Tue 6 P.M. News Script

Tue 17-NOV-2009 6 P.M. News Script

1} JOBS_INTRO

Good evening, I'm Darren Perron. And I'm Kristin Kelly. New Hampshire's North Country has been hit by hard times. Coos County has the highest unemployment rate in the state. And the jobs that are available are not being filled. Adam Sullivan tells us why and what's being done to try to solve the problem.

2} JOBS_PKG

((nat: Lynch)) New Hampshire Governor John Lynch addresses area business leaders in Lancaster with one focus-- jobs. Three years ago, Lynch formed a Jobs Cabinet-- which holds regular roundtable discussion like this one-- to brainstorm solutions to challenges that hamper economic growth. In this region of the state-- the ailing paper industry almost always takes center stage. ((Jack Devitt/Owns Trucking Company: "we don't have the lumber mills, we don't have the paper mills. Whether we are hauling the raw product from the woods or the finished products from the mills to the markets, they are not here any more.")) Devitt owns a trucking company-- an industry that he says has fallen on tough times. Somewhat ironically, Devitt does have job openings-- but, can not find the skilled workers to fill them. ((Devitt: "it isn't like getting your hands dirty anymore, its very technically orientated and to find people to do that, its difficult.")) Educating a skilled workforce was echoed by other businesses at the roundtable. A representative from White Mountain Community College in Berlin says that there is always the need to do better. ((Kathy Eneguess/White Mountain Community College: "we assisted people with upgrading their skills. People need to know that so they can go get those jobs. Our students who come and get their associates degrees, those are the ones who do get hired.")) ((Gov. John Lynch: "it falls on education, but it also falls on businesses so businesses give the feed back to the schools in terms of what they ned from the students.")) ((Sullivan: "there are currently about 50 thousand Granite Staters out of work. This roundtable is designed to address the needs of businesses not only to employ those people but to create new jobs throughout the region. Adam Sullivan, channel three news in Lancaster New Hampshire."))

3} JOBS_TAG

For more on the Jobs Cabinet -- visit the InfoCenter at wcax dot com.

4} FISCAL_VO

Vermont lawmakers learned more today about the state's financial crisis. Over the next two years -- the budget is facing a 200-million dollar shortfall. Lawmakers heard from economists and state officials about what's expected to be one of the toughest budget years ever. Last session -- democrats passed their own budget -- in place of Governor Douglas' spending plan. It included a mix of tax increases and program cuts.

5} BRIEFING_SOT

((tape 772 tc 2:35 Rep. Shap Smith/D-Vermont House Speaker: I think we are going to need to look at what the challenges are in front of us -- and my sense is that it's going to have a lot to do with the changing of the way we deliver services. KC: So no tax increases this session? Speaker Smith: I never like to say never but I would think it's mostly on the side of expenditure reductions.)) Officials say the economy may have bottomed out in Vermont -- but the recovery will be slow and painful -- and the recession could last until 2013.

6} HOFFMAN_VO

He conceded the race in the early hours after election night. But now Doug Hoffman is taking it back. The special election for New York's 23rd Congressional seat was two weeks ago today. Hoffman - the conservative candidate -- conceded the race that night to democrat Bill Owens -- who has since been sworn into office. Now a re-canvassing of the district has revealed Owens is only ahead by 3-thousand votes. And there are still 10-thousand absentee ballots to count.

7} WOOTTON_SAT

A Lamoille County jury is deliberating whether an off-duty Essex police officer is guilty of animal cruelty. Brian Joyce is live at the courthouse in Hyde Park with our report. Darren/Kristin - a jury of seven women and five men has been deliberating three and half hours to decide the fate of Essex Police officer Michael Wootton. The state says it was animal cruelty when he chose to shot his neigbor's dog. Today Wootton told the jury he did not want to kill the neighbor's dog -- but he had no choice.

8} WOOTTON_PKG

Michael Wootton was the final witness in his own defense at his 2 day trial. ((tape 309A tc 47:54 Michael Wootton/Killed Neighbor's Dog: " I felt I was watching the death of my dog.")) The 35-year-old Essex police officer fought back tears as he told the jury that he was off-duty last April when he spotted his 15-pound dog Yoda in a neighbor's yard being viciously attacked by the neighbor's 80-pound pitbull Hooch. ((tape 309A tc 46:45 Michael Wootton/Killed Neighbor's Dog:"I've been around dog fights before and this wasn't it. My dog was pinned to the ground. It would be lifted up, shaken by its neck. 46:56 The noise that my dog made will forever stay in my mind. 47:01 It was a horrific sound of a dog being killed. 47:08 And I will never forget it. 47:12 The sight of my dog being shaken by its neck, this is a 15-pound dog and an 80-pound dog attacking it. It had no chance and it wasn't, didn't have the ability to fight back.")) Wooton says he had no chance to get Hooch off his dog -- so he ran back to his home -- got a handgun -- ran back -- and when he still could not safely stop the attack -- he shot Hooch once in the stomach to save his dog's life. Five other neighbors testified that over the past four years Hooch had a history of jumping his fence and terrifiying them -- their children -- or their pets. But the state says Wootton is guilty of animal cruelty because he passed up chances to break up the fight -- and chose to shoot Hooch with lethal 45 ammo when he could have wounded the dog with birdshot.

9} WOOTTON_TAG

Again the jury started deliberating three and half hours ago. They asked to hear a readback of testimony from the only eyewitness to the shooting who claimed Wootton had chances to save Yoda without shooting Hooch. It's uncertain how long they will deliberate this evening but the judge will probaly let them decide how long theuy will go. Brian - what kind of injuries did Wootton's dog suffer in this fight? brian answers

10} REHM_INTRO

A Morrisville man was in court today -- on charges he stole a tour bus. 38-year-old Jacob Rehm ("reem") admits he took the bus to Connecticut -- he even posted video of his trip on YouTube -- but he says he just borrowed it. As you might imagine, the bus company sees it differently. Kate Duffy reports.

11} REHM_PKG

The journey Jacob Rehm called the "Fabulous Bus Ride" ended Tuesday -- in court. The 38-year-old Morrisville resident was charged with trespassing, theft, and operating a vehicle without the owner's consent. (7:14 rory malone/public defender)((enter a plea of not guilty on all three counts.)) Rehm is accused of stealing this bus from Lamoille Valley Transportation two weeks ago. He does not deny he made the trip -- he posted video of himself driving it on YouTube. (13:20-27 rehm)((it just sort of developed. i didn't plan it, i didn't plan to make the youtube video until i began thinking, oh there's a song that goes with this.)) (nats music from video) He and a friend headed for Pennsylvania but turned around after reaching Connecticut. The bus company reported it stolen, and police spotted it in St. Johnsbury the next day. Rehm said he didn't steal the bus, just borrowed it. (12:35-53 rehm)((it was spontaneous, completely spontaneous. my friend said, well did you call the bus to ask? and i said, in a manner. i was inspired. i felt inspired. and i want to say i'm a professional bus driver, i know what i'm doing.)) (29:48-51 joel prive/lamoille valley transportation manager)((the way i was brought up, when you take something without asking it's stealing.)) Rehm had worked for the bus company for about three weeks back in 2006. (33:26 nats)((this is the bus, yep.)) Its manager said when Rehm was cited, he showed no remorse -- or knowledge he put the company at risk legally and financially. He says Rehm didn't take responsibility for his actions on the bus -- or in court with his plea of not guilty. (30:19-27 prive)((i find it ridiculous that our court system even allows a plea like that when you post on the internet yourself with that vehicle in ct.)) (30:36-43 prive)((he was in the bus, it was removed from the yard, he didn't have permission, it's just ridiculous. he's guilty.)) (38:50-59 kate duffy/hyde park)((the court ordered jacob rehm to undergo a competency hearing. rehm says he has nothing to hide. kate duffy, channel 3 news, hyde park.))

12} REHM_TAG

The bus company is upgrading security on its property -- adding gates, fencing and lights -- to reduce the risk of this happening again.

13} SCHANTZ_NY

As we told you Doug Hoffman has taken back his election night concession. So -- what does this all mean? And what are the chances Hoffman actually won this race? For the answers -- we turn to Harvey Schantz -- a political science professor at Plattsburgh State. He's live in our Plattsburgh Bureau tonight. Thank you for joining us. Harvey, you've followed this race closely from the start. I think the big question here -- Owens has already been sworn in. Can the seat be taken away from him? Did Hoffman concede too early? And does a concession really mean anything. Or is it the votes that count? Who are the people that voted absentee -- Fort Drum Soldiers? And what are the chances Hoffman would have enough votes to overcome the deficit? Race got national attention -- with Republican Dede Scozzafava dropping out. Because Hoffman -- the Conservative -- gained more support. Political Scientist Harvey Schantz -- thank you for joining us.

14} 1STWX

Nothing but sunshine.... Nothing but sunshine! And clear skies at night. Great for Leonid viewing, ...And tonight should be the night. I did take a quick look last night, just in case, and saw just one. But It was early, and I didn't stick with it long, ..Others I know saw more if they got up early this morning. Tonight will likely be better, with the next two opportunities for possible peaks being either tonight at about 10pm, ...Or again early tomorrow morning at 4am, ...All I've got to say is there had better be at last some action later this evening, because early morning may not be happening for me. (**click**) Tomorrow, ...Once the sun comes up, we are again expecting a very sunny day. Temperatures a little milder than today, as today we barely made it into the 40s. Tomorrow we'll see 50s in the Champlain Valley. Thursday, ...Also a sunny and mild day, ...There will be the chance for some showers Thursday night and during the day on Friday. And then we return to more traditional November weather with lots of clouds and some scattered showers over the weekend. We may even see a few snow showers across the mountains.

15} DATA_1_STANDUP

16} HOGAN_VO

Police say they've found the remains of a man who went missing four years ago. 32-year-old Mike Hogan vanished in May of 2005 near the Spring Lake Ranch in Shrewsbury. Numerous searches in the area turned up no signs of Hogan. On Sunday morning, a hunter found human remains in Cuttingsville. Today the medical examiner made a positive I-D. Police say there are no indications of foul play.

17} PLANECRASH_MAP

Two men are dead after their small plane crashed in the Adirondacks. Authorities say the Piper Cherokee went down near Santanoni Mountain -- in the town of Newcomb. The plane took off in Saratoga on Sunday -- but wasn't reported missing until Monday evening. The wreckage was spotted from the air this morning. The pilot has been identified as 48-year-old Dan Wills of North Bangor. His passenger was identified as 66-year-old Ronald (roz-ah-lees) Rouselles of Malone.

18} BRIDGE_INTRO

Residents upset about the pace of progress on the closed Lake Champlain bridge took their message to lawmakers. The group thinks problems should have been caught sooner. Kristin Carlson reports.

19} BRIDGE_PKG

((tape 790 tc 7:55 Lorraine Franklin/Lake Champlain Bridge Coalition: We still have a crisis on all levels.)) From the Champlain Bridge to the Statehouse.... New Yorkers and Vermonters rallied -- demanding a way across the Lake. ((tape 790 tc 8:00 Lorraine Franklin/Lake Champlain Bridge Coalition: We're getting a lot of lip service but we're not seeing a lot of progress - we want to see progress.)) The group just formed the Lake Champlain Bridge Coalition. Made up of business owners - farmers -- and residents -- they say they bridge between the two states is key for the economy and safety of the region. Inspectors closed the Bridge October 16th .... after it was deemed unsafe. ((tape 790 tc 11:18 Pat Hogan/Schroon Lake NY: My doctors are all in Vermont.)) ((tape 790 tc 11:36 Robert Smith/Farmer: We're having it rough getting our crops back home.)) ((tape 790 tc 12:54 Darwin Pratt/Pratt's General Store: Now it's affecting all of our businesses - both on the Vermont and New York side. I think it's time we got something going.)) Beyond their immediate concerns -- the group wonders why problems weren't caught sooner. Even though New York maintains and inspects the bridge - they say Vermont should have been watching. ((tape 790 tc 28:35 Janet Denney/Moriah NY: The bridge has been rusting and falling down for 20 years - did you not see it?)) ((tape 790 tc 28:52 John Zicconi/Vt. Transportation Agency: We knew the bridge was aging - we had a plan in place to put a new bridge up or replace the old one - and the deterioration of concrete took place much faster then anyone who's ever watched this type of thing has ever seen.)) A permanent bridge could take two years to build -- and cost 67-million dollars. The Bridge Coalition says years of underfunding bridge repairs led to the closure.... and Vermont lawmakers agree. ((tape 790 tc 21:25 Rep Shap Smith/D-Vt. House: We have to take lessons from what happened here.)) ((tape 790 tc 15:45 KC: While there is no timeline for when work will begin on a new permanent bridge - transportation officials today said work could begin this week on a ferry crossing to go near the bridge that would run year round.)) ((tape 790 tc 25:53 John Zicconi/Vt. Transportation Agency: My hope is that this is the week that turns the corner.)) The goal is to get the new ferry running before the Lake freezes. ((tape 790 tc 31:30 Lorraine Franklin/Lake Champlain Bridge Coalition: I think we are going to be lets wait and see what happens until the ferry is operational and until the first cars go over that bridge we are not going to rest.)) Hoping speaking out will spur action. Kristin Carlson Channel 3 News Montpelier.

20} BRIDGE_TAG

Until the new ferry service starts by the bridge -- the Ticonderoga Ferry will provide free service through December. It will operate seven days a week -- from 6 a-m to 8 p-m.

21} PRINCIPAL_INTRO

Parents in Concord, Vermont are demanding answers. School principal Karl Stein stopped showing up for work six weeks ago -- and the school board has yet to explain his absence. Keagan Harsha reports.

22} PRINCIPAL_PKG

The school day starts early for students in concord. ((nats honking/chanting)) The past 2 mornings -- more than two dozen kids have gathered outside the superintendent's office at seven a.m. -- pledging their support for absent principal Karl Stein. ((2:48-51 Katrina Hagan/Junior: "I don't know why he's gone. No one will tell us.")) Stein was placed on administrative leave six weeks ago and hasn't been seen at the school since. ((nats chanting)) Neither the school board nor the superintendent is offering an explanation -- calling it a personnel issue. ((1:44-46 "we've had no answers whatsoever.")) ((3:13-18 Lena McCarty/Parent: "parents need answers. We need to know why he's not here.")) School board chair Linda Blakslee tells channel three no one incident is to blame for Stein's absence -- and says several factors contributed to the decision to place him on administrative leave. But she says the matter isn't criminal in nature. Stein also declined to talk with us about the situation . On his facebook page he tells family and friends he is under a directive from the superintendent not to talk -- and says he will be fired for doing so. While these students praise Stein's leadership -- ((4:11-15 Kaytlin Conley/Junior: "the morale is down and he kept it stress free and we need him.")) Concord school has seen an unusually large number of disciplinary problems in recent years. In stein's first year as principal last year -- there were almost 300 hundred documented disciplinary incidents at the school -- many involving harrassment and bullying. ((1:02-08 Nerissa Young/Parent: "there was a lot of bullying. A lot of teasing.")) Nerissa Young argues things were even worse before Stein arrived -- but many believe his handling of disciplinary issues may have something to do with his suspension. Keagan Harsha, Channel 3 news, concord

23} PRINCIPAL_TAG

Superintendent Jill Peck says she plans to issue a statement later this week regarding Stein's absence.

24} DATA_2_STANDUP

Christmas comes early for military families. I'm Jack Thurston in North Pole New York, with details coming up later on the Channel 3 News.

25} 2NDWX_INTRO

26} 2NDWX_FORECAST

Tonight: Clear and cold. (Good Leonid viewing) Lows: 17/24 Winds: Calm Wednesday: More sunshine. Highs: 48/55 Winds: S 5-10 mph Wednesday Night: Clear skies. Lows: 22/28 Winds: Light Thursday: Mostly sunny and milder. Highs: 50/57 Winds: Light Extended: Friday through Sunday. Thursday Night: Chance of showers. Lows: 35/42 Friday: Showers likely. (Mountain snow shower Friday night?) Highs 45/55 Lows: 30s Saturday: Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers. (mountain snow shower?) Highs: 40s Lows: 25/35 Sunday: Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers, afternoon. Highs 40s

27} 2NDWX_OUT

28} SXTEASE_INTRO

Mike's in with our sports preview...the end of the road for now... for now...the business of sports getting in the way of a great story... former Middlebury kicker Steven Hauschka now an ex-NFL player ...

29} SXTEASE_PKG

((MIDDLEBURY)) Hauschka has been cut by the Baltimore Ravens. The former standout at Middlebury College missed a 36-yard field goal and had an extra point blocked in an eventual 16-0 Ravens win last night in Cleveland. Hauschka, in his second season in the NFL, won the starting kicker job this preseason, but missed four of his nine field goal attempts... ---------------------- --------------- ((SPORTS)) Essex High School quarterback Max Librizzi will play at Holy Cross next season. Librizzi threw 45 touchdowns while leading the Hornets to an undefeated season and a Division One championship.

30} SXTEASE_OUT

31} HEALTH_VOFO

Vermont is the healthiest state in the country. The 20th annual America's Health Rankings places Vermont at the top of the list, with Massachusetts third, New Hampshire fifth and New York 25th. The report weighs 22 factors. Vermont scores well for low percentage of children in poverty -- low prevalence of obesity -- and ready availability of primary care physicians. The study authors say the nation as a whole has made great progress in disease treatment -- but must find a way to improve prevention.

32} RANKINGS_SOTFO

((7:21 Dr. Reed Tuckson: "Unfortunately, we don't see prevention high enough as we talk about reform. And if we don't get at it and don't make the comprehensive changes for individuals, for communities, for states, for the nation then there will be no way the reform efforts will be able to afford to manage all of this burden of preventable disease over the next coming years.")) While New York ranks 25th overall -- it has shown the greatest improvement over the past two decades.

33} PREEMIES_VO

Vermont is also number one when it comes to preventing premature births. For the second straight year, Vermont received a "B" on the March of Dimes report card. No other state received a grade that high -- and the nation as a whole was given a "D." Preventing preterm births saves lives and money:

34} PHILLIPPE_SOTFO

((1:19:18-42 Dr. Phillippe/UVM Medical School: "They account for about 75% of all of the losses of infants in the first month of life -- and also they contribute to long-term disabilities for children. Things like cerebral palsy and mental retardation, learning disorders, blindness, hearing disorders, can all be produced by prematurity, particularly significant prematurity.")) Vermont won the top spot for access to health care coverage and prenatal care. Vermont also has a lower rate of smoking -- among women of child-bearing age. And the state has made progress in reducing unnecessary c-sections.

35} HEADLINES_FONT

Still to come tonight -- we take a trip to the North Pole. Two Chittenden County school districts consider consolidation. And next in our HealthWatch - the latest on breast cancer screening recommendations.

36} BREASTCANCER_VO

There is confusion and skeptism over new recommendations for breast cancer screening. The U-S Preventive Services Task Force just issued the guidelines. The task force says most women don't need mammograms in their 40s -- and should get one every TWO years starting at 50 -- rather than annually. That's a stunning reversal -- and a break with the American Cancer Society's long-standing position. The panel also said breast self-exams do no good -- and women shouldn't be taught to do them. The new guidelines reflect those used in Canada for years. The U-S Preventive Services Task Force is made up of health experts appointed by the Agency of Health and Human Services. It influences coverage of screening tests by Medicare and many insurance companies.

37} OPPENHEIMER_ENG

Dr. Robert Oppenheimer is a radiologist who specializes in breast imaging. He joins us now from Fletcher Allen Health Care. Good evening. - The guidelines are quite a reversal.. How could researchers be so sure women SHOULD get screened in their 40s -- and then now be so sure now that they SHOULDN'T? - Explain the risk-benefit equation -- what is the risk involved with getting a mammogram? Most people think they are safe. - The American Cancer Society and several other cancer groups are opposed to the new guidelines. What will you be telling patients? - The guidelines are not for women with high risk for breast cancer?

38} TOPSTORIES_VO

Vermont lawmakers learned more about the state's financial crisis. That's tonight's top story. Over the next two years -- the state budget faces a 200-million dollar shortfall. Lawmakers heard from economists and state officials about what's expected to be one of the toughest budget years ever. New Hampshire Governor John Lynch addressed area business leaders in Lancaster with one focus-- jobs. Employers complain that even when they have openings - the work force lacks proper education.

39} TEN_FONT

Coming up tonight on the channel three news at 10 -- UVM students get a hands on look at the food system as it relates to social class. A vandals strike a family in burlington -- destroying a young girls new bike -- and the family's car. We'll hear from the family -- who is fighting back -- leaving a response letter for the vandals at the scene. We'll also talk with the police about the incident. Again that�s the Channel Three News at 10pm -- you can see that broadcast on any of the channels listed on your screen.

40} ATR

41} SCHOOLFIRE_WHITE

Smoke forced the evacuation of St. Mary's School this afternoon in Champlain, New York. Firefighters say the school's boiler malfunctioned and overheated. Only a few students were still in the building. They -- and staff -- were evacuated to the nearby church.

42} ESSEXSCHOOL_VO

The Vermont board of education voted yes today to study a potential merger of two supervisory unions in Chittenden county. Right now Essex is in one district. Essex Junction and Westford are in another. Under the plan, they would all be in a single supervisory union. The proposal would not combine schools or school boards -- but would reduce the number of superintendents. Essex superintendent Jim Fitzpatrick is retiring at the end of the year.

43} MORRISVILLE_VO

The Bridge Street Bridge is Morrisville re-opened today. Traffic is reduced to just one lane - but motorists no longer have to deal with the ten mile detour that's been in place since August. The old bridge was torn down and replaced. Crews will spend the next few days working on the sidewalks -- and hope to open the new bridge to two lanes of traffic sometime next week.

44} BLOODDRIVE_VO

Rutland is gearing up for the Gift of Life Marathon blood drive. Last year donors gave 856-pints -- a record for Vermont and all of New England. They're hoping to break that record this year and collect one-thousand pints. The blood drive is December 22nd at the Paramount Theatre.

45} DEERATTACK_WHITE

And here's a cautionary tale for deer hunters --- sometimes the deer fight back. Game wardens in northern New York say a man was attacked by a 10-point buck while he was loading firewood at his home in Moira. 56-year-old Gerald Dabiew suffered multiple cuts and bruises before the deer finally ran off. Dabiew speculates the wood he was dropping into a bucket could have sounded like the antlers of jousting deer knocking together, a noise hunters often mimic to lure deer. That's news around the region, Kristin.

46} 3RDWX

Can't believe this weather we're having in November.... It is a little unusual, ...So much sunshine during the month of November, ... And we had such cloudy, wet weather earlier this summer, ...It's a little strange to have the nice weather now! Tomorrow, will actually be a pretty nice day on Lake Champlain, ...More sunshine, and south winds, 5-10 knots, waves a foot or less. The water temperature reminds you that it is November, ...Its now 47 degrees. (**click**) In the mountains, ...There is no snow on the mountains anymore, ...And tomorrow we are expecting more sunshine, and temperatures to be climbing from the mid 30s to the upper 40s, ...So no snow being made in this weather either. We do have a few mountain snow showers in the forecast for the end of the week and into the weekend. (**click**) For the rest of us, ..In the lower elevations, ... Temperatures tomorrow will be a bit milder than what we saw today. Highs will reach the 50s for most of us. ...Up in the northeast kingdom, some of you will find your temperatures holding in the upper 40s, ...And we'll see some low to mid 50s in the Upper Valley and southern Vermont. Thursday. ..More sunshine and even a bit milder, ....But clouds will return Thursday night with showers developing after midnight. Friday, showers are likely, ...And unsettled weather will continue through the weekend with lots of clouds, and the chance of showers on Saturday and again Sunday afternoon.

47} ICECATS_SOT_VO

The UVM men's hockey team is coming off an extreme high and low weekend. It opened with an ugly 7-1 blowout at Boston College Saturday night. But Vermont quickly regrouped and battled their way to a 3-2 victory over the Eagles Sunday afternoon, Vermont's first win at B-C since 1994..... Monkey off their backs. Senior goalie Mike Spillane shined in that Sunday victory, making thirty saves, including ten coach Sneddon described as 'Grade-A', in the win. He was also named Hockey East defensive player of the week for the second week in a row. In his two opportunities to start, Spillane has been outstanding. That, coupled with sophomore Rob Madore's struggles in the loss Saturday night, would seem to indicate there could be a new number one goalie at UVM. But with Vermont's next game, at home against Massachusetts, a week away, coach Sneddon says how both perform this week in practice will be the main factor in deciding who starts next Tuesday. That's a challenge Spillane is ready for.

48} UVM_HOC_TAKE_SOT

49} PANTHERS_SOT

In Vermont, the Division Three college hockey season begins this week. For Middlebury, the challenge is to get back to the mountain top. Perennial national title contenders, the Panthers have missed the NCAA tournament the last two years. With a roster featuring just six upper classmen, Middlebury knows the road ahead won't be an easy one. ((BEANEY - "I'm looking for people to go out and compete. Hopefully we're gonna put them in a frame of mind where they're mentally going out and playing and not worrying about their position and being in a particular place at a particular time.")) ((SULLIVAN - "Right now we're worried about the first two games this weekend and getting off to a good start. We got a young team and we're just trying to put things together right now to get rolling this weekend.")) ((YANCHEK - "We're just really excited to get going. I'm just really excited to be the returning goalie and hopefully things are going to go well for everyone and looking forward to playing this weekend so we'll see how it goes."))

50} LIBRIZZI_TAKE_VO

Max Librizzi is looking ahead to the start of his college career. The standout quarterback at Essex has decide to play at Holy Cross next season. Librizzi, who was also looking at Harvard and Brown, threw for 45 touchdowns and over 3,300 yards while leading the Hornets to an undefeated season and the school's first Division One championship since 1992. Librizzi led Essex to a 48-14 win over Rutland in the D-1 title game Friday night.

51} RAVENS_VO

The Baltimore Ravens have cut kicker Steven Hauschka, ending for now the cinderella story of the former Middlebury Panther that had worked his way into the NFL. In the week leading up to last night's Ravens game in Cleveland, the team had brought in several other kickers to try out for the role, but Hauschka beat them out to kept his job heading into the Monday matchup. But the results, or lack of results, last night apparently were enough to change the Ravens minds. Hauschka missed a 36-yard field goal in the first half and had an extra point blocked in the second half of Baltimore's 16-0 win. Hauschka did nail a 44-yard field goal in the third quarter but it wasn't enough. After a stellar career at Middlebury, Hauschka kicked for a season at North Carolina State, then as a rookie handled kickoffs last year for the Ravens. He won the full time job this preseason but missed four field goals in nine games, including a potential game winner against Minnesota.

52} CELTICS_WHITE

Losers of two straight and three of their last five, are the Celtics looking to shake things up. An ESPN report says the C's have discussed a three team deal with Philadelphia and Sacramento. Boston would send Tony Allen and Brian Scalabrine to the Sixers and as their part of the trade would receive Philly center Samuel Dalembert and Kings forward Andres Nocioni. But according to the Boston Globe, because of the length of Nocioni's contract, he's signed for three more years at about $7 million a year, the Celtics are unlikely to make this deal.

53} BRUINS_VO__L3RD_

NHL last night... Bruins hosting the Islanders...six minutes into the game ...New York's Jack Hillen with a full head of speed into the Boston zone...circles behind the net...feeds Matt Moulson in front ...he beats Tuukaa Rask...1-0 Islanders ... --- second period...David Krejci keeps the puck in the offensive zone ...drives toward the net...over to Danny Paille ...two whacks at it...second goal of the season... game tied at one... --- just over a minute left in the second... Rask tries to clear along the boards... puck picked off by Richard Park...quick centering pass to Moulson...he second of the game...and the game winner... Islanders take it 4-1. Boston's third loss in a row.

54} MLB_VO

Baseball is starting to roll out it's season awards. Yesterday, Oakland closer Andrew Bailey and Florida outfielder Chris Coghlan were named the American and National League Rookies of the Year. Today, it's the A-L Cy Young and the award naming the league's top pitcher goes to Kansas City's Zack Greinke. The 26-year0-old Greinke received 25 out of a possible 28 first place votes, easily outdistancing runner up Felix Hernandez of Seattle. That final margin is somewhat surprising because their numbers weren't that far apart. Greinke was 16-8 with a major-league leading 2.16 ERA. 'King' Felix went 19-5 with a 2.49 ERA. Detroit's Justin Verlander was third, Yankees ace C-C Sabathia fourth.

55} SPORTS_OUT

56} SANTA_INTRO

It's Christmas every day of the year at one of the old-time kiddie parks in the Adirondacks. But this weekend Santa's Workshop has a special offering for military families. Jack Thurston takes us to the North Pole.

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Arlie Adams is getting a jump start on her holiday baking... ((sound of mixer)) Hoping her chocolate chip cookies impress Santa Claus. ((Arlie Adams/Santa's Helper: 27:46: I'll know Christmas morning if I have something under the tree.)) Santa is Adams' boss -- here at Santa's Workshop... on the slopes of Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks. What's often called the nation's first theme park is celebrating its 60th year -- and not much has changed since 1949. Even the actual North Pole here is still frozen as it always has been. But Santa's Workshop is offering a first this weekend -- free admission for military personnel and their families. ((Matt Stanley/Santa's Workshop: 20:45: I'm hoping anyone who can take advantage will.)) Members of any branch of the military or national guard who can show proof of active service will have their $20 admission fee waived. Their kids and spouse or partner get in free, too. ((Matt Stanley/Santa's Workshop: 19:58: It's tough to ask anybody to leave their family at Christmastime, so if we can help have one more nice weekend with the family before they get deployed, we really hope we can make that weekend special for them.)) The rides and Christmas-themed shows will all be going -- ((sound of oven)) and Arlie Adams will selling her hot-out-of-the-oven cookies. ((Arlie Adams/Santa's Helper: 28:10: I'm just hoping they have a great time. If the father's been away or the mother's been away, they can communicate here again and have a great time. And when they have to depart again, they'll have this to remember.)) ((The free passes for military families are available this Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 3:30. Santa's Workshop is open other weekends right up until Christmas. Jack Thurston, Channel 3 News, in North Pole, New York.))

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Santa's Workshop draws about 25-thousand people a year, mostly in the month before Christmas. They're hoping families from the Vermont National Guard preparing for the upcoming Afghanistan mission will make the trip over.

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