Thu 6 P.M. News Script

Thu 01-JAN-2009 6 P.M. News Script

1} FIRSTRUN_INTRO

Good evening and Happy New Year, I'm Kristin Kelly. And I'm Marselis Parsons. Temperatures in the single digits, below zero wind chills -- most folks think days like these are best spent inside by a fire. But for hundreds of die-hard runners -- today was the perfect day to hit the street. Beth Parent takes us out on Burlington's First Run!

2} FIRSTRUN_PKG

((8:03tc...runners set, goooooo )) It's a race hundreds look forward to every year. ((Jessica Cover/Richmond 4:40ish tc... this is just a great way to let off some steam and get yourself out of bed on new years day)) And with wind chills below zero -- what a way to wake up! ((Chris Coffey/Monkton 14:26tc... it's different, I ran two or three miles before the race to warm up)) ((Joe Connelly/First Run 1:39tc...running is always good for you, you can always cover up, it's 5k so you're not out there that long. )) The First Run is a three mile race through the streets of Burlington. This is the 21st new year's day run -- and every year more and more runners are drawn to the course. This year, over 400 runners participated. ((Joe Connelly/First Run 1:01tc... i think its the resolutions thing, they've been committed for the last couple of weeks, I'm going to get my year off on the right foot it doesn't matter whether its cold or snowing, or 45 degrees, they'll come out on this one.)) And no matter what the weather -- for most folks, this race is all about style... ((Stephanie Howell/Essex Junction 2:58tc...REP: how tough is it going to be to run in that? HOpefully not very, I am also not looking to break any records so I think that will be fine, because it bells out, there's quite a bit of room under there. )) From Christmas trees -- to Olympic Champions -- to fast food... There was something for everyone. ((Jessica Cover/Richmond 4:19tc ...oh this is easy, compared to the past couple of years, I was a champagne bottle a couple years ago and that was really hard. )) Chris Coffey's 18 minute finish time nabbed this avid runner first place -- and maybe a new way to train! ((Chris Coffey/Monkton 14:04tc ...I didn't even have a watch today I just ran with the leaders out at the front and hoped for the best )) Win or lose -- the goal of the race is to get more folks interested in running and healthy lifestyles all year long -- costumes are optional! Beth Parent ... Channel 3 News ... Burlington

3} FIRSTRUN_TAG

More than 30 children participated in a one-mile run -- right before the first run.

4} FITNESS_INTRO

Vermont state employees are also vowing to get in shape this year. It's part of a nationwide contest challenging state leaders to set an example. Kate Duffy reports the payoff is in calories -- and in cash.

5} FITNESS_PKG

Labor Commissioner Patricia Moulton Powden says she spends a lot of time sitting at her desk. But she plans to be more active in 2009. (25:08-19 patricia moulton powden/ vt labor commissioner)((it's always a new year's resolution, lose weight, get healthy, stop swearing -- you can edit that part out -- lose weight and get more exercise. i figured this is a good motivator.)) The motivator -- a new competition between the governors and cabinets of twenty states. She's one of about twenty Vermont officials taking part. (24:22-30 powden)((i'll get started in the new year, i'll dig in every day, do my two miles, so yeah, i'm looking forward to it.)) (3:51 heidi tringe/vt secretary of civil & military affairs)((we've got our little pedometers ...)) It's called Capitol Steps -- and pedometers will measure how many steps people take during the two-week challenge. (4:07-13 tringe)((we hook it right in and it downloads right to your computer so there's no cheating.)) Heidi Tringe stepped up to the challenge. She's in charge of tracking everyone's daily progress -- here and through the other states' online updates. (4:59-5:06 tringe)((if texas starts getting ahead of us, we can get our folks out at night, in the morning, taking the stairs every day.)) (1:32-39 kate duffy/montpelier)((the goal of the contest isn't just to get state leaders in shape, but to get everyone thinking about working fitness into the new year.)) (11:18-32 gov jim douglas/r-vermont)((we have a real problem across america with obesity. it's fast becoming the biggest killer. we have to be sure if we're going to contain health care costs and improve the quality of life for the people of our states that we focus on keeping people fit.)) It's not just bragging rights on the line. The winning state gets $50,000 toward its childhood obesity program from the contest's sponsor, Virgin HealthMiles. (24:57-25:03 powden)((i think it's exciting, a good opportunity, a good motivator. and vermont will uphold it's reputation as the healthiest state.)) A reputation it wants to keep in 2009. Kate Duffy, Channel 3 News, Montpelier.

6} FITNESS_TAG

Participants here say they have to be a little more creative in getting all their steps in. Vermont has a disadvantage the southern states don't have -- snow on the ground.

7} SESSION_VO

Vermont's legislature is considering a change to its schedule -- that would give it time to see what federal aid comes in -- before making more cuts to state programs. Governor Jim Douglas says two ideas are being considered. One is to convene, have the inaugural ceremonies, appoint committees, and then break until Congress acts. The other is to begin the session as scheduled -- and break around Town Meeting Day, depending on the status of things in Washington.

8} DOUGLAS_SOT

(8:59-9:16 gov jim douglas/r-vermont)((it 's hard to know, though, when the federal government will act. there are a lot of practical considerations such as legislators having rented places to live and taken leave from their jobs beginning the first of the year, so there are a lot of considerations before making that decision, but i certainly wouldn't dismiss it.)) Douglas said whatever approach they choose, lawmakers should keep session the session as short as possible to keep costs down.

9} HISTORIC_VO

Vermont's historic sites could face major changes -- as the state deals with a 66-million dollar budget shortfall. The state operates 16 historic sites. But only the Bennington Battle Monument makes a profit. The others cost about one-and-a-half million dollars to operate. Some options being looked at -- reducing staff and the number of days open at each site -- and restricting capital projects. Another option would to close, sell, or lease sites that are not heavily used.

10} YANKEE_VO

Negotiations have hit a snag over the price Vermonters should pay for power if Vermont Yankee is relicensed. Vermont gets a third of its power from the nuclear plant in Vernon. The current cost is half as expensive as the cheapest alternatives. Vermont utilities are negotiating a new contract to start in 20-12. They hope to maintain a favorable rate. But the plant owner --Entergy Nuclear -- says they have already agreed to a revenue sharing plan that will pay the utilities 938 million dollars. Entergy says it cannot offer a low price of power in addition to that. Some lawmakers disagree with Entergy's tactics - but say it's not their role to get involved.

11} NUCLEAR_SOTS

((tape 674 tc :20 Rep. Tony Klein/D-East Montpelier: The House side is not going to be negotiating power contracts - that's the utilities statutorial responsibility - and that is not our purvay at all. So - I don't know what they are thinking.))((tape 614 tc 1:55 Dottie Schnure/GMP: We are in the process of negotiating a new contract. Certainly the new contract power will be more expensive then the existing contract - but our intention is that we will be able to negotiate a contract that is advantageous to our customers.)) The power deal is contingent upon Vermont Yankee receiving a new license to continue operating past 20-12. Regulators and lawmakers want to see a price agreement -- before they decide if the plant should be relicensed. Tomorrow night we'll take a closer look at where lawmakers stand on Yankee's future.

12} CAR_VO

Starting this year -- Vermont will require a new label on automobiles that are sold in the state. The manufacturers already post a lot of information on new cars. But a law passed by the 2007 legislature will require more -- a sticker detailing not only fuel economy -- but also the volume of greenhouse gases the vehicle produces.

13} LABELS_SOTVO

((Harold Garabedian/Vt. Natural Resources Agency: "What this sticker does is tell you about how much global warming gases the vehicle will emit and how much health-threatening smog gases the vehicle -- there's sort of two pieces to the label. And so those are other aspects of vehicles that I think consumers need to be aware of.")) The law was modeled after similar legislation in California. It will apply to 20-10 model-year cars -- which will begin appearing on car dealer lots later this year.

14} RAISE_WHITE

Vermont's Congressional delegation is getting a raise effective today. The pay for senators and congressmen went up by 2-point-8 percent.. an automatic cost of living increase that they did not have to vote on. Senators Sanders and Leahy and Congressman Welch will now make 174-thousand dollars a year. Some critics of this "automatic" raise have said congress should rescind the raise in these tough economic times. We were not able to reach our men in Washington for their reaction to that idea.

15} 1STWX

It has been a pretty cold day again today! It really has! Especially this morning when the wind chills were still pretty brutal! But the good news is, ...The winds have settled down a bit....the temperatures did struggle through the single numbers above zero today, ...BUT, ... Temperatures will be taking a dive this evening, and be below zero in most areas,. ...But after midnight tonight, our temperatures will actually be rising tonight, ...And tomorrow, it will be much more tolerable. ...Temperatures will reach the 20s once again, which is about where we expect them to be for early January. There will be another fast moving clipper system, that will be brining a little more snow into the area. Look for some light snow to be developing later in the day and continuing into the evening hours, .... Amounts will generally range from about a trace to 3 inches in most areas. Then we'll see a fairly quiet weekend. There will be the chance for some lingering snow showers on Saturday morning, but otherwise it should be dry with reasonable temperatures.

16} FATAL_MAP

A young woman from Willsboro, New York was killed in an early morning car crash. Police say 25-year old Ryan Bruno was driving on Route 22 in Essex, New York when he lost control of his car. He went of the road and slammed into a tree. His passenger, 23-year old Keshia Pierce, was pronounced dead at the scene. Bruno is listed in critical condition at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington. The investigation continues.

17} RETURN_VO

All of the families displaced by a propane leak in Chelsea have been allowed to return to their homes. About 40 homes were evacuated -- after propane began leaking from a delivery truck. It slid of the Pepper Road Tuesday -- and started leaking when crews tried to lift it from the embankment. The smell of propane went through the village -- and there were fears of an explosion. After the truck was pulled from the ditch Wednesday, residents were allowed back home.

18} REDCROSS_INTRO

The American Red Cross set up a shelter for those displaced during the incident. It was one of many recent response efforts for the central Vermont chapter -- and officials say that resources are running thin.

19} REDCROSS_PKG

Red Cross volunteers turned this Church in Chelsea into a shelter giving residents a place to come in out of the cold and sleep if need be. ((John O'Farrell/ American Red Cross: "When we got the call early in the morning, we were able to dispatch a number of volunteers from all over central Vermont from as far away as Moretown to as far south in our capter as Lebanon New Hampshire. To go to the church, to be able to set up the shelter and to be able to start cooking up some food. Not only for the residents but for the first responders as well.")) The recent ice storm also prompted the non-profit to set up emergency shelters around the state. This fire in Lebanon left 27 people homeless-- the Red Cross provided relief. The organization has responded to dozens of incidents like it in 2008. But, they all come with a cost. Officials from the Central Vermont Chapter-- which also covers the New Hampshire side of the Upper Valley -- say that money it tight. The non-profit relies solely on community support. ((O'Farrell: "well we are concerned about it all the time.")) O'Farrell say that his chapter has already expended 60 percent of the annual budget this year-- and he says the fiscal year is not even half over yet. ((O'Farrell: "we are extremely reliant on the individuals and corporate contributions that come in.// During tight economic times, it all comes down to doing what makes your heart feel good.")) ((Sullivan: "O'Farrell says that the organization also relies on community partnerships to help pick up the tab during relief efforts. But he also says that no matter what the cost, the mission of the Red Cross is to be there for those who need it most. Adam Sullivan channel three news, in West Lebanon New Hampshire."))

20} PETMASKS_VO

Vermont has the highest rate of household pet ownership in the United States. The American Veterinary Medical Association says 74-percent of Vermont homes have pets. And now -- the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association wants to make sure those pets stay safe. The VVMA is outfitting fire and rescue squads with pet oxygen masks -- to use if an animal has suffered smoke inhalation at a fire. First responders will be equipped with a set of three oxygen masks -- that fit over animals' muzzles. For a list of participating vets and rescue squads -- go to wcax.com. We have a link for you. The non-profit organization, Save the Greyhound Dogs, has a similar program.

21} PARADE_VO

A man from Underhill got to enjoy a special New Year's tradition as a reward for his devotion to organ donation. Jim Carter was invited to ride on the Donate Life float at the Rose Bowl. He lost his daughter Andrea in a car crash in 1990, and six of her organs were donated to others in need. Since then, he has visited high schools and civic groups more than a thousand times -- urging people to talk to their families about being organ donors. He said the parade would give that message an international platform -- it's seen by millions of people all over the world. Carter was one of 26 people on the float whose lives were changed by organ donation.

22} FLOAT_SOTVO

(15:50-16:05 jim carter/road on rose bowl parade float)((very special people. not all are donor families, some are living recipients, a 17-year old girl who got a kidney who would be on dialysis now // or a 74-year-old man who got a heart transplant who i'm sure would otherwise be deceased right now. There's a lot of people who have really amazing stories on there.)) Carter said it seemed appropriate that the float he was on would be near the Clydesdales -- his daughter Andrea loved horses.

23} DATA_2_STANDUP

((You've heard of skiing and snowboarding, but here's a sport you're probably not familiar with. I'm keagan Harsha, coming up on the channel 3 news we introduce you to the sport of snowbiking in this week's destination recreation ...... Nats of biking thru snow."))

24} BABY_INTRO

For many people -- a New Year brings hope for the future. One woman in Colchester is feeling hopeful and grateful ... but she has a lot of work ahead of her. Jack Thurston introduces us to one of the first new moms -- of 2009.

25} BABY_PKG

The New Year was just under two hours old when Lillian Victoria Bessette arrived, weighing in at six pounds nine ounces. ((Amy Farrar/New Mom: 2:30: We're all doing great.)) The birth marked the end of a long week for mom Amy Farrar. The Colchester woman has been at Fletcher Allen since early Tuesday morning. ((Amy Farrar/New Mom: 3:14: It started Monday night with her. It took a long time, but it was worth it.)) She's expecting a lot of hard work in the weeks and months ahead ... First finishing off a nursery then the likelihood of sleepless nights. It's all part of the job of motherhood -- and Farrar says she can't keep her eyes off her new daughter. ((Amy Farrar/New Mom: 5:36: I haven't let her go very much since she was born, not more than a few minutes at a time and I take her right back.)) The name -- Lillian Victoria -- was an easy choice. ((Amy Farrar/New Mom: 3:42: Both her great-grandmothers were named Lillian. And her grandmother passed away at Thanksgiving. She was Victoria, so we used those names.)) Mom is just excited about the little things that come with her first child. ((Amy Farrar/New Mom: 2:43: Watching her grow. Just watching her change every day.)) And little Lillian will do a lot of that in 2009 -- this baby New Year. ((Amy Farrar/New Mom: 5:07: No one should forget this birthday at all!)) Jack Thurston, Channel 3 News, in Burlington.

26} 2NDWX_INTRO

27} 2NDWX_FORECAST

Tonight: Increasing clouds. Chance of snow showers after midnight. Lows: 5/-10 (temps rising after midnight) Winds: Light Friday: Cloudy skies. Chance of snow showers. T-3 inches Highs: 22/28 Winds: S 10-15 mph Friday Night: Snow showers likely. Some light additional accumulation. Lows: 8/16 Winds: W 5-15 mph Saturday: Chance of snow showers, AM Becoming partly sunny. Highs: 15/22 Winds: NW 15-20 mph and Gusty Extended: Sunday through Tuesday. Saturday Night: Lows 0/10 Sunday: Partly cloudy. Highs 24/30 Lows 5/15 Monday: Chance of snow. Highs 24/30 Lows 5/15 Tuesday: Cloudy. Highs 24/30

28} 2NDWX_OUT

29} SXTEASE_INTRO

Mike's in with our sports preview...a new tradition... this is pretty cool ...both literally and figuratively... for the second straight new year's day...the NHL taking it's game outdoors...

30} SXTEASE_PKG

((NHL)) In front of a crown of over 40,000 at historic Wrigley Field ...the Chicago Blackhawks jump out to a 3-1 lead against the Detroit Red Wings. But the Wings respond with five unanswered goals and beat the Blackhawks 6-4. --- ((COLLEGE FOOTBALL)) Speaking of tradition ...nothing goes together quite like new year's day and college football. Five bowl games to open 2009, including the first two big bowl games of the season... --- ((SPORTS GENERIC)) And believe it or not, this was the least dangerous stunt attempted last night in Las Vegas.

31} SXTEASE_OUT

32} SNOWBIKE_INTRO

Vermont's ski season is in full swing -- but if you're tired of sliding down the mountain the old fashioned way -- there's a new adventure waiting at some Vermont resorts. Keagan Harsha explains in this week's Destination Recreation: Winter Edition.

33} SNOWBIKE_PKG

There are a lot of things you expect to see sliding down the mountain at Sugarbush resort.. ((nats)) But this isn't one of them. ((35:17-25 Brooke Scatchard/Snowbiker: "No one has really seen anything like this in the east before and so it's a big deal. People are excited.")) It's called a snow bike -- the hybrid of a mountain bike and a pair of skies. ((46:01-07 Scatchard: "it's an amazing feeling. It's not like skiing or biking. It's like a perfect blend of both of them.")) ((NATS)) ((13:34-39 "gravity is gravity and fun is fun. I think it's just another way of looking at the mountain.")) 26 Year old Brooke Scatchard came up with the design. The UVM graduate is an avid mountain biker and skier and has spent the last 11 years tweaking his product. ((47: 45-48??? nats explaining pivot system??)) This one-- called the sike -- is designed for cross country treks and snowmobile trails. ((8:06-09 Aaron: "the rear tire does sink just a little bit in the snow, so it's kind of like riding on sand.")) The drifter has two skies and no wheels -- best suited for the ski slope. ((45:42-53 Brooke: "I call it the drifter because the turn you're doing, you're not carving, you're just totally drifting, sliding the turn and it's a really cool feeling. It's like the perfect turn on a mountain bike.")) ((56:40-52 Keagan Harsha/Sugarbush: "the challenge to this sport is trying to control your speed. The key is to turn uphill into the slope, and you use your feet if you have to.")) Only two ski resorts in Vermont currently allow the bikes: sugarbush and Jay Peak. ((nats)) Some prohibit them -- because they're difficult to load on a chairlift. (( "as long as it's safe and they have laniards. That's our biggest concern about letting people slide on a different vehicle so to speak.")) ((NATS: 26:56-58??? "here we go.")) Brooke is working to find a manufacturer to mass produce the bikes. ((42:35-38 "I work probably ten hours a week on these.")) The downhill bike sells for anywhere from 8-hundred to a thousand bucks. The cross country bike -- about 5-hundred dollars. ((35:56-03 Brooke: "there's a lot of mountain bikers that don't ski, so i'm hoping they will be interested in getting up on the mountain. It feels much similar to mountain biking.")) While some don't know what to think.... ((7:28-31Brooke: "some people will actually stop and ask, what the heck is that thing?")) Others can't wait to try it. ((23:32-38 "when I saw that I was like holy, that's something everyone should try.")) ((1:05:17-25 J.J. Toland/Sugarbush Resort: "no one thought in 1982 that snowboarding would become the force it is today. Will it happen to snowbiking? I guess that the market will have to decide that one.")) ((34:53-59 Brooke: "i think this is the year it's going to blow up and really get more than me and a few people riding them.")) ((22:20-24 "it's so popular every time I go out. Just a huge crowd.")) An adventure to remember -- and a new way to play in the snow.

34} SNOWBIKE_GREEN

While snowbikes are relatively new to Vermont -- the first was actually developed in Austria in 1949. The sport didn't really catch on in the U.S. until about ten years ago. Sugarbush actually used to rent out about two dozen snowbikes -- but they weren't very popular and that was discontinued. Those bikes were very different from the ones today -- and that's why Brooke is hopeful his version will catch on. Marselis. Thanks Keagan. For more information about snowbiking, just visit the destination recreation tab at wcax.com.

35} HEADLINES_FONT

Coming up in our second half hour ... the Year in Pictures. Sharon will have a look back on all of the weather highs and lows from 2008. And in our healthwatch ... a medical odditity in the maternity ward. Here's Kristin.

36} TWINS_INTRO

For a British couple -- new babies who beat the odds. They just welcomed their second set of twins -- who are definitely NOT identical. Karen Brown explains.

37} TWINS_PKG

A British couple has defied the odds again ... Giving birth to a second set of black and white twin girls... (SOT-Dean Durrant, Father:) "I WAS AS BLOWN AWAY AS THE REST OF THEM, YOU KNOW, THERE IS NO EASY WAY TO EXPLAIN IT ALL. I FEEL LIKE I'M STILL IN SHOCK MYSELF EVEN THOUGH THE FIRST ONES WERE SEVEN YEARS AGO. IT'S AMAZING, BUT WE JUST LOVE THEM THE SAME." Seven years ago Alison Spooner and Dean Durrant welcomed daughters Lauren, who takes after her mother, and Hayleigh, who takes after her father. When the couple announced earlier this year that they were having another set of twins... they didn't think lightening would strike twice... (SOT-Alison Spooner, Mother:) "I HONESTLY DIDN'T THINK THAT IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. I THOUGHT THAT WE'D HAVE TWO OF THE SAME. WELL I DIDN'T THINK THAT WE'D HAVE TWINS AGAIN FOR A START." This time baby Miya has her father's dark skin... While Leah looks like her mother. Doctors say the phenomenon is so rare that there are no statistics to illustrate the probability of it happening... (SOT-Dr Sarah Jarvis, Royal College of General Practitioners:) "EVEN NON-IDENTICAL TWINS AREN'T THAT COMMON. NON-IDENTICAL TWINS FROM MIXED PARENTS, OF DIFFERENT RACES, LESS COMMON STILL. TO HAVE TWO EGGS FERTILISED AND COME OUT TWO DIFFERENT COLOURS, LESS COMMON STILL. SO, TO HAVE IT HAPPEN TWICE MUST BE ONE IN MILLIONS." The twins were born premature last month and breathing problems kept them in a special care unit for a few weeks. But the family is all home now... Looking forward to a happy health new year times two. Karen Brown CBS News.

38} TWINS_TAG

For a link to more on fraternal twins -- visit the HealthWatch InfoCenter on wcax dot com. That's HealthWatch, Marselis.

39} TOPSTORIES_VO

Vermont's government is shaping up ... and that is one of tonight's Top Stories. About 20 state employees will be doing a lot of walking over a two week period -- measuring their steps on pedometers. Vermont is competing with 19 other states. The winner gets 50-thousand dollars toward its childhood obesity program from the insurance company sponsoring the contest. Starting this year -- Vermont will require a new label on automobiles that are sold in the state. The sticker will detail the volume of greenhouse gases the vehicle emits. The law effects all 20-10 model year cars. Governor Douglas says he's not opposed to a mid-session break for the Vermont legislature. The idea being floated is to adjourn for period of time until Congress passes an economic stimulus plan. Douglas there may be reasons why that won't work, but he won't rule it out.

40} TEN_FONT

It was a cold New Year's Eve ... does that mean it was a quiet one for bars and restaurants? We'll have that story tonight on the Channel 3 News at 10:00. It's on our digital channel -- WCAXtra. You can find it on Comcast cable channel 168 or over-the-air at digital 3-point-2.

41} ATR

42} ROBBERY_WHITE

In news Around the Region... police in Rutland are investigating a robbery at Rite Aid. A man with a gun walked into the pharmacy on West Street last night-- and handed employees a note demanding drugs. Police say he got away on foot with prescription meds.

43} BLODGETT_VO

Police in Burlington are warning the public about a high risk sex offender now living in the community. Donald Blodgett has just completed a sentence for molesting a 12 year old girl and a younger boy back in 2003. The 37-year-old did not complete sex offender treatment and is considered a risk to re-offend. Police say Blodgett gains access to his victims through his family -- or through families he befriends. Police say he is expected to be homeless -- in the Burlington area.

44} HINSDALE_WHITE

A lawyer for the bankrupt Hinsdale Greyhound Park says account holders at the track are out of luck. Lawyer John Sullivan says bettors who still had money in their accounts when the track closed last month probably will recover 10 to 25 cents on the dollar. Sullivan says that's because the park owner kept quiet about his intent to file for bankruptcy so he could pay his workers -- and keep bettors from withdrawing an estimated half million dollars from their accounts.

45} MANCHESTER_WHITE

Manchester voters will decide in March whether to allow larger buildings to be built downtown. The proposed changes would increase the allowable size for buildings to 15-thousand square feet on Depot Street .... and 7,000 square feet on Route 7A South. The Select Board and the Planning Commission support the move. That's News Around the Region, Kristin

46} WX2008_INTRO

Sharon is going to look back at the weather of the past year, ...And there is a lot of variety in the weather in this area! That's what keeps my job interesting, ...And it's when we look back like this, that it really sinks in, all of the interesting things that have been happening over the past year. We remember the biggest snowstorms of the year, usually. Depending on how much we had to shovel, or whether we got stuck in it. And we remember when spring finally came, ...Or if it rained too much on our summer vacation. And of course, we remember what kind of foliage season it was. How colorful, and if we got one of those early snowstorms! When we look back at the past winter, we have to include December of 2007, ...Because that is part of the past winter season. And December of last winter, was when we got the most snow of the winter, with 45 inches, but February came in a close second with another 42 inches of snow. The coldest temperature in Burlington, was -12 on Feb 29th. (**click**) Spring never comes too soon for us, and in March of this year, we did pick up another 13 inches of snow. But there was almost no snow in April, and we actually had fewer April showers than normal. (**click**) Not to worry though, we made up for that with more than enough rain during the summer, especially during the month of July. More than 7 inches of rain, kept the fields muddy and spoiled a few outdoor BBQ's. (**click**) And fall? We did get a little snow in October to add some highlights to our fall foliage. And in November, ...We did pick up a little bit of snow here and there, .... (**click**) but it wasn't until this past December, we just got through, that once again, we picked up some significant snow. 40 inches in Burlington,....a lot of shovelling, especially the week before Christmas. There you have it. ...a weather geeks fond look back at 2008. We can only hope that 2009 will be as interesting!

47} CLASSIC_VO__L3RD_

For the second straight season, the NHL rings in the new year with an outdoor game. Last season, Pittsburgh knocked off Buffalo in a shootout at a sold out Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, home of the NFL's Bills. Today, the scene shifts to the Windy City and iconic Wrigley Field for an Original Six showdown between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings. pretty easy to pick out Wrigley today in Chicago...a jam packed crowd of 40, 818 filling the home field of the Chicago Cubs... the weather...a mild 32 degrees with 18 mile per hour winds... --- this one looked and kind of was played like a pond hockey game...action galore ...first period...game tied at one... Chicago's Kris Versteeg behind the net...behind the back pass to Martin Havlat ...that gives the Blackhawks a 2-1 lead ... --- final minute of the first...Ben Eager with the puck deep...fights off the defender then slips the puck around the net and past Ty Conklin...3-1 Chicago after one... --- second period...here come the Red Wings... now down 3-2...lots of traffic in front of the Chicago net...Jiri Hudler camped on the near post...he pokes the puck in to tie the game at three... --- late in the period... Red Wings break out... Pavel Datsyuk splits a pair of Blackhawks and beats Christobal Huet ...down two after one, Detroit leads 4-3 going into the third ... --- and they don't slow down...three minutes into the third... Detroit on the power play and it's Brian Rafalski...his fifth of the year...that makes it 5-3... --- 16 seconds later... more Detroit pressure pays off...Brett Lebda with the big blast... it was originally disallowed...but replays showed the goal was good... Red Wings score five unanswered goals and beat Chicago 6-4. Former UVMer Patrick Sharp with a lone assists for the Blackhawks in the loss.

48} BRUINS_WHITE

The Bruins open 2009 against the same team the faced to close out 2008. Boston hosting Pittsburgh tonight at the Garden. The B's picked up their ninth straight win with a 5-2 defeat of the Penguins Monday night in Pittsburgh.

49} PATRIOTS_WHITE

The Boston Herald is reporting that Patriots vice president Scott Pioli has a deadline of today to decide if he will take over as the top football executive of the Cleveland Browns. A Cleveland paper says there is no deadline. The Herald also reports that if Pioli accepts the Browns job his top choice to replace Romeo Crennel as head coach is Iowa's Kirk Ferentz.

50} CAPITAL_VO__L3RD_

As a college football team, you have two goals every year. The first, play for a national title. If you can't do that, then you want to play in a New Years Day bowl game. Five on the schedule to kick off 2009. 15th ranked Georgia and number 19 Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl...third quarter...Georgia trailing 6-3...Matthew Stafford goes up top ...35 yards to Michael Moore...Bulldogs take a 10-6 lead... --- final seconds of the third...Stafford to the air again...Aron White brings it in... 21 yards...17-6 UGA... --- in the fourth... Spartans chipping away ...Javon Ringer pounds in it from a yard out ...two point try fails ...Michigan State down 17-12... --- they'd get no closer ...Stafford...to Knowshon Moreno... third touchdown pass of the half...for Stafford... Georgia doubles up Michigan State 24-12.

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right here on Channel Three...it was Nebraska and Clemson in the Gator Bowl... third quarter...Cullen Harper down the middle to Jacoby Ford for 41 yards and the Tigers take a 21-10 lead... --- here come the Huskers ...Joe Ganz steps up in the pocket and connects with Todd Peterson...19 yards for the score...it's a 21-17 game... --- later in the third... the lead down to one ...Nebraska's Rickey Thenarse blocks the Clemson punt...that leads to the go ahead field goal for Nebraska...and the Huskers defense takes over from their, shutting down Clemson the rest of the way... and Nebraska wins 26-21.

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South Carolina and Iowa in the Outback Bowl...opening drive for Iowa...Richard Stanzi caps it with a six yard touchdown toss to Trey Stross... 7-0 Hawkeyes... --- early second, it's 14-0 Iowa...South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia looking to the endzone, but it's picked off by Bradley Fletcher...one of five Gamecock turnovers in the game... --- still first half... Shonn Greene caps a big first half for Iowa with his third touchdown of the game ... Greene rushes for 121 yards and those three scores...Iowa wins 31-10.

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The Granddaddy of Them All underway right now in Pasadena. The 2009 Rose Bowl...the traditional Big Ten-Pac Ten matchup. Fifth ranked USC facing number six Penn State. Both teams 11-1 and both feeling like they should be playing for the BCS title. Right now it's 24-7 Trojans in the 2nd. We'll have highlights from this one tonight.

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Later tonight, the second of the big bowl games. It's the Orange Bowl in Miami. Big East champ Cincinnati takes on ACC winner Virginia Tech. 8:30pm start in Florida.

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It's would be the new year without some X-Games types trying something really stupid. Las Vegas last night ...this is Ryhs Miller... trying to become the first person to perform a backflip in a truck...he crashed in an attempt early in the year, broke his back and spent two months in traction... --- Miller hits the ramp ...completes the backflip, but when the truck lands the momentum flips it over and the truck comes to rest on its side. Miller would get out of the truck under his own power and was unhurt... --- but that wasn't the end of the stupidity ...meet Robbie Maddison...last new year's eve Maddison set a new world record by jumping over 322 feet...back in Vegas last night...Maddison jumped over 100 feet into the air...landing on a scale model of the Arc de Triumph... --- as dangerous as that was...it's wasn't the dumbest part of his stunt...this was... Maddison dropping off the top of the building...falling some sixty feet before hitting hard on the landing ramp...but he kept the bike upright. Maddison tore a gash in his left hand while holding onto the break when he hit the ramp, but otherwise the Australian was unhurt.

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2008 is in the history books -- and it was full of powerful images. Our videotape editor Bethany Platt brings you the Year in Pictures.

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Sorry, no closed captioning.

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Again, Bethany Platt put together those pictures for you. You never see Bethany, but you see her work every day. She is invaluable to us.

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