Tue 6 P.M. News Script

Tue 13-MAY-2008 6 P.M. News Script

1} ABUSE2_ENG

Good evening, I'm Marselis Parsons. And I'm Kristin Kelly. A verdict in a priest sex abuse case -- and a record-setting award. The jury has ordered the Vermont Catholic Diocese to pay more than 8-point-7 million dollars to a former altar boy who was molested by a parish priest more than 30 years ago. Keagan Harsha was in the courtroom for verdict. He joins us live outside the courthouse in Burlington. It took jurors about 5 hours to reach a verdict in this case. Lawyers representing the former altar boy wanted the diocese to pay between 6 and 12 million as punishment - arguing that the diocese knowingly took on the pedophile priest who had abused children in other states. The jury agreed.

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It's the largest civil award ever granted by a Vermont jury - nearly 9 million dollars to a former Burlington altar boy repeatedly fondled by his parish priest - Father Edward Paquette- more than 30 years ago (( Jerome O'Neil, Altar Boy's Lawyer: "They have sent a message. That message is you need to treat people fairly.")) The former altar boy will now receive 950 thousand dollars in compensatory damages. The largest sum of money will come in the form of punitive damages, which are specifically intended to punish the diocese and teach church leaders a lesson. (( Tom McCormick, Lawyer for Diocese: "We've got a problem here. If we're going to be forced with the challenge of defending events that happened 35 years ago again and again without regard to what has changed since then, how really is that a fair trial?")) (( O'Neil: "It isn't the amount. He didn't even hear the second number. He didn't know what it was. It's not about the money. It's about the fact that the diocese is being held accountable for what it did.)) The diocese lawyers say the amount is undeserved and they plan to appeal the decision. Bishop Salvatore Matano says the 8.7 million dollars is more than the church can afford. (( Bishop Salvatore Matano, Burlington Diocese: "The verdict as it stands has a very serious impact on a rural diocese and I do not want in any way to inflict any suffering or any pain on the faithful of diocese because of what happened in the past. )) The former altar boy's lawyers say their client would have settled for a much smaller amount than what was awarded. This case can now serve as a precedent for other priest abuse case on the court's docket. Several of those case involve Father Edward Paquette.

3} ABUSE2_TAG

(keagan talks about the losses mounting for the church) Keagan, there are still more than a dozen priest sex abuse cases pending -- with this big award are we likely to see the church try to settle them out of court? (keagan says o'neill says he's willing to talk -- but it's up to the bishop) (thanks keagan) The previous record for a jury award in Vermont was seven million dollars against a pharmaceutical company in a product liability case. That was four years ago -- and case is still under appeal.

4} TRIAL_SAT

Jury selection began today in the murder trial of Brian Rooney. It hasn't been easy. Even moving the trial from Burlington to Rutland was not enough to find a pool of jurors who had not heard something of the case and formed an opinion. Brian Joyce is live at Rutland district court tonight. Brian. Kristin - more than forty potential jurors were questioned today to determine if they could serve in the trial of the man accused of raping and murdering UVM student Michelle Gardner Quinn. One in four will have to be excused because they admitted they can not be impartial.

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Brian Rooney looked on closely as his lawyers and prosecutors interviewed the first 45 of 100 Rutland county residents who had been summoned as potential jurors for his trial. Judge Michael Kupersmith moved the trial to Rutland county believing too many Chitteneden County residents had been influenced by the barrage of media reports about the high-profile rape and murder of UVM student Michelle Gardner-Quinn. Lawyers for both sides focused on two issues. First -- could the jurors acquit him if they have reasonable doubt. ((tape 100 tc 1:24:00 David Sleigh/defense lawyer:"Can you do it? I am asking you straight up, eye ball to eye ball." Is this a job you can do?" Pool member:"Yes.")) Then came the critical question : had the jurors already formed an opinion that would make it impossible to be fair to Rooney. More than a quarter of them said yes. ((tape 75 tc 1:12:06: David Sleigh (voice) :"Under these circumstances, even if you believe he probably did it, if you had a reasonable doubt, what is the verdict that you would have to read?" Juror:"Not guilty."" Sleigh:"And could you stand up and do that with Michelle Gardner-Quinn's family standing there looking at you?" Juror;'I can honestly say no."))

6} TRIAL_TAG

Now at least another quarter of the jurors may be excused because of work or vacation conflicts. Jury selection is scheduled to continue tomorrow morning. The judge told us late this afternoon he is hopeful that a jury will be empaneled before noon tomorrow. And then he says the lawyers will deliver opening statements tomorrow afternoon. Kristin so How many have been picked... well we really dont know...any number of jurors can be dismissed for cause. and there area limitwed number of peremptory challenges left, that's where both sides can ask that a potential juror be removed without any explanation. So we really dont know how many have been chosen so far. But they are expecting to finish jury selection tomorrow. and then once it gets going.. how long will this trial take? it could take two weeks, and judge has already warned the people here they may still be deliberating on memorial day weekend,

7} DCF_VO

One of the men arrested last week for exposing himself at a park in Lebanon New Hampshire - works for the Vermont Department for Children and families. 55-year-old Duane Fortier works in the economic services division. State officials say he does not come in contact with clients -- and instead his job is to review files to make sure people are getting the right level of benefits. Fortier and four other men are charged with indecent exposure and lewdness. Human Services Secretary Cindy LaWare says the state is taking this seriously. They are waiting for more information from the police investigation - and then they will take any appropriate action. Since March, the state has implemented an expanded background check policy - that includes criminal records for all new hires. But it does not apply to any current employees - like Fortier.

8} BOARDMAN_VO

State regulators have found a Vermont side judge guilty of misconduct and suspended him from the bench. Windsor County Judge William Boardman came under investigation for authorizing county funds for a non-profit corporation with which he had a business relationship. The Judicial Conduct Board ruled today that was a conflict of interest. They also found Boardman guilty of disseminating false information during his last campaign. The board suspended Boardman for six months and ordered him to take a judicial ethics course.

9} GALBRAITH_WHITE

Democrat Peter Galbraith said he will not run for governor this fall. The announcement comes one day after Democrat Gaye Symington announce she is running. The former ambassador plans to back the former House leader.

10} RICHTER_WHITE

Adoctor known for her efforts promoting universal health care in Vermont may run for Lieutenant Governor. Dr. Deb Richter -- a Democrat with a family practice in Cambridge -- plans to decide within the next two weeks. So far -- incumbent Republican Brian Dubie is running unopposed.

11} MORTGAGE_VO

Vermonters facing foreclosure now have a new place to turn for help. The state just set up a mortgage assistance program. It includes a 60-day grace period from mortgage payments for anyone facing foreclosure -- and also financial counseling. Even though Vermont has one of the lowest foreclosure rates -- the numbers are on the rise. Officials say homeowners with adjustable rate mortgages should be on alert -- because those rates are going to reset and get higher in the coming months.

12} HELP_SOTS

((tape 355 tc :55 Gov Jim Douglas: We want to make sure each family can remain in their home so we don't have a family losing in what in many cases is the largest asset that is ever accumulated during a lifetime.//tc 4:34 Paulette Thabault: The sooner we hear from them the sooner we can get involved the more likely it is we are able to help them.)) For a link to more information about the mortgage assistance program -- go to our infocenter at wcax.com.

13} DOCKS_INTRO

If you think filling your car's tank is expensive -- try fueling up a boat. They can guzzle more gas than SUVs. And with boating season upon us -- captains are eyeing their wallets. Jack Thurston has that story -- in tonight's Energy Watch.

14} DOCKS_PKG

((Alan Abair/Boater: 21:32: I'm very excited.)) Alan Abair is so excited for the start of boating season -- he came to Perkins Pier to check out the location of his new slip. The city of Burlington is replacing the 20 year old docks here, meaning this longtime boater will have a new spot. ((Alan Abair/Boater: 22:29: It's addictive. It's a very expensive habit, but once you're hooked, you're hooked.)) What he calls his habit -- is getting even more expensive. Gas prices at marinas are often twenty to fifty cents more expensive per gallon than on land. There are a few reasons for that... For starters, marinas charge more just because they can. Their customers have little choice but to pay it. Also, marinas have to spend more on anti-spill measures, adding to their overhead. Demand for boat fuel is seasonal so businesses have to make their money in a short period. Plus, marinas usually sell less gas than roadside stations, but have the same costs to pass onto consumers. But because this is a luxury, boaters usually keep doing what they love... Perhaps annoyed by the price of gas, but not docking boats altogether. ((Wayne Gross/Burlington Parks & Rec Director: 5:53: People really enjoy this activity, and want to take advantage of the short season.)) Gross says all 80 slips at Perkins Pier are rented for the season -- and there's a growing waiting list ... Which means the city should start profiting from its 300-thousand dollar investment in the new dock system in five or so years. The city already had forty moorings in the harbor but can also collect more rent from twelve new moorings ((Jack Thurston/Burlington: 28:54: ...for day trippers and overnight guests. They're expected to be really busy this summer, primarily because of boaters from Canada.)) ((Wayne Gross/Burlington Parks & Rec Director: 5:07: I think with the Canadian dollar, we'll see even stronger visitation this year.)) But some Vermonters say gas prices will change their pastime. ((Alan Abair/Boater: 20:25: We just won't go as far.)) Abair also plans to ask his passengers to chip in -- and even carry gas from stations on land to his slip... So enjoying the water doesn't leave him drowning in costs. Jack Thurston, Channel 3 News, in Burlington.

15} DOCKS_TAG

Boat engines often are more sensitive than car engines -- so check with a pro to see if filling up on land is okay... Or if you need a fuel additive.

16} 1STWX

Looking good down by the waterfront! We have seen quite a stretch of beautiful weather, .....And in fact, with the dry weather that we've been seeing, ... The wildfire danger is high now, so we do need to be very careful these days. Tomorrow, ... another dry, but beautiful day.....It will be mostly sunny again, and warmer. That means temperatures in the upper 70s to near 80 degrees, ...A good ten degrees or more above average for this time of year, ...But it will be cooling down again for the end of the week. First, ..A weak cold front moves through tomorrow night, with a few scattered showers and temperatures knocked back down to more seasonable levels. Then Friday, we'll see increasing clouds, with showers likely for the first part of the weekend. It will be cooler with highs in the upper 50s and low 60s, ...And the chance for showers will linger into Sunday.

17} GREEN1_INTRO

We've had a lot in the news lately about saving money. And a lot about protecting the environment. But it doesn't have to be a choice of one over the other. It can be easy being green. Kate Duffy found some ways you can cut pollution -- and cut your costs -- at the same time. Tonight -- what you can do right in your house.

18} GREEN1_PKG

This house is painted yellow, but it's actually very "green." (2:06-11 andrea learned)((i think more than anything, i want to be doing what's right for the planet.)) Andrea Learned says her commitment to conservation was passed on from a father who was always turning down the heat in the house. (1:08-15 learned)((i just grew up being cold and thinking my dad was really mean, and now i'm like oh, now i understand why he was doing that.)) And now Learned is trying to lower her own heating and energy bills. She wants to save money -- and save the environment by reducing the natural resources she uses. (2:35-42 learned)((i bought the house four years ago, and if you compare it with the energy usage of the house previously, it's night and day.)) (11:17-22 bob murphy)((andrea's house is a perfect example. she's done all the right things ...)) Bob Murphy is a consumer educator with Efficiency Vermont. He teaches homeowners and businesses how to cut their utility bills by using less electricity and fossil fuels. He said others can learn ... from Learned. Starting with some simple steps. (15:11 murphy)((our recommendation is the low-hanging fruit, which is typically lighting. that's why compact fluorescents have really taken off.)) Compact fluorescents, or CFLs, have replaced most of Learned's incandescent light bulbs. Even though CFLs require special disposal because they have a small amount of mercury, they are much more energy efficient. (15:33-50 murphy)((that's where the payback is almost immediate. you do high-use bulbs, kitchens, bathrooms, reading lamps, you're going to see a drop in your usage. as you do the rest of the house, easily 10-15 percent reduction on the monthly bills.)) Learned is saving money on heat, too. A new, programmable thermostat lowers the temperature when she's not home. And it doesn't have the vial of mercury older thermostats have. (37:10-26 murphy)((you can save 1% of your energy cost for every degree of setback, so if you go from 68 to 60 during the day, during that heating season you should save 8 percent on your fossil fuel bills and you get rid of the mercury thermostat at the same time. that's a good thing.)) In the kitchen, Learned has a new refrigerator with an Energy Star rating. It uses much less energy than her old one. Murphy used a special meter to measure just how much power the fridge is using. (30:34 murphy nats)((it's drawing 121 watts.)) GFX: Efficiency Vermont estimates a 20-year-old refrigerator uses almost 1200 kilowatt-hours of energy a year, at an annual cost of $154. A new, Energy Star-rated refrigerator uses about 500 kilowatt hours a year, at a cost of $63. That alone is a savings of $91. Murphy says appliances more than 10 or 20 years old may not be working efficiently. But there's no need to trash a perfectly good appliance, like this old dishwasher. (nats?) Learned also unplugs her microwave and other appliances when she's not using them -- saving what Murphy calls the "phantom load." (12:18-30 murphy)((your tvs and your microwaves and your cable systems are all drawing power and if you put them on a power strip you can turn them off or unplug them. you'd be surprised at the savings that just that alone could accomplish.)) By some estimates, that savings could be as much as ten percent of a home's energy bills. (8:33-47 learned)((it seems really easy to pull out the plugs and do those little things. for me it's kind of a fun game to do those little nudges that maybe will bring my energy usage even further down.)) With all these changes, Andrea Learned has already cut her monthly energy use from 700 kilowatt hours to just 300. It cut her electric bill in half. And it's a house that would make her father -- and Mother Nature -- happy. (1:32 learned)((he's very proud i'm sure.))

19} GREEN1_GREEN

Efficiency Vermont has a whole list of ways to cut your energy costs. Switching from central air conditioning, at an average cost of $146 a year ... to a fan at an annual cost of $4 a year, can save you 142 bucks. Drying laundry in an electric dryer will cost you $117 a year at the average use of 6 loads a week. Drying your clothes on a clothesline -- that's free. Of course, it's less convenient, but you can chalk up $117 in savings there. These are just a few tips, and you can find many more online or with a phone call to Efficiency Vermont. We'll have that on our infocenter at wcax.com. (THANKS KATE) Tomorrow, we'll head outside the house, to see how you can keep your lawn and garden green -- saving more, and polluting less.

20} DATA_2_STANDUP

((...How the girlfriend of a fallen solider honors her friend...sot: She wants to see his legacy and good works kept alive.... I'm adam Sullivan in Littleton New Hampshire and that story is coming up... ))

21} 2NDWX_INTRO

22} 2NDWX_FORECAST

Tonight: Clear skies. Lows: 38/46 Winds: Light Wednesday: Mostly sunny and warmer. Highs: 74/80 Winds: S 10-15 mph Wednesday Night: Increasing clouds. Chance of showers after midnight. Lows: 38/46 Winds: S 10-15 mph Thursday: Chance of a morning shower. Becoming partly sunny. Highs: 60/66 Winds: SW 10-20 mph Extended: Friday through Sunday. Friday: Increasing clouds, chance of late showers. Highs 58/64 Lows 36/44 Saturday: Showers likely. Highs 56/62 Lows 36/44 Sunday: Chance of showers. Highs 56/62

23} 2NDWX_OUT

24} SXTEASE_INTRO

JJ Cioffi is here with tonight's sports preview.. Same old song with the Celtics. Can't win a playoff road game.. And that's the name of that tune. After winning the first two games of their Eastern semi against Cleveland at home.. They've dropped two on the road.

25} SXTEASE_PKG

(Celtics) it was a much better effort than saturday .....very good defense but they couldn;t get the ball to fall and the cavs pulled away late. Game 5 in Boston tomorrow night.. all even, 2 games apiece. (Red Sox) The Red Sox dropped 3 of 4 in Minnestoa.. losing last night's game 7 to 3.. They now head to Baltimore for 2.. to wrap up a 10 game road trip. (LPGA) One of tyhe best women golfers of all time is ending her professional career at the ned of this season. Annika Sorenstam saying she wants more time for family and business dealings. She's just 37.

26} SXTEASE_OUT

27} HOMES_INTRO

For the past seven months -- a new community has been under construction in the town of Plattsburgh. As Jack LaDuke reports, scores of new badly needed housing units will soon be ready for the public.

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sixteen duplex homes will soon be finished and welcoming in scores of new families ... virtually creating a new community. it will be called white pine commons located on the wallace hill road.. ((GORDON HAZEL / Executive Director JCEO: there's some handicapped units. 2,3,and 4 bedroom units. it's just family housing... typical family housing.)) funding for the six and a half million project came from both private and government sources. The program was put together by the clinton county joint council for economic development. Hazel said that there is a huge need for this type housing. it would allow young police officers, clerks, teachers and others in that pay category good housing. He said that they are well over fifty percent booked at this time. ((BRUCE GARCIA/ DEPUTY DIRECTOR JCEO: we're also very careful to review criminal records , sex offenders checks because JCEO's goal from the beginning has been to provide safe, affordable housing.)) the unit rental prices will fit easily into the salaries of the of the workers moving in. rent will range from $450.00 to $550.00 a month. A local contractor is building the white pine commons project ... Which is keeping a lot of the money in the area. ((GORDON HAZEL/ Executive Director JCEO: luck brothers is actually ahead of the production schedule. We really expect that they will be done with construction by the end of july. With any luck we'll have families living here in august. JACK LADUKE/ Plattsburgh, N.Y.: In july there will be an open house here for the public to come and see what has been created . It will also be a chance for the public to see if they want to make this their home. Jack LaDuke, channel 3 news in plattsburgh.))

29} HEADLINES_FONT

Still ahead in our second half hour... Honoring a fallen soldier by helping kids in Iraq. Wildfires scorch thousands of acres in Florida. And next in our HealthWatch - the fight over the safety of required vaccines. Here's Kristin...

30} AUTISM_INTRO

It's estimated one in 150 children is born with autism. The cause is not known -- but some parents believe their child's condition was caused by a component in vaccines. Now thousands of families are suing the government. Doctor Mallika Marshall reports.

31} AUTISM_PKG

The debate over vaccines and autism is back in court. (NAT) These two lawyers represent two ten year olds with autism. They blame a component formerly used in vaccines called thimerosal... saying the mercury preservative leads to brain damage. (SOT-Tom Powers/Attorney) "OUR THEORY AS WE GO FORWARD IS NOT A LEGAL THEORY BUT A SCIENTIFIC THEORY AND IT'S A SCIENTIFIC THEORY BASED ON THE EMERGING EVIDENCE." (NATS-"NO MORE MERCURY")(April 2006) For years parents have protested thimerosal. Now some 49-hundred families of autistic children have filed claims against the government. (VO) Many parents point to the case of Hannah Poling. In March, the nine year old, with a rare cell disorder and autistic symptoms, won a settlement after a government program concluded vaccines aggravated her underlying condition.: (STANDUP: Dr. Mallika Marshall/CBS NEWS/Boston, MA) However, federal officials say that was an isolated case and does not prove a connection. Government experts also offer a number of studies that have never found a link between thimerosal and autism. : (NATS) And Touro (tur-oh) College's Doctor Bruce Peters points out that in recent years thimerosal was taken out of standard infant vaccines. Despite that the autism rate has continued to climb. 18:04(SOT-Dr. Bruce Peters/Touro College Of Osteopathic Medicine) "VACCINES HAVE BEEN TIME TESTED AND USED FOR MANY, MANY YEARS NOW AND I SHOULD SAY FOR MANY, MANY DECADES NOW, THEY'VE ALL BEEN VERY, VERY SAFE." Lawyers disagree and are seeking money for their clients. (SOT-Mike Williams/Attorney) "THESE CHILDREN ARE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION AND THEIR ONLY WAY TO GET IT IS TO GO TO COURT." It may take months for the court to make a decision. A decision that could effect thousands of cases in the future. Doctor Mallika Marshall, CBS NEWS.

32} NHSCREENING_DEKO

New Hampshire may be facing billions of dollars in preventable health costs -- if the state does not improve care for kids and adults with autism. That's the finding of a new report. The New Hampshire Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders wants better insurance coverage for autism treatments, and new ways to help people with autism get and retain jobs. And -- the Commission recommends screening all children for autism between 18 and 24-months old. That's Healtwatch. Marselis.

33} TOPSTORIES_VO

A record award today in a priest sex abuse trial. And that is one of our Top Stories. The jury ordered Vermont's Catholic Diocese to pay 8-point-7 million dollars to a man who was molested by a priest over 30 years ago. The plaintiffs argued the diocese knowingly took on a pedophile priest -- and failed to stop him from preying on an altar boy. Jury selection is underway in the high-profile Brian Rooney murder trial. He's the Richmond man accused of raping and killing UVM student Michelle Gardner Quinn. The trial is being held in Rutland because of the publicity in the Burlington area. But even there, lawyers found many potential jurors have already formed an opinion about Rooney's guilt or innocence. A Windsor County side judge has been found guilty of misconduct. State regulators say William Boardman had a conflict of interest in a local non-profit organization. Boardman was suspended from the bench for six months.

34} FIREFIGHTERS_FONT

Two members - including the assistant chief - of the Bennington Rural Fire Department are accused of sexually assaulting a junior member. First Assistant Chief Shawn LaFountain pleaded innocent to sexual assault and lewd and lascivious conduct charges today. He has resigned after being with the department for 12 years. Another fireman -- 22-year-old Colby Harwood -- pleaded innocent to three counts of sexual assault.

35} TEN_FONT

Residents in Bolton are still having trouble with their water ... we'll have the latest on that on the Channel 3 News at 10:00. Join us on our new digital channel W-C-A Xtra. It's available on cable or over-the-air. You'll find weather 24/7, news updates on the half hour ... and the complete Channel 3 News at 10:00.

36} ATR

37} NEWPORT_WHITE

In News Around the Region -- Newport Police are warning residents to stay away from a mother bear and three cubs seen near the elementary school and East Main Street. People are being told not to feed the bears -- or get near them to take pictures. Residents and business owners are also being asked to remove bird feeders and secure covers on garbage containers. Game wardens are hoping the bears will leave if the food source dries up.

38} PARKSTREET_VO

Voters in Springfield are deciding the fate of the Park Street School. The school board wants to close the elementary school -- as part of a consolidation plan. But the board wanted to hear from voters to see if they agree with the idea. The polls are open until 7 tonight at Riverside Middle School.

39} BUDGET_WHITE

Voters in Barre weighed-in again today on the city budget. The 8-point-7 million dollar plan is 50-thousand less than what residents rejected in March. It would add a little less than two-cents to the tax rate. Voters were also asked to approve an extra 200-thousand dollars for street repairs. The polls are open until 7 at the Municipal Auditorium.

40} EMERGENCYRESPONSE_WHITE

More EMT workers will be covering the Chazy area. An agreement signed by CVPH and the towns of Chazy and West Chazy will make EMTs available for 911 calls everyday between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Both towns will pay 12-thousand dollars for the service. Right now the Chazy area is covered by volunteers and response time can be slow. That's News Around the Region, Marselis.

41} WILDFIRES_INTRO

Not only have we as a nation, been coping with deadly tornados this week, ...Wildfires are also taking their toll in the south. Wildfires have been burning out of control in Florida this week, and firefighters hope the winds will cooperate so they can try to contain wildfires that have already damaged about 100 homes. Officials are blaming arsonists for several of the fires around Palm Bay. Karen Brown tells us, with more than 100 fires burning across Florida, ... crews are stretched thin.

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((THEY ARE USING RAKES ... AND EVEN THEIR BOOTS TO SCRAPE THROUGH THE ASHES OF WHAT WAS ONCE THE SEVIDA FAMILY HOME. "It's OK. It's going to be fine OK? She sobs" SOMETIMES THE EMOTIONS ARE TOO MUCH...AS FAMILIES FORCED TO FLEE A RAGING WILD FIRE IN PALM BAY FLORIDA...COME HOME TO NOTHING. "It's amazing, how you can loose things in just a matter of seconds." FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT NIGHT... FLAMES FANNED BY HIGH WINDS INVADED ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOODS...AT LEAST 100 HOMES HAVE BEEN DAMAGED OR DESTROYED. FIREFIGHTERS ARE RACING TO HOSE DOWN HOTSPOTS..HOPING TO FINALLY GET THE UPPER HAND. "Just doing what we are suppose to be doing, protecting life and property." OFFICIALS SAY IT ALL STARTED ON SUNDAY ...WHEN SEVERAL SMALL FIRES WERE LIKELY INTENTIONALLY SET IN THE AREA. "The locations of the fires indicated these were initiated separately, which makes us firmly believe that an individual, or individuals, was involved in setting those." SCHOOLS AND HIGHWAYS IN THE AREA WERE CLOSED DOWN AND THE GOVERNOR DECLARED A STATE OF EMERGENCY. VERY DEVASTATING, LOTS OF SMOKE , FIRES SO FAR , 4 THOUSAND ACRES HAVE BEEN SCORCHED. "I know that as long as I have my wife and my daughter living and alive is all that matters to me right now." WITH FIREFIGHTERS ABLE TO PREVENT ANY DEATHS SO FAR, EVEN RESIDENTS WHO LOST EVERYTHING ARE STILL COUNTING THEMSELVES LUCKY. Karen Brown CBS News.))

43} WILDFIRES_TAG

Now it has been dry around here as well, ...And our own wildfire risk is high across the region, ...So we also need to be careful until some of those rains return.

44} DATA_4_EVENEWS

45} CELTICS_VO

The boston celtics had the best record in the NBA during the regular season... And the league's best road record. They're starting to learn that post season is a whole different matter. The Celtics .. Going into Game 4 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals in Cleveland.. The Celtics had yet to win a playoff road game this year.. Just the same.. Celtics up 2-1 gong into last night. Celtics have been able to contain LeBron James for the most part.. But here he is on the drive.. That's 2 and the foul.. .. three point play... King James.. 21 points last night ... Cavs up just a bucket after a quarter... --- in the second...Kevin Garnett... one of three C's tied with a game high 15.. ----- later...Paul Pierce... keepoing the Celtics in this thing.. ..Down two at the half... they'd trail by three going into the fourth ... --- But the Celtics struggled from the field despite good D.. This isn't an example of it.. James off the high screen.. In you face kevin garnett . Cavs pull away late.. They win game four 88-77. Boston now 0-5 on the road in the playoffs. After losing just 10 on the road in the regular sesaon.. Seriers is 2-2 .. Game 5 in Boston tomorrow night. ..James... giving his team what they need.

46} POST_TAKE_SOT

((James: That was a play that we needed as a team. Hadn't had one of those plays all series. Me as an individual didn't have a play like that. You know our crowd hadn't seen a play like that since the alley-oop that Gibson threw to me in the first series.)) ((Rivers:Thought our guys played relatively well until the fourth quarter. And you know, give them credit, they made some huge shots. So we go back home and hopefully take care of business. But like I said the last time we were in this spot, we can't go home and assume. We have to go home and play.))

47} NBA_TONIGHT_BASKETSCORE

tonight...Orlando at Detroit game four. 7 p.m. Pistons lead series 3-1 -- and the late game at 9:30....New Orleans hosts the the defending champs. That series tied at 2.

48} WINGS_VO__L3RD_

To the ice..The Detroit Red Wings took care of business at home in their Western conference Finals.. Winning the first two games. Last night they could take a big step towards the Stanley Cup Finals with a win in Dallas. We pick this one up early second period... Brad Richards lets it go... and it deflects in to tie things at two... --- but later in the period...Jiri Hudler sent in on the breakaway...he lifts a backhander by Marty Turco...3-2 Detroit. --- Pavel Datsyuk .. Another big night.. He polishes things off.. With his 1st career hat trick; He's had multiple goals in four of the last five postseason games 5-2 final.. Wings now lead the series three games to none.

49} NHL_BOARD_HOCKSCORE

NHL tonight... Pittsburgh at Philly. Pens up 2 games to none.

50} SPYGATE_SOT_VO

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met with former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh for more than three hours today about Spygate. Walsh sent the league eight tapes last week that showed the Patriots had taped opposing teams coaches between 2000 and 2002. After viewing those tapes and hearing from Walsh, Goodell said he doesn't foresee any additional penalties for the Patriots, who have already been fined and were stripped of their first round pick in last month's draft. ((Goodell/"The fundmental information that was provided today is consistent with what we knew last September, and the discipline that I took was unprecedented at that time and I feel it was appropriate.")) Goodell also revealed that he was told by Walsh that the Patriots did not have a videotape of a walk-through practice of the St. Louis Rams prior to the 2002 Super Bowl. The Boston Herald had previously reported that such a tape existed, but Goodell said he was able to verify that there is no such tape.

51} SORENSTAM_SOT

Saying she wants to focus on family and her business dealings, LPGA star Annika Sorenstam has announced she will retire at the end of this season. Just two days ago, the 37-year old won the Michelob Ultra Open by seven strokes. It's her 72nd career victory, third all time in LPGA Tour history. A total that includes ten major championships. ((Sorenstam/"I have come back from an injury. I feel strong. I feel healthy. The season has started really well and I'm leaving the game on my terms."))

52} RED_SOX_VO__L3RD_

Red Sox finishing up a 10 game road swing with 2 in baltimore starting tonight. The Sox will be without skipper Terry Francona for the series. Francona will miss the next two games following the death of his mother-in-law, who passed away last night in Arizona. Bench coach Brad Mills will run the Red Sox during their series against the Orioles. Sox wrapping up in Minnesota last night ... And have some instant success against Livan Hernandez...1st inning .. One in..one on.. And Manny Ramirez gets a couple more runs home when he launches career homer #498 ... Sox on top 3-0. --- Clay Bucholz couldn't handle prosperity... Quickly surrenders a pair in the bottom of the frame... Justin Morneau singles to right...in comes one.. Another, too as J-D Drew misplays the ball ...the lead down to 3-2.. --- Ahead to the third... Bucholz in more torubler.. Michael Cuddyer plates Joe Mauer with the rbi single to tie the game ...another comes home on a ground out to make it 4-3 Twins... --- then in the fifth... Craig Monroe sends one down the line in left ...two runs score... That ends Bucholz' night.. Seven run in four and a third.. Twins win 7-3.. Taking 3 of 4 from the Red Sox.

53} YANKEES_TAKE_VO__L3RD_

Yankees in Tampa.. Facing a Rays team that has won 4 straight.. second inning...Dioner Navarro singles off Andy Pettitte...Johnny Gomes scores...1-0 Rays. --- 4th inning.. It's still 1-0.. ...Gomes singles to left center ...Evan Longoria comes home..Tampa's got a 2 run lead. --- and not through yet.. ...Jason Bartlett..To the gap...Gomes and Eric Hinske come home on the Bartlett triple ..part of a 4 run 4th .. and Tampa wins 7-1. Their 5th straight.

54} INDIANS_TAKE_VO__L3RD_

A little history last night in Cleveland... Indians-Blue Jays... game two of a twinbill ...Toronto with two on in the fifth...the runners go...and Lyle Overbay lines out to Asdrubal Cabrera who steps on 2nd base, then tags out Marco Scutaro. That's an unassisted triple play ...the 14th in major league history... Toronto would win the game in ten, 3-0.

55} SPORTS_OUT

56} BEARS_INTRO

New Hampshire National Guard medic D-J Stelmat was killed in Iraq by a roadside bomb this past March. But his loved ones are trying to keep his spirit alive with the help of little stuffed animals. Adam Sullivan explains.

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Maryanne Rennell displays several beanie babies that pay tribute to her son D.J. The army medic's picture is attached to each one with a saying on the back that reads the following... ((Maryanne Rennell/Stelmat's Mother: "A soldier is never truly gone unless they are forgotten. May your soul rest in peace. So the whole point of this is that he not be forgotten..sigh..")) Stelmat died doing what he loved-- caring for sick children in Iraq. The bears will be sent to the clinics he used to work at. ((Rennell: "I hope it brings the kids a little bit of comfort and the very fact that it is attached to a beanie baby I thinks is just so adorable and cute and It is something that D.J. Would have absolutely would have loved.")) For a 3 dollar donation-- which simply covers shipping costs-- ANYONE wanting to contribute to the cause can. The beanie babies are on display in stores throughout the region. ((Karma Bailey/Topic Of The Town: "it is just to honor D.J. It was something that he believed in and wanted to do. He was doing what he wanted to do so they are just continuing in D.J.'s memory.")) The idea was spearheaded by Stelmats girlfriend-- Joanna Fekay. She too is trying to deal with the loss. ((Joanna Fekay/Stelmat's Girlfriend: "it is still very new to me, even though it has been over a month and a half now. It is still very very sore.")) But Fekay says the stuffed animal project helps ease some of the pain. ((Fekay: "I don't want D.J. ever to be forgotten. That is mainly why I wanted to do this.")) ((Rennell: "my hat goes off to her and I just love her to death.")) Like her son, who she says can still make a difference even after he's gone. Adam Sullivan channel three news, in Littleton New Hampshire.

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There are several stores in Northern New Hampshire that have the special Beanie Babies ready to be adopted. There is also a mailing address for the Bear Project in the InfoCenter at wcax-dot-com.

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