Tue 6 P.M. News Script

Tue 31-JAN-2012 6 P.M. News Script

1} EMBEZZLERS30_HARDVO

Embezzlement cases are hitting in high numbers -- impacting towns -- and businesses. In one recent case -- The former office manager at the Hardwick Electric Department stole one-point-six million dollars from the public. Joyce Bellavance spent the money on a condo in Boston, a luxury SUV -- and paying bills for her daughters. The theft went on for ten years before the electric department caught on. Bellavance was sentenced to spend more then three years in jail. The examples are numerous and the state auditor says embezzlement and other fraud is likely costing state taxpayers millions of dollars each year. And he says that's a conservative estimate. Here to talk about his plans to stop embezzlement -- is State Auditor Tom Salmon. ((is this a bigger problem now -- or are people getting caught?)) ((what should towns/businesses do?)) ((you are testifying tomorrow at legislature to expand auditor's role into oversight -- sending a questionnaire to communities))

2} TOMORROW_FONT

Hope on the Slopes -- Jessica Blais, from the American Cancer Society is here to talk about the fundraising ski event which helps fight cancer. That's Tomorrow on the Thirty.

3} BOTTLED6_INTRO

Good evening, I'm Darren Perron. And I'm Kristin Kelly. Putting an end to the plastic. University of Vermont will become one of the first institutions in the country to ban the sale of bottled water on campus. Jennifer Reading has the story.

4} BOTTLED6_PKG

Gregory Francese is a student DJ and an environmental activist. He uses the airwaves at University of Vermont is get his message out about bottled water. ((NATS 00:28:53 "Each year Americans waste billions of dollars on bottled water.")) For the last four years -- Francese and his colleagues at the Vermont Student Environmental Program -- or VSTEP -- have battled to take back the tap -- by stopping the sale of bottle water on campus. With UVM's beverage contract with Coca-Cola nearing its end -- these student activists got their first taste of victory. ((Richard Cate/UVM 00:13:56 "the administration decided that with this existing exclusive contract expiring that it was time for us to do it.")) ((Gregory Francese/UVM Senior 00:26:29 "this is student activism success. I mean we've had our problems. We've had our setbacks. We've had people tell us it can't happen.")) But starting January 2013 -- the sale of bottled water from UVM's vending machines and campus eateries will be banned. The administration says the new policy is sure to put a dent in the more than one million bottled beverages it sells annually. ((Jennifer Reading/Burlington 00:23:16 "200-thousand. That's the number of water bottles that UVM says it will save each year by doing away with water bottles sales on campus.")) ((Richard Cate/UVM 00:15:43 "We believe that we can provide good, cold, fresh water here in Vermont without having to purchase it from some other place.")) The plan is to retrofit all 75 water fountains on campus. They'll be converted to bottle filling stations like this one in the Davis Center. The project comes with a 100-thousand dollar price tag. An investment the administration says is money well spent. But the taste of tap remains a concern for some students. ((Jesse Mosello/UVM Freshman 00:12:56 "bottled water to me always tastes a lot smoother and there isn't an after taste.")) Francese disagrees -- and says the perceived taste difference is a marketing scam. One that he works to dispel with his public service announcements. ((NATS 00:29:04 "bottled water companies take the same water that you get from the tap, bottle it and sell it back to your for more than 1000 times the cost.")) He says the policy is a bold move -- that puts the university ahead of its time. ((Gregory Francese/UVM Senior 00:27:08 "you're going to see a lot more of this in the future, in workplaces and universities, people in general just not buying bottled water because they're going to realize how wasteful it is.")) Although this college senior will never see the policy in action -- it's a legacy he's proud to be a part of. JR channel 3 News, Burlington.

5} BOTTLED6_TAG

The new policy also calls for one-third of drinks offered in vending machines to be healthy options.

6} EDUCATION6_INTRO

Lawmakers have been battling balancing the education fund for several sessions. For the third year in a row schools are being asked to level fund -- and this often means cutting staff. But Susie Steimle found some members of the education system have upped their own salaries.

7} EDUCATION6_PKG

The state received its 285 page review of Vermont's education finance system Tuesday. It's intention? To evaluate whether or not the current system works. ((Bill Talbott/Education Department Deputy Secretary: We're pleased with the findings that the funding system developed in acts 60 and 68 is doing what it was intended to do 53:06-53:14)) Act 60 and 68 were put in place to provide equal opportunities for towns to raise funds for local schools. But Representative Adam Greshin says the study doesn't address whether Vermont's high per pupil spending is paying off. ((Adam Greshin/I-Warren: I think the Picus report tells us everything we already knew and nothing we need to know 44:59-45:05)) Vermont's education system, like that of most states, is funded largely by property taxes. Which are expected to go up unless schools can level fund again, most say they can't. ((Bill Talbott/Education Department Deputy Secretary: 55 percent have responded that the increase is 2.6 percent this year so if that holds true it won't be level funded but it won't be up by a great deal 54:32-54:42)) Schools cut 300 teachers last year, the state encourages these cuts as enrollment numbers have dropped consistently over the past twelve years. But there's one place where spending has gone up -- in supervisory unions. So while teachers are losing their jobs, the department of education says superintendent's salaries are going up. ((Adam Greshin/I-Warren: There was nothing economic or judicious about their spending. In fact much of the spending relative to what school boards are doing with their budgets was outlandish 51:13-51:22)) Greshin sites his own district as an example. The superintendent of Washington West supervisory union took an 8 percent raise last year, central office employees received a three percent raise. ((Adam Greshin/I-Warren: The magnitude of the salary increases over the years has been excessive 51:47-51:54)) ((Bill Talbott/Education Department Deputy Secretary: I think salaries are going up everywhere so that's the question should they or should they not 57:39-57:47)) That question is up to the legislature, Greshin hopes they'll give voters the power to decide themselves, especially because the increased salaries come out of public tax dollars. Susie Steimle Channel three news, Montpelier.

8} EDUCATION6_TAG

All other education fund issues will appear on the ballot on town meeting day. If Greshin gets his way supervisory cuts will be up to the public.Right now they are decided upon by each school board.

9} PATIENTS6_MPVVO

We first told you last night -- about psychiatric nurses at Fletcher Allen Health Care -- who say they fear for their safety. That's because mental health patients -- at the state hospital in Waterbury -- were suddenly forced to move -- after Tropical Storm Irene. Some went to Fletcher Allen in Burlington. And now nurses there say -- they're dealing with escalating attacks. Joining us now with reaction to our report -- is Mental Health Commissioner Patrick Flood. Good evening. Mr. Flood, the nurses told Channel 3 News that basically -- they're dealing too many mental health patients -- many with violent pasts. Are there too many at the Fletcher Allen? Well, let's listen to what one of those nurses had to say... Shepardson 6 -- is of course -- the part of the hospital -- where these mental health patients are being held. Diane Gallagher -- the nurse you just heard from -- says the violence she's seen since Irene -- is the worst -- in her 30-plus year career. What's the fix? Obviously, the state is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Irene closed the state hospital. And these patients are scattered around the state. Are other facilities dealing with the same problem. Safety concerns? And what about using the nurses -- who were at the State Hospital -- at other facilities -- that are now housing these patients -- like at Fletcher Allen? To help with the ratio of nurses to patients. This is not a quick fix. It could be years -- before a facility will be built. And the administration wants to move to more regionalized care. So, will these problems continue? Mental Health Commissioner -- Patrick Flood. Thank you for joining us.

10} NURSE6_SOT

((Diane Gallagher, Nurse 011524 "I have never seen anything as scary, as chaotic, as unsafe never, not even close as Shepardson 6 is now.))

11} ECONOMY6_INTRO

Our lack of snow - is obviously impacting ski resorts - ticket sales are down. But its not ALL bad in ski towns this season. Deanna LeBlanc takes a look.

12} ECONOMY6_PKG

At Okemo Resort -- despite warm weather -- lodging reservations on the weekends are still nearly at capacity. ((Ted Austin/Okemo Resort: whether it's to the grand canyon in the summer or disneyland at spring time, skiing is high on people's list and short of a disaster -- which it hasn't been, people are going to stick with their commitments and we're grateful for that.)) Austin says the typical resort guest books far in advance -- saves up for the trip -- and will come regardless of ski conditions But at a small Inn just down the street -- today it's rooms were empty ((Ron Parry/Okemo Inn: now people are waiting to the last minute and they're more concerned about cancellations even if they're calling on Monday for friday they want to know what's the cancellation policy.)) Parry says unlike a big resort -- his Inn relies on last minute weekend trips -- which have been stalled due to the warm weather ((Perry: you're sitting here and you're constantly waiting for the phone to ring for people to make a reservation, and as you get closer to the date and the weather becomes iffy you don't want to hear the phone ring.)) But he says when he does have guests ... They are spending less time skiing ... Okemo says despite high lodging reservations ... Lift tickets are down 20-percent ((Austin: often in a good winter with good snow -- people only ski and fall asleep and that's the end of it and we're probably seeing better expenditures for other ancillary activities so by us, that's great.)) And it's great for the Cool Moose Cafe -- a local restaurant which attributes higher sales to a wetter winter season ((Gary Barto/Cool Moose Cafe: it reduced the ski-able terrain which causes a little bit of congestion on the hill -- people didn't want to have to deal with that so they go shopping and they went eating and they came drinking in the bars. It was a boom for us during those busy holiday weeks.)) Willow Feller says on some warm weekends she'll see upwards of 70 people crowding into her boutique ((Willow Feller/Chapter 14 Retail Store: it's raining, you're stuck in your hotel room -- what are you going to do? You go into town and you look, check out what's going on and just have a good time.)) But it's not all good news .... of those 70 people ... She says only three actually made purchases. ((It's nice coming in and checking out what we have - but that's basically it.)) While for some, the warm weather has been helpful -- it seemed most could agree -- more snow is welcome anytime. Deanna LeBlanc Ch. 3 News, Ludlow.

13} 1STWX

There was a little snow again today...but now you are telling us it's going to warm up again? 2 steps forward, ..2 steps back! Yes... we are doing to see temperatures well up into the 40s tomorrow! About 20 degrees above normal for Feb 1st!

14} DATA_4_STANDUP

15} VTYANKEE5_VO

The owners of Vermont Yankee -- want state regulators to approve its plans to stay open when its license expires next month. A federal judge ruled against the state's law aimed at closing the plant. But the decision said the plant still needs a certificate of public good from the state Public Service Board. The PSB was already reviewing the case back in 2010 -- then suspended its work -- when lawmakers voted to block a new license for Yankee.

16} VOLZ6_VO

The man who runs the Public Service Board -- gave no indication today how the board might rule on Yankee. Jim Volz has been on the board for the past seven years. Today he had a confirmation hearing before the state senate. Lawmakers -- were not able to get any new information about which way the Board may rule on Yankee. Given a hypothetical scenario -- Volz said a power plant could continue to operate -- even if it did not provide direct benefits to Vermont utilities.

17} CONFIRMATION6_SOTVO

((42:49 Jim Volz/PSB "I don't think any of them require service in vermont -- to vermont neccesarily. They do require an economic benefit to vermont but they don't define how much and then they have those other issues related to the environment and other impacts)) Entergy believes there is nothing standing in the way of a new certificate -- and that the law allows the plant to continue operating while the case is decided.

18} GMCRAM_VO

Investors who sued Green Mountain Coffee -- had their case dismissed. In 2010 -- The S-E-C launched an inquiry into the Waterbury company's accounting practices. A group of investors filed suit against the Green Mountain Coffee -- claiming the company falsified statements -- to make it look like it was performing better than it was. Judge William Sessions has dismissed the suit -- saying the plaintiffs failed to present any facts indicating a strong inference of fraud. A separate -- and similar lawsuit -- was filed by the Louisiana Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System. That lawsuit against the coffee company -- is still pending.

19} TUITION6_INTRO

Volunteer fire departments across New York are calling for emergency help. They need manpower. Now a new program is is helping to recruit volunteers -- and it could help those firefighters launch new careers. Matt Henson explains.

20} TUITION6_PKG

Sebastian Barie is one of the newest volunteers with the Rouses Point Fire Department. ((Sebastian Barie/Rouses Point Fire Dept. 11:08 "It's a good way to give back to my community.")) Right now - the 18 year old spends most of his time working towards earning a college degree. Barrie is studying criminal justice at Clinton Community College. ((Sebastian Barie/Rouses Point Fire Dept. 17:48 It's motivation to get my career going, get started on the right track, and without debt when I leave college.")) He doesn't have to pay tuition for college thanks to the Firemen's Association of the State of New York - Higher Education Learning Plan - known as FASNY HELP. ((Chuck Kostyk/Clinton Cty. Firefighters Assn. 9:10 "It's a reimbursement program that can offset up to 100 percent of tuition at a local community college that is within 50 miles of their homes.")) ((Matt Henson/Rouses Point, New York tc 23:18 "The FASNY HELP tuition reimbursement program is funded through a four million dollar grant from Homeland Security to help volunteer fire departments retain and recruit members.")) ((Chuck Kostyk/Clinton Cty. Firefighters Assn. 11:15 "It requires commitment on the part of the student, they have to remain active in the fire department while in school, there's also a commitment form that they have to sign and maintain and maintain that commitment up to four years after they obtain their degree.")) The volunteer's grades in the classroom determine how much money they receive towards their education. ((Chuck Kostyk/Clinton Cty. Firefighters Assn. 10:49 "The reimbursement is based on grade point average, there is a decreasing scale from 100 percent to 75 percent reimbursement.")) Barie says the program has covered almost all of his tuition - which is 18-hundred dollars a semester. And it has helped him choose a career path in life - since volunteer firefighting is only part-time. ((Sebastian Barie/Rouses Point Fire Dept. Tc 10:31 "It's made me feel like, a lot more goals I can succeed now.")) So far -- Barie is just one of four volunteers taking advantage of the program in Clinton and Essex Counties. Fire Departments hope it keeps growing. Matt Henson - Channel 3 News - Rouses Point, New York.

21} TUITION6_TAG

For more information about the FASNY HELP tuition program - you can read this story on our website WCAX-dot-com or click on the info center. The deadline is February 15th.

22} HALL_WHITE

A former legal assistant in the Vermont U.S. Attorney's office -- has pleaded guilty to tipping off a drug suspect. Danielle Hall accepted a plea agreement -- that included six months home confinement and three years of probation. Prosecutors say in 2008 -- Hall told her boyfriend Michael Ryan -- that he was the focus of a grand jury investigation. Ryan and his partner Randy Russell -- later pleaded guilty to selling marijuana and laundering the proceeds -- thru the Justin Cruz Salon they co-owned in Burlington.

23} HAYNES_FONT

A Montreal woman tried to smuggle meth and ecstasy across the border -- and now she's going to jail. Border patrol agents found 72-thousand pills in the gas tank of Tara Haynes' car -- at the Champlain, New York border crossing. Federal agents say the drugs had a street value of up to two million dollars. Haynes was found guilty in August of federal drug smuggling. She was sentenced to 15-and-a-half years in prison.

24} NORTHERNPASS6_VO

New Hampshire Governor John Lynch took aim at the Northern Pass Project today -- during his State of the State address. The Northern Pass would run 180 miles of transmission lines from Canada to the New England grid. Many in New Hampshire's North Country strongly oppose it -- fearing the lines could have a negative impact on home values AND tourism. Lynch said the Northern Pass Project can not happen without local support -- and it should not happen with eminent domain. This was Governor Lynch's final state-of-the-state. He is NOT seeking a fifth term.

25} GILLIBRAND6_VO

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is on the campaign trail again. Its her second campaign in two years - and the first time she's running for a full 6 year term in the Senate. Gillibrand was appointed to Hillary Clinton's seat when Clinton left to become secretary of state. Then - Gillibrand won an election to fill the last two years of Clinton's term. Now - Gillibrand is running for re-election to a full term. So far - no big names have come forward on the GOP side - to challenge her.

26} 2NDWX_INTRO

27} 2NDWX_FORECAST

Tonight: Cloudy skies. Light rain/freezing drizzle/snow, mainly north. Trace-3" northern Vt (2-4" NEK) Lows: 28/35 Winds: S 10-15 mph Wednesday: Mostly cloudy. Rain showers, mixing with sleet/freezing rain early. Highs: 40/47 Winds: S 10-15 mph Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow showers. Lows: 15/22 Winds: NW 5-10 mph Thursday: Partly sunny. Highs: 23/30 Winds: N 5-10 mph Extended: Friday through Tuesday. Friday: Partly sunny. Highs 23/30 lows 8/15 Saturday; Partly sunny. Highs 23/30 Lows 5/12 Sunday: mostly sunny. Highs 25/32 Lows 15/22 Monday; Chance of snow showers. 25/32 Lows 15/22 Tuesday: chance of snow showers. Highs 30s

28} 2NDWX_OUT

29} SXTEASE_INTRO

Mike is in with our sports preview...a state title preview... could be...the undefeated CVU girls basketball team hosts 9-1 Essex tonight in a D-1 showdown... we'll have the highlights from Hinesburg at eleven. (( TRT: 26 ... OC: "WITH THE GIANTS."))

30} SXTEASE_PKG

The UVM men's and women's hoop teams are preparing for a doubleheader at Boston University tomorrow night. We'll hear from both sets of Cats coming up in sports... --------------------- and it was Media Day at the Super Bowl... the big story... Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski not wearing a walking boot on his sprained right ankle ...but he's still listed as day-to-day and has yet to practice ahead of Sunday's showdown with the Giants.

31} SXTEASE_OUT

32} SUPERFUND6_INTRO

A development controversy in Lowell and Eden may be decided by voters on Town Meeting day. Up for debate -- whether to have a former ASBESTOS mine declared a federal Superfund site. Alexei Rubenstein reports.

33} SUPERFUND6_PKG

Shrouded in a coat of snow -- the Belvidere Mountain Asbestos mine -- sits dormant. But controversy over what to do with the long contaminated site is heating up. The state for years has been exploring getting the mine included on the Federal Superfund cleanup list. That would require local approval from the towns of Eden and Lowell that lie at the mountains foot. The Lamoille County Economic Development Corporation recently added an incentive. It is working with a developer on plans to use the site for a state-of-the art biomass electric generation plant. And the only way that can be accomplished is to clean up the area. At the urging of the development corporation -- Eden and Lowell plan to put the Superfund question to voters on town meeting day. ((01:47 David Halquist/LEDO "The EPA requires it to be a superfund site before they spend the significant amount of money that needs to be spent there. I mean this this is is a site were looking at 200 million for cleanup -- that a large number. not a number the local communities could carry , not a number the state could carry -- its really something the federal government would have to carry.)) But many area residents and town leaders -- who have lived next to the mine for decades -- question the need for federal intervention. Former Selectboard member Leslie White has spent the past several years researching the issue and says the lengthy disruption caused by a such a massive cleanup is just not worth it. ((17:03 Leslie White "I Just want people to know if they say yes to superfund that its a very long process and that there is going to be no immediate cleanup and the promise of jobs from a biomass plant are unrealisitc.)) Critics also question the real health risks of the status quo and say the stigma of a superfund designation could hurt property values. ((02:51 David Halquist/LEDO "I would argue the damage has been done to the real estate values at this point its really looking at your long term real estate values and saying hey if thing gets cleaned up I would argue your real estate value will go up,")) Opinion in both towns appears to be split -- with residents and town leaders coming down on either side of the issue. If approved by voters in March, the Governor would likely make a formal request to the EPA to begin the superfund process. AR --CH 3 news -- Eden

34} HEADLINES_FONT

Still ahead tonight. What's up with the cracks -- on the new Champlain Bridge? Also, a new study raises questions about a type of breast cancer surgery. And next in our HealthWatch, the state buys a new portable hospital.

35} PORTABLE5_VO

The state of Vermont has a new tool to help respond to medical emergencies or a natural disaster. The Vermont Health Department this afternoon unwrapped a new portable hospital. The massive structure is similar to a large tent. It can accommodate up to 40 patients. Portable hospitals have the ability to isolate people with highly-infectious illnesses.

36} HOSPITAL5_SOTVO

((Dr. Harry Chen, Vermont Health Commissioner 02:01:51 This would afford us some flexibility in terms of in case a hospital has to shut down because of water , in case a nursing home had to be evacuated because of flooding, we could move them into a structure like this.)) ((Cont VO)) The health department is also adding 8 of these trailers to its fleet. Some of them will be used to store portable tents. Others will house cots and emergency supplies.

37} MASTECTOMY6_INTRO

More than 200-hundred thousand women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the United States. Many opt for a partial mastectomy to remove the cancer. But a new study finds that surgery can be ineffective. Edward Lawrence reports.

38} MASTECTOMY6_PKG

LAURA LECHTENBERG WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER IN SEPTEMBER - at age 43. IT CAME AS A SHOCK. (Laura Lechtenberg, Cancer Survivor:) 17:46:56 It seemed not real. Seemed like it wasn't happening. I'm.. no way this is happening to me. 10 DAYS LATER DOCTORS REMOVED THE CANCEROUS CELLS WITH A PARTIAL MASTECTOMY. BUT THAT WAS JUST THE BEGINNING... (SOT Laura Lechtenberg:) 17:46:23 A week later I had to have a second reexcision and then a week later I had to have a third surgery. A NEW STUDY IN THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION FINDS HER STORY IS NOT UNUSUAL. NEARLY ONE IN FOUR WOMEN NEED ADDITIONAL SURGERY AFTER A PARTIAL MASTECTOMY. LECHTENBERG'S DOCTOR SAYS IT'S A PROBLEM THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY IS STRUGGLING TO ADDRESS. (Sot Dr. Catherine Dang, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Breast Surgeon:) 17:38:04 A lot of different techniques have been applied to try to reduce that percentage further with different technology, different imaging, ways of doing surgery.. nothing so far universally has been able to do that. (STAND UP BRIDGE 17:50:45 Edward Lawrence, CBS News Correspondent:) Partial mastectomies are one of the most common cancer operations in the United States. When additional surgeries are necessary, the stress on the patient is enormous. IN A PARTIAL MASTECTOMY, DOCTORS REMOVE THE CANCER ALONG WITH A MARGIN OF NORMAL BREAST TISSUE SURROUNDING IT. BUT THE STUDY FOUND THERE'S NO CLEAR CONSENSUS ON HOW LARGE THAT MARGIN SHOULD BE. NYU'S FRAYA SCHNABEL SAYS - AT LEAST A MILLIMETER ALL AROUND. (Dr. Freya Schnabel/Dir.of Breast Surgery/NYU Langone Medical Center) 10:06:58 Healthy tissue 360 degrees, all around the cancer to feel that we have thoroughly and completely removed the site of disease IF THE TISSUE SURGEONS REMOVE SHOWS ABNORMAL CELLS AROUND THE EDGE, ADDITIONAL SURGERY MAY BE NECESSARY. BUT THE GOAL IS TO CONSERVE AS MUCH OF THE BREAST AS POSSIBLE. (SOT Laura Lechtenberg:) 17:47:55 If I could save my breast.. I would do anything to save my breast. LAURA LECHTENBERG KNEW THE RISK. EVEN AFTER THREE SURGERIES, SHE SAYS IT WAS WORTH IT. EDWARD LAWRENCE FOR CBS NEWS, LOS ANGELES.

39} MASTECTOMY6_TAG

The FDA is looking at a new device called a margin probe. It would be used during surgery to see if the margins around the cancer are clean. That's HealthWatch.

40} CRACKS5_VO

The new Lake Champlain bridge has cracks in the concrete of its support pillars. The span connecting West Addison and Crown Point, New York opened last November. It replaced an 80-year-old bridge that had to be demolished after inspectors found cracks in the concrete pillars. Now the new bridge has some cracks of its own. But transportation officials say the small cracks are normal for newly poured concrete -- and the 76-million dollar bridge is structurally sound.

41} BURLINGTON10X_VO

Planners in Burlington -- are creating a picture of what the Queen City might look like a hundred years from now. For a week - Planning and zoning officials took comments from the public about what they like - and don't like in the city. Last night -- consultants presented a series of proposals for improving Burlington over the next century. Ideas range from a skating pond on the waterfront -- to a year-round farmers market topping an underground parking garage. Another idea would scrap the Town Center mall -- and replace it with new grid streets - much like the ones the mall replaced.

42} MADRIVERAM_VO

It was Turn Back the Clock day at Mad River Glen in Fayston. The ski area opened in 1949 -- and today it offered lift tickets for the same price it did that first year -- just three dollars and fifty cents. But only if you're a skier. Remember - boarders are not allowed at Mad River. That's News Around the Region.

43} 3RDWX

44} PATS_MD_VO

The madness that defines Super Bowl week official kicks into gear today. It's Media Day, when thousands of reporters, commentators, characters and fans descend upon both teams and ask every question under the sun. The main storyline surrounding the Pats is the health of tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski suffered a high ankle sprain in the AFC Championship game and hasn't practiced since. He arrived in Indy Sunday wearing a walking boot, but was not wearing it when he met the media today. While everyone wants to know if he'll play this Sunday, Coach Bill Belichick has only said that Gronkowski is day-to-day, and today, it was clear that Gronk is following the party line.

45} GRONK_TAKE_SOT

(( TRT: 18 ...OC: "EVERY SINGLE DAY."))

46} GIANTS_MD_TAKE_VO

When the Giants upset the Patriots in the Super Bowl four years ago, one of the key reasons why was that New York was able to put pressure on Tom Brady using just it's front four defensive line. Key members of that D-line, like Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck are still around, while the retired Michael Strahan has been ably replaced by rising young star Jason Pierre-Paul. The big men for Big Blue know they'll have to come up big again Sunday.

47} NYDL_TAKE_SOT

(( TRT: 27 ... OC: AS IT IS TODAY.))

48} NBA_NHL_WHITE

The Bruins, Celtics and Canadiens are all in action tonight. Coming our of the All-Star Break, the B's face the Senators in Ottawa, while Montreal welcomes Buffalo to the Bell Center. The Celtics wrap up a home-and-home series with the Cavaliers in Cleveland. The Cavs clipped Boston 88-87 at the Garden Sunday night.

49} UVM_MEN_BU_TUES_SOT

It will be two for the price of one tomorrow night in Boston as the UVM men's and women's basketball teams head to the Hub to take on Boston University in a doubleheader at Agganis Arena. It's a huge gam for the men, who currently sit tied with B-U for second place in America East at 7-2, one game back of league leader Stony Brook. (( TRT: 23 OC: FOR THE TOURNAMENT. ))

50} VT_WOMEN_TUES_TAKE_VO

The Vermont women open the twinbill with a 5pm tipoff versus the Terriers. The Cats will look to build on the momentum of Saturday's 63-36 rout at Stony Brook, as well as get some payback on B-U for a one point loss the Terriers handed the Cats at Patrick Gym early this month. Both the men's and women's games tomorrow can be seen live on ESPN3.com...the online network of the sports giant, and the women are excited to be able to share the stage with their fellow Cats.

51} CAT_BITES_TAKE_SOT

(( TRT: 20 ... OC: "THE SAME ARENA."))

52} VAZZANO_TAKE_VO

The UVM men's hockey team is preparing for a pair of games at ninth ranked UMass-Lowell this Friday and Saturday night. Today, coach Kevin Sneddon announced that sophomore goalie Alex Vazzano will get the start in net Friday. Vazzano also started this past Saturday's home game against Northeastern, making 24 saves in a 4-2 Vermont loss. With senior Rob Madore set to graduate and the chances of making a playoff push remote, some may look at this move as a nod toward building for next season, but coach Sneddon insists it's strictly a matter of giving the team the best chance to win.

53} ICECATS_TUES_TAKE_SOT

(( TRT: 32 ... OC: JUST ANOTHER GAME.))

54} MIDD_SMC_WHITE

In other local action tonight, the top ranked Middlebury men's basketball team puts it's 18-0 record on the line at Keene State, while the St. Michael's men and women play a Northeast-10 doubleheader at UMass-Lowell. The Purple Knights men's hockey team is home against Franklin Pierce. We'll have highlights from Cairns at eleven.

55} ESX_MMU_BBB_TAKE_VO__L3RD_

high school hoops last night...6-6 Essex at MMU...the Cougars 11-1 and coming off their first loss at Rice Thursday night... --- First quarter, Essex with some nice passing, Dee Barnes hits Thomas Carton underneath for 2. --- But the Cougars were on a mission tonight, TJ Wesson with the steal, he swoops in for 2. Mount Mansfield's lead starting to grow. --- The Hornets still playing some solid D, Carton with the block. --- But check out the block here on the other end, Hayden Pochop with the rejection, then watch him make the save. Nick Bergeron gets it and here they go. Sean Springer knocks down the jumper. and MMU goes on to the 70-39 win.

56} COL_SBHS_GBB_TAKE_VO__L3RD_

girls hoops... Colchester and South Burlington going down to the wire... --- Late fourth quarter, The rebels Allie Flaherty takes it to the basket for 2. South Burlington up 2. --- Back comes Colchester, Jackie Nagle inside for 2. We're tied at 47 with 20 seconds to go. --- on South Burlington's next possesion, Brittany Moody's shot for the lead is no good, but she's fouled with 10 seconds left. --- Moody makes one of two free throws putting the Rebels on top for good. South Burlington takes it 50-47 the final.

57} SPORTS_OUT

58} AIRES6_INTRO

The Dartmouth Aires -- a men's a capella group on campus -- was recently thrust onto the national stage after a 2nd place finish in a national singing competition-- called "The Sing Off." That exposure is allowing the students to use their talents to highlight important issues around the world. Adam Sullivan explains.

59} AIRES6_PKG

((file/nats: Sing Off video)) With their 2nd place finish in "The Sing Off"-- the Dartmouth Aires have had a whirlwind of opportunities. ((Ethan Weinberg/senior: "we are really happy for every opportunity that we have had. We got to sing at the White House in December, and we had a show at Lincoln Center and then worked on a public service announcement for the United Nations Development Programme since then.")) ((nats: UN video)) Officials from the United Nations approached the group asking them to highlight famine and drought currently plaguing Africa. They agreed-- doing so the best way they know how-- through song. ((Weinberg: "when we can further use that to help spread awareness and hopefully advance everything that the United Nations is doing, we really feel good about singing and share a our love and our passion and turn it into efforts that can really help an enormous number of people.")) Max Gottschall recently joined the all mens chorus as a freshman. Unlike Weinberg-- he was NOT yet a part of the group performing in "The Sing Off." ((Max Gottschall/Freshman: "the chance to jump into this group right in the middle of all these incredible opportunities that they got from that exposure, it's kind of like getting traded to the Giants this week and getting to play in the Superbowl.")) ((nats: sing off video)) It may not be the Superbowl but it is international exposure. Singing-- they say-- to make people smile and to raise awareness. ((Gottschall: "it is great to be able to use our singing to make people happy. Not only in ways just to hear us sing, and see the energy and excitement that we bring to singing and performing, but also using it to spread messages that are important and can help a lot of people.")) ((Sullivan: "the Aires have several upcoming local concerts and some of them benefiting worthy caused like Alzheimers awareness. The singers say it a chance for them to use their skills to do good both here, and around the world. Adam Sullivan channel 3 news in Hanover New Hampshire."))

60} AIRES6_TAG

The Dartmouth Aires also sang the national anthem today in Concord before Governor Lynch gave his State of the State address.

61} 4THWX_FORECAST

Top of Script