Wed 6 P.M. News Script

Wed 18-NOV-2009 6 P.M. News Script

1} RAPE_LVSD

Good evening, I'm Kristin Kelly. And I'm Darren Perron. A homeless drifter has been charged with sexually assaulting an employee at a Burlington massage parlor. And it has turned into a MUCH bigger investigation. Authorities say the case raises questions about whether immigrants are being forced to work as sex slaves. Brian Joyce is in the newsroom with our report. This is a case where authorities are delaying investigation of one very serious potential crime . . . to prosecute another serious crime.

2} RAPE_PKG

Police arrested 49-year-old John Green two weeks after he allegedly sexually assaulted -- choked -- and threatened to shoot a korean woman employed as a masseuse at the Eun Hwa Spa -- a recently opened massage parlor on Battery Street in Burlington. She told police she was assaulted by a tall man because she refused to perform sexual services for money. But police say she had no idea who attacked her until the same man showed up at the spa Tuesday seeking another massage. Police arrived minutes later and arrested Green. He denied a charge of aggravated sexual assault -- but that is not the only crime of concern for authorities. ((tape 712 tc 11:32 TJ Donovan/Chittenden Prosecutor:"The allegation by the defendant is that in the police paperwork indicates he was paying for sex at this massage parlor. It's something that we're continuing to look into. The womn involved is a korean national.Obviously this raises questions of human trafficking for us.")) It was the same question five years ago when police busted massage parlors in Essex and Williston and arrested korean and chinese women who were working as prostitutes for the men who smuggled them into the US. The county prosecutor at that time chose not to charge the women for prostitution. He said they were crime victims. Donovan say he'll have the same policy. ((tape 712 tc 13:42 I'm not concerned about prosecuting the women I''m concerned about prosecutiug the men who abuse them and I'm concerned about prosecuting the people who bring them here illegally.")) Police say they purposely did not ask the korean victim in this case about her immigration status -- because they want her to cooperate in investigating the rape and any illegal immigrant trafficking. ((tape 712 tc 23:55 Mike Schirling/Burlington Police Chief:"At a high level, we have an interest in protecting those who may be here illegally as a result of a larger criminal enterprise where someone's brought to the country, enslaved or in some other way forced to work for someone or do things that they don't want to do."))

3} RAPE_TAG

Any investigation into the immigration status of the spa employees -- the owners --and the srvices provided would be spearheaded by federal authorities. But authoritries say charges are rare because the women rarely co-operate -- fearing deportation or harm to the families they left behind. And as for John Green -- for now Green he is being held on bail set at fifty-thousand dollars.

4} POTDROP_MAP

Marijuana fell from the sky in Newport Center. Police received several 911 calls yesterday afternoon -- after seeing a yellow plane drop pot into a field. Police and Border Patrol agents arrived to find 54-pounds of marijuana -- worth about 220-thousand dollars. No arrests were made. The plane disappeared -- and State Police are looking for a Silver Chevy Impala with New York plates that may be involved.

5} MEDICINE_INTRO

It wasn't pot -- but prescription drugs on the minds of many at a forum in the Upper Valley. That's because pill popping is on the rise there. Adam Sullivan reports.

6} MEDICINE_PKG

(nats: forum) Healthcare providers, law enforcement officials, and those who deal directly with addiction gathered in Lebanon New Hampshire Wednesday to address the misuse of prescription drugs. ((file: pills)) Oxycodone, methadone, and morphine have long been used to treat pain. But, officials say the pills are getting into the wrong hands-- causing serious addiction, and even worse, death. ((Dr. Seddon Savage/Organized Event: "as we have seen a growth in the availability in opioids for the treatment of pain, we have also seen an increase in the associated misuse of opioids.")) ((grx)) Ten year ago in New hampshire-- only about 1 in every 200 people who checked into rehabilitation were seeking treatment for prescription drug addiction. This year-- that number has jumped to 1 in every 9 people. And officials say that often times, the drugs were never intended for those who got hooked on them. ((Seddon: "I think that is what is most disturbing to those who work in health care because drugs that we use and have a legitimate medical purpose are being used in ways that actually harm people.")) Harm people-- and the community as a whole. ((Det. Andrea Kegelman/LPD: "There is a link between prescription drug use and sale and home burglaries.")) Police say they have seen an increase in prescription drugs related crime. And- now are taking a multi-pronged approach to catching criminals. ((Kegelman: "we may be contacted directly by a pharmacy or doctors office with concerns about a person who repeatedly shows up seeking narcotic drugs.")) Forming networks to fight the abuse is exactly what this forum is intended to do. ((Savage: "looking at the paterns of misuse. Among old people, among young people, in health care settings, on the street. Getting all our perspectives then looking at some of the potential solutions to the problem.")) ((Sullivan: "organizers of the forum say there will not be one easy answer to the issue. However, they say bringing everyone together is the first step to solving a problem that is becoming more and more prevalent throughout our region. Adam Sullivan, channel three news in Lebanon New Hampshire."))

7} MEDICINE_TAG

The New Hampshire Attorney General's office will be holding a summit this winter to address the issue. A task force has also been created through the New Hampshire Medical Society.

8} RETIREMENT_GREEN

Burlington teachers are being offered a buyout. The district is presenting early retirement plans to eighty of its most veteran teachers in an attempt to cut costs. Keagan Harsha has the details. Keagan..... Kristin.... The district last offered teachers an early retirement plan about 10 years ago. Early retirement incentives are rare -- but this plan is unlike one ever offered before in the city.

9} RETIREMENT_PKG

((classroom nats)) 3rd grade teacher Sue Clark will be the first to tell you -- she loves her job. . (("You can't teach without being passionate.")) But when she heard about the district's early retirement plan -- she could hardly control herself. The reaction was immediate. ((17:17-26 Clark: dancing.... "yeah!! That's how i felt. I wanted to dance.")) Clark will retire at the end of this school year after 22 years at C.P. Smith. The district is offering early retirement incentives to all teachers 55 years of age and older with at least 20 years of teaching experience -- ten of which must be in burlington. ((nats classroom)) In exchange for early retirement -- teachers will receive 20 percent of their annual salary for three years -- so long as they work 20 days a year at the school after they retire -- substitute teaching, working on special projects -- and mentoring new teachers. ((5:03-05//5:09-19 Jeanne Collins/Burlington School Supt.: "this is a unique plan. I haven't heard of anybody offering the financial incentive tied to giving days back to the district before.")) ((17:01-05 Sue Clark/3rd Grade Teacher: "it would be painful, painful to walk away, so it's like a gift to me///18:25-33 "i'm already thinking of projects I would have liked to have done but just didn't have the time or energy to do them outside of school.")) The district is hopeful at least 13 of 80 eligible teachers will accept the buyout -- to a projected cost savings of about 2-hundred thousand dollars. Burlington has seen school budget increases of nearly 10 percent each of the past two years -- and the goal this year is to limit the spending increase to less than five percent. This is just one way the district hopes to achieve that..... ((5:19-27 Clark: "I really think this is a win win plan because one of the difficulties of early incentive plans is you lose a lot of experience.")) Cutting costs and retaining experience by thinking outside the box.

10} RETIREMENT_TAG

The district hopes 13 teachers will accept the buyout -- but says a failure to meet that quota doesn't necessarily mean positions will be cut. Teachers have until December 21st to accept the plan. Kristin... And Keagan... What does the union have to say about this? Well -- i spoke with Bob Abbey with the Burlington Education Association. He says the union hasn't had time to review the plan -- and says there are a lot of details that need to be worked out before the BEA endorses it -- but agrees it could be a win win for teachers and the district. Kristin...

11} TUITION_FONT

The SUNY schools may face a 2-percent tuition hike for the second year in a row. The Board of Trustees is considering the increase. It would make tuition about 5-thousand dollars a year for state residents -- up slightly from last year. That brings total costs -- which include room and board -- to about 17-thousand dollars a year. Last year -- SUNY decided to increase tuition -- using an annual inflation rate specifically for colleges and universities. The governor and Legislature still need to approve the increase -- which would begin in fall of 2010.

12} WINOOSKIDEFICIT_VO

Winooski's budget deficit could swell beyond a million dollars -- if the city council doesn't take action. That's the word from a special task force that's been studying the city's finances. The city is already carrying a deficit from 2007 -- of 230-thousand dollars -- in part due to confusing accounting methods. The task force found the deficit is likely to grow because the city has over-estimated revenues from the big downtown development project -- AND aid from the state and federal government. The group says aggressive spending cuts are needed. But the City Manager says before that happens .... the city needs to restructure its budgeting process.

13} HOSPITAL_VO

The Springfield Hospital is suing -- two state agencies -- to recover 1-point-2 million dollars in Medicaid funds cut from its budget. The hospital says the state's new funding formula reduced it's Medicaid allocation by 50-percent. Hospital officials say the new formula was never properly approved for the feds.

14} WEB_VO

A government web site designed to create transparency in the federal stimulus program -- is creating confusion. Recovery-dot-gov lists where the biggest chunks of stimulus money went -- for example the transportation agency and the education department. But it also shows money being handed out to several different congressional districts in Vermont -- even though the state has just a single district. The web site lists the 10th district -- which actually was money awarded in Virgnia. The rest of the funds did end up in Vermont -- for example the 15th district -- was money that went to Burlington to remove graffiti.

15} STIMULUS_SOT

((tape 633 tc 9:35 Mel Adams/Vt. Economic Stimulus and Recovery Office: The errors are in recording the federal district - instead of staying 01 - many municipalities, health care centers, and non profits, who were were direct recipients of ARRA funding - unfortunately listed the district wrong - so the money is here - the money is being used - the money is being used well.)) The next reporting period for federal stimulus money is in January -- and the problems should be corrected then.

16} 1STWX

More sunshine. ...We're taking it for granted now.... Oh, ...We don't want to be doing that! It is November after all ,...and December is the second cloudiest month on average, ..So we are bound to see some clouds back at some point! We do have one more day of sunshine. ....Especially in the morning although we may see a few clouds roll in during the afternoon. And it will be mild tomorrow as well, with highs reaching well up into the 50s across the board, ....A beautiful late fall day. Thursday night though...showers will be developing, with more rain showers during the day on Friday especially in the morning. And any lingering showers on Friday night, may be mixing with a few snow showers, but those would only be across the highest peaks in the area. The weekend brings some clouds on Saturday, but it should be dry. And Sunday, ..A mix of sun and clouds. Another storm system arrives early next week with rain developing on Monday, ..Possibly mixing with some snow.

17} HUNTER_FONTVO

An Upper Valley man was arrested today for shooting another hunter. 42-year-old Richard Sylvester of Topsham is charged with aggravated assault. Investigators say he was hunting turkeys near Sand Hill Road in Bradford last month. Police say Sylvester shot at what he thought was a turkey. But it was really another hunter -- using a turkey call. 22-year-old Ryan Terrill of Bradford was treated at the hospital and has been released.

18} SILSBY_FONT

A Vermont woman faces negligent homicide charges -- following a crash last summer in New Hampshire that killed three people. A Coos County grand jury indicted 41-year-old Diane Silsby of Lunenburg -- saying she was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the July 3rd crash on Route 2 in Randolph. The crash killed Silsby's mother and 15-year-old daughter. A woman from Maine was also killed.

19} BODAH_FONT

A northern New York man will not go to jail for killing his friend in a car crash. 20-year-old Andrew Bodah of West Chazy pleaded guilty to negligent homicide. A judge placed him on probation for five years. Bodah was speeding on Stetson Road in Chazy last May -- when he crashed. 20-year-old Victor Pier of Morrisonville died at the scene.

20} AQUITTED2_VO

An Essex Police officer has been acquitted -- in an animal cruelty case. Officer Michael Wootton was off-duty last spring -- when he says he shot his neighbor's 80-pound dog Hooch. He says he was trying to save his pug -- who had wandered into Hooch's yard. But Hooch's owners say the fight was over and the pug was fine -- when Wootten fired his gun. The jury, though, sided with Wootton.

21} REAX_SOTVO

(("Feels vindicated," said Defense lawyer Frank Twarog. "He feels as though, putting this in the hand of his peers and leaving a jury to decide the outcome, demonstrates all along what he has felt, that no crime was committed.")) (("I didn't see it coming, I really didn't. I had a lot of faith and I didn't see it coming. I guess justice takes its own course in times like this. It makes you wonder why?")) Officer Wootton has been on full-paid administrative duties since the incident. Essex Police said today they are reviewing the evidence and testimony from the trial and have not determined his future with the police department.

22} COVEL_FONT

The former supervisor in Peru, New York will not go to prison. 60-year-old Donald Covel (Ko-VELL) was convicted of official misconduct in July. Covel fired a code enforcement officer without authorization -- and issued permits to his wife and her bottling business. He had been the Town Supervisor in Peru for three years -- but lost his job following the conviction. Covel maintains his innocence -- and plans to appeal. Kovell will not face fines or jail time -- if he pays 525 in court fees -- and stays out of trouble for a year. He also is banned from holding office for a year.

23} FAKE_VO

Two Northeast Kingdom women are accused of making phony money. Prosecutors say 29-year-old Carlene Densmore of Lyndonville -- and 28-year-old Karen Zucker of East Haven used a copy machine to make fake 10 and 20 dollar bills. They allegedly used them for admission and food at the Caledonia County Fair back in August and at businesses in Lyndonville.

24} MONEY_SOT

((Vince Illuzzi/Essex County Prosecutor "Any time you have extra people in town, you have extra staff and you may not be quite as careful in taking a look at the bill you are passed for purchase of product and that is a time people who counterfeit money take advantage of the situation.")) Both are charged with felony counterfeiting and face up to 14 years in prison. Prosecutors have not ruled out transferring the case to federal court. Densmore and Zucker are also not allowed to posess photocopiers or printers.

25} MAERSK_VO

Somali pirates attacked the U-S cargo ship -- the Maersk Alabama -- for a second time. It happened this morning -- off the coast of Africa. Officials say pirates fired weapons at the ship -- but guards on board returned fire -- and ended the attack. It's the same ship -- that was hijacked back in April. Captain Richard Phillips of Underhill was held hostage for five days before being rescued by Navy SEALS. This time Phillips was not on board.

26} DATA_2_STANDUP

27} 2NDWX_INTRO

28} 2NDWX_FORECAST

Tonight: Clear skies. Lows: 20/27 Winds: Light Thursday: Mostly sunny. Some afternoon clouds. Highs: 50/57 Winds: Light Thursday Night: Increasing clouds. Showers developing after midnight. Lows: 35/42 Winds: Light Friday: Cloudy skies. Showers likely. Highs: 45/52 Winds: S 5-10 mph Extended: Saturday through Monday. Friday Night: Chance of showers, mountain snow showers. Lows 30/37 Saturday: Mostly cloudy. Highs 43/50 Lows 25/32 Sunday: Mixed sun and clouds. Highs 45/52 Lows 28/35 Monday: Increasing clouds, chance of rain or snow developing. Highs: 40/47

29} 2NDWX_OUT

30} SXTEASE_INTRO

Mike's in with our sports preview...a big day for the Knights... first game of the season for the St. Mike's men's and women's basketball teams... both hosting UMass-Lowell...the women's game underway, Lowell holds a three point lead at the half ...

31} SXTEASE_PKG

((ST. MICHAEL'S)) The men tipping off at 7:30pm at the Ross Sports Center. Both St. Mike's teams are ranked in the bottom half of the preseason polls in the Northeast-10 Conference. ------ ((UVM BASKETBALL)) The road warrior UVM men's basketball team gearing up for a stretch of six games in ten days. We'll hear from the Cats coming up... ------ ((SPORTS)) and one more chance to buckle up the chinstraps...we'll preview this weekends North-South high school football showdown.

32} SXTEASE_OUT

33} FIRST_VO

It's not even Thanksgiving yet -- but Burlington is already thinking about New Year's Eve. First Night Burlington announced its lineup of performers today... including country western singer Jamie Lee Thurston, a Vermont native. Admission buttons to the alcohol-free event have been shipped to dozens of retail locations... New this year is a 39-dollar family pack, that saves 13 dollars for a family of four.

34} NIGHT_SOTVO

((Sharon Radtke/First Night Burlington: 1:07:21: We're focusing on providing those kinds of opportunities for families, because about half the people who attend First Night are families. So we're trying to help them afford to come.)) First Night is also looking for volunteers. Helping out even gets you a free pass. We'll connect you to the party's website -- on wcax.com.

35} GOODNEWS_VO

Four lucky Vermonters received free Chevy impalas today. Good News Garage gave away the cars -- that were donated to the organization by NASCAR's Hendrick Motorsports. Recipients were chosen thru a thorough application process -- based on need.

36} GARAGE_SOTVO

((6:37-42 it's unbelievable. I can't believe its happening. I feel like I just won the lottery. 7:32-38 "we had just moved and my husband had been sick and so it's just basically been my income.")) Good News Garage gave away ten cars throughout New England -- including the four in Vermont. The organization received more than 100 applicants within a three week period.

37} HEADLINES_FONT

Still ahead on the Channel 3 News .... Kids fill their wagons - to help fill stomachs ... We'll explain. Also, Two girls get a big boost in their efforts to bring troops home for the holidays. And next -- in our healthwatch ... Another swine flu death in Vermont. Kristin has the details.

38} FLU_VO

Swine flu has been blamed for a second death in Vermont. State health officials did not identify the victim -- or when he or she died.They will only say it was an adult with an underlying health conditions. Health Commissioner Wendy Davis would not say whether either of the deceased were vaccinated against H1N1. So far nearly 54-thousand Vermonters have been vaccinated with either the flu shot or nasal mist -- all of them in priority groups.

39} DAVIS_SOT

(48:47-57 dr wendy davis)((right now we're still focusing on the priority groups because we simply don't have enough to move beyond the priority groups with either type of the vaccine at this time.)) Dr. Davis said three students were vaccinated at school clinics without their parents' permission. She said the errors were unfortunate and health officials have contacted the parents. None of the children had health conditions that required they NOT get the flu shot. The incidents happened at three different schools.

40} EMTS_VO

Vermont EMTs are now able to administer the H1N1 vaccine. Qualified EMTs and paramedics must apply to the Health Department. Officials say allowing the state's 7-hundred licensed medical technicians to administer the vaccine will help more people get it. Swine flu is widespread across Vermont. So far 42 school-based clinics and 17 public clinics have been held as part of a mass vaccination effort. More clinics are planned.

41} BLOOD_INTRO

So what effect is swine flu having on the nation's blood supply? Are people still donating and is the blood safe? Terrell Brown takes a look.

42} BLOOD_PKG

(NAT POP): HEY, HOW ARE YA.... locator:Allentown, PA As the organizer of her high school blood drive, this teacher was surprised to learn she couldn't donate. ( sot Sara Atiyeh-Lakatosh/Blood Drive Oranizer) I DID NOT KNOW THAT... I FEEL FINE... AND I DONATE FREQUENTLY Sara Atiyeh-Lakatosh was rejected because she's taking an antibiotic for a sinus infection. Blood banks turn away anyone who show signs of sickness. And with the spread of H1N1, blood collectors say the pressure is on to be more aware. (CARRIN SCHAEFER /Blood Collectors ): THEY MIGHT SAY OH YEAH, I FEEL FINE, BUT THEY DON'T REALIZE, YOU KNOW... THAT A LITTLE BIT OF A SORE THROAT, RUNNY NOSE, OR COUGH, CAN AFFECT THE BLOOD. Donated blood is not screened for seasonal flu or H1N1 because it's difficult to detect in blood. So screeners are the last line of defense against sick donors. (STANDUP TERRELL BROWN/CBS NEWS /Allentown, PA ): IDEALLY, COLLECTION SPECIALISTS WILL KNOW RIGHT HERE IN THE SCREENING AREA IF A DONOR IS SICK, BUT IF A PERSON SLIPS BY WITH H1N1 AND YOU'RE THE RECIPIENT OF THEIR BLOOD, COULD YOU END UP WITH THE VIRUS? Dr. Timothy Hilbert, says the chances of that happening are very, very low. (Sot Dr. Timothy Hilbert/ NYU Langone Medical Center) "IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO SAY THAT SOMEONE GOT THE FLU VIA TRANSFUSION OR WHETHER THEY GOT IT AS PART OF THE NORMAL PROGRESSION OF THE FLU THROUGH THE POPULATION." if donors get sick after donating, they're asked to call, so their blood won't be used. Some blood centers are concerned that h1n1 could hurt the "heart" of their donations. ( SOT MARCIA SPRINGEL/MILLER-KEYSTO NE BLOOD CENTER ) SCHOOLS ARE OUR DONOR BASE/// AND IF THEY'RE CLOSED DOWN WE NEED TO START THINKING NOW, WHERE WILL WE GO FOR BLOOD. But right now the red cross says there is enough blood .. and they're optimistic we'll get through flu season without a crisis . Terrell Brown, CBS News, Allentown, Pennsylvania

43} BLOOD_TAG

To learn more about giving blood in our area, visit the InfoCenter on wcax dot com. That's HealthWatch, Darren.

44} TOPSTORIES_VO

Burlington is offering a buyout to veteran teachers. That's one of tonight's Top Stories ... Eligible educators are at least 55 years old and have taught for 20 years -- ten of them in the city. Teachers who take the offer will receive 20 percent of their annual salary for three years in exchange for working 20-days in the district. Prescription drug abuse and crime related to it is way up in New Hampshire. A Dartmouth study finds ten years ago one in twenty addicts seeking help were addicted to prescription meds. Today it's one in nine. And police say burglaries are directly related to the pill-popping trend. Burlington Police arrested 49-year-old John Green after he allegedly sexually assaulted -- choked -- and threatened to shoot a masseuse at a massage parlor on Battery Street two weeks ago. Police arrested him yesterday after he showed up at the spa seeking another massage. Green pleaded not guilty to aggravated sexual assault.

45} SEX_VO

About 175 people gathered at Lake Morey today to talk about sexual violence. The event was put together by OUR House-- a childrens advocacy center in Barre. Groups from around the state that deal with sexual violence took part. The purpose was to share information and resources about the crimes -- but it was also an opportunity for networking and peer support.

46} VIOLENCE_SOTVO

(("A lot of times the stuff we hear working in this field can be very traumatic. Its very troubling, you take home with you and you just can't put it away. And the only way you can process it is by working with other folks who do that, sharing with them and getting support from them.")) Organizers say they hope to make the day-long summit an annual event.

47} TEN_FONT

Tonight on the channel three news at 10 -- a look at privacy rights in the world of webcams and social networking sites. We'll hear from a Burlington expert -- who has a new book about privacy in America. Again that's on the channel three news at 10 -- you can find that broadcast on any of the channels listed on screen.

48} ATR

49} BARTON_WHITE

In News Around the Region -- Barton's water system is getting an upgrade -- thanks to federal stimulus funds. Senators Leahy and Sanders announced 2-point-8 million dollars -- for the project.

50} PONTOON_VO

Construction work on a temporary ferry landing near the Champlain bridge could begin by the end of the week -- but there's no target date for when service can actually start. Some people wonder why the government doesn't put in a floating bridge -- like the kind the military uses in war zones. Transportation officials say they considered the idea -- but they say the distance across the lake is too long -- the bridge would be too unstable in rough conditions -- and they are designed for slow-moving vehicles, not civilian traffic.

51} BTV_VO

Ridership at Burlington International Airport continues to slip. Airport officials say ridership dropped 11-percent drop last month. That's on top of a 12-percent drop in September. The airport says annual numbers are now down about 6-percent from last year. Officials attribute the slide to airlines using smaller planes -- which mean fewer seats -- and the loss of AirTran service. B-T-V hired a consulting firm to look for new airlines for the airport.

52} SEAWAY_WHITE

For the third season in a row -- shipments through the St. Lawrence Seaway are down. Cargo levels this year are down 30-percent -- over last year. A seaway administrator in Massena says it's the worst downturn the seaway as seen. Fewer companies are shipping goods -- because of the recession.

53} FOODBANK_VO

Students at Champlain Elementary in Burlington today collected food for the food shelf. Fourth and fifth graders went door to door in local neighborhoods loading up their wagons with donated goods. This is the first time the school has collected food for the food shelf -- but they hope to do it again in the future.

54} CES_SOT

((00:20:26-38Shannon Roesch: Champlain Elementary School: They're learning about the fact that not everybody is as fortunate as they are and they can do something as simple as collecting food to help out.)) ((00:18:58-06 Theo Davis/ Champlain Elementary School: Well it helps lots of people and it makes them feel great about who they are.)) The schools says today's exercise was a valuable educational and charitable experience for the kids.

55} TREES_WHITE

If you're a New Hampshire resident -- and you want a deal on a Christmas tree -- head to a national forest office in Campton -- Lincoln -- Gorham -- or Conway. You can get a permit to hike into the White Mountain National Forest -- cut a tree down -- and haul it out -- for 5-dollars. That's News around the Region, Darren.

56} 3RDWX

All of this sunshine is great for our moods in November. ...But not so great in the mountains. I'm sure they would like to have some cold weather and some snow already in the mountains, to open up some ski areas nice and early this season. But on the other hand, ...if we are going to have a mild spell of weather, ...better to have it early in November, than in December when it really start becoming critical to be getting some more wintery weather. Not that we get to choose what we are going to get anyway! In the mountains tomorrow, ...We are expecting another dry and mild day. Temperatures will be in the upper 40s tomorrow in the mountains. We may see a few snow showers later in the week though. (**click**) On Lake Champlain, ...Winds will be from the south, increasing to 10 to 20 knots during the afternoon, ...Waves will be building to 1 to 3 feet. (**click**) And for the rest of us, ...It will be an unseasonable mild day. Temperatures will climb well up into the 50s across the region ...And that is not going to last. It will be turning a little colder again through the end of the week and the weekend. That slow moving storm system from the Ohio Valley will finally make it's way into the northeast, and we'll see some showers developing Thursday night into Friday. But we are expecting some dry weather over the weekend, with quite a few clouds on Saturday and a mix of sun and clouds on Sunday. More wet weather develops on Monday. That one may bring some snow along with it.

57} DATA_4_EVENEWS

58} KNIGHTS_VO

Basketball season has arrived at Colchester. The Ross Sports Center coming alive tonight as both the St. Michael's men's and women's hoop teams play their season openers. The Knights hosting Northeast-10 rival UMass-Lowell in the roundball twinbill. The men certainly tested themselves in the preseason, visiting UVM and Boston College. Their conference foes don't have high expectations for the Purple Knights this season, St. Mike's was voted 14th out of 16 teams in the preseason poll. It's a young sqaud, St. Johnsbury alum Garrett Calkins is the lone senior. There are three other Vermonters on the squad, junior center Sebastian Brandsetter from Newport, junior guard Gael Shungu, a former Rice standout and the latest basketball playing Cieplicki, sophomore guard Sam. We'll have highlights from the opener at ten and eleven.

59} SMC_SCORE_CG

The women's game is already underway, and in fact it's almost over. Right now the Knights lead 37-33 with 13 minutes left to play. Logan Pintka has 19 for the Knights while Michelle Otey has added 12. Coach Jen Neibling's squad as two Vermonters, junior guard Mandy Scott of Vergennes and sophomore guard Kristen Cowens of Middlesex. The Knights are picked 11th in the preseason poll, but Neibling has higher expectations.

60} JEN_BITE_TAKE_SOT

((Neibling/"I feel like this year can be a real turning point for us with three senior starters. They've been a great group of players and we've had just a lot of turnover and some injuries at critical times that I think have held us back in years past. I look forward to this group. I think this has been our best preseason energy, teamwise, enthusiasm, unity and they really want to do something special this year."))

61} HOOPCATS_SOT

Very little rest for the weary when it comes to the UVM men's basketball team. After earning a 1-1 split in their opening weekend at Loyola and Buffalo, the Hoopcats are now gearing up for a stretch of six games in ten days starting Sunday at Rutgers. ((Blakely/"It all depends on how these games pan out. Hopefully we don't have any injuries. If we can stay injury free I think we'll be good. We're a good turnaround team, as you can see this weekend. We played Loyola and turned it around and beat Buffalo. I'm not exactly worried about how many games we're playing. I'm just worried about injuries and if we can stay healthy."))

62} NORTH_SOUTH_SOT_VO

An entertaining and memorable high school football season comes to a close this Saturday. It's the ninth annual North-South Senior Bowl Classic. Once again, it will be a noon start at Youngman Stadium on the campus of Middlebury College. The series is tied at four after the South snapped a four game losing streak with a 24-13 win last year. ((JACKSON - "It's definitely an honor just to be selected but once you get past that and you start practicing and you hear about the history - the series is tied 4-4 right now - it's definitely in the back of your mind besides being honored about it so you're definitely worried about trying to get another win.")) ((HARTMAN - "It never crossed my mind - trying to make this team. I never even thought of it and then when coach told me I was shocked, I was happy and I just - I couldn't wait to get to practice.")) The Division One finalists will be well represented in this game. Essex is sending six players as part of the North squad. Rutland will have five players on the South. It certainly won't mean as much as a state championship, but after falling 48-14 in the final, the Raiders will now have one more chance to hand those Hornets their first loss of the season.

63} PLAYERS_TAKE_SOT_VO

((COHEN - "It's all in good nature. Those guys - they're just nice guys but it would always be nice to get a victory especially since they've beat us every time. Our class - every time since freshman year so it should be good to beat them.")) We told you yesterday that Essex quarterback Max Librizzi has decided to attend Holy Cross next year. With the Shrine Game looming this summer, Librizzi may still have one more chance to represent his school and his state, but he's already looking forward to the next challenge.

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((LIBRIZZI - "I made a couple visits down there, I just like the campus, the coaches. The coach is the biggest thing. If I'm gonna be down there for school and playing football full time, I want to like the guys I'm around so I like the coaches a lot and the football program is doing real well, I've heard a lot of good things about the academics and student life there so I was just really excited about it and decided to pull the trigger."))

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Middlebury junior quarterback Donald McKillop has been named the NESCAC offensive player of the year. McKillop threw for 22 touchdowns and over 2800 yards and set school and conference single season records for attempts, completions, yards, touchdown passes and total offense. He currently ranks first in the nation in completions a game with just over 32 and second in passing yards per game with 359 for a Panthers team that went 5-3. All told, eight Middlebury players earned all-NESCAC honors.

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After opening the season with six straight wins, the Celtics have hit their first rough patch of the season, dropping three of their last five. The captain is a little banged up as well. Paul Pierce has a knee injury but is expected to play tonight as Boston hosts the high scoring Golden State Warriors at the Garden.

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Joe Girardi won the World Series, but the Yankees skipper is not the American League manager of the year. That honor goes to the Angels Mike Scioscia. Scoiscia picked up 15 of 28 first place votes to win the award for the second time. Minnesota's Ron Gardenhire was second, Sabathia third. --- The National League manager of the year is Colorado's Jim Tracy. Tracy took over as Rockies manager in late May and led the team to the N-L Wild Card. Tracy became the second manager to win the award after taking over in midseason, joining Jack McKeon for Florida in 2003.

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Vermont guardsmen who went to Louisiana for training will return home this week. Some 15-hundred members of the 86th brigade boarded jumbo jets the last month. They went to Fort Polk for training -- in preparation for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. The troops will be arriving home over the next five days. About half of those troops will be home for just a couple of weeks -- before they officially deploy. The other half will be deployed after the new year.

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But there's still more training for many soldiers -- that will have them going to Indiana right up until Christmas. Vermonters are raising money to help bus them home for the holiday. Jack Thurston has an update on two sisters from Burlington who joined the project.

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((Emma Forgione/11 Years Old: 1:17:33: That's so exciting!!)) Emma Forgione and her little sister Michaela almost deafened their mother with their screams of joy last week -- when they heard of a donation that would help them surpass their fundraising goal. ((sound of counting money)) We introduced you to the girls last week, telling you how they were canvassing their neighborhood collecting cans and emailing relatives to raise 450 dollars for Operation Holiday Homecoming -- ((sound of soldiers)) the project to bus Vermont guardsmen and women home for Christmas from pre-deployment training in Indiana before they ship out to Afghanistan. ((Michaela Forgione/9 Years Old/From Last Week: 9:43: And have them have warm hugs from their children and everyone.)) The union covering municipal workers in Central Vermont saw our story and came up with 500 dollars to give the girls. ((Randy Edmunds : 1:12:39: So you can help some soldiers get back. Forgiones: Thank you!!)) ((Randy Edmunds/AFSCME local 1369: 1:11:04: It just showed me the magnitude of these two girls -- how mature they are in thinking of other people.)) The union's gift may have beaten the girls' goal -- but the Forgiones aren't slowing down. Their school principal credits their dedication to the Sisters of Mercy, the nuns who sponsor the Mater Christi School. ((Bev Broomhall/Mater Christi Principal: 1:20:08: They are fabulous role models for all of us, about how when we're fortunate enough to give back, that's what we do. It's part of our mission, our core values.)) ((Emma Forgione/11 Years Old: 1:18:24: What I've learned is you should always be nice. And you shouldn't be greedy.)) ((Michaela Forgione/9 Years Old: 1:16:04: I want to be a pediatrician. And I want to help children at St. Jude's Hospital. THURSTON: Well you're already pretty experienced at helping people. Forgione: Thank you.)) ((The sisters know their donation is just a drop in the bucket toward the Guard's $200-thousand fundraising goal. But along with other drops from all over the state, it'll add up to a flood of support. Jack Thurston, Channel 3 News, in Burlington.))

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The girls' whole school is getting into the project Friday. Mater Christi is holding a coin drive for staff and students to pitch in.

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