a lull this afternoon, but there were some rain and snow showers earlier today, ...Enough snow in the mountains to close Smugglers Notch once again. We'll see if it's closed for the rest of the season or not. Here's what's going on on the radar, ....And you can see the lull in the action over the region through the middle of the day, but then late in the afternoon we saw the rain, and the mountain snows move back into the Adirondacks and while they are struggling a bit to move eastward, ...We are expecting some rain and snow showers to make it across into Vermont and NH. (**click**) Tomorrow, we may see a few snow showers in the morning, ...But we'll see some sunshine breaking through again for the afternoon. It will be chilly though, ... Especially tomorrow night with temperatures dropping into the 20s. The weekend is shaping up nicely, .. With quite a bit of sunshine and some moderating temperatures. Next chance for some showers comes on Tuesday, ...With a little bit of a cool down once again.

17} DATA_1_STANDUP

18} NEW_VO

Hundreds of new jobs could be coming to Vermont -- following a trip to Asia looking for foreign investors. Eleven companies went with Governor Douglas. The group found dozens of foreign investors interested in the E-B-5 program. That's where someone invests 500-thousand dollars in a business -- in a rural area or place with high unemployment -- to get a green card. Each investment has to create 10 jobs. Officials already announced a plan to bring a Korean company to the Northeast Kingdom - creating 200 jobs. But other businesses say they got commitments that will lead to at least another 400 jobs.

19} JOBS_SOTS

((tape 826 tc 16:59 Alan Cummings/Seldon Technologies: It gives us access to capital that we simply would not have - we're an R & D firm that is making the transition to manufacturing - and these funds we are looking for 40 investors - is going to permit us to put 168 jobs in Windsor. That's going to make a big difference when we complete this.//tc 6:05 Bill Stenger/Jay Peak: It was encouraging to me to see the response we got in China - and incredibly vibrant market - incredibly interested in this program.)) Officials say the top reasons investors use the program to get a green card -- is because they want to retire in the U-S -- or send their kids to college here.

20} TRUSTFUND_WHITE

Businesses and workers oppose plans to shore-up Vermont's sagging unemployment trust fund. Its set to run out of money next year - because of high unemployment levels. Its funded by a tax on business. The Douglas administration proposed raising taxes and cutting benefits to keep the fund solvent. But business owners told lawmakers they can not afford a higher tax -- and labor advocates say benefits are already too low.

21} FORUM2_INTRO

A plan to merge the University of Vermont with the five state colleges is not going anywhere. A task force voted down the proposal today. Keagan Harsha has more.

22} FORUM2_PKG

((NATS: 13:32-37 all in favor say aye... All opposed... It's unanimous.")) After 8 months of study -- and numerous public meetings -- it's official. An education task force has voted not to merge UVM with the five state colleges. ((24:17-23 Stephen MOrse/Task Force Chair: "there's just too many complexities and too much history to bring them together.")) ((15:57-00 Karrin Wilks/Vermont State Colleges: "the cost of merging would have been frankly, astronomical, with little savings perceived.")) Governor Douglas created the task force shortly after his inaugural address in January -- where he identified a potential merger as one of his top priorities. He hasn't yet read the panel's report -- but says colleges must cut costs. ((:40-47 Douglas: "we have to look in every nook and cranny. We have to look at any possibility for greater efficiency in state government.)) Panel members cited several reasons for their recommendation. A merger would require costly software updates and would create numerous legal complexities. UVM and the state colleges also have different missions and different organizational structures. ((29:58-03 Morse: "I went into this process thinking there had to be all kinds of duplication, and there really isn't.")) ((18:43-49 Wilks: "the university of vermont has a research basis and a completely different model than we do and a different tuition structure.")) ((10:03-17 Keagan harsha: "both institutions also worry a merger would negatively affect their reputations. The state colleges appeal primarily to students from Vermont -- many of them first generation students. While students from all across the country attend UVM.')) ((2:29-38 Enrique Corredera/UVM Spokesman: "we are very different and have different niches that appeal to different types of the population from around the state.")) The panel did recommend officials from both institutions meet annually to find ways to share resources. Both institutions say they will commit to that plan -- and will report annually to the governor and the Commission on Higher Education funding. Keagan Harsha, channel 3 news, montpelier.

23} FORUM2_TAG

The task force did identify several areas of curriculum where collaboration between the two schools is possible or is already occuring -- agriculture, education, engineering, and nursing.

24} DATA_2_STANDUP

25} LEDBETTER_VO

A former U-S Senate candidate in Vermont died today. Stewart Ledbetter passed away at his home at the age of 76. Ledbetter ran as a Republican against Patrick Leahy in 1980. He lost by fewer than 25-hundred votes. Prior to that he served as banking and insurance commissioner under Governor Richard Snelling. Ledbetter's son Stewart is a longtime reporter and anchor at WPTZ. We here at Channel 3 News send our condolences to Stewart and his family.

26} BERNHARDT_WHITE

Add another name to the possible candidates for Governor. Former State lawmaker Mike Bernhardt of Londonderry tells Channel 3 news, he is seriously considering a run. The former Republican minority leader in the Vermont House says he would not challenge Brian Dubie in a GOP primary. Bernhardt says if he runs, he will run as an Independent. Several Democrats have already announced they want to replace Jim Douglas who is NOT seeking re-election.

27} BINNIE_WHITE

In New Hampshire -- Another Republican is jumping into the race for US Senate. Bill Binnie from Rye is officially in the race. He is a businessman and a racecar driver. He owns Binnie Motorsports -- and the Wentworth by the Sea Country Club. Former New Hampshire AG Kelly Ayotte is also running as a Republican. Congressman Paul Hodes is running on the Democratic side.

28} SCOZZAFAVA_VO

New York Republican Dede Scozzafava may have been too moderate for the Conservative Party -- but another party thinks she's just right. New York's Independence Party wants Scozzafava to join. The state Assemblywoman slipped in the polls -- and dropped out of the state's 3-way congressional race last week. She then threw her support behind Democrat Bill Owens -- who ended up winning. The Independence Party says her record shows she can gain support from multiple parties.

29} GUARDTOWNS_VOFO

National guard members -- headed to Afghanistan -- come from just about every part of the state. The guard released a break-down of hometowns -- showing that guard members come from 258 different cities, towns and villages. Milton and Burlington are each sending 55 soldiers -- the highest number in the state. Other communities with higher numbers include St. Albans and Barre. All told, the brigade has 12-hundred-10 Vermonters. About 200 hundred other members of the deploying unit are from other states -- mostly New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

30} MOOSE_VO

Vermont Fish & Wildlife officials are calling this year's moose hunt a success. A preliminary count shows 516 moose were taken -- and they expect another 50 when all of the data comes in from reporting stations. That would still put the harvest below last year's take of 605.

31} 2NDWX_INTRO

32} 2NDWX_FORECAST

Tonight: Cloudy skies. Rain and snow showers. Trace-2" over 1500 feet. Lows: 27/34 Winds: Light Friday: Morning clouds. Chance of snow showers. Becoming partly sunny. Highs: 35/42 Winds: NW 5-10 mph Friday Night: Partly cloudy and chilly. Lows: 20/27 Winds: Light Saturday: Partly sunny. Highs: 43/50 Winds: S 5-10 mph Extended: Sunday through Tuesday. Sunday: Mostly sunny. Highs 45/52 Lows 30/37 Monday: Mostly sunny. Highs 47/55 Lows 33/40 Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, chance of rain showers. Highs 38/45

33} 2NDWX_OUT

34} SXTEASE_INTRO

Mike's in with our sports preview...the title is back in the Bronx... once the playoffs arrived the Yanks shifted into another gear... and last night powered their way to a 27th championship...

35} SXTEASE_PKG

((YANKEES)) Hideki Matsui tied a World Series record with six RBI and was named MVP in the process. The Yankees beat the Phillies 7-3, winning the Series in six games. It's the Pinstripes first championship since 2000. ---------------------- ---- ((CELITCS)) After five straight blowouts to start the season, the Celtics had to work all four quarters last night, holding off the Timberwolves 92-90 in Minnesota to improve to 6-0 on the season.

36} SXTEASE_OUT

Bruins hosting Montreal tonight. Boston's standout young forward David Krejci has been diagnosed with swine flu and has been isolated from his teammates.

37} CARS3_INTRO

In spite of the higher cost of hybrid cars, you're seeing more of them on the road. Now, a group of researchers is trying to find out just how good of a deal hybrids are -- especially with Vermont's long, cold winters. Andy Potter takes a look in part three... of our series -- on the car.

38} CARS3_PKG

This past summer the University of Vermont began a comprehensive study of hybrid cars. The Transportation Research Center converted a standard Toyota Camry into a hybrid -- powered by a combination of electric and gasoline. A second Camry was left intact. ((Karen Sentoff/UVM Transportation Center Graduate Student: "So we can really do a side-by-side comparison of these vehicles and what you're gaining, say, from having a hybrid system.")) Karen Sentoff and Mitch Robinson are graduate students at UVM. They're hooking up the hybrid to equipment that monitors the entire performance -- like the flight data recorder on commercial aircraft. After they're broken in, the cars will be road tested in real Vermont conditions. ((Sentoff: "We're getting second-by-second data so we can really see what the effects of, say, going up and down hills, or when you run into colder weather, we're really getting those variable effects and how that translates into emissions.")) Common sense tells you that hybrids use less gasoline. But how well do they actually perform in bad weather? The UVM study will provide answers, through technology. From the beginning, cars were the product of technology, the most significant being Henry Ford's innovation, the assembly line. By 1960, it may come as a surprise that BMW already was building the first Smart Car, now on display at Hemmings Motor News in Bennington. ((Reporter: "Can I get in?" -- Yeah... Welcome to the 1960s ... No seat belts!" -- laughs)) ((Skip Reed/Hemmings Motor News: "I'd still like to think that there are the modern day luxury cars and muscle cars, so to speak. But this kind of set the trend way back then in 1960.")) As technology evolves, some antique car enthusiasts believe the romance of the car -- the old status symbol of having the latest muscle car, for instance -- is receding into history. Maybe so. But the UVM researchers suggest that the younger generation may have a similar way of looking at the next generation of cars. ((Mitch Robinson/UVM Transportation Center Graduate Student: "These hybrids I think a lot of times, people just feel good about just the fact they're driving a hybrid, and it's a status symbol to a certain extent. You're saying, I actually care about the environment and about what's coming out of my car.")) ((Andy Potter reports: "These cars just recently arrived at UVM and so far, they've hardly been noticed. But that will change. They will be noticed when the hit the road for performance tests this fall.")) ((NAT: starting up the indoor exhaust system)) ((Richard Watts/UVM Transportation Center Director: "So the promise, the vision here, is that we could actually be running our transportation systems on renewable energy resources.")) Perhaps the car will never be the same. But the next generation is on its way. In one form or another, the car looks like it's here to stay. Andy Potter, Channel 3 news, Burlington.

39} CARS3_TAG

The UVM researchers say consumers just about break even over the life of a hybrid. What they save in gasoline, they spend on the extra cost of the car in the first place. Engineers are counting on improvements in battery technology to make real in-roads into hybrids.

40} HEADLINES_FONT

Still to come tonight - meet a big beauty from Ferrisburgh. Also - plans for a temporary ferry near the Champlain Bridge move forward. And a swine flu update is ahead in our HealthWatch.

41} WHO_WHITE

An update on swine flu from the World Health Organization. They say H1N1 has become the world's dominant flu virus -- and has crowded out seasonal flu strains. WHO also says the virus is not mutating much now -- but it probably will as immunity in the human population rises. The group says so far 20 countries have started to administer the pandemic vaccine and no unusual side-effects are reported.

42} FLU_VO

Swine Flu has shut down another school in the Northeast Kingdom. The St. Johnsbury Academy will be closed tomorrow due to illness. The Lyndon Institute is also closed until Monday -- 18 percent of the school's 600 students were out sick this week. That makes five Vermont schools so far to close because of high absenteeism. Officials say they're leaving the decision to local administrators... but closing school won't necessarily prevent students from catching the flu.

43} UPDATE_SOT

(18:49-16 patsy kelso/state epidemiologist)((the evidence from earlier in the spring with this virus is that closing school does not necessarily decrease transmission so the current guideline is keep school open if you can for practical reasons to allow the learning process to continue and recognizing that closing the school could have broader social implications, for example, some kids get their meals at school, parents work and aren't home during the day.)) The state is getting more doses of the H1N1 vaccine every week, but continue to ask people who are not at high risk to wait to get vaccinated. For a link to a complete list of clinics for the general public... click on the "i" -- on wcax dot com.

44} MASKS_WHITE

So will wearing a surgical mask protect you from getting swine flu? The C-D-C says no -- because there is no hard evidence they can prevent a person from getting sick. Masks can block some germs -- but they quickly become moist from exhaled air, and lose their ability to act as filters. That's HealthWatch, Darren.

45} TOPSTORIES_VO

State Senator Ed Flanagan will NOT be charged in connection with allegations he inappropriately touched himself in public. That's one of tonight's top stories. The allegations arose after two members of the Burlington YMCA claimed they caught Flanagan performing a sexual act . Flanagan denies it. The prosecutor says Flanagan is not responsible for his actions because of brain damage he suffered during an accident four years ago. State police say they've busted a HUGE burglary ring. Police arrested four people who allegedly broke into more than a hundred homes and businesses in the Upper Valley. And a tenant proposed for the re-developed Moran Plant in Burlington -- is pulling out of the deal. Officials with the Green Mountain Children's Museum cite the recession as the reason. But city officials say the 21 MILLION dollar project will still move forward.

46} TEN_FONT

Tonight at 10 - the latest on Burlington Telecom. How did the company end up millions of dollars in the hole... And can it survive? Bianca Slota gets to the bottom of the Telecom Trouble at 10 on Comcast 168... Or over the air on 3.2.

47} ATR

48} BRIDGE_VO

Site work is underway to see if a temporary ferry service can be set up near the closed Champlain Bridge. UVM students are conducting an archaeological survey on the shore near the bridge. The states will need a variety of permits before putting a road and parking lot to accommodate ferry traffic. Transportation officials also brought in a drilling platform to determine if soil conditions are right to build a temporary ferry dock. Earlier this week they drilled at one potential site. They did not find ideal conditions -- but they're awaiting further analysis.

49} HALFMARATHON_WHITE

Plattsburgh is hosting its first half-marathon. The city council has approved the 13-point-1 mile road race on April 18th. Up to 5-hundred runners will be allowed to participate. The entry fee is 40-bucks.

50} SEGWAY2_VO

Is there room on the Burlington bike path for Segways? A group called 802-segway wants to offer tours on the bikepath. Segways are those upright rolling scooter-type vehicles ..

51} ALLEN_SOTVO

((00:51:20-01:11:22 Steve Allen/ Commissioner Chair:// Our policy has always been that no motorized vehicles are allowed on the bike path. But apparently these kinds of vehicles are not classified as motorized vehicles by the state.)) Burlington's Parks and Recreation Commission wants to hear from residents before making a decision on whether to allow them.

52} WHITEMOUNTAINFEES_WHITE

The White Mountain National Forest is waiving day-use fees on Veterans Day. Fees will remain in effect for overnight camping, cabin rentals, permits and reservations. That's News Around the Region, Kristin.

53} 3RDWX

More signs of the season ....With snow in the mountains. ... And a little more on the way for tonight as well. What we've already seen earlier today, has been enough for Route 108 through Smugglers Notch from Stowe to Jeffersonville to be closed once again. Officials don't know yet if it will be open again any time before spring. It will at least be closed through Friday, and if the snow melts again it could reopen for a little while until the road finally closes for until spring. On top of Mount Mansfield today. ..we picked up just a trace of snow today, ... And tomorrow, we may see a few more snow showers in the morning. The summits will be in and out of the clouds, and temperatures will be in the mid 20s. (**click**) on Lake Champlain ...For the die hard sailors like Marselis who just don't know when to give the season up! We are expecting NW to be decreasing during the afternoon to 10-15 knots, and the waves will subside to 1-3 feet during the afternoon. (**click**) Around the rest of the region .....It will be chilly as well, with temperatures only reaching the upper 30s in the Adirondacks and NEK, ...Low 40s for the Champlain Valley, Upper Valley and southern areas. We may see a few snow showers scattered just about anywhere in the morning, but we'll see increasing sunshine again during the afternoon. The weekend, ... Looking pretty good! Lots of sunshine especially on Sunday and again on Monday. Tempertures will be moderating as well, ....Getting back up into the 50s again, but they'll retreat once again on Tuesday and into the middle of next week with more rain and snow showers.

54} DATA_4_EVENEWS

55} WORLD_SERIES_VO__L3RD_

Throughout this decade, the New York Yankees have committed billions in salary in their quest to win another World Series title. This offseason, you could argue that they finally spent that money wisely, bringing in a durable ace in C-C Sabathia and a proven hitter and stellar first baseman in Mark Teixeira to pair with A-Rod in the middle of the order. Pair that with the ageless quartet of Jeter, Pettitte, Posada and Rivera and it's a recipe the Yankees return to the top of the baseball mountain. Game six of the World Series last night... Pedro Martinez trying to keep the Phillies season alive, but he could not get Hideki Matsui out...bottom of the second...Godzilla mashes a two run home run deep to right to put the Yanks on the board... --- then in the third... New York loads the bases with two out... Martinez facing Matsui again...hard single to center...Jeter and Johnny Damon score... it's 4-1...Pedro didn't have it... giving up those four runs in four innings ... --- Pettitte up to the challenge of pitching on three days rest... gets the inning ending double play in the fifth...Pettitte gives up three runs in five and two thirds innings ... --- I said Martinez was done after four, but Matsui was not done hitting...two on in the sixth...a hard shot off the wall in right center... Teixeira and Rodriguez score that gives New York a 7-1 lead... Matsui ties a World Series record with six RBI...he was named the Series MVP and later said that he considered this the best moment of his life... --- Philly with a chance to get back in it in the seventh...down 7-3 ...two on, two out with Chase Utley at the plate...five homers in the series, but Damaso Marte strikes Utley out on three pitches to end the threat and end all hope for Philadelphia ... --- because Mariano Rivera takes over from there ...two outs in the ninth...Shane Victorino grounds to Robinson Cano for the final out of the game ... and let the celebration begin. For the first time since 2000 and the 27th time in franchise history, the New York Yankees are champions of baseball. They win game six 7-3 and take the series four games to two.

56} YANKEES_TAKE_SOT

((Rodriguez/"It's been a special year. I know it started rocky for us. But we certainly played like champions all year and with a lot of heart.")) ((Jeter/"It's fun. They're like brothers. I've been with them for 16, 17 years. Half a life we've been playing together, throughout the minor leagues and up here. It's fun to be a part of it with them and share it with them.")) ((Girardi/"I really believed in this club. I've always believed in this organization. The job the Steinbrenner family has done, Cashman and his staff. It's where we wanted to be and the guys did it."))

57} GIRARDI_WHITE

Just hours after winning the World Series, Yankees manager Joe Girardi also added a save to his resume. While driving home following the victory celebration, Girardi stopped to help a women involved in a single car crash on a suburban parkway. The first officer on the scene saw Girardi out on the road trying to flag down assistance for the driver, who was shaken up but unhurt.

58} HS_SOCCER_WHITE

The high school soccer finals are set. It all happens Saturday. Eight games spread out among four sites across the state. The Division One finals will take place at Burlington High School. After losing in the quarters a season go, the CVU boys play for a seventh championship in eight years against Burr & Burton at 11. The Burlington girls in the final for the third straight year. They take on CVU at two. Randolph the host site for the D-2 finals. The girls open at ten with second seed Milton facing number four Harwood. The boys follow at one. Top seed Springfield against the cinderella of the weekend, number seven Missisquoi. For the Division Three finals, we'll go to Vergennes. The unbeaten Mill River girls take on defending champs Peoples at ten o'clock. The boys final at one will see Stowe against Winooski. The D-4 finals originate from the College of St. Joseph in Rutland. 17-0 Sharon meets Black River in the boys final at ten. 16-1 Arlington battles 16-0-1 South Royalton in the girls championship game at one. We'll have all the highlights and reaction Saturday night at seven and eleven.

59} DATA_5

(tape 569 18:42) ((Anson Tebbetts/3 news "i"m Anson Tebbetts in Ferrisburg. We will meet Pippi....and her owner...an amazing story...as the channel 3 news continues..."))

60} ICECATS_SOT

The UVM men's hockey team gearing up for a showdown with number eight UMass-Lowell tomorrow night at Gutterson. After a tremendous start to the season, including a win at top ranked Denver and a convincing victory over Boston College, the Cats have backtracked with two road loss at Merrimack and Maine. Even though there's a lot of hockey left to be played, coach Kevin Sneddon knows the team has some work to do to regain its edge. ((Sneddon/"Mentally we were a little bit fragile, or very fragile, going into Maine and the challenge for us this week is to try to get out of that. So it's all about us this week. I think in some respects I've always been a firm believer that adversity can make you stronger. This blip in the map right now is not always the worst thing in the world. You certainly want to win every game you play, but if it makes us stronger in the long run we'll endure this tough time and hopefully be better for it."))

61} BRUINS_WHITE

Coming off back-to-back shutout losses, the Bruins host the Canadiens tonight at the Garden. It's the first meeting of the season between the rivals. Already without injured forwards Marc Savard and Milan Lucic, David Krejci will miss tonight's game after being diagnosed with swine flu. The Bruins say the 23-year-old will be kept away from the club until he has no symptoms or fever for 24 hours.

62} CELTICS_TAKE_VO

NBA...Kevin Garnett and the Celtics back in KG's old stomping grounds...Minnesota... --- that means a reunion with former Celtic Al Jefferson...early on ...Jefferson...nice pump fake and in for the jam...two of his 18 points... --- fourth quarter...game tied at 84...Paul Pierce...into the paint...hoop and the harm...the three point play puts Boston up three... --- late fourth...Boston down one...Garnett with the nice look inside to Rajon Rondo ...Rondo a team high 18, KG 12 points and 11 rebounds... Boston holds the T-Wolves to two points in the final four and a half minutes and the C's stay perfect, improving to 6-0 with a 92-90 win.

63} SPORTS_OUT

64} QUARTERHORSE_INTRO

The Quarter Horse was a breed cowboys used to round up the cattle. These days it can be found in the show ring. That's were pick up this story in Addison County. When Pippi arrived in Ferrisburg she was a mess. But today this 13 year old is a champion. Anson Tebbetts shows us why.

65} QUARTERHORSE_PKG

(tape 569 29:22) ((Michele Racine/Ferrisburg "I have had Pippi for two years and it's a fun story")) Before we get to Pippi's story...let's back up--and start with Michele Racine's story. (tape 569 15:14) ((Michele Racine/Ferrisburg "I was cursed with the horse addiction at an early age. My parents tried to cure me. But there was no hope. It has been a passion of mine since I was a little girl and I am permanently afflicted with the horse show disease")) Racine's partner in this life long passion is "Perfect Pleasure"---or "Pippi" for short. (tape 569 5:15:21) ((Michele Racine/Ferrisburg "a lot of credit goes to her, she is good girl")) and a champion. (tape 569 7:24) ((Michele Racine/Ferrisburg "well it was our first year showing there. And I was hoping I would not trip and fall.")) Not even a stumble ..... At a competition in Columbus Ohio called the Congress, Pippi finished second out of 120 horses in her class. (tape 569 6:12) ((Michele Racine/Ferrisburg "you are judged on precision and of course you can do it quickly. That's extra bonus points.")) simply--- it's a dance between "pippi" and Michele..... Not an easy feat: (tape 569 11:29:15) ((Michele Racine/Ferrisburg "she is not supposed to ever pick up her right hind foot. She is going to spin around and the right foot is not going to move.")) This pattern must be met with promptness and precision. This showmanship never would have happened if Michelle had not taken Pippi in...The quarterhorse was destined to become a rescue case--but when Michelle took Pippi in--they bonded and worked. And now are winners on the national stage. (tape 569 10:01:15) ((Michele Racine/Ferrisburg "I practice everyday. And it is something ....A lot of luck. I was very lucky")) and so is Pippi---to find a partner like Michelle. Anson Tebbetts channel 3 news Ferrisburg. -3-

66} QUARTERHORSE_TAG

Michele is not sure what is next for "pippi". She thinks the horse would make a great partner for a young woman who wants to start showing horses....just like she did when she was a little girl..

67} 4THWX_FORECAST

68} CHAT

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