Tue 6 P.M. News Script

Tue 30-JUN-2009 6 P.M. News Script

1} DEPLOYMENT2_ENG

Good evening, I'm Kristin Carlson. And I'm Marselis Parsons. Channel 3 news has learned Vermont guard soldiers are in the process of being notified to prepare for a major deployment to Afghanistan. Family members are telling us that guard soldiers started getting e-mails about it starting last Friday. Brian Joyce is live at Camp Johnson in Colchester with our report. And Brian -- this could be one of the biggest deployments for the Green Mountain Boys ever. Well for nearly a year Vt guard officials have indicated as many as 18-hundred troops could be deployed to Afghanistan by years end. Members of guard families are now telling us that notification for that major deployment began a few days ago.

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The news of deployment comes as the guard has been conducting exercises in mock Afghan villages constructed at the Underhill firing range. Now it appears the official notification of the deployment to take on the Taliban could come this week. A father of one soldier tells us the deployment could come in waves staring in early December. This call up is no surprise. A year ago guard officials said a deployment of 15 to 18 hundred soldiers was likely. The Vermont National Guard would not confirm the deployment but did confirm an undisclosed number of troops have been notified to prepare for a status change. And they say General Michael Dubie -- the commander of Vermont's national guard -- will make a major announcement later this week. At a veterans appearance Congressman Peter Welch did not discuss this major development. But Welch reaffirmed his approval for the troops...and explained why he opposes the President's decision to send g.i.s to Afghanistan. ((tape 420 tc 34:16 Rep. Peter Welch/D-Vermont "Our soldiers will serve where asked and they'll go when asked and I, along with all Vermonters, am immensely respectful of them. My job is to try to give them a policy that's worthy of their willingness to sacrifice. I'm skeptical that the United States can overcome the corruption of the Karzai government. That's their job. And whether the addition of 21-thousand more troops in Afghanistan, a huge country, is going to result in the nation-building success. So I'm a skeptic. "))

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Now I also spoke with Vermont guard troops today who said they had not yet received orders for Afghanistan -- but they expect to get them this week. And they also expect Commander Dubie to confirm the deployment at a press conference scheduled for Thursday afternoon. Now a correction: Earlier today I reported that Congressman Peter Welch said he was notified about the deployment today. That was incorrect. My mistake. I apologize. Again . . . Congressman Welch declined comment about any deployment. But it's clear from multiple sources the details of this deployment could be spelled out later this week. -3-

4} ORDINANCE_LVSD

A judge says a convicted sex offender will NOT have to move ... even though his residence violates a Barre ordinance restricting him from living within a thousand feet of a school or playground. Kate Duffy is in the newsroom with more. 29-year-old Chris Hagan was convicted of lewd and lascivious conduct over a contact with a 15-year-old girl that occurred when he was 18. Barre officials said he had to move to comply with the ordinance the city passed last year. Hagan and the Vermont ACLU said that was not fair -- and today a judge issued a preliminary injunction that says he can stay in his home -- at least for now.

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(3:44-55 allen gilbert/american civil liberties union)((it's a very clear cut legal question. judge toor accepted our argument that municipalities simply don't have the authority in vt to pass ordinances like this.)) The ACLU praised a preliminary injunction issued Tuesday that says Barre could not force a convicted sex offender to move. 29-year-old Chris Hagan sued the city, contesting an ordinance that restricts him from living within a thousand feet of a school or playground. (4:28-48)((there's an important issue at stake here and that's the right of a person who has done his or her time and paid his or her dues for a crime, how they're going to be treated when they're released from prison.)) Barre passed the ordinance last year -- arguing the city had a disproportionate number of sex offenders. It has just 30 percent of the population of Washington County, but 70 percent of its sex offenders. The mayor says the ordinance limits the opportunity for sex offenders to interact with children. (10:45-50 lauzon)((this case isn't about mr hagan. this case is about keeping children safe in barre city.)) He says the legislature gave the city the right to impose the ordinance. While the judge's ruling postpones its enforcement against Hagan, it does not throw out the ordinance. (14:41-58 lauzon)((mr hagan's argument is that the city does not have the authority to enact this ordinance. obviously if the court rules against the city in that respect, if we don't have authority to enact the ordinance, then the ordinance is moot. if we do, then of course the ordinance would apply to mr hagan as well as everyone else.))

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Both sides are due back in court in two weeks for a status conference. That will help the court decide where this case goes from here -- whether the preliminary injunction will become final. If it does, the city could appeal and send the case to the state Supreme Court. Kate - other municipalities have followed in Barre's footsteps and adopted similar ordinances. What does this ruling mean for them? Today's ruling does NOT directly apply to other municipalities and other sex offenders. But if if the Supreme Court were to uphold this initial ruling, then it would apply to all municipalities and all sex offenders.

7} ONE_GREENVO

This Thursday marks one year since Brooke Bennett's body was found buried on her uncle's property -- after a week-long search. It was a shocking crime that had a major impact on the state - and the people who knew Brooke. Bianca Slota is taking a look at all of this.... and joins us now with more. Bianca? Kristin, For Brooke's family the year has been extremely difficult. Her mother and father say they are both still struggling with the reality that she is gone. For the state...it's been a year of change. The legislature passed stringent new sex offender laws...and the Department of Corrections has reformed its policies. As all these changes have been taking place ...Brooke's accused killer...her uncle -- Michael Jacques...has been sitting in a federal prison...while prosecutors decide if he will be eligible for the death penalty.

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(( tc 9:09 - :37 Bill Sorrell, Vermont Attorney General: "And obviously with potentially his life held in the balance no court wants to rush to judgement. So I appreciate that the family members have some frustration, I understand that but I hope they can be patient knowing that federal and state law enforcement and prosecution authorities are doing to do the best that can be done to see that justice is done in the Brooke Bennett case.")) Tonight on Channel 3 News at 10 and 11 we take a look at where the case against Jacques stands. Tomorrow we examine all the changes that have happened...from new laws to probation reform...and Thursday we talk with Brooke's parents. Kristin...

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The fast moving and deadly plant fungus called Late Blight has shown up in Plattsburgh. Late Blight caused the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s. In addition to potatoes - it targets eggplants and tomatoes. It can kill a plant in a week and a half. The signs are brownish lesions on the leaves that makes them look wet. It was discovered Friday at a Plattsburgh store that bought the infected plants from a wholesaler. Officials say if you've bought any tomato -- eggplant -- or potato plants that were NOT grown locally -- throw them out. Do not compost or burn the infected plant -- because the spores will travel. The fungus hasn't made it this far north in about a decade.

10} 1STWX

And we've seen more showers and thunderstorms again this afternoon....it is getting frustrating! I think most people are frustrated, especially those in farming. We have seen more showers and thunderstorms pop up this afternoon, ... And while they may not have hit your particular location ...It's a matter of luck, and impossible to predict which town will have a shower and which town will stay dry. That has made cutting hay and drying it so difficult. Here's what's going on on the radar now. ...Storms that have our attention is the storm which has rolled through Middlebury in the past hour, and is heading to the north. That one is a severe thunderstorm, and we are also watching the storm which is sliding up over Lake Champlain, from Charlotte and will reach the S. Burlington area at about 6:30pm. (**click**) There is a line of thunderstorms stretching from the Champlain Valley right along the NY/VT border, and these are all moving from south to north, which could be dumping a lot of rain over the same locations over and over this evening. (**click**) Tomorrow, .... Another round of showers and thunderstorms especially during the afternoon. Temperatures will hold in the upper 60s and low 70s tomorrow, ... And we can expect more of the same, .. Unsettled weather right into the holiday weekend.

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As the rain continues to fall throughout much of Vermont -- anxiety levels are rising. As Keagan Harsha reports -- farmers are having a difficult time harvesting their hay crops -- and even more trouble growing their corn.

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((nats blowing crop??? )) Most farmers will tell you -- rain is a farmer's best friend. ((12:28-30 NATS: "as you can see, this fields' growing good.")) But they'll also probably tell you -- you CAN have too much of a good thing. ((39:22-26 Jewell: "oh it's terrible. June just won't cooperate.")) The champlain valley has received almost five inches of rain this month.... ((nats of tractor)) ... And for the Four Hills farm -- that spells trouble. About half of the hay crop has not been cut -- and the hay that has -- is too wet to pick up. ((38:25-30 Jewell" "if we don't get it in it will just sit there and rot.")) Farmers across the state are in a similar situation. Most farmers chop their hay into sileage. Others bail it -- but either way farmers need at least two to three days to dry the crop after it's been cut. So far -- the Champlain Valley has seen rain 15 out of 30 days this month -- making it nearly impossible to even cut -- let alone harvest. ((37:55-02 Tina Jewell/Four Hills Farm: "It's been tough. You see there's one field up here we tried getting into last week and we got stuck. It's all mud.")) And hay that's left lying for too long -- loses its nutrients. ((4:33-40 Andy Dykstra/Farmer: "there's no value left in it at all. The only thing you can do its take a chopper to it and blow it back on the field.")) ((27:41-59 Keagan Harsha/New Haven: "and the rain has also taken its toll on the corn crop. This field was planted back in May right after a storm dumped about 4 inches of rain on the fields, But the field next to it looks a whole lot better. That's because it was planted 3 weeks later after the storms had already passed through, and corn here is much healthier.")) As damaging as the rain has been - cold temps have stunted growth. ((7:18-20 "corn needs heat")) Only a handful of days have seen temperatures top 80 degrees. ((14:26-30 NATS: knee high, fourth of july, it's a little low. You like to see it about here.")) At this point -- farmers say they aren't too worried. It's still early in the season. But rain, rain, and more rain in the forecast does have them worried. ((11:09-11 "it's getting very frustrating.")) An industry always at the whim of Mother nature. Keagan Harsha, Channel 3 news, in New Haven.

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Vermont farmers harvest about 220-thousand acres of hay annually -- worth about 59 million dollars. The state's corn crop is valued at 57 million dollars. The bad weather also comes at a time when dairy farmers are facing some of the lowest prices for their product. -3-

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15} NHNEGOTIATE_WHITE

New Hampshire Governor John Lynch met with State Employee union negotiators today to come up with a new contract. The old contract expired today -- its provisions will remain in place -- until a new deal is reached. Governor Lynch is looking for 25 million dollars in labor costs savings --- and if it can't be found up to 750 workers could be laid off. The union is proposing a voluntary furlough program -- but the Governor says that won't save enough money on its own.

16} BUDGET3_VO

Rutland city government will not shut down this week. The board of aldermen passed a 24-million dollar city budget last night -- that includes three layoffs. If they hadn't approved a spending plan by today -- city government would have shut down. In addition to the layoffs...the city cut 350 thousand dollars from last year's budget. Officials say the cuts were necessary because revenues are way down.

17} EDSTIMULUS_WHITE

Vermont made the deadline to apply for 77-million dollars of federal stimulus money for education. The application - that's due tomorrow - had been held up - while the state budget was finalized. But Vermont's chief recovery officer - Tom Evslin -- says the state faxed in its form late yesterday. The 77-million dollars for education will be used over the next two fiscal years. This will be the first stimulus money to come to the state that is specifically for education -- but it won't be the last -- the state will also apply for special education money later this year.

18} CLUNKERS_INTRO

A Central Vermont car dealer believes he will be the first in the nation to sell a car through a new government program. It takes effect tomorrow, and as Jack Thurston tells us -- consumers can get cash for clunkers.

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((Darryle Mongeon/Buying Hybrid Car: 15:54: It's been a good truck.)) Darryle Mongeon has come to rely on the 1995 Dodge Dakota pickup he calls black beauty to get him from his Northeast Kingdom home to spots around Vermont. ((Darryle Mongeon/Buying Hybrid Car: 15:47: As you can see, there's 139,000 miles on it.)) But it guzzles gas and now is scratched and dinged up, so Mongeon is saying goodbye to black beauty. ((Darryle Mongeon/Buying Hybrid Car: 14:01: This is the time to do it.)) ((Jack Thurston: This is Mongeon's new car, a 2010 Toyota Prius that he expects will get him about 50 miles a gallon, about 4 times what his old truck got him. That difference qualified him for a $4500 credit through a new government program.)) ((Dave Birmingham/Courtesy Toyota: 21:16: We're taking cars off the road that are less fuel-efficient, and putting cars on the road that are more fuel-efficient.)) The Car Allowance Rebate System or CARS is one billion dollars worth of vouchers. The feds are actually still fine-tuning the rules -- but basically, your trade-in has to be no older than 25 years, you have to have owned it for more than a year, and it has to have gas mileage of 18 miles a gallon or less. The new car has to get at least 22 miles a gallon. Only the purchase of new vehicles qualifies and there will be measures in place to block fraud. The whole point is to destroy older cars that pollute more -- and to stimulate car sales. ((Dave Birmingham/Courtesy Toyota: 23:15: Auto sales drive a lot of revenue in this state. This is a win-win-win. The environment wins, the consumer wins, and the economy wins. And through that, the dealer wins.)) ((Darryle Mongeon/Buying Hybrid Car: 14:19: It's our tax dollars. This is an opportunity for us to get some of the stimulus money back. So that's kind of satisfying.)) Darryle Mongeon admits he'll miss black beauty, but when he gets his new ride, better fuel efficiency and big cash savings, will have him smiling all the way to the bank. Jack Thurston, Channel 3 News.

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Darryle Mongeon gets his new Prius after midnight when the program is official. It runs through November 1st, but may end earlier -- if vouchers run out. For a link to a government web site about the program - visit the InfoCenter on wcax dot com.

21} FLARES_VO

The U.S. Coast Guard will be out in full force this weekend on Lake Champlain. Officers will be checking boats to make sure they have all the proper safe equipment -- everything from life jackets to fire extinguishers to flares. However --flares are not required by the coast guard -- and that's creating some confusion among boaters.

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((Petty Officer Neil Mogerley/U.S. Coast Guard "well you don't and you do. It's a little kind of mixed up right now -- on the Vermont side. Federally we do not require flares on Lake Champlain at all in Vermont, but it is highly recommended. ")) While the coast guard doesn't require flares -- new york state police do. So if you're boating on the new york side of lake champlain without flares -- you do run the risk of being ticketed.

23} 2NDWX_INTRO

Another day. ...Same story.... It's broken record time, ...And yes, another evening, with more showers and thunderstorms going on. Let's take a look outside with our live skywatch 3 camera.. ... Right now in Burlington, ...We have ....

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Tonight: Mostly cloudy. Scattered showers and Tstorms. Lows: 58/65 Winds: Light Wednesday: Mostly cloudy. Scattered showers and Tstorms. Highs: 68/75 Winds: SE 5-10 mph Wednesday Night: Cloudy skies. Scattered showers and Tstorms. Lows: 58/65 Winds: Light Thursday: Mostly cloudy. Showers likely, esp. Afternoon. Highs: 68/75 Winds: S 5-10 mph Extended: Friday through Sunday. Friday: Chance of showers. Highs: 70/77 Lows 53/60 Saturday: Chance of showers. Highs: 70/77 Lows 53/60 Sunday: Chance of showers. Highs: 70/77

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26} SXTEASE_INTRO

Mike is in with our sports preview...a first place team back in action... the Vermont Mountaineers, tied for first in the NECBL's Western Division, at home tonight... they're taking on Pittsfield at Montpelier Rec Field ...we'll have the highlights at ten and eleven.

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((RED SOX)) The Red Sox rode the bat of J-D Drew and the arm of Jon Lester to a 4-0 win last night in Baltimore. Lester tossed seven shutout inning to improve to 8-0 in his career against the Orioles. ----- ((YANKEES)) The Yankees trade for one-time Red Sox Eric Hinske, sending a pair of minor leaguers to Pittsburgh for the former American League rookie of the year. New York hosts Seattle tonight... ---- ((BRUINS)) Bruins goalie Tim Thomas has been invited to next month's U-S Olympic hockey camp. The camp is part of the process to determine the U-S team for next year's Olympic Games in Vancouver.

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29} WRIGHT2_INTRO

This is the last day on the job for Dartmouth College President Jim Wright. A man who started as a miner in the zinc mines of illinois, he joined the Marines and then was first in his family to go to college. He thought he'd teach history.. but he became administrator of one of the top schools in the ivy league.

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((I was lucky to have nuns and marine corps drill instrcutors teach me a sense of responsibility and a sense of discipline perhaops. But there are a lot of people who dont have the chances I have had.. and so I think it's crucial NOT to exaggerate or romanticize one's own background and think 'look what I've overcome'. I overcame this with a lot of people and therefore I feel a responsibility to help others. MP Looking back, Mr Wright, is there anything you regret.? JW: As President? Yes! Well I have tried to .... uh.. Well I regret this last year, you know, I'll start with that. With the budget downturn that we had, it was very difficult. I never expected to spend my last year as president having to significantly reduce expenses. MP: Some critics have said that you should have cut salaries rather than laidf off people.. that there should have been an across the board cut. JW: Sure.. critics have said that and I think it is NOT the way to run an instittution like this. and i'll tell youwhy.. and I sauy itwith some discomfort: / uh...if ... We haveworked very hard ot make our staff and faculty compensation competitive.. there IS a marketplace. So the question is do wereduce salaries and is it permanent? Does that mean that forever more we are always going to be more than five percent more below the market? and of course we cant do that because every time we make a new hire.. every time we try to retain someone, the market is going to remind us again what it is we have to pay and we're going to end up with significant disparities. And so somebody has to do catch up. And in a few years that catch up -- the demand for that catchup -- is going to become even more profound for my successor and others who have to deal with that. You simply cannot run a place strategically that way.))

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Tomorrow Jim Wright hands over to Jim Yong Kim.. and we will have some parting advice from the old president to the new.

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Still ahead tonight - a citizen soldier tells tales from the front lines. Also - a new G-I Bill could mean free college tuition for recent veterans. And next - a wake up call for Rutland County. Here's Kristin with our HealthWatch...

33} RUTLANDHEALTH_VO

A new report finds Rutland County residents are less healthy than the average Vermonter. Rutland County has higher smoking rates -- and its residents have a harder time gaining access to health care. The study points to lack of insurance -- transportation -- and doctor and dentist shortages in the area. The study's coordinators have come up with 60 ideas for improving those areas.

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Accidental overdose of Acetaminophen is sending patients to the emergency room -- and in some cases into liver failure. Today an F-D-A advisory panel recommended steps to help solve the problems. Teri Okita has more.

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Lower the dose of Acetaminophen. That recommendation from government experts could soon have drug companies changing dosage amounts. . It's best known in Tylenol.... but the pain reliever and fever reducer can be found in hundreds of medications. :13 07:51 (SOT-Dr. Theodore Bania/St. Luke's-Roosevelt) "WE SEE PATIENTS ALL THE TIME WITH TYLENOL TOXICITY." :03 Doctor Theodore Bania says patients can accidently damage their liver by taking too much acetaminophen . For example..someone who's sick may take tylenol for a headache and then take cold medicine - not realizing it * also * contains acetaminophen. (SOT-Dr. Theodore Bania/St. Luke's Roosevelt) "AND THEN ALREADY YOU'RE OVERDOSING OR TAKING TOO MUCH TYLENOL." :04 People who suffer chronic pain can run into problems because acetaminophen is also found in some prescription painkillers (STANDUP: Teri Okita/CBS NEWS/Los Angeles) Acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of liver failure in the U-S sending some 56-thousand Americans to the emergency room every year. (VO) An FDA advisory committee recommends: . Reducing the maximum daily dose to less than 4 grams. The equivalent of 8 Extra Strength Tylenol. They also want to reduce the maximum single dose to 650 milligrams. (NATS) Doctors say there **is** an easy way to avoid overdose. 21:05 (SOT-Dr. Michael Benninger/Cleveland Clinic) "FOLLOWING THE LABEL - READING THE LABEL - MANY, MANY PATIENTS DON'T REALLY LEAD THE LABEL." :06 Those labels could soon be changing. The FDA will make a final decision at a later date. The agency does not have to follow an advisory committee's suggestions - but usually does. Teri Okita, CBS NEWS, Los Angeles.

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For more on the right way to take acetominaphen - visit the HealthWatch InfoCenter on our web site - wcax dot com. That's HealthWatch, Marselis.

37} TOPSTORIES_VO

A judge has put the brakes on Barre's sex offender ordinance. That's one of tonight's top stories ... Barre's ordinance prohibits a sex offender from living within one-thousand feet of a school or playground. The city told Chris Hagan he need to move to comply with the ordinance. But Hagan took the city to court saying the new rules were not fair. Today a judge issued a preliminary injunction allowing Hagan to stay for now. Rainy weather is hurting hay and corn crops. Farmers need several days for hay to dry after cutting or it will rot. And the corn will definitely NOT be knee high by the Fourth of July. Too much water and not enough heat -- have pushed the corn crop behind schedule. And Vermont National Guard soldiers are preparing for deployment to Afghanistan. Members of the guard have received notification of a change in their status. A formal announcement by the guard is scheduled for Thursday.

38} GI_VO

A disabled Iraq War hero was in Vermont today to promote the new G.I. Bill. Assistant Veterans Department Secretary L. Tammy Duckworth came to Champlain College to promote the new G.I. Bill of Rights. She lost both legs and the use of an arm piloting a chopper in the Iraq War. She was here to remind post 9-11 veterans that the new G.I. Bill could provide free-tuition at any college in Vermont based on need.

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((tape 420 tc 11:32 L. Tammy Duckworth/Asst. Sec. Veterans Affairs:"So that at least here in Vermont no veteran will be denied the opportunity to go to school because it's too expensive for them. They should have an ability to find a college, an institution of higher learning, that will suit their needs, their goals in life, and allow them to pursue their American dream because , after all, they probably deserve to be able to pursue the American dream more than quite a few others.")) More than 700 private colleges nation-wide are voluntarily making the same offer -- including ALL private colleges and universities in Vermont.

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Tonight on the Channel 3 News at 10:00. a special report looking back at the murder of Brooke Bennett -- and its impact one year later. That's on our secondary channel WCAXtra. You'll find it on Comcast channel 168. It's also free over-the-air on digital 3-point-2.

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42} GREEN_VO

A classroom dedicated to going green has rolled into Williston. The trailer is equipped with new technologies to train plumbers and other contractors on energy-efficiency systems like solar panels and water-saving toilets.

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((Matt Lash/Electrical Workers Union: 2:01:40: You've gotta be under a rock if you haven't heard the chatter about green jobs, the green energy boom, and the need to wean ourselves off foreign sources of energy. So definitely I see a big boom coming down the pike and we just want to prepare our members for it.)) ((Jeff Potvin/Plumbers and Pipefitters Union: 2:07:27: I think if anyone is starting to build a home it's one of the first things they should look at to bring it into the future, basically.)) The trailer is at N-E-H-P in Williston just this week- but the contractors unions say they regularly offer green training throughout the year.

44} ROUNDABOUT_VO

Some upset Montpelier businesses have forced the City Council to call a special meeting about summer construction. Business owners say they are feeling the pain of two major projects in Montpelier. Work on a roundabout began this spring at the busy intersections of Route 2 and 302. That work has snarled traffic and some travelers are avoiding the area. Business owners want work done at night. There is also traffic congestion in Montpelier because of another paving project. The city council meeting is tomorrow night at 5:30 p-m.

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The Mount Sunapee ski area in Newbury is pursing expansion plans again. The managers of Mt. Sunapee lease the resort from the state. Earlier this year they lost a court battle to connect 175 acres of state land to their private property, where they proposed building condominiums. Now a public hearing is scheduled July 14 on the resort's five-year master development plan -- which includes a small lodge and improvements to parking lots and lift chairs.

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A boys summer camp in Salisbury is gearing up to celebrate 100 years of summer fun. Keewaydin Dunmore -- sometimes known as Camp Keewaydin -- opened along the shore of Lake Dunmore in 1910. Tomorrow a canoe flotilla of more than 100 boats will take to the water to mark the centennial. Keewaydin is a Native American term meaning spirit of the northwest wind.

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A Claremont non-profit organization was honored today at the White House. Bonnie CLAC helps people take control of their finances with the goal of buying a new car. It was one of several non-profit programs recognized by President Obama for its creative approach to solving problems. That's News Around the Region, Kristin.

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Another day, more showers and thunderstorms. ... It's a weather pattern that just doesn't want to quit! And we are expecting more of the same in the days ahead. Still looking at some showers and thunderstorms, there is a severe thunderstorm warning in effect in the area shaded in yellow, ... That is in effect until 7:30 this evening. (**click**) and the roughest ones are now right in our neighborhood. Heavy downpours in the Burlington area, with thunder and lightning ...And there is another storm taking aim on Plattsburgh also with heavy downpours. . ..... These will be settling down before midnight in most instances, ....But there are more to come. (**click**) There is a long line of storms stretching along the eastern NY border, and notice how these are moving north. That means several storms could be rolling over the same location, and if that is the case, ...We could see some flooding in any location that gets hit by several of these storms this evening. Be aware of that possibility if you live in a flood prone area. (**click**) Tomorrow, ....we may see a few intervals of sunshine once again, but clouds will be persistent, and there will be more showers popping up again, and we could see some thunderstorms as well. Temperatures will be a little cooler than normal, Morrisville a high of 72, ....St Johnsbury, 72, ...Manchester and Springfield, 75 for highs. If you are going to be on lake Champlain tomorrow,....again, keep an eye on the sky for the possibly development of thunderstorms. The water temperature is now 64 degrees. (**click**) The threat for thunderstorms will likely decrease towards the end of the week, but we'll continue to see showers.

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51} RED_SOX_VO__L3RD_

The Red Sox look to improve to 6-0 against the Orioles this season tonight at Camden Yards. John Smoltz will make his second start in a Boston uniform. In his debut last week against Washington, the veteran gave up four runs in the first, but settled down after that, finishing with five runs in five innings in an eventual 9-3 Sox loss to the Nationals. Last night in Baltimore, second batter of the game, Dustin Pedroia sends a single back up the middle. J-D Drew scores after leading off with a triple. It's 1-0 Red Sox. --- To the fourth, Jason Varitek with a bounding single back through the box. Jacoby Ellsbury hustles all the way around from second to score and it's a 2-0 Boston lead. --- Two batters later, Drew sends a moon shot deep and gone to right. He finishes the game a double short of the cycle. This 2-run homer gives the Sox a 4-0 lead. --- Kevin Youkilis looking to add some insurance. He sends a bomb to straight-away centerfield.... Adam Jones is back on it and makes a great catch to rob him of a home run.... Take a look again as Jones gets way over the wall to keep it a 4-run game. --- Unfortunately for the O's.... Jon Lester is dealing. He goes 7-full allowing no runs, no walks, and striking out 8.... --- Jonathan Papelbon on to try and get one out in the 9th, and what a doozy it was.... Jason Wieters sends the pop up into short left.... And Jason Bay goes full extension to take away a single and end the ballgame.... Sox win 4-0.... Papelbon ties Bob Stanley for first on the Sox all-time saves list with 132.... Game 2 of the series from Baltimore tonight....

52} LOWELL_TAKE_VO

The Red Sox have placed third basemen Mike Lowell on the 15-day disabled list with a right hip strain. The move is retroactive to June 28 and Boston has called up Jeff Bailey from Triple-A to take Lowell's spot on the roster. The 35-year-old Lowell had successful arthroscopic surgery on the hip last October. He is hitting .282 with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs, but has not played since appearing as a pinch-hitter Saturday.

53} YANKEES_VO

After a night off, the Yankees return to action this evening hosting the Seattle Mariners at the Stadium. Joba Chamberlain makes his first career start against the M's. He's 4-2 so far this season with a 3.81 ERA. The Yanks added some depth to their bench today, acquiring utility man Eric Hinske from Pittsburgh for a pair of minor leaguers and cash. Hinske is very familiar with the American League. He won the A-L rookie of the year award with Toronto in 2002, was on the Red Sox 2007 World Series winners and went to the Fall Classic again last year as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays.

54} MOUNTAINEERS_WHITE

The Vermont Mountaineers at home tonight, taking on the Pittsfield American Defenders at Montpelier Rec Field. Vermont is 12-7, tied for first place with North Adams in the NECBL's Western Division. We'll have the highlights tonight.

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The Vermont Lake Monsters had a three game win streak snapped last night at Tri-City. Vermont held a 3-0 lead before the Valley Cats scored four unearned runs in the six to pick up a 4-3 victory. J-P Ramirez had a two run double for the Monsters. He and J-J Sferra each had two hits as Vermont fell to 5-6. Tonight's game in Troy, New York has been rained out. As for the Lake Monsters nickname poll for Ramirez, Sferra and fellow outfielder J-R Higley...right now the J-Crew leads. To vote, go to the sports page of our website, WCAX.COM...scroll down and the poll is on the right side of the page.

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It's starting to get series at the All-England Club. Women's quarterfinal day at Wimbledon. Venus and Serena Williams both still in contention and looking like the favorites to face-off in an all-sister final on Saturday. Venus Williams, the two time defending champ who is looking for her sixth Wimbledon title overall, needs just 68 minutes to dispatch 11th seed Agnieszka Radwanska 6-1, 6-2. Venus trying to become the first woman since Steffi Graff in the early 90's to win Wimbledon three times in a row... --- her semifinal opponent will be the world's top ranked player, Dinara Safina. Safina, who despite being ranked number one, has yet to win a grand slam title, dropped the first set to unranked German teenager Sabine Lisicki, but rallied for a 6-7, 6-4, 6-1 win to set to Thursday's showdown with the defending champ... --- in the other half of the draw...Serena Williams steamrolled past number eight Victoria Azarenka 6-2, 6-3. Serena, who has won Wimbledon twice, lost to her sister in last year's final. To set up a rematch, she'll have to get past number four Elena Dementieva, who also rolled in straight sets today. This is the first time since 2006 that all four top seeds reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam tournament...

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An outstanding season for former UVM goalie Tim Thomas could be capped by the opportunity to represent his country at the Olympics. Thomas is one of 34 players that has been invited to the U-S men's Olympic hockey camp for next year's Games in Vancouver. The camp will take place August, 17th-19th in Woodbridge, Illinois. An invite to this camp doesn't assure a player a spot on the Olympic roster. An additional 50 or so players will also be eligible when the final roster is announced at the end of the year. Thomas won the Vezina Trophy this past season as the NHL's top goaltender and backstopped the Bruins to the best regular season record in the Eastern Conference. Fellow Bruin Phil Kessel also received an invite to the camp.

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The Montreal Canadiens have picked up star center Scott Gomez from the Rangers in a six player deal. New York shipping Gomez and two minor leaguers to Montreal for forward Chris Higgins and defenseman Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko.

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Former drivers Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip are two of the 25 nominees for the first NASCAR Hall of Fame induction class. NASCAR released the two names ahead of the announcement of all nominees Thursday night. The first class will consist of five members. They'll be inducted in conjunction with the opening of the Hall of Fame in downtown Charlotte next May. Allison, who paid a visit to Thunder Road two weeks ago, and Waltrip were longtime rivals and are tied for third with 84 victories in NASCAR's top series. Waltrip won three Cup championships and Allison one. A likely member of that first Hall of Fame class, Richard Petty, will make an appearance at Thunder Road on July 30th.

60} SPORTS_OUT

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As hundreds of Vermont guard members prepare to deploy to Afghanistan - one soldier has just written a new book on his service in Iraq. Tom Middleton was a soldier and medic -- trying to come to terms with his different roles.

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((tape 302 tc 11:57 Jane Lindholm/VPR: Our guest today was one of those guardsmen who served in Ramadi.)) Tom Middleton has a story to tell. On this day -- he's at VPR. ((12:14 Sgt. Middleton thanks for being here today - thanks for having me on.)) His story starts thousands of miles away.... in a spot he calls the worst place on earth -- Ramadi, Iraq. ((tape 302 tc 17:54 Tom Middleton: I never thought in a million years I would be in ground combat.)) Middleton is a medic with the Vermont National Guard. In 2005 - he was one of 400 deployed for Task Force Saber... and he just wrote a book about his experiences. ((tape 302 tc 22:07 Tom Middleton: The national guard ended up on the front line doing the heavy lifting if you will.)) ((tape 302 tc 28:01 KC: So why did you want to write this book? Tom Middleton: Well it was a catharsis.)) The book is based on a journal he kept -- as he traveled between platoons -- filling in for other medics. ((nats)) Before going to Iraq for a year -- Middleton trained in Camp Shelby Mississippi - learning about Iraq's culture - and getting combat training. But he says training -- could not prepare him for the real thing. ((tape 302 tc 29:20 KC: What was it like to be a medic in a war zone? Tom Middleton: It was a collision of different ideals.)) ((tape 302 tc 30:29 Tom Middleton: After some of the conflicts I was treating the wounded some of the enemy wounded - some of the prisoners we captured and there's a pretty good chance that I treated some of the same people I shot.)) His civilian job -- an Assistant Fire Marshal in Burlington.... where he focuses on saving lives. ((tape 302 tc 32:36 Tom Middleton: I took care of the enemy not because I had any love lost for them but because it was the right thing to do.)) Iraq was violent... and unpredictable. Six Vermonters were killed. ((tape 302 tc 33:26 Tom Middleton: And given the the constant combat action I was involved with - the number of people who were getting wounded around me -- I figured that it was quite likely I would die there.)) War changed him. Middleton says he's more serious now - more introspective... and he's deepened his Catholic Faith. ((tape 302 tc 37:20 Tom Middleton: My family found I was pretty angry when I got back home. But I learned to work through that and get over it.)) ((tape 302 tc 34:00-34:09 KC: Vermonters are preparing now for another large deployment - this time to Afghanistan - you are not going to be a part of that most likely -- do you have any advice? tc 35:28 Tom Middleton: Follow that instinct. Follow that moral compass and if it seems something is questionable - question it - talk it over with your buddies - leadership - do the right thing - but don't ever let your guard down.)) A soldier - turned author -- learning to live with the impacts of war.

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The book -Sabers Edge - is out now. For a link to read an excerpt from the book - visit the infocenter at wcax.com.

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