Wed 6 P.M. News Script

Wed 01-JUL-2009 6 P.M. News Script

1} DESNOYERS2_SAT

Good evening, I'm Marselis Parsons. And I'm Beth Parent. A Montreal woman was sent to prison today for 15 years... the maximimum ... for killing her son. That woman broke down often today as she was sentenced for murdering her eight year old boy three years ago in Vermont. Louise Desnoyers told the court she meant to kill herself -- not her little boy, but the judge didn't buy it. Brian joyce is live in North Hero with our report... The only issue to be decided today was how long Louise Desnoyers would go to prison. For as little as ten years or as much as 15. She asked for the minimum claiming she is not really a killer.

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((tape 763 tc 1:57:34 Louise Desnoyers/Killer Her Son:"Your honor, I am not a murderer.")) In a sometime rambling 40-minute prepared statement to the court Louise Desnoyers apologized to her family and everyone in Vermont for drowning her 8-year-old son Nicholas in Lake Champlain at Isle La Motte in August 2006. She explained that she was out of her mind after her husband told her their marriage was over. So she drove off from her Montreal home in despair with her son -- and eventually ended up in Isle La Motte where she tied him to a buoy and drowned -- and she tried to kill herself. ((tape 707 tc 1:57:44 Louise Desnoyers/ "This is not who I am. That day when I took my son's life and tried to take away mine I was not myself. I was out of control and my mind was a big black hole.")) Four months ago she dropped her plan to go to trial and use the insanity defense. And instead accepted a plea deal for second degree murder for between 10 and 15 years in prison. ((tape 725 tc 2:14:39 Judge Michael Kupersmith/Vt District Court:"I am convinced based on what I have heard and read that Mrs. Desnoyers knew what she was doing at the time.")) Judge Michael Kupersmith rejected evidence that Mrs. Desnoyers was insane and not legally responsible when she killed her son. He explained her own statements to a state psychiatrist detailing how she drowned her son convinced him. ((tape 725 tc 2:15:09 Judge Michael Kupersmith/Vt. District Court: "This is what he said Mrs. Desnoyers said, I just wanted to take Nicholas in my hand and go in the water calmly but it didn't work like that because Nicholas fight, I don't want to fight with Nicholas but I had to fight. He moved like that, she made flailing motions with her arms. :19 2:15:40 One would think that when one see's one's child in this situation one would be brought back to reality. So I have to believe that she knew what she was doing.")) ((tape 725 tc 2:30:13 Robert Katims/Desnoyers' Lawyer:"Ultimately the decision was hers. Ultimately the decision was based on I think her family and not putting folks through this and accepting responsibility for what occurred.")) ((tape 725 tc 2:22:43 David Miller/Grand Isle Prosecutor:"It underscores a very unfortunate set of facts. A little boy, a very very vibrant young boy is dead and a woman who it appears at all other times appears to be a very nice person is in jail for the balance of 15 years."))

3} DESNOYERS2_TAG

Desnoyers got credit for the three years she has already served -- all of it in the state hospital where she has been on a constant suicide watch. Corrections officials told me she would be released in 12 years when she is 63 -- and under the plea deal -- she will be then return to Canada where she will remain on probation for life.

4} BOGLIOLI_VO

In Windham County - a jury continues to deliberate the fate of an accused killer. 60-year old David Boglioli is charged with second-degree murder. He shot 51-year-old George Riccitelli last summer during an argument outside an apartment complex in Wilmington. Boglioli claims the shooting was self-defense because Riccitelli had threatened him with an axe. Prosecutors say Riccitelli was unarmed at the time of the shooting. Boglioli claims Riccitelli's friends hid the axe in a dumpster before police arrived. The judge told the jury they could also consider convicting Boglioli with manslaughter or clear him altogether if they felt the shooting was self-defense.

5} DRUGBUST_MAP

A major pot bust links New York's St. Regis Mohawk Reservation to the Russian mob. Authorities say the ring smuggled up to 27-million dollars worth of marijuana through the reservation to the Cleveland, Ohio area over the past three years. Franklin County District Attorney Derek Champagne says investigators seized over one-million dollars in cash, 14 vehicles and a pound of cocaine. Champagne says state and federal charges will be filed.

6} MALONEY_WHITE

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will face a primary next year. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney will challenge Gillibrand. Maloney is a nine-term Congresswoman who represents the New York City area. Gillibrand was appointed by Governor David Paterson to fill the vacancy created when Hillary Clinton became Secretary of State.

7} NYSENATE_VO

Republican New York State Senator Betty Little says the four week stalemate in the Senate could be harmful for the North Country. On Tuesday -- a judge ordered the Republican-led coalition to keep attending special sessions -- but they didn't get much done. Later -- a Republican walked back through the chamber -- and Democrats seized the opportunity to pass several bills. Among them are a sales tax extender for Franklin County and mortgage recording and property transfer taxes for Essex County. But Governor David Paterson says the move wasn't legal. Senator Little tells the Plattsburgh Press Republican the North Country will suffer in all this IF the Democrats win control -- because most Democratic senators focus on New York City.

8} LONGDISTANCE_WHITE

Vermonters were without long distance land line service for most of the day today. The problem started late this morning with Verizon's business network fiber -- which is used by FairPoint. Some 8-hundred numbers were also down. It's unclear why the line failed at this point -- but according to Verizon officials service was back up and running by 4:45 this evening.

9} GUARD_FONT

The commander of Vermont's national guard is making an announcement tomorrow about a deployment to Afghanistan. General Michael Dubie will speak tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 about what is in store for the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team's. And you can watch his speech live on our web site - wcax dot com. We'll have a complete report on Dubie's announcement and it impact tomorrow night at 6 on the Channel 3 News.

10} PLASAN_WHITE

A mililtary contract would bring up to one-hundred jobs in the Bennington area. Plasan North America will hep build more than 2-thousand all terrain armored vehicles. Senator Patrick Leahy says to so-called M-ATVs are designed specifically to negotiate the difficult terrain and dirt roads of Afghanistan without compromising safety. The first M-ATVs should roll off the assembly line by the end of July.

11} KEEWAYDIN_INTRO

A milestone today for a local summer camp. Keewaydin celebrated 100 years of canoes and campfires on Lake Dunmore. Kate Duffy reports on the camp's century of success.

12} KEEWAYDIN_PKG

Nearly 400 campers and counselors pushed off the docks, paddling into the waters of Lake Dunmore. (37:57 nats waves) A flotilla of canoes celebrated the 100th anniversary of Keewaydin. (9:47-56 peter hare/camp director)((we wanted to kick this off with something big, something that would have a wow effect, something kids would remember forever, something gargantuan everyone had to be a part of.)) (44:48 nats ring bells) The 220 boys at Keewaydin invited the girls' camp next door to join the fun -- fun that generations of kids have had since canoeists set up a summer camp here a century ago. (53:14-23 keifer ludwig/new york city)((oh! i have never swam in a canoe, or been in a canoe before, and i have to say it's a really fun first experience.)) 12-year-old Keifer Ludwig says camp is very different from his home in New York City. (53:41-49 keifer)((i was actually a little scared at first, i have to be honest, but i really am having a lot of fun.)) And that may be the secret of the camp's longevity -- new experiences turn from challenges into achievements. (6:34-49 hare)((it's a wonderful place where kids can grow, become independent, learn to work as a team, do these fun things, get away from their cities and suburbs, get a little dirt under their nails, get some mosquito bites, climb some mountains, build a little muscle paddling canoes and have a great time.)) Camp director Peter Hare has been here for 50 of those 100 years -- a history marked with old photos on the cabin walls. (51:19-25 finn kane/hardwick)((i think it's been around so long because it's such a great community of people that come together for keewaydin.)) Finn Kane says his friends back in Hardwick wish he were at home -- but after four years here, he wouldn't be anywhere else. (52:43-50 finn kane)((they don't understand why would you go to camp for an entire summer? why would you waste your time doing that? it's such a great time, why wouldn't you?)) Keewaydin says since 1910, 8000 campers have come through here -- and that's just it's first 100 years. (4:32 nats)((100 years, 100 years! Woo!)) Kate Duffy, Channel 3 News, Salisbury.

13} KEEWAYDIN_TAG

Keewaydin alumni will get to relive their camp days in August. A special 100th anniversary reunion will bring back campers from as far back as the 1920s.

14} 1STWX

So here we are, ...Another day and it's time to check on the radar with Sharon! It's getting to be a routine isn't it! And yes, once again we have seen some showers and thunderstorms popping up but they are not yet as widespread as they were at this time yesterday. Here they are. ....There was a little cell that popped up over the champlain islands and then faded out. But those bigger storms in Albany and Saratoga areas have been severe. There was some flash flooding in Albany county, and 1.5" hail reported in Saratoga. (**click**) Tomorrow, ....We've seen it before. We can expect some intervals of sunshine, but more showers will pop up, and there will be the chance for more thunderstorms as well. Temperatures will hold in the upper 60s and low 70s once again. But we will begin to see some gradual improvements over the next few days. We'll see more and more sunshine, and showers will be fewer and farther between. We can't rule out the occasional shower over the weekend, but it is looking a little better.

15} DATA_1_STANDUP

There's a new President at the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. ((tape 089 tc 36:07 Betsy Bishop: Vermont has a great story to tell and there are a lot of businesses that are successful and making it in this state.)) I'm Kristin Carlson and coming up as the channel 3 news continues -- hear how Betsy Bishop plans to help businesses -- in this recession.

16} BISHOP_INTRO

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has a new leader. Betsy Bishop will leave her job as Economic Development Commissioner with the state -- to become the Chamber's next President. It's a difficult time for many businesses -- and Kristin Carlson sat down to talk with Bishop about her goals.

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((tape 089 tc 32:01 Betsy Bishop/New Chamber of Commerce President: During this economic cycle we have businesses who are struggling immensely - trying to make it - and they are doing lots of things to try and continue that - and I look forward to helping them in that endeavor. KC: You are taking over in a time of great economic uncertainty - a recovery could come possibly in 2011 -- what do you see as the biggest challenge for businesses right now? Bishop: I think the biggest challenge for business is that last fall - when this downward economic cycle really started we saw sales decline - demand for all types of products and services decline and the challenge for Vermont businesses is how to sustain the level of employment that they had - how to sustain their businesses through this economic cycle and even though we are seeing little possible rays of hope -- it's going to be a long time before the economy recovers nationally and in Vermont.)) Betsy Bishop says companies are trying to find new customers -- but many have had to cut back employee hours -- or layoff workers. ((tape 089 tc 34:39 KC: When you look at the Vermont sector - what's one area that really is showing a lot of promise for growth? // tc 34:53 Betsy Bishop/New Chamber of Commerce President: The added value for agriculture is something that is starting a little boon in Vermont - and we are very well equipped - it matches very nicely with our tourism message in Vermont and Vermont has a brand that we want to make sure that the world knows about.)) The Chamber of Commerce has about 15-hundred members.... they're working to keep them -- but numbers have slightly dipped. ((tape 089 tc 37:05 -37:29 Betsy Bishop/New Chamber of Commerce President: I am looking forward to the challenge - there are challenges and opportunities in every new endeavor and I think what I find - my strength and interest comes from the Vermont businesses when you talk to these businesses and talk about their patricular issues - yes they have issues and concerns - but they also have hope and there is opportunities they are going after - and that is exciting and that's something that I'm really interested in being a part of.))

18} BISHOP_TAG

Betsy Bishop will officially start work with the Chamber - in a couple weeks.

19} AIRPORT_INTRO

The Plattsburgh International Airport is celebrating its two year anniversary. Tonight Keagan Harsha takes a look at how the airport is doing -- and what's in store for the future of the facility.

20} AIRPORT_PKG

((nats of aircraft)) This is Plattsburgh International airport as it appeared sixteen years ago. The airport was still an air force base. Military aircraft lined the runways and adjacent buildings were full of equipment. ((nats)) Times have changed. Today -- much of the 5,000 acre airport is empty. ((10:29-35 Tom Long/Airport Manager: "you have land available for rent, you have facilities available for rent.)) But that is quickly changing. Plattsburgh International Airport officially opened its doors in June of 2007 -- ten years after the base had closed. Three airlines service the airport today. ((12:27-30 Michelle/Plattsburgh Chamber of Commerce: "it's really been an incredible success story.")) More than 60-thousand people will fly out of here this year -- up from 43,000 travelers from just a year ago. ((Keagan Harsha/Reporting: "So ... Where are these passengers all from? Well to answer that question just take a walk through the parking lot. Every other car is from quebec.")) In fact --85 percent of all travelers are from north of the border -- most enticed by cheaper fares and free parking. ((12:19-27 Traveler: "i'm not surprised at all. The border's not surprised either. The officers, they know exactly where we're going when we say Plattsburgh -- the airport.")) ((12:45-02 Michelle: "montreal was really the only major city in north america left without a secondary airport so we decided to fill that niche and that's what we've done. The one thing we've called ourselves is Montreal's U.S. Airport and that's Canadians have embraced.")) ((6:41-47 Brenda Tobin/Visiting Relatives in Quebec: "it's easier, more pleasant dealing with airports, direct flights, and you don't have to try and book your flights six months in advance.")) The airport is experiencing growing pains. The parking lot has already had to be enlarged three times .... ((nats parking lot construction)) But one thing the airport IS missing is a major carrier. airport officials hope to expand the terminal partly to lure a carrier like delta, northwest, or united -- but they are hesitant to say when that might happen. ((15:51-56 Michelle: "when we talk with the airlines right now, things have slowed for them, so we're just waiting.")) Many hangers and buildings from the Air Force days also remain empty or are being dismantled due to a lack of use. The airport hopes aviation related companies will move into those facilities in the near future.. ((12:35-38 Long: "if they want to come here, they'll come here.")) An airport in transition and one with a lot of room to grow. Keagan Harsha, channel 3 news, in plattsburgh.

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Las Vegas, Philadelphia, and Baltimore are among the cities that the airport would like to one day like to offer direct flights to. The Airport currently services Florida, South Carolina, and Boston.

22} DATA_2_STANDUP

23} DRUG_VO

A new law goes into effect today that cracks down on gifts to doctors.... The law restricts nearly all forms of financial contributions from drug companies to medical professionals who prescribe drugs -- that even includes pens and meals. The law also requires pharmaceutical companies report how much they spend marketing drugs to each doctor and the name of the drug. That information will be made public. Last year pharmaceutical companies spent almost 3 million dollars on marketing in Vermont. Supporters of the new law say that can influence prescription patterns. The new law is considered to be the toughest in the country.

24} LAW_SOT

((tape 640 tc 11:46 Ken Libertoff/Vermont Association for Mental Health: So we think it's a major incremental peice of health care reform legislation - Vermont will be one of the very few states that have this information available and we think it will be a powerful tool not only for consumers - but for beginning a conversation about how do we reduce the cost of pharmaceuticals.)) The Vermont Medical Society supports the new law -- saying it will take away the appearance of any conflict of interest.

25} REAL_VO

Real estate agents say business is picking up. The Vermont Realtors Association says after a slowdown because of the recession -- they are hearing from members that the number of closings is on the rise. Officials say many people want to buy property while prices are low -- and before the market rebounds. The average home price in Vermont is down slightly.... to 200-thousand dollars.

26} ESTATE_SOT

((tape 335 tc 40:49 Bob Hill/Vt. Realtors Association: They are going crazy running in circles trying to keep up with it and the question was is that people just out kicking tires - taking listings....no it's closings. And so the evidence from our members is that it is picking up. Now of course you have to temper that with where you are - location - location - location - and what your market is.)) One market that Bob Hill says is still slow -- the second home market. It has not picked up yet.

27} LOANFUND_WHITE

The Vermont Community Loan Fund just got a big financial boost - 2 million dollars in federal stimulus money. The non-profit provides loans for small businesses, affordable housing projects and child care centers. It was one of only 50 non-profits nation-wide awarded the money. Every year the Vermont community loan fund lends out 5 million dollars.

28} FINANCIAL_VO

Federal money will help Vermont teenagers learn how to manage money. The Association of Vermont Credit Unions received 130-thousand dollars. They'll use it to work with business leaders - educators and volunteers - to teach financial literacy to middle and high school students. Kids will learn how to balance a check-book - saving money - use a credit card and qualify for a mortgage.

29} LITERACY_SOTVO

((Joe Bergeron/President of Assoc. of Vermont Credit Unions tc 3:58 "before they got out of high school, they just got flooded at my household with all sort of solicitations for credit cards and such. And what appears to be free money. And to be uneducated it seems to be a wonderful deal. And so it is easy for students to be getting out of high school already in debt.")) Senator Bernie Sanders secured the funding.

30} 2NDWX_INTRO

Here we go again. ..Another evening with showers and thunderstorms.... It's true. ...We are once again coping with more showers and thunderstorms, and we are not alone. Across the northeast, there is more rain than is really appreciated anymore. ... We have video coming to us from Erie, Pa...where of course you can see people doing what I always tell you not to do ...Drive through flooded streets! We do happen to have video of someone finally, ...Doing the right thing. Stopping, ... And turning around and finding another way! This area is under 4 feet of water, and at least one person had to be rescued from a car that was stalled out in rushing water. Western PA has also been seeing another round of showers and thunderstorms pop up again this afternoon. Right now in Burlington.....

31} 2NDWX_FORECAST

Tonight: Mostly cloudy. Scattered showers and Tstorms. Lows: 55/62 Winds: SE 5-10 mph Thursday: Mostly cloudy. Scattered showers and tstorms. Highs: 68/74 Winds: SE 5-10mph Thursday Night: Cloudy skies. Showers and tstorms likely. Lows: 55/62 Winds: SE 5-10 mph Friday: Mostly cloudy. Scattered showers. Highs: 68/74 Winds: SW 5-10 mph Extended: Saturday through Monday. Saturday: Partly sunny. Chance of showers. Highs 68/74 Lows 50/57 Sunday: Partly sunny. Chance of showers. Highs 66/72 Lows 47/55 Monday: Partly sunny. Chance of showers. Highs 66/72

32} 2NDWX_OUT

33} SXTEASE_INTRO

Mike is in with our sports preview...a stunner for the Sox... blowing a nine run lead for the first time in twenty years last night... turning a 10-1 lead into an 11-10 loss in Baltimore. Boston looking to bounce back today...

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((RED SOX)) Boston would trail in today's game 5-1 going into the ninth, but then rally for four runs in the frame on a two run home run by Kevin Youkilis and a two run single by Rocco Baldelli that would tie the game at five and send it into extra innings... --- then in the eleventh, embattled shortstop Julio Lugo singles to left...Jacoby Ellsbury scores and Boston answers last nights heartbreaker with a 6-5 win... --- ((SPORTS)) Libby Smith is back home in advance of next week's U-S Women's Open. We'll talk with the former UVM golf and basketball standout coming up in sports.

35} SXTEASE_OUT

36} WRIGHT3_SOT

Dartmouth College welcomed its new presidednt today.. Dr. Jim Yong Kim met with students on the Dartmouth Green in an ice cream social. And his predecessor had some parting words for him when I spoke to him last week. ((MP: Any advice for your successor? JW: To have a good time, to enjoy it. It's a full time job, no escaping that.. being president of Dartmouth .. uh.. I often define the two roles I have.. one is sort of the green eyeshade role. I've spent a fair amount of time talking to colleagues about health care costs, about retiree benefits, about federal compliance regulations.. rules of compliance we have to meet and which are a significant load on us administratively. But all you have to do is spend some time talking to students here and you realize what a special place this is and you realize that all the green eyeshade part of the job is worthwhile .. and I have every confidence that my successor Jim Kim is going to enjoy this immensely.. I'm excited about him. I'm excited FOR him and I'm excited ABOUT Him.. he's going to be a wonderful president. "))

37} HEADLINES_FONT

Still to come tonight - Grand Isle finally passes a school budget. We'll show you a massive art installation in Burlington. And next in our HealthWatch - eliminating smoking in the workplace. Here's Beth with the details.

38} NOSMOKING_SOT

A new law went into effect today that bans smoking in all workplaces. Previous ordinances, including the 1987 Smoking in the Workplace law and the Clean Indoor Air act of 1993, had permitted indoors in designated smoking rooms. But health officials say there is evidence it even segregated smoking was bad for non-smokers. ((14:15:28tc... They've done several studies now, they've looked at hospitalization rates and when you have smoking bans in public places and work places you see a decrease in hospitalization for like heart attacks and we know that it causes among non-smokers heart disease, cancer, children we worry about asthma.)) Businesses that do not enforce the law could be fined $100.

39} OBESITY_INTRO

Americans of all ages are getting fatter. Drew Levinson reports on what that means for the future.

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15 year old Maria Clemente and her father Robert are fighting fat with surgery. (SOT: ROBERT CLEMENTE/SURGICAL WEIGHTLOSS PATIENT) "IT IS A REAL STRUGGLE TO DO THINGS IN GENERAL. WALK UP AND DOWN THE STREET, SIT IN A CHAIR, GO ON AIRPLANE, GET ON A TRAIN." The battle of the budge is being fought across the country.. and Americans are losing. A new report called "F as in Fat" reveals two thirds of the country is overweight?nearly a third is obese?50 pounds overweight. That's costing the country billions in healthcare. Not one state last year saw a drop in obesity rates, in fact they rose in 23 states and some doctors fear half the country will be obese as next year. To bring down medical costs, the report recommends a coordinated national effort because current policies aren't working. (SOT: DR. MARINA KURIAN/NYU 021437) "THEY ARE NOT GOING TO IMPACT ON THE DEGREE OF OBESITY THAT WE HAVE RIGHT NOW." (STANDUP: DREW LEVINSON/CBS NEWS) "THE KEY OF COURSE IS EATING MORE STUFF LIKE THIS (HOLDING UP FRUITS AND VEGETABLES) BUT AS THE STUDY SHOWS MOST ADULTS DON'T. BUT THE NEWS FOR CHILDREN IS A LITTLE BETTER. (NATSOUND KIDS IN GARDEN) Childhood obesity rates are still dangerously high but have evened out. Some kids like Ashleigh Staples are getting the message. (SOT: ASHLEIGH STAPLES/THIRD GRADER 012515 ) "THEY NEED TO START EATING MORE VEGETABLES AND LESS SUGAR". Maria Clemente decided to take the same drastic step as her father to get her weight under control: lapband surgery-- to tighten her stomach. She's also changing her diet. (SOT: MARIA CLEMENTE/SURGICAL WEIGHTLOSS PATIENT) " WE TRY TO BUY HEALTHIER FOOD, AND WE ALL TRY TO WORK OUT TOGETHER AS A FAMILY." And tightening the belt is key to keeping Americans healthier... and bringing health care costs under control. Drew Levinson, CBS News, New York. 07/01/2009 10:29:25

41} OBESITY_TAG

For a link to that 'F as in Fat' study - visit the HealthWatch InfoCenter on wcax dot com. That's HealthWatch, Marselis.

42} TOPSTORIES_VO

Recapping our top stories -- a Montreal woman who drown her son in Lake Champlain is headed to prison. Louise Desnoyers pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Today she was sentenced to 15 years behind bars. Judge Michael Kupersmith went for the 15-year maximum -- saying he Desnoyers court statements led him to believe she knew what she was doing at the time. After prison -- Desnoyers will be on probation for life in Canada. The jury is out on David Boglioli. He's accused of shooting 51-year-old George Riccitelli last summer during an argument outside an apartment complex in Wilmington. Boglioli claims the shooting was self-defense because Riccitelli threatened him with an axe. Authorities say New York's St. Regis Mohawk Reservation has links to the Russian mob. They say over the past three years the ring smuggled up to 27-million dollars worth of marijuana through the reservation to the Cleveland, Ohio area. State and federal charges will be filed.

43} TEN_FONT

Coming up tonight on the Channel 3 News at 10:00 The murder of Brooke Bennett one year ago lead to some major changes in the way the state handles sex offenders. We'll take a look tonight at 10pm. You can find that newscast on Comcast Digital Channel 168 -- and over the air on digital 3.2.

44} ATR

45} MORAN_VO

Burlington's waterfront Moran plant renovation project is getting more work this summer. A contractor is using a one-hundred thousand dollar grant from the state of Vermont for environmental cleanup -- asbestos and lead paint removal and getting rid of lake water underneath the old power plant. On top of that, officials say a total of nearly a million dollars has been spent -- or will be spent this year -- on getting the building ready for a complete renovation. City officials were NOT willing to say that the total price tag will be less than the original estimate of 21-million dollars -- although they say the partners are still enthusiastic.

46} REHAB_SOTVO

((Larry Kupferman/Burlington Community & Economic Development Director: "We're all engaged and I think the next three months will be sort of a critical time to firm up the development agreements and make sure than we have them on board,")) The development partners who plan to use the building are the Scottish recreation company Ice Factor -- and two local non-profits, the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center and Children's museum.

47} GRANDISLE_VO

It took five tries - but the school budget was finally passed in Grand Isle. The one-point-one million dollar spending plan is the exact budget voters first rejected on Town Meeting Day back in March. School officials say breaking the budget down thoroughly for residents is what made the difference on the fifth vote.

48} BREWER_VO

A New Hampshire man who drowned in the Israel River is being honored as a hero. 27 year-old Randy Brewer of Lancaster died in April when he jumped in the Israel River to save his best friend's 11-year-old brother. After bringing the boy to shore - Brewer went under the water and was swept away. Today he was one of twenty-two people honored with a national Carnegie medal for heroism. Along with a medal - the family will receive six-thousand dollars. That's News Around the Region, Marselis.

49} 3RDWX

Here we are, ...A brand new month, and very similar weather ..... So far, ...Pretty similar, although we are looking for some improvements over the weekend. This past month has turned out to be a wet one. ..Well above the average of less than 3 and a half inches, ...And it just barely squeaked past the amount of rain we got last June, ...With 5 and a quarter inches of rain. (**click**) The average temperature was close to normal, but you have to remember this is factoring in the overnight lows with the daytime highs. So while the daytime highs have been a little cooler than normal, our overnight lows have been a little milder... leaving us only about a degree cooler than normal overall. (**click**) Once again, if you have plans to be on Lake Champlain tomorrow, ...Showers and thunderstorms are likely during the afternoon. (**click**) And that goes for all of us around the region. Perhaps some intervals of sunshine in the morning, ... More clouds and more showers and thunderstorms especially in the afternoon. Temperatures will again range from the upper 60s to low 70s. Montpelier and Lebanon expecting a high of 73, ...Springfield 75. Our weather will gradually be improving, ..And I mean gradually. There will be some sun, and lots of clouds on Friday, with some scattered rain showers. Saturday and Sunday, a little more sun, but still a little chance of a few showers. And Monday as well, ...Mix of sun and clouds, with the chance for some showers. Forecast is looking a little better for the weekend. The showers will be getting fewer and farther between at least, as we head into the holiday weekend.

50} RED_SOX_VO__L3RD_

A debacle, a catastrophe, an embarrassment. Pick your favorite descriptive term and it would fit. The Red Sox blew a nine run lead for the first time in twenty years last night, giving up five runs in the seventh and five more in the eighth to lose 11-10 in Baltimore. The best way to put a game like that behind you, come back the next day and get a win. Josh Beckett on the hill for the Sox this afternoon.... He's already down 1-0 in the second when Luke Scott takes him deep and gone to center field, and it's a 2-0 Orioles lead just like that.... --- The Sox cut into that lead in the third.... Dustin Pedroia with a double to left.... J-D Drew comes around to score, and it's a 1-run game.... --- Bottom of the fourth, it's a 4-1 Baltimore lead, and Ty Wigginton takes Beckett out of the yard.... Beckett goes 7 full giving up 5 earned runs on 6 hits while striking out 5.... --- Top 9 now, the Sox trying to give the Orioles a taste of their own medicine.... Kevin Youkilis with a 2-run shot to right and it's a 2-run ballgame.... --- Then with the bases loaded, pinch hitter Rocco Baldelli shoots a single up the middle .... 2 runs score and it's tied up.... --- This one goes to extra innings and in the 11th, Julio Lugo with the chopper that gets through the drawn-in infield.... Sox take a 6-5 lead.... And the Sox with a comeback of their own today.... They win 6-5 in extra innings....

51} YANKEES_TAKE_VO__L3RD_

Rain last night delayed the Yankees and Seattle for about an hour.... --- In the seventh.... Alex Rodriguez sends the bomb deep to left ... That's a 2-run shot, and it's 5-3 New York.... --- Top 8, the Mariners being pesky.... Kenji Johjima with the base hit into left.... Franklin Gutierrez comes around to score and it's a 5-4 Yankee lead.... --- To the bottom of the inning.... 6-5 Yanks .... Derek Jeter with the line drive into center.... Nick Swisher and Melky Cabrera score.... Yankees take an 8-5 .... --- Seattle getting some great defense late by Ronny Cedeno.... But the offense disappears, the Yankees win 8-5....

52} MOUNTAINEERS_VO__L3RD_

The Vermont Mountaineers home game with Pittsfield last night was suspended after two innings, but Vermont did complete a road game against the American Defenders. A game at Pittsfield last week was suspended due to lighting with the game tied at two in the eighth. They resumed that one last night at Rec Field before playing the regularly scheduled game... --- We'll pick it up with bases loaded in the tenth... Kevin Burke beans Vermont's Kevin Vance... Rob Kumbatovic scores the easiest way possible and it's 3-2 Mountaineers. --- Vermont adds some insurance... Next batter, Jake Williams grounds to third... Pittsfield can't turn the double play... Kevin Nieto scores to make it 4-2. --- Colin Duffie closes the door in the bottom of the tenth... and Vermont picks up a 4-2 win.... They are back at it tonight in Montpelier against the Keene Swamp Bats.

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The Vermont Lake Monsters had their series at Tri-City cut short after Game 3 was rained out last night .... Tonight, they open a three-game set at Hudson Valley with the first pitch coming at 7:00.... The Monsters return home to Centennial Field on the Fourth of July to begin a three-game series with these same Hudson Valley Renegades....

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A guy that used to call Centennial home, Justin Albert, has signed a contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.... The former U-V-M pitcher is currently pitching with the Single-A short season Yakima Bears in Washington, and in two relief appearances, has a 4.50 earned run average.... Albert, who led the America East with six complete games, joins former teammates Joe Serafin and Justin Milo as players who have signed Major League contracts since the season came to an end ....

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Libby Smith is back home. The Essex Junction native and former UVM basketball and golf standout is home for quick break before heading to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania next week to take part in the U-S Women's Open. ((Smith/"Right now I'm geared to being successful and trying to take it as another tournament. Obviously I couldn't be more excited going into next week. It will be a lot of fun and I'm going to enjoy it as much as I can, but I'm going there to play the best golf that I can.")) Smith is home not only to visit family but to thank the many local sponsors that have supported her golf career. That entire spirit of community has been a key component of Libby's drive to be the best she can be.

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((Smith/"This week, coming home before the Open and having the support that I do in Vermont, spending time with my family, that's a huge part of my life. To come back home and realize how many people are excited and geared up and backing me and behind me, that's what keeps me going."))

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Yesterday, all four of the top seeds picked up wins in the women's quarterfinals at Wimbledon. That's not possible in the men's draw as number one Rafael Nadal pulled out before the start of the tournament, but there are still plenty of big names in the hunt heading into today's quarterfinals. Including the biggest name of all...second seed Roger Federer taking another step toward his record setting 15th grand slam title. Federer moving to the semis with a straight set win over 22nd seeded Ivo Karlovic... --- Federer's semifinal opponent...the biggest remaining underdog... 24-seed Tommy Hass. The 31-year-old, the oldest player left in the tournament, knocks off number four Novak Djokovic to reach the Wimbledon semis for the first time... --- in the other half of the draw...the most intriguing of the quarterfinals...Andy Roddick against 2002 Wimbledon champ Llyton Hewitt...Roddick, a two time finalist at this event, outlasts the Aussie in five grueling sets...6-3, 6-7, 7-6, 4-6, 6-4... --- that sets up what should be an emotionally charged semifinal versus the favorite of the home islands...third seed Andy Murray, trying to become the first Brit to win the men's title since 1936, takes one more step with a straight sets win over Juan Carlos Ferrero.

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A new addition to Fletcher Allen Health Care is getting a lot of attention. It is a massive art installation... Which Jack Thurston checked out for us.

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The busy lobby of Fletcher Allen Health Care -- people have a new reason to stop and look up. ((Sue Harvey/Sudbury: 2:30:21: It adds a nice touch because before that, it was pretty institutional-looking and now it's like an elegant institution.)) Vermont's largest hospital is now home to one of its largest pieces of art... A 40-foot tall sewing machine and quilt called "The Fabric of Life," made from copper and steel. ((Dawn LeBaron/Fletcher Allen Health Care: 2:18:04: It is just thrilling.)) Fletcher Allen regularly makes art a visible part of its halls and waiting areas -- believing it's soothing, and that has positive effects on the healing environment. ((Dawn LeBaron/Fletcher Allen Health Care: 2:19:51: The environment of care for the patient is much broader than at the bedside. I think if you look at amenities in the building, aesthetics, and art, 2:21:35: We acknowledge their need to have something interesting, inviting, and fascinating to look at.)) ((Jack Thurston: 2:31:40: The sculpture was funded by an anonymous donor as a tribute to the determination of the people of Vermont. One requirement was that it be made by a local artist.)) ((Kat Clear/Sculptor: 2:25:07: The piece weighs almost a ton.)) Burlington sculptor Kat Clear spent three months shaping, welding and adjusting the metal. Her original design is in ten panels and is so big, she had to work outdoors and climb on the roof to get a good look at it in its entirety. ((Kat Clear/Sculptor: 2:26:38: My hope is that it provides some comfort for people while they're here. Something to think about.)) She says quilting has a long tradition of stitching together not just textiles, but whole communities. So the hospital hopes its metal Fabric of Life sculpture -- is an inspiration to people who come here. ((Dawn LeBaron/Fletcher Allen Health Care: 2:22:37: It's a great spot for it.)) Jack Thurston, Channel 3 News, in Burlington.

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The hospital says it plans future art commissions -- but likely not of work quite so large.

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