Tue 11 P.M. News Script

Tue 09-MAR-2010 11 P.M. News Script

1} FINANCES_LVSD

Good evening, I'm Melinda Davenport, Kristin has the night off. And I'm Darren Perron. The city of Burlington says it's cash flow situation is just fine - despite concerns from its bond-rating agency. Moody's Investor Services announced yesterday that it was downgrading the city's credit rating by two notches. With more on what that means - Bianca Slota joins us now from the newsroom. Bianca? Melinda, Darren .... This credit downgrade comes as the city owned Burlington Telecom seeks to borrow more than 50 million dollars to pay off its debt. The change could impact both that borrowing - and future borrowing.

2} FINANCES_PKG

Moody's Investors Services cited Burlington Telecom's oustanding 17 million dollar debt to the city in its explanation of why the city's credit rating was lowered two notches. It said BT's inability to pay that debt could create long term cash flow problems in the city. (( tc 1:05 - :14 Jo Bradley, Vermont Economic Development Authority "I believe the rating was dropped with a negative outlook, which means they're quite concerned about the future.")) But the city's Chief Administrative Officer - Jonathan Leopold - says there is nothing to be concerned about at this point. At the end of the day - Tuesday - the city had about 14 million dollars in its general fund. Leopold says that's more than enough to cover the city's current bills. (( tc :59 - :10 Jonathan Leopold, Burlington CAO: "The situation with our cash flow is pretty similar to what it's been for the last 18 months, actually 2 years, and we manage our cash flow very carefully.")) Leopold says a cash flow outlook predicts the city will be fine through the end of the fiscal year - on June 30th. And despite concerns that the 17 million owed by Burlington Telecom has the city strapped for cash - Leopold says it's managing just fine. (( tc 2:02 - :15 Leopold: "The burlington telecom debit to pooled cash has been about 17 million now for more than a year, so it's not, we've managed quite well for the last year and I expect we'll continue to do so.")) So the city does not anticipate having to borrow money to pay its bills anytime soon.

3} FINANCES_TAG

Moody's plans to review the city's finances again in 90 days. It's unlikely that Burlington Telecom will be able to pay back the city before then - so there is a possibility the rating could be lowered again - or stay where it is... depending on the overall cash situation at the time. Melinda... Thanks Bianca.

4} LEGIS2_VO_WIPE

Vermont democrats say they're close to fixing the state's budget crisis -- withOUT raising taxes. The shortfall is 150-million dollars. And now Democrats say they can pare it down to ten million. They're counting on 40 million in savings -- from making state government more efficient -- 20 million in changes to salaries and benefits for state employees and teachers -- and about 15 million dollars in cuts to service programs.

5} BUDGET_SOT_OC

((tape 830 tc 20:10 Sen Shumlin: We have to balance this budget without new taxes - Vermonters can not afford higher taxes - so we have to make the tough decisions here.)) ((tape 46 tc :45 Neale Lunderville/Vt administration secretary: until they close the whole gap and see what they are offering it will be hard for us to tell but the governor has been clear we need to make long term sustainable solutions.)) Democrats hope to adjourn by the end of next month.

6} MARKET_INTRO

It's been exactly one year since the stock market bottomed out at a 12 year low. Today stocks saw little movement -- with the DOW down 13 points -- the NASDAQ was up nearly 6 -- and the S and P down less than a point. Alexis Christoforous has more on a year spent rebounding from the depths of the recession.

7} MARKET_PKG

(PKG) What a difference a year makes. The Dow finished up over 10-thousand, 5-hundred points - a far cry from the closing number one year ago. (Jason Weisburg, Seaport Securities) (too quick!!) SOT WE'VE SEEN THE WORST.. WE'VE BOTTOMED The financial meltdown plunged the country into a recession that sunk the stock market to a 12 year low. The free fall finally stopped when banks that struggled through the credit crisis started reporting profits.. and the housing market began showing signs of improvement. Wall Street has made a remarkable turnaround. (GFX) The Dow up 61 percent The Nasdaq 83 percent And the S&P 500 - the basis for many retirement accounts - up 68 percent. (Alexis Christoforous, Wall Street) (:42-:55) BRIDGE Most of Wall Street is betting the recovery will continue. Big banks are thriving after taking billions in tax payer bailout money.. and businesses are starting to show a profit. But cash strapped Americans are still skittish. MOS NO I WOULDN'T INVEST RIGHT NOW MOS I FEEL VERY UNCERTAIN ABOUT THE MARKET MOS I HONESTLY DON'T TRUST IT OR THE GOVERMENT Investors are still wrestling with a weak housing market and nearly 10 percent unemployment. Wall Street would like President Obama to focus on creating jobs. (Jason Weisburg, Seaport Securities) (1:15-1:21) SOT WHAT WE NEED RIGHT NOW IS THE CONSUMER BACK AND WASHINGTON TO MAKE SOME FORWARD MOTION. Traders say actual job growth could speed the recovery.. and propel the Dow to 12- thousand by the end of the year. Alexis Christoforous, CBS News, Wall Street.

8} WHITENOSE_VO_WIPE

A rapidly spreading bat pandemic -- could sweep across the country. That was the warning from Senator Patrick Leahy today -- to the Interior Department Secretary. Leahy urged the secretary to increase funding for research into White Nose Syndrome. He says the disease has the potential to wipe out bat species. That could devastate farmers crops -- and impact quality of life for people.

9} LEAHY_SOTVO

((21:10:00 agricultural areas are just going to be devastated and human populations are because of the huge increase in flying pests.)) White Nose Syndrome first appeared near Albany, New York in 2006 -- and spread to Vermont caves the following winter. Last month -- it was found as far south as Tennessee.

10} LAKE_VO_WIPE

The environmental protection agency is reconsidering its approval of the Lake Champlain clean up plan. The EPA signed off on the state's plan in 2002 -- but paperwork filed yesterday -- to suggest that it does not think the state has made adequate progress in reducing pollution levels. Governor Douglas called the decision an insult to everyone who has worked to clean-up the lake. Douglas says more than 100-million dollars has been spent on clean-up efforts. He also notes that the EPA continues to endorse the exact same clean-up strategy on the New York side of Lake Champlain.

11} DOUGLAS_SOTVO

((Jim Douglas/Governor-VT: whats so disappointing is we're the only place in the country that has taken it this seriously there are other TMDL's that have been approved and other watersheds across america but none other has been funded as well as ours has been worked on as diligently by public and private organizations so why the lake champlain TMDL when we're making this commitment and this progress.)) Since 2002, Vermonters have invested more than 50 million dollars into this project -- and an additional 56 million in federal funds have been spent on the plan.

12} MTSNOW_VO

A big fine -- for one of Vermont's biggest ski resorts. Mount Snow has agreed to pay 95-thousand dollars -- to settle a civil case -- brought by the attorney general's office. According to the state, the ski resort improperly handled -- and mismanaged hazardous materials. The violations were discovered in 2008. The state says the resort has since fixed the problems.

13} TOWNMEETING_FONTS

It was town meeting day in New Hampshire and two communities were voting on upgrades to their school buildings. In Lebanon -- voters approved a plan to build a brand new Middle School -- with almost 66-percent of the vote. The measure needed 60-percent to pass. The vote was 1993 in favor. 1035 opposed. And in Claremont -- voters BARELY passed a 23-million dollar bond measure for improvements to their high school. It too needed 60-percent of the vote -- and got 60-point-1 percent. The vote there was 1346 to 893. A recount is expected. Claremont also passed their district school budget.

14} DCMARRIAGE_VO

It's official -- same-sex couples are now free to marry in Washington DC. The city's mayor signed the new law back in December. It took effect today - and there were celebrations across the capitol. DC becomes the 6th place in the country to allow same-sex unions. DC's mayor also argued that this was an issue of social justice. He claims the city's same sex couples shouldn't be denied the rights other spouses have.

15} STOLEN_VO

Police say a they've caught a fish ... Crook. Surveillance video last Tuesday from Noah's Ark Pet Center -- shows a man scooping 340 dollars worth of tropical fish from the store's saltwater tanks. He then left without paying. Colchester police say the thief is 35 year old Robert Hintze (HINTS) of Richmond. The fish have been returned to the store.

16} FISH2_SOTVO

((Fred Ashworth/Noah's Ark Pet Center: 11:00: The fish seem to be fine. They've adapted well coming back in, and they seem glad to be home.)) Noah's Ark didn't have any trouble identifying Hintze -- saying he gave the store his business card a month before, because he is a fish breeder.

17} 2WAY

Coming up -- raising big bucks in the race for Governor -- Brian Dubie holds a major event... plus, he tried to blackmail David Letterman -- and now he's headed to jail... It was another sunny day today with temperatures topping out in the 40s. It looks like we'll get in one more nice day on Wednesday, with some changes on the way for the rest of the week. Here's the wake up weather. Skies will be clear to start the day on Wednesday. Temperatures will begin the day in the 20s. We've got some wet weather ahead for the end of the week. The complete forecast is coming up..

18} DUBIE_VO_WIPE

Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie celebrated his 51st birthday tonight - by holding a fundraiser for his campaign for governor. More than 400 people sang happy birthday to Dubie - at the DoubleTree hotel in South Burlington. Each person contributed 51 dollars - in order to attend the event...with some donating more. Before it even began the event had already raised more than 100-thousand dollars.

19} FUNDRAISER_SOTVO

(( tc :41 - :54 Corry Bliss, Brian Dubie Campaign Manager: "As far as I know this is the biggest event that a candidate has ever had in the state of Vermont, I know that party - you know sometimes a party will have a big event, but I think this sets the record for a candidate, so we're very very excited. We're very humbled.")) Dubie will not face a challenger in the primary election - so the money he raises will go directly toward defeating his Democratic - and possibly Progressive - opponent in the general election.

20} CUSI_INTRO

The Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations and the Children's Advocacy Center in Burlington -- have a new way to help sex crime victims. Jack Thurston tells us how.

21} CUSI_PKG

This colorful art was made by children who are victims of sex crimes. Detectives and counselors alike say the kids are more likely to speak freely when they can paint or color. ((Sarah Morrison Yeats/Art Therapist: 16:39: They aren't being pressured in a question-and-answer format. This sort of gives them a multi-sensory approach to therapy and they're apt to share a lot more in this environment.)) Now the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations and the Children's Advocacy Center are taking counseling to a new level. They will start offering several 8-week therapy groups for child and teen victims of sexual abuse and their non-offender relatives. ((Lt. Scott Davidson/CUSI Director: 14:44: Clearly, the dedication to the victim is a priority of CUSI and making sure we follow up in the future with the victims of these heinous crimes.)) ((Jack Thurston: CUSI handles about 400 cases a year. These therapy sessions will only deal with closed cases, so that victims can continue the healing process even after legal proceedings end.)) The sessions will be confidential and led by licensed mental health counselors. The goal is to encourage healthy lifelong communication focusing on the victims' personal growth. Siblings who may have been confused by trips to court or changes at home -- will also be welcome. ((Kristine Bickford/Children's Advocacy Center: 27:04: So we're hoping these groups will be a venue for them to come in and speak to one another.)) The sessions will be free -- paid for by a crime victim's compensation fund if insurance doesn't cover the cost. The advocates expect referrals from school guidance counselors or physicians and will reach out to past clients for therapy groups that start in mid-April. Jack Thurston, Channel 3 News, in Burlington.

22} UVM_VO_OC

Women professors at UVM -- will get a hearing before a state panel this week. The faculty union says five female assistant clinical professors -- in the nursing school -- are being paid less than their male counterparts. The union claims a man -- with similar education and credentials -- was hired 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.

23} LETTERMAN_VO

A former CBS producer admitted he tried to shake down David Letterman. Last fall -- the host of the Late Show went public about having sex with women who worked for him. That's because he was being blackmailed -- by Robert Halderman -- who threatened to expose the affairs -- unless Letterman paid him 2-million dollars. Halderman pleaded guilty to grand larceny today. He'll spend six months in prison.

24} WX

25} FORECAST

Tonight: Clear skies. Lows: 18/25 Winds: N 5-10 mph Wednesday: Sunny skies. Highs: 45/52 Winds: Light Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows: 20/27 Winds: Light Thursday: Increasing clouds. Chance of a late day shower. Highs: 43/50 Winds: SE 5-10 mph Extended: Friday through Tuesday. Friday: Showers likely. (snow showers, mountains, NEK) Highs 48/55 Lows 33/40 Saturday: Periods of rain. (possibly mixing with snow, PM, ..NEK) Highs 45/52 Lows 35/42 Sunday: Periods of rain. Highs 43/50 Lows 30s Monday: Chance of rain/snow showers. Highs 43/50 Lows 30s Tuesday: Partly sunny. Highs 40/47

26} WX_OUT

27} ART_VO_WIPE

The Vermont statehouse added to its art collection today. Three works were unveiled -- a woodcutting of the statehouse and two portraits. One portrait is of Martin Chittenden. Chittenden was elected to the U-S House of Representatives in 1803. Then beat out his brother in law to become governor in 1813.

28} WORK_SOTVO

((tape 833 at 6:26:28 Gov. Jim Douglas/R-Vermont: he served nearly two centuries ago and we're so honored to get the latest ina series of missing gubernatorial portraits here on display at the statehouse)) The other portrait is of Levi Morton. The Shoreham native represented New York in Congress and later become governor of the Empire State. Morton also served as Benjamin Harrison's Vice President from 1889 to 1893.

29} SUGARING_INTRO

Temperatures in our region are almost "spring like" -- and that means the sap is already running. Photographer Lance MacKenzie takes us to the sugarbush -- where syrup producers are working overtime.

30} SUGARING_PKG

((sorry, no closed captioning))

31} SPORTS

32} UVM_HOOP_SOT_VO

It's back to work for the UVM men's basketball team. The Cats will take on Boston University Saturday in the America East championship game. That game will be a noon tip-off at Patrick Gym and Vermont's seniors are thrilled to have one more game at home. ((Joseph/"It's definitely a good feeling to play one more game in front of our fans. I guess the stars kind of lined up perfectly for us to come back home. Everyone losing who needed to lose. It's definitely a good feeling to come back and play on more time at Patrick Gym.")) ((Vier/"This is everything we wanted. Couldn't have written a better script. A lot of people were hoping this was going to happen and we couldn't be happier for the fans and the community here in Burlington.")) ((Blakely/"Just to have it here, the buzz in practice, even off the court, it's crazy. A lot of times we could take that and turn it into over-excitement and be too excited to play. But we've just got to settle down and focus, know the things that we do well and come Saturday we've got to do them.")) Marqus Blakely is one of ten players named to the All-District I team by the U-S Basketball Writers Association. District I is made up of Division One teams from Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Blakely led the America East in steals and blocks, was second in points, rebounds and field goal percentage and is the conference defensive player of the year for the third year in a row.

33} BEVERLY_TAKE_VO

The Vermont women will be on the road for the America East title game. The Cats travel to Hartford Saturday night at 8pm. The Hawks will be without one of their top players, defensive player of the year Erica Beverly, who tore a knee ligament in Hartford's semifinal win Sunday.

34} LADY_CATS_TAKE_SOT

((Dawley/"We'll approach the game the same way. It might ignite Hartford a little bit more than had she been healthy. I think both teams are just trying to keep the mindset that we have to put our best product on the floor Saturday and represent our schools the best way we can.")) ((Kotsopoulos/"Our hearts go out to Hartford and to her especially because she's had a great career at Hartford. She's a great competitor, great player. We're upset she's not in the game and we want to play against here, but unfortunately she got injured and we hope the best for her in the future.")) ((Sheftic/"It's not going to change how we play at all. Primarily we need to have very strong post defense. We're obviously expecting a lot of pressure in the paint from (star Hartford forward Diana) Delva still. Certainly we're not going to change anything there and they're good three point shooters, so I'm sure we're going to be working very hard on close outs and that sort of thing."))

35} VT_HOCKEY_SOT

After holding on for the eighth and final playoff spot in Hockey East, the UVM men will take on top seed New Hampshire in the quarterfinals. The best of three series starts Friday night in Durham. ((Sneddon/"I wouldn't view the numbers...I think home ice is very important and New Hampshire has done a great job in that building over the years and certainly this year in league play. So I don't want to downplay the significance of home ice. Aside from that, I don't think there's a huge difference between your one seed and your eight seed talent-wise and the same can be said for any of the other matchups. Everybody's going to have a real tough time in this first round. There's no question about it. I like playing on that big ice now that we have some more speed, more skill and guys who know how to play the game on a big sheet. So we'll see how we do."))

36} BRUINS_VO__L3RD_

Bruins in Toronto... with Tuukaa Rask injured, Tim Thomas making his fourth straight start...he's 2-1 with a 1.97 goals against in the first three games... --- third period...B's up 3-2...former UVM star Viktor Stalberg circles in front of the net...fighting for the puck it's knocked to Luca Caputi...he ties the game... Stalberg gets an assist... --- under three to go... former Bruin Phil Kessel breaks in, but Thomas makes one of his 26 saves...we're heading to overtime... --- final minute of OT... Toronto charging... Michael Ryder dives to stop the pass and takes out Thomas in the process... allowing Nikolai Kulemin to net the game winner...Boston falls in overtime 4-3.

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