Wed 11 P.M. News Script

Wed 10-MAR-2010 11 P.M. News Script

1} QUEBEC_INTRO

Good evening ... I'm Darren Perron. And I'm Melinda Davenport -- sitting in for Kristin Kelly. Governor Jim Douglas is in Quebec tonight -- looking to bolster trade with our neighbors to the north. He's in high level talks with Premiere Jean Charest -- looking to build on the region's economic bond. Kristin Carlson reports from Quebec City.

2} QUEBEC_PKG

Historic quebec city sits five hours from burlington, and Vermont governor jim douglas and his staff have traveled here to focus on the economy. ((NAT)) he's meeting with the Quebec Premier Jean Charest -- to talk about strengthening the 4 billion dollar trade relations between the two regions. Quebec is Vermont's largest trading partner and about 230-thousand vermont jobs are supported by trade with canada. (( CHAREST -- they're very important and personal relationships are important, because that's how we get to know each other and we also engage in business and its what allows us to push the relationship further.)) the premier and governor douglas have a strong bond -- both took office the same year -- both share a sense of humor -- it's a relationship that they say has led to new business deals in both regions. ((There is a tradition of and a relationship and we will continue to work with whoever succeeds him, but on a personal level I will miss him a great deal.)) ((STDUPanother day of meeting tomorrow surrounding the economy, and the enivornment. KC -- ch3 -- in quebec city.))

3} QUEBEC_TAG

Another major focus of these meetings will be Energy. Representatives from Vermont's utilities traveled with the Governor -- and are hoping to strike a new power deal with Hydro-Quebec. An announcement could come as early as tomorrow. Kristin Carlson will continue to monitor those talks -- and she'll have the latest for us -- throughout the day tomorrow.

4} UNDERWATER_VO

A Canadian company hopes to place high-powered electric transmission lines -- under the entire length of Lake Champlain. Toronto-based T-D-I -- held a public meeting on the 4-BILLION dollar project in Albany, New York. The plans call for the power line to be buried under Lake Champlain and the Hudson River -- to carry cheaper power from the Canadian Maritimes -- to New York City and New England. The company says going underwater will have -LESS- of an environmental impact -- than building new lines above-ground.

5} LINES_SOTVO

((50-1:09 Donald Jessome/CEO Transmission Developers Inc.: "We've very excited about this development. We think that interconnecting renewables with very conjested markets in what we feel to be a very environmentally benign technology, is a great opportunity and we look forward to letting the communities know about this in the future.")) If approved, the company says will take 3 years to bury the lines from Montreal to Manhattan. And they're seeking input to avoid the lake's historic shipwrecks and environmentally sensitive areas. A public meeting will also be held in the Plattsburgh area in the coming months.

6} CLEANUP2_INTRO

Vermont has spent 106-million dollars -- on cleaning up Lake Champlain -- since Vermont, New York, and the Environmental Protection Agency agreed on a plan in 2002. But now, the EPA will look into whether the plan was adequate or not -- as the result of a lawsuit filed by the Conservation Law Foundation. Andy Potter reports.

7} CLEANUP2_PKG

At issue is phosphorus pollution -- from sewer plants, known as point pollution -- and stormwater runoff, known as non-point pollution. CLF lead attorney Chris Kilian says even the Agency of Natural Resources admits in a revised implementation plan, just released in January, that the cleanup has fallen short. ((Christopher Kilian/Conservation Law Foundation: "And there are very clear statements in writing in that implementation plan that say the initial assumptions in the cleanup plan in regard to pollution that would be taken out of farm runoff, and how much pollution would be taken out of urban runoff, were wrong.")) Environmental Conservation Commissioner Justin Johnson takes issue, saying everyone knew from the beginning that the cleanup would take decades, not just a few years. ((Justin Johnson/Vt. Environmental Commissioner: "We've done work on the point source side, we've done a lot of work on the non-point source side. And USDA has put a lot of money, federal money, into farms. There is more work to be done, there's no doubt about that.")) The CLF says the fact is that the pollution has not been reduced. But Vermont officials say the EPA decision to re-open the entire plan has left them wondering why. ((Johnson: "We presented to them, they signed off on it, they said great job, is a model for how it should be done. So then we headed out there and started implementing it. And they eight years later, they turn around and say, oh, we never should have said it was any good. That is highly problematic for us.")) ((Andy Potter reports: "The next step is a thirty-day period granted by the court, leaving the state and CLF time to come up with a consent agreement governing how the cleanup should proceed in the future. The Douglas Administration says the problem is, since the CLF signed off on the original agreement eight years ago, there's still a cloud hanging over this entire process. Andy Potter, Channel 3 news, Burlington."))

8} HEARING_LVSD

Parents worried about school district consolidation plans being worked on in the legislature -- had a chance to speak out tonight. The loss of school choice -- was the over-arching theme expressed by parents. Bianca Slota was there and joins us now from the newsroom with more. Bianca? Melinda, This is not the first time the topic has come up - but this time it seems to have some momentum - and that has parents worried they will lose control over their child's education.

9} HEARING_PKG

Parents and children packed into Room 11and poured out into the hallways of the Statehouse, Wednesday night. All were eager to share their thoughts on three bills that would consolidate and redistrict schools. Nearly every single one of the more than 100 people who signed up to speak, spoke against consolidation. Their main concern is that it will force children to attend a specific public school and will eliminate the choice to attend independent schools. "Allowing young people to choose where they will attend school is vital in the success of many students because the concept of one size fits all education does not work for all," said Nelson Richter, Executive Director of The Compass School in Westminster. Most parents also fear losing local control of their school, which many call the focal point of their town. They also wonder if the plan will actually save money. "From the time I can remember they wanted to consolidate the schools to save money and it always backfired," said Neil Randal who used to serve as a state Representative. Consolidation does have some support. Of the three bills currently being discussed in the legislature two would cut the number of districts in the state from 290 to 14 or 15. Most see that as too drastic a change. "I do believe in smaller, slower consolidation to 60 districts. Rules could be set up to ultimately get to the 16 overtime," suggested Richard Pembroke, the Business Manager of the Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union. Money is also an issue. While consolidation is expected to reduce state education expenses lawmakers admit they do not know exactly how much will be saved.

10} HEARING_TAG

Two of the bills force consolidation in the state - but the third offers incentives to districts that consolidate voluntarily. More people at the hearing said they would consider voluntary merging of districts - as long as they retain local control. Bianca slota Live in the newsroom -- thank you.

11} SCHOOLS_FONT

Ten Vermont schools have been flagged as "persistently low-achieving." The list of schools includes -- Bridport, Fair Haven, Johnson, Mount Abraham and Northfield. Also on the list are -- Otter Valley, Rutland, Windsor, Winooski and Burlington's H.O. Wheeler Elementary. The schools can now qualify for federal grants to make improvements -- but only if they agree to severe corrective actions, such as firing half their teachers -- the principal -- or closing the school.

12} LITTLETON2_VO

Littleton High School in New Hampshire was also on the list. School officials say they're trying to pinpoint problem areas -- but that taking drastic actions -- like closing the school or firing teachers -- may be too high a price -- for the amount of funding available.

13} STEPHENS_SOTVO

((Stephens: "You are obviously going to be looking at your staff, you are going to be looking at your administration so I think what ever amount of money that we are going to be looking at all that will be secondary to taking a look at what our problems are and what the solutions are to those problems.")) Districts have until the end of the month to decide what measures will be taken.

14} LAKECARS_MAP

The beautiful spring weather has authorities warning people to keep their vehicles off frozen lakes. The ice is much thinner than it normally would be at this time of year. A few people have learned that the hard way on Schroon lake this past weekend. State officials say a pickup -- a Jeep -- and an ATV all broke through the ice. The drivers all got out safely but the jeep and the ATV sank to the bottom.

15} 2WAY

Coming up -- Police tase a woman -- who they say -- was unruly in Barre... plus, a seven year old dials 9-1-1 -- as his parents are held at gunpoint -- we'll hear the tape... We were able to enjoy another sunny day today as temperatures topped out in the mid to upper 40s. We've be even a few degrees warmer on Thursday, but we've also got some clouds on the way. Here's the wake up weather. Skies will be partly sunny to start the day. Temperatures will begin in the mid to upper 20s. It looks like we'll be dealing with some rain over the weekend. The full weather forecast is coming up..

16} KENVIN_FONTVO

A Franklin County man is heading to jail for killing a motorcyclist. 52-year-old Joseph Kenvin of Berkshire -- will spend 11 months to a year behind bars for negligent operation. The 2008 crash killed 48-year-old Mark Luna of Enosburgh. Kenvin was under the influence of prescription drugs. But since he was PRESCRIBED the drugs -- he was convicted of the lesser charge.

17} TASER_VO

A Barre police officer used his taser on a woman this morning - after the woman refused to leave the Cumberland Farms on Main Street. According to police - 58-year-old Ann Osborn became argumentative - when the responding officer told her she had to leave - and even tried hitting him. The officer then warned that he would have to tase her - and she allegedly responded "give me a thrill". The initial attempt to tase her hit her winter coat - and police say Osborn bent over laughing... saying "you got me." The officer then tased her again...and got her under control.

18} BOMBARDIER_SOT

(( tc 12:32 - :41Chief Tim Bombardier/Barre City Police Dept. "I think choosing to keep the distance on this, from what I've seen on first examination, and when I get all the paperwork I'll be looking at it again, but on first examination I don't see anything wrong with it.")) Some witnesses said the officer's use of force was excessive. Osborn suffered no apparent injuries. She faces several charges.

19} NOTIFICATION_VO

The Vermont corrections department is encouraging crime victims -- to register with its new database. The Vermont Automated Notification Service -- or VANS -- keeps victims, their relatives, and others up-to-date on offenders... Providing recorded messages on when the offenders are due in court or released from prison. VANS launched last August -- and since then, more than 17-hundred Vermonters have signed up. VANS replaces the old system of paper mailings and manual phone calls.

20} PALLITO_SOTVO

((ANDY PALLITO/Vt. Corrections Commissioner: 6:34: It was really not an efficient system. This automated system is something that's gone online across the country in the last, I want to say, less than a decade. And now states are starting to use it more.)) The department still has some people on staff to work closely with crime victims -- such as in murder cases. Many Vermont police agencies and court victims' advocates have been trained to help sign people up for VANS.

21} 911_INTRO

A California boy is being hailed a hero -- after making a 9-1-1 call that may have saved his parents lives. Sandra Hughes reports.

22} 911_PKG

(NARR #1) IT WAS AN EMOTIONAL MEETING THE BRAVE SEVEN YEAR OLD WHO CALLED 9-11 WHEN GUNMAN BROKE INTO HIS HOUSE HUGGED THE 9-11 DISPATCHER WHO TOOK HIS CALL? 0713 thank you Monique ... (NARR #2) THE SECOND GRADER STILL REMEMBERS THE INTRUDERS: SOT: Carlos //ANd they both had guns but there was three of them one was waiting outside (NARR#3) THIS IS THE 9-11 CALL CARLOS MADE WHILE THE MEN HELD HIS PARENTS AT GUNPOINT?AND HE AND HIS SISTER WERE LOCKED INSIDE THE BATHROOM: (SOUND UP...Graphic #1 already created )"911 what's your emergency? .......out: And bring soldiers, too. (NARR #4) THE GUNMAN BROKE DOWN THE DOOR WHILE THE KIDS WERE ON THE PHONE. SOUND UP screaming on 9-11 (SOT: Monique Patino/ Norwalk dispatcher) my first I thought they found the kids they found the kids O.C. THE FAMIY LIVES IN THIS QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD IN A COMMUNITY JUST SOUTH OF LOS ANGELES: (SOT: 1240 Patrick Maxwell/Norwalk Sheriff's) this is a very nice neighborhood. this is uncommon to happen at 830 in the morning on a Monday.. (NARR #5) WHO TAUGHT THIS LITTLE HERO TO CALL 9-11 SOT: Carlos My mom ... reporter: how, what do you practice? Carlos: we practice every day .. (NARR #6) POLICE SAY THAT TRAINING MAY HAVE SAVED HIS FAMILY'S LIFE?WHEN THE GUNMAN DISCOVERED THE BOY HAD CALLED 9-11 THEY FLED?TAKING NOTHING... SH CBS NEWS NORWALK.

23} HAIM_VO

A 19-80's teen star died today. Cory Haim was found unresponsive in his apartment -- and later died at a hospital in Burbank. His roles in films like "the lost boys" and "lucas" made him a star. But he suffered with drug addiction throughout most of his life. Police say no illegal drugs were found in his home -- but he was on four prescription medications. Toxicology reports could take weeks. Cory Haim was 38 years old.

24} WX

25} FORECAST

Tonight: Mostly clear. Lows: 23/30 Winds: Light Thursday: Some morning sun. Increasing clouds. Highs: 45/52 Winds: SE 5-15 mph Thursday Night: Cloudy skies. Lows: 30/37 Winds: Light Friday: Cloudy skies. Chance of a late day showers, mainly south. Highs: 45/52 Winds: SE 5-15 mph Extended: Saturday through Wednesday. Friday Night: Chance of showers. Lows: 33/40 Saturday: Chance of rain. Chance of snow mixing in, at night, NEK, mountains. Highs 43/50 Lows 33/40 Sunday: Variable cloudiness. Chance of rain/snow showers. Highs 43/50 Lows 30/37 Monday: Partly cloudy. Highs 45/52 Lows 25/32 Tuesday: Mostly sunny. Highs 45/52 Lows 20s Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Highs 45/52

26} WX_OUT

27} WASP_INTRO

More than 200 female Air Force pilots were honored in washington D.C. today. And among them was a Vermont woman. 88-year-old Patricia Nuckols of Manchester - seen here on the left - served during World War 2 -- and was one of the first women to fly a military aircraft. Randall Pinkston has more on the ceremony from Washington.

28} WASP_PKG

WITH A SMALL SMILE, DEANIE PARRISH STEPPED FORWARD TO ACCEPT HER PLACE IN HISTORY. :06-17 (Deanie Parrish/WASP) I believe this is the day when the people of america will no longer hesitate in answering the question.. Do you know who the wasps were THESE WERE THE WASPS ... AS IN WOMEN AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOTS. MORE THAN A THOUSAND SERVED DURING WORLD WAR TWO.. THE FIRST WOMEN IN THE COCKPITS OF MILITARY AIRCRAFT. :30-35 (Dawn Seymour/WASP) i loved to fly and the opportunity seemed absolutely remarkable. and because i wanted to serve my country THEY NEVER SAW COMBAT, BUT FLEW JUST ABOUT EVERY OTHER KIND OF MISSION , INCLUDING TRAINING EXERCISES WITH THE MEN WHO FLEW INTO BATTLE. 38 WERE KILLED IN CRASHES. THE OTHERS FINISHED THEIR SERVICE, THEN LIVED BELOW THE RADAR FOR MORE THAN SIXTY YEARS. Nat applause THIS WAS THEIR DAY TO SHINE , CALLED TO THE CAPITOL TO RECEIVE THE CONGRESSIONIAL GOLD MEDAL FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIETY. CONTRIBUTIONS THAT CONTINUE TODAY... AS INSPIRATION TO A NEW GENERATION OF WOMEN. 1:05-1:11 (Lt Col Nicole Malachowski/Air Force Thunderbird) When I was a young girl growing up wanting to be a fighter pilot it was their story that kept me motivated ALL AGREE, THE RECOGNITION IS LONG OVERDUE.... Sot 11:16:17 thank you for your patience ...BUT GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED. 1:21-1:26 (Dolores Lamb/WASP) I think it's very fine that some, that they're really acknowledging us at this stage ALL THESE YEARS LATER, JUST A FEW HUNDRED OF THE ORIGINAL WASPS ARE STILL ALIVE TO PASS ON THEIR STORIES. MOST OF THEM ATTENDED THE CEREMONY IN WASHINGTON. FOR THE FLY GIRLS... IT WAS THEIR MOMENT TO SOAR. RANDALL PINKSTON, CBS NEWS

29} SPORTS

30} GUARDS_VO

When Vermont takes on Boston University in the America East championship game Saturday at noon at Patrick Gym, the focus of the B-U defense will be on the Cats post players, Marqus Blakely and Evan Fjeld. That means UVM's guards, especially its seniors, will have to step up. Maurice Joseph is the Cats second leading scorer and had one of his best games of the season in Vermont's quarterfinal win over UMBC, hitting four three's and scoring a game high 19... --------------- Nick Vier hasn't lit up the scoreboard, but he has provided steady play at the point and the Cats are 10-1 since the senior re-joined the starting line-up in late January. Vier knows he'll be called on to hit a big shot or two Saturday.

31} MEN_TAKE_SOT

((Vier/"If they go into this game playing anything like they did last time, I think they were doubling down on Marqus every time I fed him the ball. If they do that again, it's going to be important that I step up and make a few shots, relieve some pressure on him and allow him to get a little single coverage and get some shots up by himself.")) ((Joseph/"We feel confident in our matchups against Boston University. We've always played well against them, especially at home. Last year we had a big win against them. This year, obviously, we had a big win against them and we feel good going into this game and trying to get one more."))

32} SHEFTIC_TAKE_VO

One of the keys to the Vermont women beating Hartford in the America East championship game Saturday night will probably be the inside play of Alissa Sheftic. The senior from Essex had a monster game in the Cats quarterfinal victory over Albany, notching her third career double- double with a game high 18 points and eleven rebounds while adding four blocks. The kind of performance that makes her a legitimate compliment to Vermont's two outside stars.

33} WOMEN_TAKE_SOT

((Sheftic/"I think what it just comes down to was the fact that after four years, May and Courtnay are getting a lot of pressure and as they should because they're very good players. So we just wanted to up our level of play and become more of a threat, especially when we're playing big teams. We know they're going to have an inside/outside game and we really want to match them thinking ahead into the postseason.")) ((Dawley/"Before the season started we thought she'd be the most improved post in the league and she lived up to that and now I think she's one of the best post in the league. She just played great. I couldn't ask for more from a post player at this time of year. I'm just really excited that she's finishing this way. She's playing her best basketball."))

34} PUCKS_SOT

Before the UVM hockey team's run to last year's Frozen Four, they were knocked out in the first round of the Hockey East tournament. Vermont still earned an at-large bid to the NCAA's but that route may not be available to the Cats this season. The players who were a part of that magical run know they'll probably need to win their quarterfinal series at New Hampshire this weekend to have any chance of continuing their season. ((Roloff/"I think more than anything, rather than the experience, I think the veterans remember that. We know that this year there's no big to fall back on. That this is it if we lose. We've got to win.")) ((Miller/"I think the most that plays into it is just the feeling that we had getting there. Every morning when I wake up I look at the picture in my room of the (NCAA) East Regional, all the guys just being pumped that we're going to the Frozen Four. I think that's motivation for us right there. We're going to bring that one into the locker room and have the guys check it out and really strive to get there."))

35} NCAA_SKI_CG

Day one of the NCAA Skiing Championships in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Today...the men's and women's giant slalom. Dartmouth's Courtney Hammond was the top Eastern finisher in the women's GS coming in seventh. Vermont's Meg Ryley tied for tenth... --- Dartmouth's Ace Tarberry was second in the men's GS...David Donaldson of UVM third ...Bryan Shpall of Middlebury fourth. Denver holds the overall lead...Vermont sits in third, Dartmouth fifth. Tomorrow it's the nordic classic events.

36} SMC_LAX_TAKE_VO__L3RD_

how about a taste of the spring sports... men's lacrosse...St. Mike's opening the season against Plattsburgh... --- The Knights up 3-1 in the second quarter, and building on it... 15 seconds in...Kevin Hunt from behind the net...cuts in front... slings it in...4-1 St. Michael's... --- 5 minutes later...it's Hunt again...almost looks like a replay... from behind the net, gets to the front and scores...Knights up 5-1... --- But Plattsburgh heats up...they get a couple quick goals...Luke Weidlein finds Joe Kramer... and the Cardinals pick up the road win 14-12 ....

Top of Script